Golf Putting Tips – Learn How To Sink More Putts And Lower Your Golf Score

Putting is one of the most important aspects in the game of golf. It is one of the biggest factors that can influence your golf score almost immediately. However many people do not realize that putting is primarily a mental game. Often players will spend significant amount of time on their mechanics thinking that developing a perfect putting stroke is the answer to sinking more putts.

The reality is that great putting requires confidence and in order to develop this confidence you will need to adjust the way you think and not just the mechanics of your putting stroke. Good mechanics is important but it should not be your primary focus when it comes to improving your putting. If you are a beginner then I suggest you take a few putting lessons from one of your local golf pros. The key thing to remember is to pick a putting approach and stick with it through thick and thin regardless of how many putts you made in your last round.

Remember that even on the PGA tour almost every player has their own unique putting style. Many putting styles are even considered bizarre yet they have been used over and over again to win major tournaments. Thus the key to great putting is your attitude and this is what you will need to work on not just on the course but off the course too. You will need to monitor your thoughts about your putting and ask yourself whether or not thinking that way will boost your confidence or cause you to doubt your putting abilities.

You must think of yourself as a great putter and you need to develop a selective memory. A selective memory is simply choosing to remember certain events and forgetting others. When it comes to your putting you need to remind yourself occasionally of all the great putts you have made and more importantly you must forget your misses. Do not dwell on your mistakes, learn whatever you can from them and move on.

Do not spend excessive amounts of time working on your putting mechanics, just a few minutes a day should be enough to keep your mechanics solid. Also you need to remember that when you are about to hit your putt you should only be thinking about your target and nothing else. Do not think about putting mechanics when you are about to hit your putts. Thinking about mechanics just before the execution of any golf shot has been shown over and over again to hinder performance.

Another important key element to great putting is to always step over a putt believing that you will make the putt. There are many that suggest that for long putts you should aim for a three foot circle. I disagree with this approach because you are only increasing your margin for error. Always putt to make it. You also need to trust your feel when it comes to judging the distance of a putt. Spend a few minutes before the round hitting a few putts to the fringe to get an idea of the speed of the greens. It is a good idea to aim for the fringe instead of a hole because you do not want to see yourself consistently missing putts and with long putts you will not make the vast majority.

Hit a lot of putts inside of ten feet as this will help to boost your confidence since you will make a good number of these. Spend a few minutes before you go to bed and go back in time and remember a few of the greatest putts you have ever made and remind yourself that you are a great putter. This will do wonders for your confidence since you will be essentially programming your subconscious mind for putting success. Most people that develop the putting yips have simply lost their confidence and the only way to cure the yips long term is to regain it back by changing the way you think about yourself as a putter. Think of yourself as a great putter, banish all negative thoughts and watch your golf scores drop as you sink more and more putts every time you play.

Golf: A Relaxing Recreational Sport

Turn on a television on any weekend during the summer, and you’re bound to find at least one channel that is broadcasting a golf tournament. It is the ubiquitous summer weekend daytime television programming, just as you’ll normally find soap operas and television judges on television during the week during the rest of the year.

But golf is not merely a sport for highly-paid professionals. Golf courses proliferate the American landscape, dotting the horizons like so many lush oases of relaxation and recreation. Plenty of Americans who have no business being within a hundred miles of a professional golf tournament spend some of their free time out on the links, taking out their frustration on a dimpled golf ball and feeling the stress-relieving effect that it has. Golf is an excellent way to relax and have a good time with friends, while also benefitting from the exercise that the game affords, and is a game that is accessible to people of all ages.

The game of golf has long been seen as the bastion of highly-paid white collar workers who make small talk at the first hole and conduct business deals on the back nine, but that impression is wholly off base. The abundance of municipal courses, where anyone with a set of clubs can play, no membership required, has fueled an interest in golf for the workaday Everyman. Whether someone is playing nine holes in the morning before work, or a full round on the weekend, golf beckons to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. It is even quite common for company retreats to be held at golf courses, co-workers driving golf balls and unwinding from the stress of the office.

