How Can I Add Yards to My Drives?
Distance - every amateur's dream.
Adding yards to your drives comes from using different parts of your body to create speed in the clubhead:
• The grip must be in your fingers, not the palm.• Your stance should be wide with your feet shoulder-width apart.• The plane of your swing must be around your body, with the club coming from the inside for impact.
An around-the-body swing is helped by a right-to-left (for right-handed players) weight shift, which in turn creates the release from the inside. And the club coming from the inside to impact creates maximum speed and distance.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Fairway Bunkers
When you find yourself in a fairway bunker you want to keep two things in mind.
1. Swing smooth and stay in balance2. You do not need to try to pick the ball without touching sand.
The most important thing about a fairway bunker shot is that the club strikes the ball before it touches the sand. In order to do this consistently you need to take enough club to swing smooothly and under control. If you attempt to swing too hard your balance will be poor and there is a good chance your club will make poor contact with the ball.
The picture in your mind should be of the middle of the clubface striking the back middle of the ball and then sweeping downward into the sand. The slightly downward blow will not drive the ball into the sand it will create backspin that will get the ball up in the air and out of the bunker. Let the loft of the club produce the height, you do not need to lift up with the club to get the ball up in the air. As a matter of fact when you try to lift up you will usually catch the ball thin or catch the sand first, neither makes for good results.
Remember, in fairway bunkers good contact is everything so swing extra smooth and hit SLIGHTLY down on the back of the ball
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When you find yourself in a fairway bunker you want to keep two things in mind.
1. Swing smooth and stay in balance2. You do not need to try to pick the ball without touching sand.
The most important thing about a fairway bunker shot is that the club strikes the ball before it touches the sand. In order to do this consistently you need to take enough club to swing smooothly and under control. If you attempt to swing too hard your balance will be poor and there is a good chance your club will make poor contact with the ball.
The picture in your mind should be of the middle of the clubface striking the back middle of the ball and then sweeping downward into the sand. The slightly downward blow will not drive the ball into the sand it will create backspin that will get the ball up in the air and out of the bunker. Let the loft of the club produce the height, you do not need to lift up with the club to get the ball up in the air. As a matter of fact when you try to lift up you will usually catch the ball thin or catch the sand first, neither makes for good results.
Remember, in fairway bunkers good contact is everything so swing extra smooth and hit SLIGHTLY down on the back of the ball
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Thursday, January 29, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Get Rid of My Slice and Learn to Hit a Controlled Draw?
Most slices are caused by an "over the top" swing; that is, a swing that approaches the ball on outside-to-inside swing path. Open clubfaces at impact are another common cause.
Drawing the ball comes from your setup position. The main keys are:
• Keep your alignment closed.• Put the ball back in your stance
• Take a strong grip (your leading hand - the top hand on the club - should be turned a little more to the inside).• Swing from the inside-out; that is, the club should approach the ball from an inside-to-outside swing path.
These fundamentals should help you produce a shot that goes right to left (for righthanders).
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Most slices are caused by an "over the top" swing; that is, a swing that approaches the ball on outside-to-inside swing path. Open clubfaces at impact are another common cause.
Drawing the ball comes from your setup position. The main keys are:
• Keep your alignment closed.• Put the ball back in your stance
• Take a strong grip (your leading hand - the top hand on the club - should be turned a little more to the inside).• Swing from the inside-out; that is, the club should approach the ball from an inside-to-outside swing path.
These fundamentals should help you produce a shot that goes right to left (for righthanders).
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Long Putts
Now it is time to learn about the two categories of putts:1. Putts you are trying to make2. Putts you are trying to make sure you make the next one
How do you decide which is which? Any putt where you have no fear of three putting belongs to category 1. Any putt where there is a chance you might three putt belongs to category 2. There is no universal distance dividing line between the two, it varies from person to person and situation to situation. The most important thing to remember is, speed control is everything in category 2 putts. 80% of all three putts come from poor speed control on the first putt. Once you get a basic idea of the line put ALL of your focus on visualizing and feeling the correct speed for the putt. Remember your are not trying to make these long putts, you are trying to MAKE SURE you make the next one.
