Thursday, 29 December 2011
How to Hit the Ball well from Uneven Lies
How to Hit the Ball well from Uneven Lies
Before I begin, I am going to first give you the definition of the four uneven lies in golf.
Uphill Lie - The easiest of the four uneven lies. The ball is level with your feet but the slope is up-hill, we refer to this as an uphill lie.
Downhill Lie - A ball that is level to your feet but the slope is down hill, probably the second most difficult shot in golf.
Ball Below Feet - The most difficult shot in golf is when the ball is below your feet
Ball Above Feet - The fourth uneven lie is when the ball is above your feet.
Don't get confused between an uphill lie, and when the ball is simply above your feet. These are 2 different lies, and should be addressed separately. Also, don't get confused with the downhill lie, and the ball being below your feet. Again, these are 2 different lies.
Let's start with the easiest shot in golf, the up-hill lie. If you struggle with this shot, you probably swing the golf club to vertical into the ground and hit a fat shot. Before you prepare for an uphill lie, you need to think of a few important items first.
1. Make sure you take a less lofted club. When you have an uphill lie, it will make the ball go HIGHER and SHORTER.
2. The ball will have a tendency to hook to the left, so aim a little to the right.
3. To avoid hitting the shot fat, check your shoulder alignment and make sure they are parallel to the ground you are standing on. If you are on an uphill lie, your back shoulder should be a little lower that your leading shoulder.
4. The ball should be positioned according to what club you are using, as though you were on a level lie. (A bit forward for longer clubs.)
5. You want to make sure you follow through HIGH after impact.
Now we can move on to one of the hardest shots in golf, the down hill lie. If you have a tendency to struggle with this shot, the miss hit is usually a top. Follow the steps below and you will see a huge change in your down hill shots.
1. Because the ball will fly lower, you can take a more lofted club to help the ball go a little higher.
2. The ball will have a tendency to curve to the right, aim a little to the left.
3. If you have your shoulders at address tilted level to the down slope of your lie, this will encourage the club to swing DOWN into the ball (correct) and not up in the down swing. Thus, you will hit the bottom of the ball and not the top.
4. Play the ball in your stance according to the club you are using (again, a little forward for a longer club).
5. You want to make sure you follow through LOW to the ground after impact.
Now we are back to an easy shot, the ball above our feet. If you follow the steps below, you will not hit the ground behind the ball anymore, and the ball above your feet will become your absolute favorite shot in golf
1. If you struggle with hitting the ball fat in these shots, make sure you are standing taller than your normal stance.
2. The ball will have a tendency to fly to the left, aim a little farther to the right.
3. DO NOT BEND YOUR KNEES
4. This is the main point, the golf club wants to swing more AROUND your body, let it...DO NOT TRY TO MAKE A NORMAL SWING...let the club swing around you.
THE HARDEST SHOT IN GOLF. The dreaded, (I can't believe this is happening to me) BALL BELOW YOUR FEET golf shot. You have come to the right place, below is the answer.
1. When the ball is below your feet, you will have a tendency to top it to the right, whiff the ball, or shank it.
2. The address is the most important part of this shot. Bend your knees and bend WAY over at address. You ALMOST can not bend TOO much.
3. The ball will have a tendency to go to the right, aim farther left.
4. The golf club wants to swing up and down, NOT around. LET IT...It will feel like a lob swing, this is correct. IF you make your normal swing, you will whiff the ball completely.
Now, forget everything you knew about uneven lies and give this a try. I KNOW IT WILL HELP!
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Play with a Straight Back
To Ensure Consistency and Success To Ensure Consistency and Success - Play with a Straight Back
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Golf Swing Special Report.
Today we've got an absolute must see for you.
Tap below to See The Special Report
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
You'll Learn:
* Why 90% of the world's putting greens are built lower in the front and higher in the back, AND how you can benefit from this.
* The correct set-up for a short game shot
* 4 Secrets that will change the way you approach the short game
* Why you need a Low Follow-Through for Pitch Shots
* ... And much, much more.
So Tap Below to Check it Out
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
Tap below to See The Special Report
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
You'll Learn:
* Why 90% of the world's putting greens are built lower in the front and higher in the back, AND how you can benefit from this.
* The correct set-up for a short game shot
* 4 Secrets that will change the way you approach the short game
* Why you need a Low Follow-Through for Pitch Shots
* ... And much, much more.
So Tap Below to Check it Out
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
A New Golf Season
Whenever a new golf season is about to start, these tips will be useful. Please take a few minutes to check and see if you are prepared for opening day at your golf course.
First and foremost, if you did not get your grips re-gripped last fall, this would be a perfect time. Make sure you ask the club repair person to measure the size of you grips and to replace them with the exact same size. If they replace them with a grip too big or too small, it can throw off your feel. While you are at it, if you have a shaft that is broken, now is the time to have it re-shafted. Most of the repair shops are not to busy this time of the year.
This is the time of the year when all of the new equipment is hitting the stores. If you wait to buy a new club in the middle of the season, it might take you some time to get use to it. Start looking now if you want to replace a wedge, or a fairway wood. Here are a couple of tips for buying fairway woods- if the shaft is too stiff, the ball flight will be lower and it might go right. If you buy a shaft that is too weak, the ball flight will be too high and the ball will have a tendency to go left. So, it's important to get your swing speed measured, so that you have the correct shaft flex. Many people think they know, but really they end up purchasing a flex that is a bit off.
There is nothing wrong with heading out to an indoor facility and start taking some swings. Before you do that, make sure you have taken some swings for a couple of weeks in the garage or outside. A pulled muscle is a tough way to start the season. As age progresses, muscles get tighter. Make sure to take the time to stretch properly in the beginning of the season, and it will benefit you down the road. Many of your "golf muscles" aren't the muscles that you generally use in everyday life. So make sure to warm them up properly before you start the season.
The topic will be on how to check to see if you have the proper grip before you hit the ball. The grip is the SINGLE most important part of the golf swing, in my opinion. Don't try building a dream house on shaky ground.
Take care, and it is a pleasure to write these tips for you. I look forward to helping you play much better and consistent golf.
First and foremost, if you did not get your grips re-gripped last fall, this would be a perfect time. Make sure you ask the club repair person to measure the size of you grips and to replace them with the exact same size. If they replace them with a grip too big or too small, it can throw off your feel. While you are at it, if you have a shaft that is broken, now is the time to have it re-shafted. Most of the repair shops are not to busy this time of the year.