Even though golf enjoys a massive popular appeal, the real benefits of playing golf on a regular basis, the benefits that can be quantified, come from the exercise value. In a round of golf, a golfer can be walking quite a ways all over the golf course. Even if the golfer hits the golf ball straight and true on every single fairway, he or she will still be walking at least a few miles. When you factor in that very few golfers, especially amateur ones, can hit the ball with that kind of accuracy, you can begin to understand just how much walking is involved in a game of golf. That’s the kind of exercise that you cannot get from just watching a tournament on television.

Another characteristic that makes golf such a great recreational sport is that people of any age can play golf. Although many of the world’s top golfers are under the age of forty, it is not at all uncommon to see octogenarians hitting the links on a weekly basis. Many professional golfers are known for their longevity, and additionally, many golf courses offer senior citizen discounts.

Golf is an excellent sport for people young and old to play, and it’s a great way to relieve stress and get a little exercise at the same time. At the end of the day, it’s the perfect recreational sport.

Useful Golf Drills You Can Do on Your Home Putting Green

When it comes to the most effective golf exercises, it always helps to go back to basics - and absolutely nothing gives you the practice you require such as a home putting green. Even the very best golfing professionals require help with their fundamentals; and there’s no question that when you perfect a fundamental, your golfing technique will improve substantially.

Cancel your mid-day meetings and setup on one of these indoor synthetic practice putting greens - here are a few practice exercises and golfing gadgets that can produce substantial benefits:
Have you got ample space for your indoor home putting green? Then you’re lucky: this golfing routine will assist you to master the basic technique that creates incredible benefits.

Try this technique out on your own indoor practice putting green. Use a constant back and thru’ motion (similar to a brushing motion) applying more speed and acceleration as you swing through beyond the ball.You’ll recognize you’re employing this exercise the right way when you feel like the putter head is speeding up to the fastest spot just after making contact with the ball.

Here’s another one that PGA professionals swear by and you could do it on your own home putting green. Every golf enthusiast is aware of the frustration of a poor chipping stroke; nevertheless, this technique may help enhance your chipping skills. Grab your favourite chipping club and settle into your usual putting stance. Adopting a stiff-wristed position and taking your favourite putting hold on the club, gently rock the shouders up and down to guage the correct distance you need to get the ball to the intended target. Once you’ve perfected this drill, try adding a ball into the routine.

If your home practice putting green is positioned outside the house, then follow up the drill with this move continuing to release the golf club as you hit the ball. If the ball routinely lands relatively straight in front of you, then you’ve mastered the chipping stroke. If you don’t have the room or space for practice, there are various other methods you can practice this particular routine.

Finally, if you’re having trouble gauging the distance between you and the flagstick, try a couple of practice swings with your eyes fixed only on the spot where you want the ball to land. This could feel strange at first, but it’s really worth the effort. First, settle into your regular putting/chipping stance and line up for the stroke. However, instead of looking down at the ball, or the ground in front of it, focus your eyes solely on the landing spot you’ve picked out on the practice putting green in front of you. Once you’ve applied this a number of times proceed to swing through to your selected landing spot this time keeping your eyes above the ball right up until it’s well on the way to the mark. It may feel awkward to begin with, but you’ll swiftly recognize that keeping your eye on the target rather than the flagstick whilst practice swinging gives you a surprising amount of accuracy and control once you take this technique out of your home putting green out to the golf course.

These drills are fantastic for beginners and professionals alike, as they all focus on building up basic fundamentals for an exceptional over-all golf game. So no matter whether you want to master the basic principles or you’re a pro who would like to get back to the basic principles, try out all these exercises on your home putting green.

How to Find a Total Golf Fitness Program Using the Ideal Golfing Gadgets?