The first green at Torrey Pines has a ridge across the green two thirds of the way back. The cup is just past this ridge. Make sure to factor the height of the ridge into your distance equation so you can roll the ball just past the hole on your lag putt. When you are in your putting routine I would recommend watching the target (not the ball) during your practice stroke. This will give you a better visual sense of the of the speed required. After you stroke the ball it is critical to watch the ball until it is finished rolling. This way if you miss long you have a free read of your return put for par. See you next time.
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Now it is time to learn about the two categories of putts:1. Putts you are trying to make2. Putts you are trying to make sure you make the next one
How do you decide which is which? Any putt where you have no fear of three putting belongs to category 1. Any putt where there is a chance you might three putt belongs to category 2. There is no universal distance dividing line between the two, it varies from person to person and situation to situation. The most important thing to remember is, speed control is everything in category 2 putts. 80% of all three putts come from poor speed control on the first putt. Once you get a basic idea of the line put ALL of your focus on visualizing and feeling the correct speed for the putt. Remember your are not trying to make these long putts, you are trying to MAKE SURE you make the next one.
The first green at Torrey Pines has a ridge across the green two thirds of the way back. The cup is just past this ridge. Make sure to factor the height of the ridge into your distance equation so you can roll the ball just past the hole on your lag putt. When you are in your putting routine I would recommend watching the target (not the ball) during your practice stroke. This will give you a better visual sense of the of the speed required. After you stroke the ball it is critical to watch the ball until it is finished rolling. This way if you miss long you have a free read of your return put for par. See you next time.
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Saturday, January 24, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Avoid Hitting the Ball Thin on Soft Lob Shots
For the lob shot, you have to trust the design of your lob wedge or sand wedge. That is, you must trust that by swinging through the grass, the club will lift the ball into the air and land it softly on the green.
Thin lob shots are often caused because the golfer thinks he or she has to "help" the ball into the air, rather than trusting the club to do the job.
Don't try to help the ball into the air (hitting up on the ball). This only causes you to lose your body angles and creates inconsistent shots around the green.
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For the lob shot, you have to trust the design of your lob wedge or sand wedge. That is, you must trust that by swinging through the grass, the club will lift the ball into the air and land it softly on the green.
Thin lob shots are often caused because the golfer thinks he or she has to "help" the ball into the air, rather than trusting the club to do the job.
Don't try to help the ball into the air (hitting up on the ball). This only causes you to lose your body angles and creates inconsistent shots around the green.
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Putting Tips
1. Steady Eyes for Sure StrokesWhen your eyes wander during the downstroke the path and face angle will also wander. Train our eyes to remain steadily focused on the ball until the putterhead is at least one foot past the impact point.
2. Distance, Distance, DistanceMost three putts are caused by poor distance control on the first putt. Even the tour pros miss almost 50% of their putts from six feet. Practice distance control so you do not leave yourself long second putts.
3. Precise Focus for Precise PuttsWhen reading the green pick precise targets for every putt. Telling yourself the putt is a little bit uphill and breaks a little bit left is a recipe for a tentative stroke and a missed putt. If we expect to roll the ball into a 4.25" hole, the brain needs specific information.
4. Straight Back, Straight ThroughIf you are having problems with direction control especially on short putts, check your take away. If the putterhead comes inside on the take away you will tend to pus your putts and if you take it outside you will tend to pull our cut putts. Find a straight line or lay down two clubs parallel to each other and practice taking the putter straight back on every putt.
5. Play the PercentagesPutts make up 45% of the shots in the average round of golf. Practice our putting and your scores will start dropping.
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1. Steady Eyes for Sure StrokesWhen your eyes wander during the downstroke the path and face angle will also wander. Train our eyes to remain steadily focused on the ball until the putterhead is at least one foot past the impact point.
2. Distance, Distance, DistanceMost three putts are caused by poor distance control on the first putt. Even the tour pros miss almost 50% of their putts from six feet. Practice distance control so you do not leave yourself long second putts.
3. Precise Focus for Precise PuttsWhen reading the green pick precise targets for every putt. Telling yourself the putt is a little bit uphill and breaks a little bit left is a recipe for a tentative stroke and a missed putt. If we expect to roll the ball into a 4.25" hole, the brain needs specific information.