This is the time of the year when all of the new equipment is hitting the stores. If you wait to buy a new club in the middle of the season, it might take you some time to get use to it. Start looking now if you want to replace a wedge, or a fairway wood. Here are a couple of tips for buying fairway woods- if the shaft is too stiff, the ball flight will be lower and it might go right. If you buy a shaft that is too weak, the ball flight will be too high and the ball will have a tendency to go left. So, it's important to get your swing speed measured, so that you have the correct shaft flex. Many people think they know, but really they end up purchasing a flex that is a bit off.
There is nothing wrong with heading out to an indoor facility and start taking some swings. Before you do that, make sure you have taken some swings for a couple of weeks in the garage or outside. A pulled muscle is a tough way to start the season. As age progresses, muscles get tighter. Make sure to take the time to stretch properly in the beginning of the season, and it will benefit you down the road. Many of your "golf muscles" aren't the muscles that you generally use in everyday life. So make sure to warm them up properly before you start the season.
The topic will be on how to check to see if you have the proper grip before you hit the ball. The grip is the SINGLE most important part of the golf swing, in my opinion. Don't try building a dream house on shaky ground.
Take care, and it is a pleasure to write these tips for you. I look forward to helping you play much better and consistent golf.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
ELIMINATE THE BACKSWING DIP!
Our swing theory points you in the right direction and gives you a system of fundamentals to measure yourself against. In golf this is very important; however situations arise where you just can't figure out why you are having certain difficulties. Whether your problem is hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin, sometimes we are clueless to where the problem lies.
We teach a fairly horizontal swing plane in comparison to most. Even though there are major benefits to this version of the golf swing certain complications can arise very quickly. This tip in particular was designed to keep golfers from hitting behind the ball. My objective is to inform you of all areas of the golf swing, so that when certain situations arise, you can adjust accordingly. And ultimately checkpoints pre-established.
Problem
The player(s) back shoulder in his/her backswing dips down; meaning that the back shoulder is lowering towards the ground. This is hard to do when you have no lateral movement or weight shift back and away from the target, as we teach. However, this is very common among players who have a horizontal swing plane. The tendency is to lower your back shoulder as your swing plane becomes more horizontal.
Please understand that if you dip your back shoulder in your backswing this could cause many different problems in you swing. Your timing, hand position at impact, weight shift through the ball, and follow-through position could all be negatively affected.
Solution
Fortunately there is simple solution. Go to the practice range and take a golf ball. Place the golf ball underneath your back foot (please make sure that ½ the ball is in the ground so that you don't fall over). If a ball is uncomfortable use a towel or something that is at least an inch off the ground. The ball/object should be placed underneath your back heel in order to ensure that you have no weight transfer and that your back shoulder does not dip in your backswing.
Then simply take your normal swing. If you choose you can hit a ball or you can just take a few practice swings. Focus on not dipping your shoulder in your backswing (keep your back shoulder up and not down). I guarantee that if you master this drill you will make solid contact with the ball on a more consistent basis. This drill will force you to practice a swing with no weight shift back and away from your target and simultaneously help you with dipping your back shoulder.
Practice this drill and be aware that if you are having difficulty hitting behind the ball at any point in your round, the problem could lie in shoulder position in your backswing.
Our swing theory points you in the right direction and gives you a system of fundamentals to measure yourself against. In golf this is very important; however situations arise where you just can't figure out why you are having certain difficulties. Whether your problem is hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin, sometimes we are clueless to where the problem lies.
We teach a fairly horizontal swing plane in comparison to most. Even though there are major benefits to this version of the golf swing certain complications can arise very quickly. This tip in particular was designed to keep golfers from hitting behind the ball. My objective is to inform you of all areas of the golf swing, so that when certain situations arise, you can adjust accordingly. And ultimately checkpoints pre-established.
Problem
The player(s) back shoulder in his/her backswing dips down; meaning that the back shoulder is lowering towards the ground. This is hard to do when you have no lateral movement or weight shift back and away from the target, as we teach. However, this is very common among players who have a horizontal swing plane. The tendency is to lower your back shoulder as your swing plane becomes more horizontal.
Please understand that if you dip your back shoulder in your backswing this could cause many different problems in you swing. Your timing, hand position at impact, weight shift through the ball, and follow-through position could all be negatively affected.
Solution
Fortunately there is simple solution. Go to the practice range and take a golf ball. Place the golf ball underneath your back foot (please make sure that ½ the ball is in the ground so that you don't fall over). If a ball is uncomfortable use a towel or something that is at least an inch off the ground. The ball/object should be placed underneath your back heel in order to ensure that you have no weight transfer and that your back shoulder does not dip in your backswing.
Then simply take your normal swing. If you choose you can hit a ball or you can just take a few practice swings. Focus on not dipping your shoulder in your backswing (keep your back shoulder up and not down). I guarantee that if you master this drill you will make solid contact with the ball on a more consistent basis. This drill will force you to practice a swing with no weight shift back and away from your target and simultaneously help you with dipping your back shoulder.
Practice this drill and be aware that if you are having difficulty hitting behind the ball at any point in your round, the problem could lie in shoulder position in your backswing.
As always, if you have any questions and need more info just click on the BANNER.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Generate POWER at Set Up
It's a fact! All want more power and distance. Whether you hit the ball 200 or 300 yards adding an extra 10-15 yards to your driver gives any player confidence, and a distinct advantage over the competition.
The majority of instruction that we deliver is based upon customer feedback. Customers email us consistently with a breakdown of distance per club. They also provide where they would like to get to; usually 10-15 yards increase off the tee and on their approach shots.
The following tip is suggested to players who want an easy to implement way to generate extra distance off the tee. I don't recommend this set-up from the fairway or around the green, but should give you and extra 10-15 yards off the tee. In the full swing DVD we gave you a section that focused on the driver, but as we all know there is more to learn. We are in the process of creating an entire DVD on the driver and successfully getting off the tee. But until then here is a tip that will help you add extra distance off the tee!
The following is a simple breakdown including different ways that power and distance is generated in our golf swing (I want you to understand what generates power):
Solid Ball Contact: Not on heel or toe.
Hand Rotation through the impact zone.
Weight shift through the ball.
Follow-Through position: This is more of a check point. Club face up a follow-through = less power. Club face down at follow-through = more power.
The Problem
Lack of distance off the tee.
The Solution
I am going to teach you a modified set-up that will allow for maximum power generation. Typically players that have a slight draw generate more distance than players that hit a fade, so this set-up will put you in a position to hit a draw. This is also true for players on the tour (other than Tiger who can hit a 320 yard high fade). The following are steps to modify your set-up in order to allow for maximum distance:
Go through your normal set-up routine. Always remember to bend at the hips and not the stomach or waist.