For the ordinary golf enthusiast starting a total golf fitness regimen might sound somewhat overpowering. Shoe-horning a fitness routine into your daily lifestyle consistently enough to make a difference probably might be something you simply don’t have time for. However, it’s not as difficult to achieve as you might think. The advantages will certainly apply, not only for far better golf, but to improved fitness and stamina in other areas of your life too. Any time spent overall will be a fantastic investment either on or off the golf course.

Golfers are acknowledging more than ever before that overall golf game improvement, personal injury avoidance and reduced scores derive from better mental and physical health and fitness regardless of age, handicap or gender. Don’t leave it too late to get yourself a total golf fitness programme that concentrates on overall game improvement by means of both mental and physical overall performance for golfers of various age groups.

Regarding a total golf fitness program, you already know that the most effective one for you should help you work on durability, flexibility and a better sense of balance. However, there’s a noticeable difference between a fairly easy exercise routine - and the type of total golf fitness that makes it easier to skyrocket your overall performance.

Whether or not you consider yourself to be an occasional golf enthusiast or a fervent one, you will need a sound golf fitness program to assist you to reduce your scores. The good news is, we've got the precise drills which will take your game to the next level.

Want to embrace your ultimate fitness in golf? Absolutely, yes! - and here’s the best way to get it done:

Work on what you eat. Surprised that your total golf fitness plan starts off with dieting advice? Well, don’t be: playing golf generally is a strenuous hobby and as with any finely-tuned athletes it is advisable to focus on a healthy diet plan to make the most of your exercise time.

Providing your body with the energy it needs in the form of fruits/veg, lean healthy proteins and whole grain products is likely to make it easier for you to last out on a demanding golf course while your friends are having difficulties keeping up the pace.

Get a golf swing analyzer. Golfing gadgets such as these are one of the best ways to incorporate a thorough golf fitness routine, especially during the off-season. We particularly like golf swing analyzers which can make it possible for you to figure out your own swing’s weak spots without needing to spend long hours at the golf range. The very best of these golf swing machines will inform you if you’re on the correct swing plane or not. Dependent on the feedback, you can begin refining your golf swing action so you reach peak condition throughout the actual golf season.

Take your golfing experience to another level: When it comes to out-of-season golfing gizmos, provided that you've got a little spare cash, you could greatly enhance your total golf fitness program by splashing out on a state-of-the-art golf simulator! A display screen creates the appearance of a golf course, while an electronic golf-club analyzes your swing and then duplicates actual real-time results. This particular golfing sensation (or should we say, encounter) can be relatively pricey, although it’s a smart investment well worth making for avid golf players to preserve their off-season total golf fitness.

Ultimately, the optimal golf fitness workout ought to be more than simply signing up for several sessions at the local health club; it’s also about improving every facet of your current total golf fitness from your golf swing to the fuel you put in your body.

Basketball Backboards - Popular Wall Mount Basketball Systems

Wall mount basketball goals are a great choice for areas where space is limited. A wall mount basketball goal consists of a backboard and a rim. They can usually be mounted to a wall, a roof, the side of a house, or an eave. They are mounted with an extension arm and bracket. Since they are being mounted directly to something that is already in place, wall mount basketball goals do not take up additional space but still give you a great way to have fun.

If you have an extra tight space to work with something like the PowerMount is a perfect choice. The PowerMount can be mounted to a wall with as little as a 12” area from wall to backboard. This allows you all space you need to play. This particular style comes in nine different packages and you can choose from a variety of backboards and goals.

Another great choice is the SuperMount46. This basketball system is designed to give you a wall to backboard distance of 4 to 6 feet. You can adjust the distance as needed once you are installing the system. Since you have a two feet area to work with, it is easy to install even for a novice. The SuperMount46 also comes in a variety of packages so you can get the backboard and goal you want.

The SuperMount68 and the SuperMount80 are for spaces that have a little more room to work with. They are designed to give you a wall to backboard distance of 6 to 8 feet. Both systems are simple to install since so much room is given to adjust as needed. As with the other wall mount systems, the SuperMount68 and SuperMount80 come in a variety of packages with backboards and goals to meet your specific needs.