4. Straight Back, Straight ThroughIf you are having problems with direction control especially on short putts, check your take away. If the putterhead comes inside on the take away you will tend to pus your putts and if you take it outside you will tend to pull our cut putts. Find a straight line or lay down two clubs parallel to each other and practice taking the putter straight back on every putt.
5. Play the PercentagesPutts make up 45% of the shots in the average round of golf. Practice our putting and your scores will start dropping.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Avoid the Back Nine Collapses that are Common in My Rounds?
Many recreational golfers have this problem: falling apart on the back nine after you've played a great front nine.
Every golfer knows his or her expectations and comfort zone. When you are playing well, the key is to keep your mind off the score. Focus on playing one shot at a time.
Keep your score to yourself. The more you verbalize your round, the harder it is to keep focusing on the process. Focus and stick to your pre-shot routine.
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Many recreational golfers have this problem: falling apart on the back nine after you've played a great front nine.
Every golfer knows his or her expectations and comfort zone. When you are playing well, the key is to keep your mind off the score. Focus on playing one shot at a time.
Keep your score to yourself. The more you verbalize your round, the harder it is to keep focusing on the process. Focus and stick to your pre-shot routine.
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Saturday, January 17, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Practice Tips
Groove Your Tempo: - A repeating swing is not fully effective without a repeating tempo. Find a tempo that matches your personality and use it for every full swing with every club.
Develop A Routine: - Consistency means being in the same "place" mentally and physically prior to each swing. Remember the process you went through before your last "career" shot and use it faithfully for each shot.
Swing Don't Think: - When it is time to pull the trigger watch the ball and feel the tempo. Trying to think the club through the swing is like trying to drive a car thinking about what your hands and feet are doing, sooner or later you will crash.
Putt, Chip, Pitch: - 65% of the shots in golf are played within 30 yards of the hole. We all have bad days with the full swing, a sharp short game can keep your scores down even when your swing goes south.
NO MATTER WHAT, HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS POSSIBLE!
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Groove Your Tempo: - A repeating swing is not fully effective without a repeating tempo. Find a tempo that matches your personality and use it for every full swing with every club.
Develop A Routine: - Consistency means being in the same "place" mentally and physically prior to each swing. Remember the process you went through before your last "career" shot and use it faithfully for each shot.
Swing Don't Think: - When it is time to pull the trigger watch the ball and feel the tempo. Trying to think the club through the swing is like trying to drive a car thinking about what your hands and feet are doing, sooner or later you will crash.
Putt, Chip, Pitch: - 65% of the shots in golf are played within 30 yards of the hole. We all have bad days with the full swing, a sharp short game can keep your scores down even when your swing goes south.
NO MATTER WHAT, HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS POSSIBLE!
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Friday, January 16, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Improve My Balance through the Finish of My Swing?
Losing your balance during the swing can be caused by basic swing faults. The first is swinging too hard, and another is having too narrow a stance.
The key to a balanced swing is to keep a good rhythm. Swing within yourself and, remember, the longer the club, the wider your stance should be.
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Losing your balance during the swing can be caused by basic swing faults. The first is swinging too hard, and another is having too narrow a stance.
The key to a balanced swing is to keep a good rhythm. Swing within yourself and, remember, the longer the club, the wider your stance should be.
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Thursday, January 15, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Improve My Balance through the Finish of My Swing?
Losing your balance during the swing can be caused by basic swing faults. The first is swinging too hard, and another is having too narrow a stance.
The key to a balanced swing is to keep a good rhythm. Swing within yourself and, remember, the longer the club, the wider your stance should be.
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Losing your balance during the swing can be caused by basic swing faults. The first is swinging too hard, and another is having too narrow a stance.
The key to a balanced swing is to keep a good rhythm. Swing within yourself and, remember, the longer the club, the wider your stance should be.
Click Here..
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Get My Nerves Under Control on the First Tee Shot of the Day
Taking time to warm up will help you prepare mentally before a round. For the first tee shot, take the club that you have the most confidence with, regardless of distance. Distance off the tee is not always an advantage.
And learn from the pros. Take a practice swing, focus on the target and stick to your routine.
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Taking time to warm up will help you prepare mentally before a round. For the first tee shot, take the club that you have the most confidence with, regardless of distance. Distance off the tee is not always an advantage.