For More click on the Banner to see.-
The majority of instruction that we deliver is based upon customer feedback. Customers email us consistently with a breakdown of distance per club. They also provide where they would like to get to; usually 10-15 yards increase off the tee and on their approach shots.
The following tip is suggested to players who want an easy to implement way to generate extra distance off the tee. I don't recommend this set-up from the fairway or around the green, but should give you and extra 10-15 yards off the tee. In the full swing DVD we gave you a section that focused on the driver, but as we all know there is more to learn. We are in the process of creating an entire DVD on the driver and successfully getting off the tee. But until then here is a tip that will help you add extra distance off the tee!
The following is a simple breakdown including different ways that power and distance is generated in our golf swing (I want you to understand what generates power):
Solid Ball Contact: Not on heel or toe.
Hand Rotation through the impact zone.
Weight shift through the ball.
Follow-Through position: This is more of a check point. Club face up a follow-through = less power. Club face down at follow-through = more power.
The Problem
Lack of distance off the tee.
The Solution
I am going to teach you a modified set-up that will allow for maximum power generation. Typically players that have a slight draw generate more distance than players that hit a fade, so this set-up will put you in a position to hit a draw. This is also true for players on the tour (other than Tiger who can hit a 320 yard high fade). The following are steps to modify your set-up in order to allow for maximum distance:
Go through your normal set-up routine. Always remember to bend at the hips and not the stomach or waist.
For More click on the Banner to see.-
Thursday, 29 September 2011
"How to Get out of a Bunker with a Buried Lie"
This week's lesson is entitled, "How to Get out of a Bunker with a Buried Lie", and this lesson could really help you out in a situation where a buried lie could potentially add a few unneeded strokes to your round.
This is one of the most feared shots in all of golf by the amateur. Why? Because it looks so intimidating when you can barely see you ball, but it doesn't need to be that way. You will be hitting great shots and impressing your friends when you follow these steps!
Let's say that you just don't have a "fried egg" (where 50% of the ball is buried) but only the very top of the ball is visible. What do you do? Follow these steps and you'll be able to hit any lie that you have in a bunker.
Here's what you do:
1. Choke down on the golf club, about in the same position as a normal bunker shot (1-2 inches from the bottom of the grip).
2. Take your normal stance, however open it up a little bit.
3. The majority of your weight should be on your front foot
4. Close your clubface and press your hands forward just a little (this will ensure you to drive the ball out of the sand).
5. Keep your lower body still! This is so important, especially in this shot!
6. Just like a normal bunker shot take a steep backswing so that the butt of the club is pointed at the ball. *Remember that your left arm is going to lead this shot and will be completely parallel with the ground. Your right elbow is in the locked position.
7. When you start your downswing do not shift your weight - keep the majority of your weight on your front foot.
8. So once you've started your steep downswing hit about 2 inches behind the ball. This is very important because if you try and hit the ball first you'll just drive it back into the sand. By hitting 2 inches behind the sand will actually lift the ball out your clubface really doesn't even touch the golf ball. *Remember it's very important to keep your clubface closed so that is can drive the ball out!
9. Remember to swing through the sand and not stop once you've hit the sand.
10. Keep your angle steep throughout the shot.
Drill:
At the practice bunker stomp a few balls almost completely submerged (make sure you can only see a little of the ball. This will give you so much confidence because this only happens in a small percentage of sand play. Focus on keeping your club face closed throughout your swing....I can't stress this enough!
Putting it all together in the bunker:
Normal bunker shot: square to slightly open clubface, evenly balanced weight or weight on back foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still - no weight shifting until you hit the sand.
Buried lie in bunker: slightly closed clubface, forward press your hand a little, majority of your weight on your front foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still.
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then. If you would like to order "The Simple Golf Swing"click on the BANNER above.
This is one of the most feared shots in all of golf by the amateur. Why? Because it looks so intimidating when you can barely see you ball, but it doesn't need to be that way. You will be hitting great shots and impressing your friends when you follow these steps!
Let's say that you just don't have a "fried egg" (where 50% of the ball is buried) but only the very top of the ball is visible. What do you do? Follow these steps and you'll be able to hit any lie that you have in a bunker.
Here's what you do:
1. Choke down on the golf club, about in the same position as a normal bunker shot (1-2 inches from the bottom of the grip).
2. Take your normal stance, however open it up a little bit.
3. The majority of your weight should be on your front foot
4. Close your clubface and press your hands forward just a little (this will ensure you to drive the ball out of the sand).
5. Keep your lower body still! This is so important, especially in this shot!
6. Just like a normal bunker shot take a steep backswing so that the butt of the club is pointed at the ball. *Remember that your left arm is going to lead this shot and will be completely parallel with the ground. Your right elbow is in the locked position.
7. When you start your downswing do not shift your weight - keep the majority of your weight on your front foot.
8. So once you've started your steep downswing hit about 2 inches behind the ball. This is very important because if you try and hit the ball first you'll just drive it back into the sand. By hitting 2 inches behind the sand will actually lift the ball out your clubface really doesn't even touch the golf ball. *Remember it's very important to keep your clubface closed so that is can drive the ball out!
9. Remember to swing through the sand and not stop once you've hit the sand.
10. Keep your angle steep throughout the shot.
Drill:
At the practice bunker stomp a few balls almost completely submerged (make sure you can only see a little of the ball. This will give you so much confidence because this only happens in a small percentage of sand play. Focus on keeping your club face closed throughout your swing....I can't stress this enough!
Putting it all together in the bunker:
Normal bunker shot: square to slightly open clubface, evenly balanced weight or weight on back foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still - no weight shifting until you hit the sand.
Buried lie in bunker: slightly closed clubface, forward press your hand a little, majority of your weight on your front foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still.
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then. If you would like to order "The Simple Golf Swing"click on the BANNER above.
Monday, 26 September 2011
This week's lesson is entitled, "How to Get out of Bunkers", and everyone knows how frustrating they can be if you don't know the proper mechanics to get out of them. But the bottom line is, for the pros, bunker shots are some of the easiest shots on the course. These steps will ensure that you have the right mechanics for getting out of bunkers. Once you've read these steps, practice them and get used to hitting out of bunkers, and they will become just as natural as a regular short game shot. These steps will give you the solid foundation that you need for bunker success.
Here are the steps: (note: These steps apply to a normal sand bunker. Not wet or hard sand)
1. Choke down on the golf club (Have your right index finger about an inch from the bottom of the grip). Choking down gives you control of the club and allows you to "feel" the shot rather than hitting it.