Maybe you have a space to work with that is used for many other things including other sports. If you need a wall mount system that can be folded away when necessary, the FoldaMount46 is a great choice. The FoldaMount46 is a side-folding wall mount. It folds to the left or right without the need for any tools. This system is designed to give you a wall to backboard distance of 6 to 8 feet. With this kind of versatility, the FoldaMount46 is sure to work in many multi-use facilities.

When purchasing any of these systems, you have the choice of many different backboards and rims. The backboards available are acrylic, steel, fiberglass, or tempered glass. Depending on what type of play will be taking place on your system, you can pick the backboard that works the best for you. The goals are available in flex goals or breakaway. Flex goals are great for moderate play and breakaway goals are best for aggressive competition style play.

Choosing a wall mounted basketball system is easy with all these choices. All the units generally come with a limited lifetime warranty (but check before buying) so you are sure to get years of use. So, let the games begin and the competition get underway with a wall mounted basketball systems.

Basketball Hoops – How to Easily Store Basketball Hoop Systems

Watching a game of basketball outside or in a gym, you may think that the basketball hoop is fixed and set. That may be true in some cases, but there are many options available if space is an issue. Easy store basketball hoops come in a variety of options that can help you best utilize the space available to you.

One option is a wall mounted unit. Wall mounted units can be attached to a wall or the side of a home. Since wall mounted units consist only of a backboard and rim, they do not have the ground pole that may get in the way in small spaces. Wall mounted units can still be customized to meet your needs giving you the choice of rim type and backboard type.

Another option for an easy store basketball hoops is a portable basketball hoop. Portable hoops can be moved as needed. They consist of a base, pole, backboard and rim. The base can be filled with sand or water to keep the system stable. Many portable hoops come with wheels on the bottom that can be unlocked to move the system when needed. Other models are foldable so they can be stored in a garage or storage area. With portable hoops you do not have to have an area that is dedicated solely to basketball.

Another option is a foldable system such as the FoldaMount 46 Victory. The FoldaMount is a high-quality side-fold wall-mounted basketball system. This is perfect for a gym that has several uses such as other sports or gatherings. It folds either to the left or the right to move the basketball goal closer to the wall. You don't need to use any special tools or a ladder to do so. It can be folded easily by just about anyone.

With the FoldaMount 46 Victory installation is a very simple process. It gives you the option of installing anywhere from 48” to 72”. This gives you the flexibility to install it to meet the specifications of your floor measurements and facility. You do not have to have the exact calculations when ordering. You can make changes as you install since you have so much room to work with.

For another easy store option, consider a retractable system. These systems have a backboard and a rim with a net. It is mounted to a gym wall and ceiling but has a motor to retract the system when needed. With the unlocking of a button, the system will mechanically fold making room for other equipment or sports activities. The button is key based so you can be assured that it will not be moved during play.

There are many options for easy store basketball hoops. Don’t let a lack of space be a reason to not get a basketball hoop. All of these options come with customizable features such as backboard size, backboard material, rim type, and backboard support. You are sure to find a hoop that works for your space needs.

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Use A Golf Training Club To Quickly Improve Golf Swing Speed

Using a golf training club is one of the most effective ways to increase golf swing speed and power. You can’t get anymore golf –specific than using a golf training club.

There are many golf training clubs on the market and new ones coming out every year; but the one I’m talking about is a weighted golf training club. When you can literally mimic your athletic movement with resistance, you stand the make the biggest improvement…and quickly.

The goal of most strength coaches and trainers is to come up with exercises that closely resemble that particular athletic movement, but with some for of resistance. It could be handweights (dumbbells), medicine balls, tubing, or even a stability ball.

The direct impact on a golfers swing using a golf training club is an almost immediate increase in driving distance. This is because you are training your golf muscles during the movement, through the same (or even bigger) range of motion, with many repetitions.