And learn from the pros. Take a practice swing, focus on the target and stick to your routine.
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Monday, January 12, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Distance
Everyone wants more distance.
The two strongest influences on distance are clubhead speed and proper ball/clubface contact. Both are absolutely critical to a properly executed golf swing. One without the other is going to be a source of tremendous frustration to your golfing progress.
Clubhead speed is controlled by a number of factors. The most important ones to consider are; the speed of the body rotation, the speed of the arm swing, and the speed and timing of the hand release. If this sounds like a lot to think about let me give you an image to simplify things. Picture a discus thrower. The leg drive determines the speed of the body rotation, which determines the speed of the arm swing. Proper focus and relaxed arm and hand muscles determine the timing and speed of the release. The golf swing is virtually identical. The movent looks different because we are in a different posture holding a club but, the method of generating of speed is the same. Turning the legs and hips toward the target initiate the arm swing and fast loose hands complete the chain reaction. The legs are the only part of the motion where strength is critical. The muscles of the upper body should be transmitters NOT generators. The arc size of the swing is also very influential in determining the speed but, most golfers get more trouble than benefit when attempting to dramatically increase arc size.
The most important ingredients in proper ball/clubface contact are path, face angle and angle of attack. I have written about all three in detail in the first two Smart Path articles and in last week's Q&A article. To me, these are the foundation of a good golf swing. All the clubhead speed in the world will not give you distance without these three elements being correct. Let me give you an example. If you could have John Daly's clubhead speed of 130 miles per hour but, your angle of attack was 6 degrees to steep (downward) his ball would fly 300 yards and yours would fly 210. Path and face angle are every bit as critical.
Even among professionals club distances vary greatly. Corey Pavin expects his average 8 iron to fly 140 yards, John Daly plans on a 190 yard carry. I would recommend you work on generating as much clubhead speed as you can WITHOUT sacrificing solid contact. We all have a redline on our swing. If we go above it we risk blowing up the engine. Find your redline and stay just below it. Your shots will be a lot more consistent and your scores will drop because of it.
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Everyone wants more distance.
The two strongest influences on distance are clubhead speed and proper ball/clubface contact. Both are absolutely critical to a properly executed golf swing. One without the other is going to be a source of tremendous frustration to your golfing progress.
Clubhead speed is controlled by a number of factors. The most important ones to consider are; the speed of the body rotation, the speed of the arm swing, and the speed and timing of the hand release. If this sounds like a lot to think about let me give you an image to simplify things. Picture a discus thrower. The leg drive determines the speed of the body rotation, which determines the speed of the arm swing. Proper focus and relaxed arm and hand muscles determine the timing and speed of the release. The golf swing is virtually identical. The movent looks different because we are in a different posture holding a club but, the method of generating of speed is the same. Turning the legs and hips toward the target initiate the arm swing and fast loose hands complete the chain reaction. The legs are the only part of the motion where strength is critical. The muscles of the upper body should be transmitters NOT generators. The arc size of the swing is also very influential in determining the speed but, most golfers get more trouble than benefit when attempting to dramatically increase arc size.
The most important ingredients in proper ball/clubface contact are path, face angle and angle of attack. I have written about all three in detail in the first two Smart Path articles and in last week's Q&A article. To me, these are the foundation of a good golf swing. All the clubhead speed in the world will not give you distance without these three elements being correct. Let me give you an example. If you could have John Daly's clubhead speed of 130 miles per hour but, your angle of attack was 6 degrees to steep (downward) his ball would fly 300 yards and yours would fly 210. Path and face angle are every bit as critical.
Even among professionals club distances vary greatly. Corey Pavin expects his average 8 iron to fly 140 yards, John Daly plans on a 190 yard carry. I would recommend you work on generating as much clubhead speed as you can WITHOUT sacrificing solid contact. We all have a redline on our swing. If we go above it we risk blowing up the engine. Find your redline and stay just below it. Your shots will be a lot more consistent and your scores will drop because of it.
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Sunday, January 11, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Stop Hitting Fat or Thin Pitch Shots?
The setup is vital for you to hit your pitch shots solid, and for the ball to travel the right distances.
Your clubface and body alignment need to be open, while the ball should be in the middle of your stance. Make sure your weight is on your left side, and that during the swing your legs stay quiet. Your legs should move only with the momentum of the swing.