2. Narrow your stance a little and play the ball a few inches forward in your stance. This will also aid in controlling the shot, and it will contribute to higher ball flight.
3. Dig into the sand with your feet a little and get comfortable.
4. Keep your body completely still throughout (no twisting hips).
5. Start your swing with your arms and keep your swing vertical. The end of the grip butt should be pointed at the ball at the top of your backswing. (Don't bring the club straight back, remember steep is better here!)
6. Your left arm should be parallel to the ground and fully extended at the top of your swing.
7. Then start your downswing at the sand focusing to hit 1 inch behind the ball. Don't focus on hitting the ball, hit the sand an inch behind and the ball will get out every time!
8. Your arms and body follow the ball as it leaves the sand.
9. Remember - a steep angle into the sand is key here. You don't have to swing too hard; we are not blasting the ball out, we are advancing it.
Drill:
Go into a bunker and take 3 clubs your pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge(if you have one). Remember that you can get creative with shots; just because it's a sand wedge doesn't mean that you'll "feel" the most comfortable or get the best results. But I want you to notice the difference in design and performance.
Hit a few shots with each club and really notice the difference in how the ball comes out of the sand. Then choose the club that bests suits you. But remember, with all these clubs swing steep and hit 1 inch behind the ball. You can even draw a line behind the ball and aim for that line.
At home, office, or at the course take practice swings and focus on bringing the club up at a steep angle. Watch as your grip end points to the ground. And stop there - this is the position that you want to be in. A great way to see if the grip is pointed over the ball is sticking a tee in the grip handle. Do that a few times to ensure that you know where to stop the golf club and start your steep downswing. Then the downswing is easy! Just hit an inch behind the ball. Practice this for a few days then go have fun in a bunker!
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then.
Here are the steps: (note: These steps apply to a normal sand bunker. Not wet or hard sand)
1. Choke down on the golf club (Have your right index finger about an inch from the bottom of the grip). Choking down gives you control of the club and allows you to "feel" the shot rather than hitting it.
2. Narrow your stance a little and play the ball a few inches forward in your stance. This will also aid in controlling the shot, and it will contribute to higher ball flight.
3. Dig into the sand with your feet a little and get comfortable.
4. Keep your body completely still throughout (no twisting hips).
5. Start your swing with your arms and keep your swing vertical. The end of the grip butt should be pointed at the ball at the top of your backswing. (Don't bring the club straight back, remember steep is better here!)
6. Your left arm should be parallel to the ground and fully extended at the top of your swing.
7. Then start your downswing at the sand focusing to hit 1 inch behind the ball. Don't focus on hitting the ball, hit the sand an inch behind and the ball will get out every time!
8. Your arms and body follow the ball as it leaves the sand.
9. Remember - a steep angle into the sand is key here. You don't have to swing too hard; we are not blasting the ball out, we are advancing it.
Drill:
Go into a bunker and take 3 clubs your pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge(if you have one). Remember that you can get creative with shots; just because it's a sand wedge doesn't mean that you'll "feel" the most comfortable or get the best results. But I want you to notice the difference in design and performance.
Hit a few shots with each club and really notice the difference in how the ball comes out of the sand. Then choose the club that bests suits you. But remember, with all these clubs swing steep and hit 1 inch behind the ball. You can even draw a line behind the ball and aim for that line.
At home, office, or at the course take practice swings and focus on bringing the club up at a steep angle. Watch as your grip end points to the ground. And stop there - this is the position that you want to be in. A great way to see if the grip is pointed over the ball is sticking a tee in the grip handle. Do that a few times to ensure that you know where to stop the golf club and start your steep downswing. Then the downswing is easy! Just hit an inch behind the ball. Practice this for a few days then go have fun in a bunker!
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then.
Friday, 23 September 2011
This week's lesson is entitled, "How to Cure a Golf Hook", and if you've been battling a hook for a while you understand how frustrating they can be. Everyone else is, more than likely, slicing the ball, and you are playing from the opposite side of the fairway.
But... the hook really is pretty easy to cure. Try this sequence of corrections, and most likely the hook will be fixed in no time. Your goal in correcting a hook is to swing from outside to in.
Weaken your Grip - You could be playing with a grip that is too strong. Simply rotate both hands around the grip and towards the target. This will make it much harder for the clubface to close through the impact zone. Don't over do it, and like everything else, testing is crucial. Make sure to test this, before moving on, unless you are positive that you already play with a weak grip.
Move the ball forward in your stance - It is common of players who slice the ball to play the ball forward in their stance. So copy them. If you hook, the result should be a relatively straight ball. (Side Note: Whether you hook or slice, your first goal should be to learn to do the opposite.) Moving the ball forward in your stance should get some things back on track.
Aim to the left (to the right if left handed) of the target - Start out with an open stance to the target. This will put that clockwise rotation on the ball that you are looking for. Just open your stance a little bit, and swing along the line of your shoulders. Make sure that you are finishing with your weight on your forward foot - This is the single best solution for the hook. If you hook the ball, chances are that you finish with some of your weight still on your back foot. This causes you to come around the ball with a closed clubface. This is the number one cause of the deadly snap-hook. Finish with all of your weight forward, and you'll never experience it.
Next week, we'll discuss golf schools, and then it's on to the short game. Good golfing, until then. "The Simple Golf Swing" will fix all of these problems and much more. If you are need help with your swing, you'll be amazed at how fast it will work.
But... the hook really is pretty easy to cure. Try this sequence of corrections, and most likely the hook will be fixed in no time. Your goal in correcting a hook is to swing from outside to in.
Weaken your Grip - You could be playing with a grip that is too strong. Simply rotate both hands around the grip and towards the target. This will make it much harder for the clubface to close through the impact zone. Don't over do it, and like everything else, testing is crucial. Make sure to test this, before moving on, unless you are positive that you already play with a weak grip.
Move the ball forward in your stance - It is common of players who slice the ball to play the ball forward in their stance. So copy them. If you hook, the result should be a relatively straight ball. (Side Note: Whether you hook or slice, your first goal should be to learn to do the opposite.) Moving the ball forward in your stance should get some things back on track.
Aim to the left (to the right if left handed) of the target - Start out with an open stance to the target. This will put that clockwise rotation on the ball that you are looking for. Just open your stance a little bit, and swing along the line of your shoulders. Make sure that you are finishing with your weight on your forward foot - This is the single best solution for the hook. If you hook the ball, chances are that you finish with some of your weight still on your back foot. This causes you to come around the ball with a closed clubface. This is the number one cause of the deadly snap-hook. Finish with all of your weight forward, and you'll never experience it.
