I have neglected my blog far too long - - and here it is "Masters Week" and I am watching the competition with great interest.
Of course, Tiger is the main attraction for me. Another notable is Gary Player, age 73, who left the Masters forever today. What a remarkable example of success! Not only is he a great golfer who has ushered in the era of TV golf (along with Nicklaus and Palmer) but he is also an example of masculine character in his approach to Life. And, for us septuagenarians, he is the paragon of physical conditioning and fitness.
I must say that I notice an unusual number of very excellent young players who are destined to make a big impression on the golf world as time goes by.
Naturally I critique all the putting strokes. One of Tiger's problems this week is he is getting too much "popping" in his stroke. Accuracy is improved when one gets away from popping ones putts and starts using a rhythmic back and forth motion which is hinged from a point where the base of the neck meets the shoulders. Wrists, elbows and shoulder joints should remain quiet.
By the way, for anyone in the Boulder, CO area I would like to recommend a friend and golf coach I first encountered in 2004, Mr. Mike Celani. He has been coaching golfers in a casual way for over 20 years and has helped me a great deal. He may be reached in Boulder, CO at his phone which is 303-449-1440. His rates are very reasonable. Mike says: "The Ball Wants to Go Straight!" Call him and find out what the heck he is talking about.
Next time I will have more words about Tiger Woods - - after the Masters is over.....
Friday, April 10, 2009
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Going for the "Mug" at Royal Birkdale
The drama of the quest for the "Auld Mug" - or the British Open - should never be missed.
Just finished watching Harrington clutch the trophy and announce that it felt so good to be up there congratulating every body involved. I think the winner gets 1.8 mil or somethng like it.
Once again, I could not believe how PRO golfers can putt so poorly. Yes, I know all the excuses: double cut greens, the wind, "lost my balance" and all the rest.
As far as I can see the pendulum swingers bring home the bacon more often than not. When a pro-golfer leaves his putts short you know he is having a bad day or jet lag or maybe just a mental brain f--t.
Take the amateur who took the silver medal, Wood is his name (what are the odds?!) His putting was way better than most of the pros: straight back and straight through, pause and hold. Norman could not stop his popping stroke and Sergio just kept-on-keepin'-on: popping!
Norman should have left his driver in Aussie-land. Why a guy in his situation and on a golf course like Royal Birkdale and with salty gales-o'-the sea would even consider puting his driver in the bag is beyond me. Even Tiger learned that he really doesn't actually NEED his driver on every tee.
Still, it was great to see the old shark, long in the tooth, and feisty Paddy do their best. I am really proud to be able to appreciate the game as I do.
So, leave the driver in the bag and spend 60% of your time with the short irons and putter and enjoy the fresh air.
Need help? Check out the links on the right of the page.
"Let the club do the work..." for lower golf scores.
Ron Smalley
Try Healthy Coffee
Just finished watching Harrington clutch the trophy and announce that it felt so good to be up there congratulating every body involved. I think the winner gets 1.8 mil or somethng like it.
Once again, I could not believe how PRO golfers can putt so poorly. Yes, I know all the excuses: double cut greens, the wind, "lost my balance" and all the rest.
As far as I can see the pendulum swingers bring home the bacon more often than not. When a pro-golfer leaves his putts short you know he is having a bad day or jet lag or maybe just a mental brain f--t.
Take the amateur who took the silver medal, Wood is his name (what are the odds?!) His putting was way better than most of the pros: straight back and straight through, pause and hold. Norman could not stop his popping stroke and Sergio just kept-on-keepin'-on: popping!
Norman should have left his driver in Aussie-land. Why a guy in his situation and on a golf course like Royal Birkdale and with salty gales-o'-the sea would even consider puting his driver in the bag is beyond me. Even Tiger learned that he really doesn't actually NEED his driver on every tee.
Still, it was great to see the old shark, long in the tooth, and feisty Paddy do their best. I am really proud to be able to appreciate the game as I do.
So, leave the driver in the bag and spend 60% of your time with the short irons and putter and enjoy the fresh air.
Need help? Check out the links on the right of the page.
"Let the club do the work..." for lower golf scores.
Ron Smalley
Try Healthy Coffee
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
No Mojo? See Moe!
How quickly does time fly by. And so much can happen...
Such as Tiger dropping out of the scene for the rest of the year. There is so much written about Tiger's injury (or Injuries) what more could I say? Hits for the search term "tiger woods" are only 60 less than for the term "george bush" and almost three times as many as for the term "hannah montana naked". Oh, well...
By the way if you are having problems with your chipping and putting have you thought about a visit with Moe Norman?