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The setup is vital for you to hit your pitch shots solid, and for the ball to travel the right distances.
Your clubface and body alignment need to be open, while the ball should be in the middle of your stance. Make sure your weight is on your left side, and that during the swing your legs stay quiet. Your legs should move only with the momentum of the swing.
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Saturday, January 10, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Pre-Shot Routine {CONT}
4. TAKE YOUR STANCEAlign your shoulders, hips and feet parallel to your target line. Center your weight between the balls of your feet and your heels. Your arms should be hanging vertically from your shoulders and they should be completely free of tension.
5. RESIGHT, RELAX, FIREVisualize the target spot and ball flight, relax your muscles and swing. The longer you take to complete this step the worse your chances become to produce a good shot. Do not allow excess thoughts to creep into your mind. Once you get to this step, focus on the target and pull the trigger. The longer you stand over the golf ball without swinging the tenser your body becomes.
Personalize this routine and use it on every shot. It should only take 10 to 15 seconds and it will make a tremendous difference in your game.
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4. TAKE YOUR STANCEAlign your shoulders, hips and feet parallel to your target line. Center your weight between the balls of your feet and your heels. Your arms should be hanging vertically from your shoulders and they should be completely free of tension.
5. RESIGHT, RELAX, FIREVisualize the target spot and ball flight, relax your muscles and swing. The longer you take to complete this step the worse your chances become to produce a good shot. Do not allow excess thoughts to creep into your mind. Once you get to this step, focus on the target and pull the trigger. The longer you stand over the golf ball without swinging the tenser your body becomes.
Personalize this routine and use it on every shot. It should only take 10 to 15 seconds and it will make a tremendous difference in your game.
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Friday, January 9, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Pre-Shot Routine
1. LINE UP YOUR TARGETPick a precise target for every shot. Stand behind the ball and find an intermediate target three to six inches in front of the ball on the target line. Once you have determined your intermediate target, visualize the golf ball flying or rolling to your target. Strong visualization skills lead to strong golf shots.
2. SQUARE THE CLUBFACEThe clubface is the only thing that touches the golf ball so it should be squared before anything else. Without taking your grip on the club, lay the clubface down so the leading edge is 90 degrees to your target line and it is soled flat on the ground. Use the intermediate target to determine the target line. It is much easier to be consistently accurate using a close by target as opposed to a far away target.
3. GRIP THE CLUBMaking sure the clubface does not move, take your grip. Set your left hand first then your right. Your swing will be much more efficient if both hands are parallel to each other and to the leading edge of the clubface. Double check to make sure the clubface is still square.
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1. LINE UP YOUR TARGETPick a precise target for every shot. Stand behind the ball and find an intermediate target three to six inches in front of the ball on the target line. Once you have determined your intermediate target, visualize the golf ball flying or rolling to your target. Strong visualization skills lead to strong golf shots.
2. SQUARE THE CLUBFACEThe clubface is the only thing that touches the golf ball so it should be squared before anything else. Without taking your grip on the club, lay the clubface down so the leading edge is 90 degrees to your target line and it is soled flat on the ground. Use the intermediate target to determine the target line. It is much easier to be consistently accurate using a close by target as opposed to a far away target.
3. GRIP THE CLUBMaking sure the clubface does not move, take your grip. Set your left hand first then your right. Your swing will be much more efficient if both hands are parallel to each other and to the leading edge of the clubface. Double check to make sure the clubface is still square.
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Thursday, January 8, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
How Can I Stop Taking Too Much Sand on Bunker Shots?
Great players all understand the importance of the sand wedge. If you're digging too deep into the sand, here's a key.
When setting up for your shot, open the clubface of the wedge first, and then take your grip. This will help you take shallow divots, which will help your consistency in the sand.
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Great players all understand the importance of the sand wedge. If you're digging too deep into the sand, here's a key.
When setting up for your shot, open the clubface of the wedge first, and then take your grip. This will help you take shallow divots, which will help your consistency in the sand.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Hi Fellow Golfers..
How Can I Stop Lifting My Head While Putting?
The main reason golfers lift their heads is because they focus too much on results rather than keeping their eye on the ball (when they are standing over a putt).