Next week, we'll discuss golf schools, and then it's on to the short game. Good golfing, until then. "The Simple Golf Swing" will fix all of these problems and much more. If you are need help with your swing, you'll be amazed at how fast it will work.
Friday, 9 September 2011
This week's lesson is entitled, "Approach Shots: What it takes to master them".
Basically, your approach shot is your shot onto the green. One of the things I like to say is this, "You know your game is improving when you start fixing more ball marks on the green" - most likely meaning that you hit it on your approach, which is your objective.
Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind, and then we'll get to the heart of this article.
Aim for the middle of the green, not the flag. Pin placements and greens are getting tougher to stick all the time. Don't be a sucker and go for a pin that you'll most likely miss, which will leave you in a bunker or some other position which will add strokes to your round.
Focus on alignment, not distance.
As you know, it's not an easy task to master the approach shot, but there are some ways in which you can drastically improve the accuracy of the shot. Alignment is the key to improving your approach shots. Most golfers don't practice their alignment too much on the practice range, but they should.
Think about this for a minute. Generally, when you miss the green it is due to alignment, not distance. Chances are, you have your 160 yard club, 150, 140, 130, etc...
And if you hit a less than perfect shot, the ball may go a little further or a little shorter. But even if that happens, most greens are deep enough that you should be on the putting surface if you have selected the club that would leave you in the center of the green.
But...alignment is another story. If you pull the ball, more times than most you really pull the ball, correct?
When your alignment is off, it's usually off by much more than 5-10 yards!
And if you push the ball, you generally are pushing it for much of the round, correct? Bunkers, water, and uneven lies are the obstacles you face.
How are you supposed to compete? The answer is simple. Practice your alignment.
Take your home course for example. I would be willing to bet there's somewhere in the ball park of a 160-yard par 3 on the course. Now picture that hole. What happens if you're 5-10 yards deep or shallow? You're probably still okay, right?
But what happens if you go right or left? That shot, more than likely, has trouble written all over it.
Summary:
Go to the range, and practice your alignment. Always hit to a target. The Simple Golf Swing makes staying down the middle easy, and in a few weeks, I'll be releasing a new tool that will make it much easier on you to work on your alignment. It's a pretty simple device really, but the package is really geared towards improving the alignment for every type of shot. Putting, approach shots, and drives.
Basically, your approach shot is your shot onto the green. One of the things I like to say is this, "You know your game is improving when you start fixing more ball marks on the green" - most likely meaning that you hit it on your approach, which is your objective.
Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind, and then we'll get to the heart of this article.
Aim for the middle of the green, not the flag. Pin placements and greens are getting tougher to stick all the time. Don't be a sucker and go for a pin that you'll most likely miss, which will leave you in a bunker or some other position which will add strokes to your round.
Focus on alignment, not distance.
As you know, it's not an easy task to master the approach shot, but there are some ways in which you can drastically improve the accuracy of the shot. Alignment is the key to improving your approach shots. Most golfers don't practice their alignment too much on the practice range, but they should.
Think about this for a minute. Generally, when you miss the green it is due to alignment, not distance. Chances are, you have your 160 yard club, 150, 140, 130, etc...
And if you hit a less than perfect shot, the ball may go a little further or a little shorter. But even if that happens, most greens are deep enough that you should be on the putting surface if you have selected the club that would leave you in the center of the green.
But...alignment is another story. If you pull the ball, more times than most you really pull the ball, correct?
When your alignment is off, it's usually off by much more than 5-10 yards!
And if you push the ball, you generally are pushing it for much of the round, correct? Bunkers, water, and uneven lies are the obstacles you face.
How are you supposed to compete? The answer is simple. Practice your alignment.
Take your home course for example. I would be willing to bet there's somewhere in the ball park of a 160-yard par 3 on the course. Now picture that hole. What happens if you're 5-10 yards deep or shallow? You're probably still okay, right?
But what happens if you go right or left? That shot, more than likely, has trouble written all over it.
Summary:
Go to the range, and practice your alignment. Always hit to a target. The Simple Golf Swing makes staying down the middle easy, and in a few weeks, I'll be releasing a new tool that will make it much easier on you to work on your alignment. It's a pretty simple device really, but the package is really geared towards improving the alignment for every type of shot. Putting, approach shots, and drives.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
How to Maximize your Distance by Hitting Triples instead of Home Runs"
This week's lesson is entitled, "How to Maximize your Distance by Hitting Triples instead of Home Runs" and it's a great overall theory to build your entire swing around. Keep this in the back of your head at all times while you are on the course, and remind yourself of it before every shot. The result will be increased distance and straighter shots because you'll be releasing your hands through the ball better.
Background Info:
Many recreational golfers struggle with slices, blocks, and inconsistency because they don't know how to release their hands through the ball correctly. By "releasing your hands through the ball", I am describing the act of maximizing your club head speed at the moment of impact, and eliminating the "outside-in" movement that creates a slice.
How You Will Benefit:
You'll learn an easy way of "getting your hands through the ball" You'll be increasing the speed of the club head through the impact zone
You will ensure that the club head is square at impact (which will reduce any slice that you have)
What To Do:
Step 1: Create the "X"
This means that on the follow through, you need to focus on making your forearms cross. This will ensure that your hands have released through the ball correctly. Here's an illustration of what I am talking about.
Notice the "X" that is created after impact and where the shaft of the club is pointed. Practice getting in this position. Practice creating that "X" after impact.
It will be easy to understand the alternative by paying attention to where the club is pointed, which I will explain in the next step.
Step 2: Finish at Third Base
Focus on pointing the club down the third base line on your follow through. In relation to where my feet are pointed in the picture the club is pointed down the third base line. This is what we want.
Many golfers finish their swing with the club straight up in the air, or even pointed down the first base line in relation to their feet. Try that once, and you will feel the extreme "outside-in" movement that produces a slice. This is nothing more than a habit that can be easily broken. The Simple Golf Swing goes over this step in much more detail.
Summary:
So when you are on the tee next time, focus on just 2 things. Make the "X" and "finish at third". That's it. Swinging easy should already be grooved into your swing from the last tip I sent. Focus on these 2 tips, and you should be on your way to consistently staying out of trouble with your driver, which is the first step to scoring better.
Background Info:
Many recreational golfers struggle with slices, blocks, and inconsistency because they don't know how to release their hands through the ball correctly. By "releasing your hands through the ball", I am describing the act of maximizing your club head speed at the moment of impact, and eliminating the "outside-in" movement that creates a slice.