A secondary benefit of using a golf training club that’s weighted is promoting an increase in backswing and follow through range of motion. This equates in more power at impact. Golfers are always trying to find ways to improve golf flexibility and power; and this is one way to do it.

Using a golf training club won’t be the cure to all your physical ailments and limitations, but will give you a head start on swinging with higher clubhead speed.

Just think about it! Swinging a golf training club won’t improve hamstring flexibility, nor will it strengthen your lower back. There are many specific areas of the body that don’t get worked when swinging a golf training club.

This is where you would do specific golf exercises, stretches and drills to isolate those weak areas to greatly improve your overall golf performance and prevent future injuries.

Another benefit of a golf training club that’s weighted is a quick warm up before you hit balls at the range or even play. Swinging it 20-30 times will quickly get your golf muscles prepared to hit balls more effectively.

Just beware! When you swing it before practicing or playing, you’ve got to swing your regular clubs, and hit balls with them, to make sure your sequence of motion is correct, before you hit the course.

As you can see, there are many benefits of using a golf training club; so go out and get one. They are a great training aid as part of your ‘off-season’ training program.

Golf Injuries and Physiotherapy in Singapore

In Singapore, most golf injuries are cumulative trauma disorders which basically means that as a result of repetitive motion the same soft tissues get stretched or stressed all the time. These results in them becoming weak and as a result not being able to provide the support they are supposed to and PAIN develops.

To understand how physiotherapy can help in golf injuries, let us look at the biomechanics of the game.

Golf is a game of precision as well as strength. At least 32 pounds of muscle are required to generate the power for a golf swing. Obviously this much power cannot come from only the arms or shoulders. It needs the trunk and the lower limbs to be incorporated. In fact when a well golf swung driver passes through the bottom of a swing the pull on the shoulder by the arms and the club is approximately 100 pounds. And this swing has to be carried out with precision, persistently.

Apart from the pull on the shoulders there is also rotation of the trunk in a repetitive manner. The knees need to be kept bent slightly at all times, as a fixed straight knee will not allow for an effective swing.

It is evident from the above that a lot of muscles need to work with power and at the right time for a good golf swing. For any muscle to work effectively, it must be pliable to allow the movement as well as have power to drive the movement. Thus it is very important for the muscle to be stretched and strengthened. An unprepared muscle will not be able to generate power and will also get strained easily. And that is where the physiotherapist comes in. A physiotherapist teaches you how to stretch the muscles to prevent golf injuries as well as treat an injury if you have any.

Let us go through the list of the most common golf injuries in Singapore:

• Back pain
This is the most common pain, considering the number of times the back has to rotate and the power it has to perform golf swing.

• Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow
Both are inflammatory tendon conditions of the elbow

• Wrist Pain

• Fracture of the Wrist - Hammate bone
The hamate is a small bone with a hook, on the medial side of the wrist. Most times the butt end of the club is jammed right against the Hammate bone which causes a fracture of the hook of the hamate.

• Knee pain
Due to the knees being bent at all times the quadriceps muscle is working t all times.

Your physiotherapist can teach you how to prevent these injuries by teaching you stretches and giving you proper golf injuries prevention advice. If you are already suffering from any of the above conditions, you should see a physiotherapist immediately in Singapore. The physical therapist can help relieve your pain and also strengthen your muscles and correct your technique so that you can go back to your pain a pain free and more effective golfer.

How To Find The Golf Shoe That Is Right For You

It all depends on your feet. Basically, golf shoe or not, shoes must be comfortable to wear and should fit good. Also, the shoes should fit your budget as well as your lifestyle.

Out with the old

Old golf shoes have those spikes that are made out of metal. These types of foot wear are no longer allowed on the golf greens. Throw them out and get a new pair of great golf shoes. Current makers of golf shoes use spikes that are soft and made of plastic.

Brand it or not

The brand is not as important compared to fit, comfort and style. You may have the shoes that Tiger Woods wears but that does not mean you will play like him if you wear the brand of shoes he wears. Be realistic. If you prefer the slip-on golf shoes rather than the ones that you have to tie, go and get those. It is your opinion and preference that counts more than anything else. Listen to what your feet are telling you.