To keep your head down, the key is to listen for the ball to enter the hole, rather than looking for it to do so.
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How Can I Stop Lifting My Head While Putting?
The main reason golfers lift their heads is because they focus too much on results rather than keeping their eye on the ball (when they are standing over a putt).
To keep your head down, the key is to listen for the ball to enter the hole, rather than looking for it to do so.
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Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Timing Continued
Since TIMING is one of the most important parts of the golf swing, we are going to learn what correct timing FEELS like.
All you need to practice this drill is a golf towel and your pitching wedge. Until you feel completely comfortable with the movements of the drill you will learn faster with no golf balls. Lets keep it simple for now.
Place the towel across your upper chest and under each armpit. Use your upper arms (from the elbow to the shoulder) to lightly hold the towel in place. the goal of the drill is to keep the towel in place with both upper arms until after impact. Even after impact the towel should only fall out from the right side when we release the clubhead to the target.
Because the towel is restricting, begin by making half or three quarter swings with your pitching wedge. Focus on the feeling of the upper arms working with the torso throughout the swing. The important cue here is not that we hold our upper arms tight to our body, it is that the upper arms and the torso move at the same time and at the same pace throughout the swing.
To increase the effectiveness of this drill try doing it with your eyes closed. Anytime you want to feel something, the feedback is much stronger with no visual interference. Pay attention to your balance, weight shift and economy of movement with your eyes closed and your swing will change for the better.
When you add a ball to the drill focus on the connection between arms and body throughout the back and downswing and the release of the clubhead and towel to the target after impact. do not worry too much about the flight of the ball, it will improve later when you are more confident in your properly timed swing.
Since TIMING is one of the most important parts of the golf swing, we are going to learn what correct timing FEELS like.
All you need to practice this drill is a golf towel and your pitching wedge. Until you feel completely comfortable with the movements of the drill you will learn faster with no golf balls. Lets keep it simple for now.
Place the towel across your upper chest and under each armpit. Use your upper arms (from the elbow to the shoulder) to lightly hold the towel in place. the goal of the drill is to keep the towel in place with both upper arms until after impact. Even after impact the towel should only fall out from the right side when we release the clubhead to the target.
Because the towel is restricting, begin by making half or three quarter swings with your pitching wedge. Focus on the feeling of the upper arms working with the torso throughout the swing. The important cue here is not that we hold our upper arms tight to our body, it is that the upper arms and the torso move at the same time and at the same pace throughout the swing.
To increase the effectiveness of this drill try doing it with your eyes closed. Anytime you want to feel something, the feedback is much stronger with no visual interference. Pay attention to your balance, weight shift and economy of movement with your eyes closed and your swing will change for the better.
When you add a ball to the drill focus on the connection between arms and body throughout the back and downswing and the release of the clubhead and towel to the target after impact. do not worry too much about the flight of the ball, it will improve later when you are more confident in your properly timed swing.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Timing
Before we explore the practice drills designed to correct our CLUBHEAD PATH, CLUBFACE ANGLE AND ANGLE OF ATTACK (for future reference "The Big Three") it is very important we understand proper timing in the golf swing. Proper timing is essential in achieving "The Big Three" and can also make up for inconsistencies in other areas of the swing. The fastest way to a solid foundation in the game of golf is focused, diligent work on "The Big Three" and timing.
What is proper timing? Let's use an analogy from a movement all of us have tried, throwing. A proper throw starts with windup or coil, equivalent to the backswing in golf. The main purpose of the coil is to store up as much power as possible so we can unleash it on the throw or downswing. The unleashing starts in the legs and goes upward through the body with arms and hands being the last body parts released. When we release the ball our hand should be reaching maximum speed with our weight firmly planted in the front foot and the hand going towards the target. How does this translate to golf? I think it is easiest to break it down into two basic elements. The first involves the maximum acceleration point of the clubhead and the second is the synchronization of the arm swing with the body turn.
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Before we explore the practice drills designed to correct our CLUBHEAD PATH, CLUBFACE ANGLE AND ANGLE OF ATTACK (for future reference "The Big Three") it is very important we understand proper timing in the golf swing. Proper timing is essential in achieving "The Big Three" and can also make up for inconsistencies in other areas of the swing. The fastest way to a solid foundation in the game of golf is focused, diligent work on "The Big Three" and timing.