"Who is Moe Norman?", you may ask.
Well, he's the guy who is in the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame because of his incredible feats of scoring in the Canadian PGA. He invented the "Natural Golf Swing". Visit the moenormangolfacademy.org and study the free videos, lessons, drills and demos. Try it for putting and chipping and see what happens. I tried it and find that my putting has improved incredibly. When you start bouncing your chips off the pin your buddies may sit up and take notice.
And don't forget to check out those links on the right side of the page in this blog.
May you hit 'em straight and hit 'em long!
Such as Tiger dropping out of the scene for the rest of the year. There is so much written about Tiger's injury (or Injuries) what more could I say? Hits for the search term "tiger woods" are only 60 less than for the term "george bush" and almost three times as many as for the term "hannah montana naked". Oh, well...
By the way if you are having problems with your chipping and putting have you thought about a visit with Moe Norman?
"Who is Moe Norman?", you may ask.
Well, he's the guy who is in the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame because of his incredible feats of scoring in the Canadian PGA. He invented the "Natural Golf Swing". Visit the moenormangolfacademy.org and study the free videos, lessons, drills and demos. Try it for putting and chipping and see what happens. I tried it and find that my putting has improved incredibly. When you start bouncing your chips off the pin your buddies may sit up and take notice.
And don't forget to check out those links on the right side of the page in this blog.
May you hit 'em straight and hit 'em long!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sergio Sneaks In
Even though Goydos played much better for the 4 days of the Players Chmpionship at Ponte Vedra, it was Sergio who hung in there and profited from a water ball from his opponent on the 17th hole.
Heck, Sergio was even embarassed by that two-putt from four and a half feet to WIN!
What a travesty... But that's golf!
Did you notice Sergio's tendency to "pop" his putts? "Popping" as far as I can see will never be better than a smooth pendulum swing with "over" follow through combined with "hold and watch" - just like Dave Pelz's recommended technique.
At least Sergio recognized how much easier it is to win without #1 lurking about...
Looking forward to the Memorial.
Heck, Sergio was even embarassed by that two-putt from four and a half feet to WIN!
What a travesty... But that's golf!
Did you notice Sergio's tendency to "pop" his putts? "Popping" as far as I can see will never be better than a smooth pendulum swing with "over" follow through combined with "hold and watch" - just like Dave Pelz's recommended technique.
At least Sergio recognized how much easier it is to win without #1 lurking about...
Looking forward to the Memorial.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Congrats to Mr. Kim - history in the making!
WOW! You've got to admire Anthony Kim: 22 years old and now enjoying the cool $1,152,000 trophy for his great play at the Wachovia.
I noticed the cool temperament especially. OK, yes, he does have a great swing off the teeing ground - gets it in the fairway and does not do anything stupid (the second great rule-of-golf) like one great golfer we know Put will reMain nameless in this blog. He had only 11 putts on the first nine. Now that should be a lesson for the rest of us.
How many people were practicing their putting out at the golf course on Sunday? Yep, you guessed it: Z-E-R-O! Every one goes out there with their easiest iron (like a #7) to warm up and then grabs the driver to see how far he can bomb it. No wonder the golf club owners love us. We never get better but keep trying to buy a better golf game. You know: the latest and greatest driver and who doesn't own at least three putters?
I am convinced by my own experience that if one learns to putt correctly you will do more for your golf game and no need to spend another 4 - 5 Benjies on a new driver. My putter cost $20 and it works beautifully - - - ever since I learned how to use it properly. I have mentioned what I do previously in this blog. When I practice at home my target is another golf ball. It is gratifying to note how often I can hit it from 7 and 8 feet once I get my procedure honed. And that usually takes only about 5 to 10 minutes.
Just remember: "straight back and straight through" with about 18" more follow through than you need on the back swing. I also keep the ball position rather close to my toes in order to promote a more pure pendulum swing.
Need more tips? Visit some great instructional sites such as PurePointGolf - Click on the banner "How to Hit a Draw" - or visit Dave Pelz's site at PelzGolf.com. Register at his site to get some great golf tips.
I noticed the cool temperament especially. OK, yes, he does have a great swing off the teeing ground - gets it in the fairway and does not do anything stupid (the second great rule-of-golf) like one great golfer we know Put will reMain nameless in this blog. He had only 11 putts on the first nine. Now that should be a lesson for the rest of us.
How many people were practicing their putting out at the golf course on Sunday? Yep, you guessed it: Z-E-R-O! Every one goes out there with their easiest iron (like a #7) to warm up and then grabs the driver to see how far he can bomb it. No wonder the golf club owners love us. We never get better but keep trying to buy a better golf game. You know: the latest and greatest driver and who doesn't own at least three putters?