Why are they on sale?

Golf shoes are different and unique. Though you could simply settle for any shoe that fits or any shoe that looks good because they fit your budget, this should not be the only consideration. Take this as an example, a golfer once bought a pair of golf shoes simply because they were on sale. Lo and behold when the golfer tried it on the actual greens, he found out that it was a pain to the feet and very difficult to keep on as well as to tie.

So please do not forget to try it out first. Your feet would know better and then let your wallet speak after your feet have decided on the shoes. Walk around the store with the shoes you are intent to purchase. Make sure though that you also try on other pairs.

Know your real golf self

However, if you do not play golf very much, it is best that you purchase the kind of shoes that just as well do not cost as much. But if you are a devoted golfer, shoes that are waterproof is the best option. These shoes are good for walking as well as sloshing along the greens. But if you are a golfer that is not so serious in playing and you enjoy the walking over the hills, around trees and tees more than playing or putting, then going waterproof may not be an option for you.

Golf: Improve Your Golf by Improving Your Golf Fitness

Many average players use the PGA Tour golfers as their role models. We buy the equipment the pros recommend in commercials. We buy their instruction books and try to model our games after them. In recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on fitness by Tour golfers. They are getting in better shape, working out more, trying to build strength and conditioning through weight training or other exercise routines. The Tour even has a mobile exercise trailer that goes from event to event, so the players can keep up with their training even while competing. Many PGA tour players are now as well-conditioned as athletes in other sports, which wasn't the case 25 years ago when fitness gurus such as Gary Player were considered unusual.

Just as amateur golfers find that using the same equipment as the pros doesn't translate into playing as well as they do, it is difficult for most of us to keep up with our golfing heroes' commitment to physical fitness. But you don't need to spend 5 nights a week in the gym to make noticeable improvements in your physical conditioning. An easy place to start: go for a walk.

We think we hit the ball with our arms and hands, so it might be tempting to build up the big muscles in the back and shoulders through weight training, but actually the legs supply the power to a golf swing. Just watch the fast leg and knee action of a pro golfer in the downswing. There's almost like a "snap" as they strike the ball. Going for walks on a regular basis is a great way to build up your legs. Notice we said walk, not run. You don't have to take up jogging, which can be stressful on your joints. After 6 months or so or regular walks, you will notice that you don't get nearly as fatigued when you hit a few buckets of balls on the practice range.

You can start with a short walk, say 20 minutes or so, and build up to longer distances. If you build up to brisk walk, you will get some cardio benefit from the exercise as well, which your doctor will appreciate. Which reminds us, before you start any exercise program, including walking, be sure to consult with your doctor.

The key is to go for a walk as often as you can. If you have a dog, you have a built-in personal trainer. Your dog would be happy going on walks 3 times a day if he could. And he'll nag you to go. Who can resist those imploring eyes when he brings you his leash and gently nudges you towards the door?

Of course, walking was one of the original benefits of a round of golf. But the advent of golf carts eliminated that (along with valuable summer employment for young people as caddies). Going for walks will help improve your golf game. Establish a regular walking program will improve your golf fitness and you might even lose a few pounds.

Golf Driving Tips to Get You Right on Target

There is no better way to begin a hole than to have a fantastic drive that lands just where you had visualized it. Accurate and with great distance. It's a pity that this does not occur as frequently as we would wish for. That great shot will not be quite so elusive if you apply these golf driving tips.

The number one golf driving tip is to try for accuracy before distance off the tee. A shorter accurate drive free of hazards is always preferable to a long drive with problems to overcome such as bunkers, trees etc. Staying out of trouble is always preferable as hazards can contribute to a lot of extra strokes and a possible huge total for the hole.