What is proper timing? Let's use an analogy from a movement all of us have tried, throwing. A proper throw starts with windup or coil, equivalent to the backswing in golf. The main purpose of the coil is to store up as much power as possible so we can unleash it on the throw or downswing. The unleashing starts in the legs and goes upward through the body with arms and hands being the last body parts released. When we release the ball our hand should be reaching maximum speed with our weight firmly planted in the front foot and the hand going towards the target. How does this translate to golf? I think it is easiest to break it down into two basic elements. The first involves the maximum acceleration point of the clubhead and the second is the synchronization of the arm swing with the body turn.
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Sunday, January 4, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Hi Fellow Golfers..THanks for stopping by..Comments Appreciated
The Impact Zone
The first step to consistency and power is to have an accurate and very vivid picture of what the clubface must do to achieve the desired ball flight. If the images in our mind are incorrect or vague, good golf shots will be the exception rather than the rule.
The "Path of the Clubhead", the angle of the clubface and the angle of attack of the clubhead are the ONLY three things that directly influence the flight of the ball. Before we attempt to master any other parts of the golf swing we better have these three permanently imprinted into our golfing mind.
The optimum CLUBHEAD PATH is an arc that travels from slightly inside the target line to slightly outside the target line while it is travelling through the "impact zone".
The ANGLE OF THE CLUB FACE should be square to the arc of the clubhead path, not the target line. The clubface is only square to the intended line of flight very briefly, at impact.
Any time the ball is on the ground the ANGLE OF ATTACK must be at least slightly downward to impart the necessary backspin to get the ball airborne consistently. The steeper the angle of attack, the greater the backspin, which increases accuracy and decreases distance. The shallower the angle of attack, the less backspin created, the greater potential for distance.
Since we learn fastest using visual images, you will get better results spending most of your time looking at the pictures and only referring to the words to help you with the pictures. Imitating the pictures is more fun and a lot more effective than dissecting the words. See It, Do It!
Click Here...
The Impact Zone
The first step to consistency and power is to have an accurate and very vivid picture of what the clubface must do to achieve the desired ball flight. If the images in our mind are incorrect or vague, good golf shots will be the exception rather than the rule.
The "Path of the Clubhead", the angle of the clubface and the angle of attack of the clubhead are the ONLY three things that directly influence the flight of the ball. Before we attempt to master any other parts of the golf swing we better have these three permanently imprinted into our golfing mind.
The optimum CLUBHEAD PATH is an arc that travels from slightly inside the target line to slightly outside the target line while it is travelling through the "impact zone".
The ANGLE OF THE CLUB FACE should be square to the arc of the clubhead path, not the target line. The clubface is only square to the intended line of flight very briefly, at impact.
Any time the ball is on the ground the ANGLE OF ATTACK must be at least slightly downward to impart the necessary backspin to get the ball airborne consistently. The steeper the angle of attack, the greater the backspin, which increases accuracy and decreases distance. The shallower the angle of attack, the less backspin created, the greater potential for distance.
Since we learn fastest using visual images, you will get better results spending most of your time looking at the pictures and only referring to the words to help you with the pictures. Imitating the pictures is more fun and a lot more effective than dissecting the words. See It, Do It!
Click Here...
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
The Impact Zone
Hi Fellow Golfers..
Golf is a target game. How nice our swing looks is not as important as how few swings it takes to get the ball in the hole. Only one thing DIRECTLY influences the golf ball in its search for the hole... the clubface. If the clubface is passing through the "impact zone" correctly, the ball will go where we want it to.
Since efficiency is the fastest route to proficiency, it makes sense to place most of our learning focus on what it looks and feels like to swing the clubhead properly through the "impact zone". The idea is to spend the most time on what will give us the best results. Change Only what is necessary to achieve your desired results and the process of getting there will be a lot more enjoyable. Comments Always Appreciated....AL pow2468@yahoo.com
Hi Fellow Golfers..
Golf is a target game. How nice our swing looks is not as important as how few swings it takes to get the ball in the hole. Only one thing DIRECTLY influences the golf ball in its search for the hole... the clubface. If the clubface is passing through the "impact zone" correctly, the ball will go where we want it to.