How You Will Benefit:
You'll learn an easy way of "getting your hands through the ball" You'll be increasing the speed of the club head through the impact zone
You will ensure that the club head is square at impact (which will reduce any slice that you have)
What To Do:
Step 1: Create the "X"
This means that on the follow through, you need to focus on making your forearms cross. This will ensure that your hands have released through the ball correctly. Here's an illustration of what I am talking about.
Notice the "X" that is created after impact and where the shaft of the club is pointed. Practice getting in this position. Practice creating that "X" after impact.
It will be easy to understand the alternative by paying attention to where the club is pointed, which I will explain in the next step.
Step 2: Finish at Third Base
Focus on pointing the club down the third base line on your follow through. In relation to where my feet are pointed in the picture the club is pointed down the third base line. This is what we want.
Many golfers finish their swing with the club straight up in the air, or even pointed down the first base line in relation to their feet. Try that once, and you will feel the extreme "outside-in" movement that produces a slice. This is nothing more than a habit that can be easily broken. The Simple Golf Swing goes over this step in much more detail.
Summary:
So when you are on the tee next time, focus on just 2 things. Make the "X" and "finish at third". That's it. Swinging easy should already be grooved into your swing from the last tip I sent. Focus on these 2 tips, and you should be on your way to consistently staying out of trouble with your driver, which is the first step to scoring better.
Saturday, 3 September 2011
10 Golf Tips
Tip #1 - Staying out of Trouble with your Driver
So what is it that's really causing problems with your driver? Is it a slice, a hook, or just flat-out inconsistency? Well the good news is that, regardless of what problem you are fighting, there are a few things to incorporate into your game that are sure to help you. If you're the golfer that's saying right now, "I've battled a slice for 25 years", then this is not going to be the undisputed end of your problem. But you CAN reduce the slice or hook, which will help you score better. So here is the first tip.
Swing Easy. Nothing can be better for your game than learning how to swing the club easier and make your swing more fluid. If you go to the range and concentrate ONLY on swinging easy, it will revolutionize your ability to position yourself for a good approach shot when you get onto the course. You will make more consistent impact with the ball, and it will reduce the amount of side-spin you naturally place on the ball because the club head won't be traveling as fast or with as much force. Again, I know you've heard it before, but I ask you to concentrate on this for 1 week. And if you can't physically practice it, visualize it at the office (visualization works great).
Switch to a low spin ball. Lower spin off of the tee means that the ball is going to fly straighter regardless of how whether your ball moves right or left. I recommend the Titleist DT SoLo, the Precept Laddie, or the Maxfli Noodle. You can find these balls priced anywhere from $13 to $20 per dozen, and they will play a large role in reducing the side spin that you place on the ball. I realize that this all sounds over-simplified, but it's not. If you are having problems controlling your driver, switch to a low-spin ball, and start swinging easy. When you are on the range, ALL you should be thinking about is swinging the club easy. Incorporate this into your game this week, then next week we'll discuss how to get some more distance with your driver.
So what is it that's really causing problems with your driver? Is it a slice, a hook, or just flat-out inconsistency? Well the good news is that, regardless of what problem you are fighting, there are a few things to incorporate into your game that are sure to help you. If you're the golfer that's saying right now, "I've battled a slice for 25 years", then this is not going to be the undisputed end of your problem. But you CAN reduce the slice or hook, which will help you score better. So here is the first tip.
Swing Easy. Nothing can be better for your game than learning how to swing the club easier and make your swing more fluid. If you go to the range and concentrate ONLY on swinging easy, it will revolutionize your ability to position yourself for a good approach shot when you get onto the course. You will make more consistent impact with the ball, and it will reduce the amount of side-spin you naturally place on the ball because the club head won't be traveling as fast or with as much force. Again, I know you've heard it before, but I ask you to concentrate on this for 1 week. And if you can't physically practice it, visualize it at the office (visualization works great).
Switch to a low spin ball. Lower spin off of the tee means that the ball is going to fly straighter regardless of how whether your ball moves right or left. I recommend the Titleist DT SoLo, the Precept Laddie, or the Maxfli Noodle. You can find these balls priced anywhere from $13 to $20 per dozen, and they will play a large role in reducing the side spin that you place on the ball. I realize that this all sounds over-simplified, but it's not. If you are having problems controlling your driver, switch to a low-spin ball, and start swinging easy. When you are on the range, ALL you should be thinking about is swinging the club easy. Incorporate this into your game this week, then next week we'll discuss how to get some more distance with your driver.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Backspin Advice
Lately, I have received many requests for 2 things.
1. Advice on how to hit backspin (always a common request)
2. Advice on the short game in general.
So I have decided to focus my next two newsletters on these subjects. Today the focus will be on backspin, and in the next few weeks I'll get one out on putting and chipping, and then following that will be course management.
Honestly, the first thing that you need to realize about creating backspin is that it's a very tough shot to accomplish, let alone control.
The second thing that you should realize is that there are very few situations where this shot is actually needed.
In my opinion, the best shot to master is an approach shot that bounces once, and then stops on a dime. This shot is not easy to accomplish either, but is more realistic and much more effective in the vast majority of cases.
So I'll get in to the basics of this shot now, but please realize that an entire book could be written on this subject, and it would still be very hard to incorporate into a recreational game.
Here are the basic conditions that must be met before the shot even occurs. If these factors are not in place, don't try to create backspin.
Conditions must be completely dry - (the club face, and the ball included)
You must be on the fairway - (grass can't get in between the club and the ball)
Green's have to be very nicely kept - (very short)
Now, let me clarify. Those are the conditions that must be met before the shot even occurs. So hopefully, you are beginning to see just how difficult this shot is and why it doesn't come highly recommended from someone who focuses on making golf simple.
I was thinking of ways to describe the action necessary to create backspin, and I came to the conclusion that the best analogy is one of placing spin on the cue ball in billiards.
Side Note: They say that good pool players are also good putters. So if you want to sharpen your putting skills, I would advise learning billiards as well. It will help you to develop steady hands, "learn to see the line", and it will also teach you a lot about spin.
In Pool, to create backspin you have to hit downward on the cue ball with a significant amount of force. Notice that players chalk up before hitting a shot requiring a lot of spin (dry). They also go at the ball with a very steep angle. And they hit the lower portion of the ball.
All of this is necessary in golf as well. The ultimate goal is to "pinch" the ball between your club and the fairway. You must take a downward blow at the ball, you must add a fair amount of velocity to your swing speed, and you must make clean contact with the lower portion of the ball. It is all of these factors combined that make this shot so tough to complete with any accuracy.