Wayward shots are frequently caused by trying to smash the ball using the arm muscles in an attempt to get extra distance. The desired shot is rarely accomplished because it normally results in a slice or hook and invairably in trouble. A smooth deliberate golf swing will create club head speed and therefore distance. The key to achieving terrific distance is club head speed not smashing the ball. You will get far more distance from a ball struck well with less power than from a ball that is struck badly but with more power. Never force a shot in an attempt just to hit it further and take your time. Always think of hitting the ball better, not harder.

Proper club selection is also vital as not all tee shots are made using a driver. You can only select the correct club for each situation when you know the distance you are capable of hitting with each club so this is something you need to work on. Take a notepad to the driving range and make a note of the average distance you achieve with each club. When you walk up to the tee area take the time to glance down the fairway and decide on the spot you intend to aim for. Match the distance you need to the club you know you can confidently reach this spot with. The notes made at the driving range will provide you with this information.

Visualize the flight of the ball and it landing right on target before you take your shot.

Check your grip as this can be a major cause of slices and hooks. The easiest way to check your grip is to look down and check that you can see at least two knuckles on your left hand (for right handed golfers).

Place your feet shoulder width apart when your using your driver and position your ball just off the inside of your left heel. Right up until impact your head should be positioned behind the ball. Depending on which club you are using, ball placement for your other clubs will be towards the middle of your feet.

These golf driving tips will assist you to get the basics correct and get you where you wish to be. Greater distance and right on target.

Accessories to Keep Your Golf Shoes Looking Sharp

If you splurge on a decent pair of golf shoes, it's a good idea to splurge a little more on accessories that will help get the most mileage from your fancy footwear.

Like any high-end product, they require a little maintenance to retain their beauty and perform their best. That's especially true for full-grain or calfskin leather models, which can get scuffed and misshapen if not properly cared for.

If you're the proud or prospective owner of expensive golf shoes, do yourself a favor and invest in the following items. You'll be repaid with a better-looking, longer-lasting pair.

Shoe bag

Pretty much what it sounds like - a vessel made specifically for carrying and storing shoes. Most manufacturers offer shoe bags for their own products; you can also buy a non-branded bag. Shoe bags come in a variety of styles and materials, including nylon, mesh and leather. Nicer models feature extras like miniature storage compartments.

You can snag a good shoe bag for anywhere from $10 to $50.

Shoe trees

Those wooden, shoe-shaped objects you've noticed in the closet of your fashion-minded friend? Shoe trees. They do more than keep shoes from losing their shape; often made from cedar, shoe trees absorb moisture and odor, too.

Expect to spend a worthwhile $15-30 per pair.

Shoe horn

If you've ever wrecked the back of a shoe by repeatedly jamming your heel into it, the shoe horn will solve the problem. It's an amazingly simple tool that works like a charm, easing the foot into place like a mother tucking in a toddler. You've likely got enough loose change in the couch cushions to purchase one at the nearest department store.

Polish and cleaner

White shoes require more care than dark colors and should be cleaned and polished often. Simple soap and water will do the trick for cleaning, although specialty products are reasonably priced. A quick polish will seal the shine, but make sure you use the right color for your shoes. (White polish for white shoes, brown for brown, etc.)

Leather shoes with a nubuck or brushed finish require special treatment. Apply nubuck protectant before putting them in play, and brush off any dirt or debris ASAP. Pick up some nubuck cleaner and conditioners for good measure.

Spike brush or rake

Golf shoes are prone to picking up all manner of detritus, like mud, wet grass and leaves. You can deal with the gunk the old-fashioned way, by poking at it with a tee, but it's much easier with a spike brush or rake -- implements designed to remove golf course crud with a simple stroke.

It's best to check your shoes often during a round and immediately after, since dried mud can be a bear to get off.

Waxed shoe laces

Don't overlook the most basic part of your shoes: the laces. A ratty, worn-out set can undo all the hard work you put into shining, polishing and storing your precious babies.

The benefit of waxed laces is their resistance to moisture, dirt and other muck. Just be sure to tie them snugly, as the wax can render laces a bit stiff.