Since efficiency is the fastest route to proficiency, it makes sense to place most of our learning focus on what it looks and feels like to swing the clubhead properly through the "impact zone". The idea is to spend the most time on what will give us the best results. Change Only what is necessary to achieve your desired results and the process of getting there will be a lot more enjoyable. Comments Always Appreciated....AL pow2468@yahoo.com
Friday, January 2, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Hi Fellow Golfers!! Hope you are enjoying the tips and comments are Appreciated!
The following tips will help you to extricate yourself from the nasty fried-egg lie in a sand trap.
1. Use your most lofted club- The higher the loft the easier it is to give the ball some elevation and get it on the green.
2. Pretend you have an axe in your hand and you are going to split a piece of wood-The goal is to pick the clubhead up VERY quickly with your hands. The more vertical the backswing the better.
3. Open the clubface- As soon as the clubhead hits the sand the face will close so we need to balance this by opening it at address.
4. Swing very aggressive- This is not a finesse shot! You need to try to dig a very deep divot starting as close to the back of the ball as possible. Watch a spot directly behind the ball. Pick the clubhead straight up with your hands and swing down aggressively just like you would swing an axe THROUGH a piece of wood, not to it.
This is definately a shot you want to practice a few times before you try it at the course.
Click Here..
The following tips will help you to extricate yourself from the nasty fried-egg lie in a sand trap.
1. Use your most lofted club- The higher the loft the easier it is to give the ball some elevation and get it on the green.
2. Pretend you have an axe in your hand and you are going to split a piece of wood-The goal is to pick the clubhead up VERY quickly with your hands. The more vertical the backswing the better.
3. Open the clubface- As soon as the clubhead hits the sand the face will close so we need to balance this by opening it at address.
4. Swing very aggressive- This is not a finesse shot! You need to try to dig a very deep divot starting as close to the back of the ball as possible. Watch a spot directly behind the ball. Pick the clubhead straight up with your hands and swing down aggressively just like you would swing an axe THROUGH a piece of wood, not to it.
This is definately a shot you want to practice a few times before you try it at the course.
Click Here..
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Daily Golf Tips...
Reading the Grain
Grain is simply the direction the grass is laying. If all grass stood straight up only the slope would influence the break of putts on the green. However, grass always grows toward the setting sun and it will tend to lay in the direction of the primary water drainage.
On most golf courses these two influences will counterbalance each other so the grain will not influence the putts very much. But, at some courses the setting sun and the water drainage are the same direction so when the ball is rolling slowly it will try to follow the grain. This makes for some very unusual behaving putts.
If your putt is downhill and downgrain it will roll like it is on a linoleum floor. To compensate for the extra roll you can do one of two things.1. Pretend the hole is short of where it actually is.2. Strike the ball towards the the toe of the putter instead of on the sweet spot.
Whichever of these two options feels more comfortable use it and stick with it. Do not attempt to change your putting stroke by decelerating to lessen the speed. Deceleration causes both direction and speed control problems. No matter how short or fast the putt you must accelerate the putterhead through the ball to the target if you want to be successful. If the ball is going too far shorten the backstroke or try one of the recommendations above.
Click Here.. Comments Appreciated...AL
Grain is simply the direction the grass is laying. If all grass stood straight up only the slope would influence the break of putts on the green. However, grass always grows toward the setting sun and it will tend to lay in the direction of the primary water drainage.
On most golf courses these two influences will counterbalance each other so the grain will not influence the putts very much. But, at some courses the setting sun and the water drainage are the same direction so when the ball is rolling slowly it will try to follow the grain. This makes for some very unusual behaving putts.
If your putt is downhill and downgrain it will roll like it is on a linoleum floor. To compensate for the extra roll you can do one of two things.1. Pretend the hole is short of where it actually is.2. Strike the ball towards the the toe of the putter instead of on the sweet spot.
Whichever of these two options feels more comfortable use it and stick with it. Do not attempt to change your putting stroke by decelerating to lessen the speed. Deceleration causes both direction and speed control problems. No matter how short or fast the putt you must accelerate the putterhead through the ball to the target if you want to be successful. If the ball is going too far shorten the backstroke or try one of the recommendations above.
Click Here.. Comments Appreciated...AL
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