It's also essential to have a new ball (preferably a high spin/soft-cover ball), and a newer (clean) club that has some of the grip left on the face. As the ball compresses into the grooves on the face of the club, backspin is created.
Getting into the impact position is a whole different ball game. You can find great information in "The Simple Golf Swing", although creating backspin is not covered.
On a final note; it's important to realize that if you make course management the foundation of your game, you will rarely be in a situation where you need to use backspin. Course management is one of the true keys to golf. I'm going to publish a newsletter on it in the next few weeks as well, so be on the lookout.
Lately, I have received many requests for 2 things.
1. Advice on how to hit backspin (always a common request)
2. Advice on the short game in general.
So I have decided to focus my next two newsletters on these subjects. Today the focus will be on backspin, and in the next few weeks I'll get one out on putting and chipping, and then following that will be course management.
Honestly, the first thing that you need to realize about creating backspin is that it's a very tough shot to accomplish, let alone control.
The second thing that you should realize is that there are very few situations where this shot is actually needed.
In my opinion, the best shot to master is an approach shot that bounces once, and then stops on a dime. This shot is not easy to accomplish either, but is more realistic and much more effective in the vast majority of cases.
So I'll get in to the basics of this shot now, but please realize that an entire book could be written on this subject, and it would still be very hard to incorporate into a recreational game.
Here are the basic conditions that must be met before the shot even occurs. If these factors are not in place, don't try to create backspin.
Conditions must be completely dry - (the club face, and the ball included)
You must be on the fairway - (grass can't get in between the club and the ball)
Green's have to be very nicely kept - (very short)
Now, let me clarify. Those are the conditions that must be met before the shot even occurs. So hopefully, you are beginning to see just how difficult this shot is and why it doesn't come highly recommended from someone who focuses on making golf simple.
I was thinking of ways to describe the action necessary to create backspin, and I came to the conclusion that the best analogy is one of placing spin on the cue ball in billiards.
Side Note: They say that good pool players are also good putters. So if you want to sharpen your putting skills, I would advise learning billiards as well. It will help you to develop steady hands, "learn to see the line", and it will also teach you a lot about spin.
In Pool, to create backspin you have to hit downward on the cue ball with a significant amount of force. Notice that players chalk up before hitting a shot requiring a lot of spin (dry). They also go at the ball with a very steep angle. And they hit the lower portion of the ball.
All of this is necessary in golf as well. The ultimate goal is to "pinch" the ball between your club and the fairway. You must take a downward blow at the ball, you must add a fair amount of velocity to your swing speed, and you must make clean contact with the lower portion of the ball. It is all of these factors combined that make this shot so tough to complete with any accuracy.
It's also essential to have a new ball (preferably a high spin/soft-cover ball), and a newer (clean) club that has some of the grip left on the face. As the ball compresses into the grooves on the face of the club, backspin is created.
Getting into the impact position is a whole different ball game. You can find great information in "The Simple Golf Swing", although creating backspin is not covered.
On a final note; it's important to realize that if you make course management the foundation of your game, you will rarely be in a situation where you need to use backspin. Course management is one of the true keys to golf. I'm going to publish a newsletter on it in the next few weeks as well, so be on the lookout.
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
The traditional golf swing is the reason why golfers fail to improve.”
It’s also why overall handicap levels have NOT decreased over the past two decades despite improved technology.
The traditional golf swing leaves golfers feeling frustrated and before you’re ever able to get any better you regress to your old bad habits.
This does nothing but waste your time and hard earned money.
And that’s the reason why I spent a year developing this simple swing system.
First and foremost--I created this system for myself. Yup, I was your typical frustrated golfer. I read all the “right” magazines and books, watched numerous training DVDs and took lessons from a golf pro.
Completely frustrated with the lack of results I was seeing, I set out to develop a swing that ANY golfer—regardless of ability or age—can learn quickly and easily.
The result is…
The Simple Golf Swing System™
I put it all in one system. A system that breaks the swing down into five simple steps every golfer can master in a surprisingly short amount of time.
It’s easy.
It will put all the pieces to the puzzle together for you.
I’m analytical by nature and have a background in engineering.
I subscribe to the creed:
Work smarter. Not harder.
And whoever made up the saying “No Pain. No Gain.” should be beat repeatedly with a 5-iron. (Just kidding. I don’t subscribe to violence, but you get my drift) That has NO place in my system!
Saturday, 20 August 2011
- Getting your Hands Through the Ball at Impact
Have you ever thought about what your hands and forearms are actually doing at the moment of impact? If not, please give this a try because it's one of the most important parts of the swing. The Simple Golf Swing explains this move, and others, in much more detail.
Try to get into the impact position, like you are about to make solid contact with the ball. Now flip your trailing wrist like you were casting a fishing pole. This is referred to as a wrist break, and it's not a move that you want to make in golf. So if you are trying to "flip" your hands through the ball at impact, this tip may help you understand the correct way to make this happen.
If you put a wrist watch on you'll be able to visualize the correct moves to make. As your leading arm approaches impact the watch face should be getting close to pointing exactly down the target line, or to the flag. Now simply ROTATE the watch face so it's pointed at the ground. With a club in your hands, you'll see that this move makes your trailing wrist and forearm "flip" on top of your leading wrist and forearm.
You also see that this will help to "close" the face of your club nicely, that will both reduce your slice, and add distance. This is the correct move to be completing through impact.
It's important to note that your forearms should be working together as well. Try to keep your forearms as close to each other as possible through the impact zone. If you can master this move, you'll find increased distance and it will also do wonders for your slice.
Try to get into the impact position, like you are about to make solid contact with the ball. Now flip your trailing wrist like you were casting a fishing pole. This is referred to as a wrist break, and it's not a move that you want to make in golf. So if you are trying to "flip" your hands through the ball at impact, this tip may help you understand the correct way to make this happen.
If you put a wrist watch on you'll be able to visualize the correct moves to make. As your leading arm approaches impact the watch face should be getting close to pointing exactly down the target line, or to the flag. Now simply ROTATE the watch face so it's pointed at the ground. With a club in your hands, you'll see that this move makes your trailing wrist and forearm "flip" on top of your leading wrist and forearm.