I am convinced by my own experience that if one learns to putt correctly you will do more for your golf game and no need to spend another 4 - 5 Benjies on a new driver. My putter cost $20 and it works beautifully - - - ever since I learned how to use it properly. I have mentioned what I do previously in this blog. When I practice at home my target is another golf ball. It is gratifying to note how often I can hit it from 7 and 8 feet once I get my procedure honed. And that usually takes only about 5 to 10 minutes.
Just remember: "straight back and straight through" with about 18" more follow through than you need on the back swing. I also keep the ball position rather close to my toes in order to promote a more pure pendulum swing.
Need more tips? Visit some great instructional sites such as PurePointGolf - Click on the banner "How to Hit a Draw" - or visit Dave Pelz's site at PelzGolf.com. Register at his site to get some great golf tips.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Latest on the "Phee-nom"...
You have heard by now that Tiger will not be back until sometime in June due to knee surgery.
Now that makes his #2 at the Masters even more significant.
How many golfers would be able to progress on the fourth day of any tounament comming from behind to wind up in second place with a painful knee injury? Nil to none, I would wager. And that knee was bothering him before the Masters even started!
And when he does come back in June what are the odds on him continuing his incredible and enviable position of number one in the World?
Pretty good, I would say. The man can do it all and he is learning more and more with each tournament. He's not done yet.
I would bet he will carry on for more than twenty more years barring any serious unexpected injury or illness.
Sure is nice to be around when history is being made!
Need some Nike golf balls of the Platinum variety? Click on some of the merchant's links on this page. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.
Meanwhile: Are you practicing your chipping and putting? When you practice, plan to divide your time like 20% on driving and mid-irons and 80% on chipping and putting. If you are not making progress, please take my advice and take a lesson from a good pro or get the Dave Pelz DVD on the short game.
Any comments on this blog? Let me know, please.
Now that makes his #2 at the Masters even more significant.
How many golfers would be able to progress on the fourth day of any tounament comming from behind to wind up in second place with a painful knee injury? Nil to none, I would wager. And that knee was bothering him before the Masters even started!
And when he does come back in June what are the odds on him continuing his incredible and enviable position of number one in the World?
Pretty good, I would say. The man can do it all and he is learning more and more with each tournament. He's not done yet.
I would bet he will carry on for more than twenty more years barring any serious unexpected injury or illness.
Sure is nice to be around when history is being made!
Need some Nike golf balls of the Platinum variety? Click on some of the merchant's links on this page. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.
Meanwhile: Are you practicing your chipping and putting? When you practice, plan to divide your time like 20% on driving and mid-irons and 80% on chipping and putting. If you are not making progress, please take my advice and take a lesson from a good pro or get the Dave Pelz DVD on the short game.
Any comments on this blog? Let me know, please.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Suspicions Confirmed!
Today, in Tiger Woods' website he mentions in his letter to members that Nike is doing something special for him. He likes to use balls with the number "1" on them, especially on Thursdays and Sundays. Now all his Nike balls have the number 1 on them.
He also has switched to using the standard-buy-it-anywhere Nike One Platinum ball. I am sure that prior to this he was using specially made balls just for him.
Anyone want to buy Nike stock (NKE) ? The stock gapped up about March 20 and is up today about 22 cents. Just thought you might find it interesting. Don't worry: I am NOT a stock broker or financial adviser so you can just let this go in one ear and out the other.
Tiger says he is working on his short game, chipping and putting in preparation for the Masters next week. "...a word to the wise..."
I will probably have more to say next week as the Masters gets cranked up.
Until then ... would you like to feel better? Have you heard about Healthier Coffee? Check out my Gano website.
And don't forget to check out the golf stores mentioned in this blog.
Until next time: "Hit'em Long and Straight"
Ron Smalley
He also has switched to using the standard-buy-it-anywhere Nike One Platinum ball. I am sure that prior to this he was using specially made balls just for him.
Anyone want to buy Nike stock (NKE) ? The stock gapped up about March 20 and is up today about 22 cents. Just thought you might find it interesting. Don't worry: I am NOT a stock broker or financial adviser so you can just let this go in one ear and out the other.
Tiger says he is working on his short game, chipping and putting in preparation for the Masters next week. "...a word to the wise..."
I will probably have more to say next week as the Masters gets cranked up.
Until then ... would you like to feel better? Have you heard about Healthier Coffee? Check out my Gano website.
And don't forget to check out the golf stores mentioned in this blog.
Until next time: "Hit'em Long and Straight"
Ron Smalley
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