You also see that this will help to "close" the face of your club nicely, that will both reduce your slice, and add distance. This is the correct move to be completing through impact.It's important to note that your forearms should be working together as well. Try to keep your forearms as close to each other as possible through the impact zone. If you can master this move, you'll find increased distance and it will also do wonders for your slice.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
The Golf Swing
There is a very useful method that many accountants use called "The cost/benefit analysis". You may be familiar with it. The analysis is done to cut the company costs that do not provide a specific benefit. It's done on all the different costs of the company, and then the accountants can then analyze which costs provide a lot of benefit, versus which costs provide little benefit. Then quite simply, the costs that provide little benefit are cut.
The golf swing is really quite complicated. The reason that I wrote "The Simple Golf Swing" was to get rid of all the unnecessary movements that end up causing many golfers trouble. To do this, I applied the cost/benefit method, but I did it in golf terms.
Just as an example, we'll use the wrist cock. In analyzing the golf swing, I found that the wrist cock at the top of one's backswing, produced great results for a few golfers. However, for the vast majority of golfers, it actually proved to cause MANY inconsistencies.
So it was simply cut out of "The Simple Golf Swing". That may sound too simple of a solution, but it really works. You'd be amazed at the consistency that is added by removing this one small move. See, the difference is that golf magazines or videos, want you to spend countless hours of your time correcting this small move. You would have many disappointing rounds if you tried to do that. It's simply not worth it for most golfers.
I agree that you must have a significant wrist cock to compete on the professional tour. However, it has been proven to me many times over that you do not need a wrist cock to hit the ball 250 down the middle of the fairway. You do not need that extra 40-60 yards that professionals need. All you need to break 80 is to be able to hit the ball 220-250 yards down the middle of the fairway. More importantly, you need to be able to do this every time.
Other examples of what you could easily cut out of your swing would be the following:
Lateral (horizontal) movement to achieve the proper weight transfer All lower body conscious movements. (The Simple Golf Swing will help you to make the correct lower body movements happen automatically, and cut out all the unnecessary actions)
Extended backswing
Those are just a few examples. The list goes on and on, but the point of all this is that "Simple is Better" for the vast number of golfers.
The golf swing is really quite complicated. The reason that I wrote "The Simple Golf Swing" was to get rid of all the unnecessary movements that end up causing many golfers trouble. To do this, I applied the cost/benefit method, but I did it in golf terms.
Just as an example, we'll use the wrist cock. In analyzing the golf swing, I found that the wrist cock at the top of one's backswing, produced great results for a few golfers. However, for the vast majority of golfers, it actually proved to cause MANY inconsistencies.
So it was simply cut out of "The Simple Golf Swing". That may sound too simple of a solution, but it really works. You'd be amazed at the consistency that is added by removing this one small move. See, the difference is that golf magazines or videos, want you to spend countless hours of your time correcting this small move. You would have many disappointing rounds if you tried to do that. It's simply not worth it for most golfers.
I agree that you must have a significant wrist cock to compete on the professional tour. However, it has been proven to me many times over that you do not need a wrist cock to hit the ball 250 down the middle of the fairway. You do not need that extra 40-60 yards that professionals need. All you need to break 80 is to be able to hit the ball 220-250 yards down the middle of the fairway. More importantly, you need to be able to do this every time.
Other examples of what you could easily cut out of your swing would be the following:
Lateral (horizontal) movement to achieve the proper weight transfer All lower body conscious movements. (The Simple Golf Swing will help you to make the correct lower body movements happen automatically, and cut out all the unnecessary actions)
Extended backswing
Those are just a few examples. The list goes on and on, but the point of all this is that "Simple is Better" for the vast number of golfers.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Two Important Tips
3-Feet from the Hole
The most important aspect of putting is to decide on your line before the stroke. The only thing to be thinking DURING the stroke is how hard you need to hit the ball. Control how far the ball rolls by controlling the distance you bring the putter back during the backswing. The length of the forward swing past the ball should ALWAYS match the length of the backswing.
When determining the "line" for the putt, pay particular attention to the lay of the green within a three foot radius around the cup, as your golf ball will be rolling fairly slowly, and therefore will break more sharply within that area near the cup. You need to determine where you want the golf ball to be when it is entering that three-feet-away radius. Always attempt to putt the ball so it will go about one foot past the hole if it misses. If it misses, watch the break PAST the hole, because that will give you the line for the tap in.
Get out of the Sand
Sand play around the green really is a different concept. Here's all you need to know to have great sand play...Open the blade of your sand wedge so that it is directed about five feet to the RIGHT of the flag. Open your stance so the tips of your feet and shoulders are aligned with each other such that you are aiming about five feet LEFT of the pin.
When you swing back, only swing the clubhead as HIGH as your right shoulder. Don't use more than about 60% power on the swing. The clubface should slice ACROSS AND DOWN THROUGH the sand, behind the ball. More than any other shot on the course, follow through is essential to lift the ball out of the sand. If you want the ball to stop more quickly, hit the sand about 1 inch behind the middle of the golf ball. If you want the ball to run, you need to hit about 2.5 inches behind the middle of the ball. Use this method and your days of poor sand play are behind you, but of course nothing comes without practice. Find a course in your area that has a chipping green with a bunker you can practice out of. After a while, your confidence will skyrocket.
The most important aspect of putting is to decide on your line before the stroke. The only thing to be thinking DURING the stroke is how hard you need to hit the ball. Control how far the ball rolls by controlling the distance you bring the putter back during the backswing. The length of the forward swing past the ball should ALWAYS match the length of the backswing.
When determining the "line" for the putt, pay particular attention to the lay of the green within a three foot radius around the cup, as your golf ball will be rolling fairly slowly, and therefore will break more sharply within that area near the cup. You need to determine where you want the golf ball to be when it is entering that three-feet-away radius. Always attempt to putt the ball so it will go about one foot past the hole if it misses. If it misses, watch the break PAST the hole, because that will give you the line for the tap in.
Get out of the Sand
Sand play around the green really is a different concept. Here's all you need to know to have great sand play...Open the blade of your sand wedge so that it is directed about five feet to the RIGHT of the flag. Open your stance so the tips of your feet and shoulders are aligned with each other such that you are aiming about five feet LEFT of the pin.
When you swing back, only swing the clubhead as HIGH as your right shoulder. Don't use more than about 60% power on the swing. The clubface should slice ACROSS AND DOWN THROUGH the sand, behind the ball. More than any other shot on the course, follow through is essential to lift the ball out of the sand. If you want the ball to stop more quickly, hit the sand about 1 inch behind the middle of the golf ball. If you want the ball to run, you need to hit about 2.5 inches behind the middle of the ball. Use this method and your days of poor sand play are behind you, but of course nothing comes without practice. Find a course in your area that has a chipping green with a bunker you can practice out of. After a while, your confidence will skyrocket.
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