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
Sunday, July 20, 2008
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
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tiger's Putting a 26 Footer!
Tiger just keeps on keeping on! Won his fifth straight tournament!
What I see is that he is now keeping his drives in the fairway and his putting has improved drastically. Yes-sir, that putting is so hugely important!
Want to putt better? I suggest you get the putting DVD from PurePoint Golf. Click on the little banner image to the lower right.
What I figured out, finally, for myself is that I must make my stroke straight back and straight through with a smooth pendulum-like stroke. The motion seems to be all in my shoulders with the arms and the wrists remaining perfectly still. I suggest you practice over some sort of straight line when you groove that pendulum swing back and through.
My distance seems to be most predictable when I allow the putter head to swing through farther than it moved on the back swing. Test it out for your self at home and then on the putting green.
Another thing you will see happen as you swing back and forth: the putter head opens very slightly on the back swing and closes very slightly on the through swing. You have the feeling you will pull the shot to the left but you will see the ball go straight for the target. The biggest putt killer for me is when I try to over-control the motion of the putter head. When that happens I will often push the putt to the right.
Finally, it is a big mistake to "pop" the ball with a short jabbing stroke. Just watch the pros on TV. You will see them come up short or the ball will roll off line. The commentators will call it a "mis-read" but I think it is due to the lack of smooth pendulum rhythm with long follow through. When you "pop it" your distance control will suffer. What you need is a smooth long follow through and hold it while you watch the path of the ball's roll.
I suggest you check out the information Dave Pelz gives you in his DVD "10 Minutes a Day to Better Putting."
What I see is that he is now keeping his drives in the fairway and his putting has improved drastically. Yes-sir, that putting is so hugely important!
Want to putt better? I suggest you get the putting DVD from PurePoint Golf. Click on the little banner image to the lower right.
What I figured out, finally, for myself is that I must make my stroke straight back and straight through with a smooth pendulum-like stroke. The motion seems to be all in my shoulders with the arms and the wrists remaining perfectly still. I suggest you practice over some sort of straight line when you groove that pendulum swing back and through.
My distance seems to be most predictable when I allow the putter head to swing through farther than it moved on the back swing. Test it out for your self at home and then on the putting green.
Another thing you will see happen as you swing back and forth: the putter head opens very slightly on the back swing and closes very slightly on the through swing. You have the feeling you will pull the shot to the left but you will see the ball go straight for the target. The biggest putt killer for me is when I try to over-control the motion of the putter head. When that happens I will often push the putt to the right.
Finally, it is a big mistake to "pop" the ball with a short jabbing stroke. Just watch the pros on TV. You will see them come up short or the ball will roll off line. The commentators will call it a "mis-read" but I think it is due to the lack of smooth pendulum rhythm with long follow through. When you "pop it" your distance control will suffer. What you need is a smooth long follow through and hold it while you watch the path of the ball's roll.
I suggest you check out the information Dave Pelz gives you in his DVD "10 Minutes a Day to Better Putting."
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Strange but True!
Did you ever birdie a par 5 hole?
Yes, I know the pros do it all the time, but not so for us high handicappers.
Here is my story: I was playing by myself (you know: the "practice round" thing) when I came to a short par-5 hole. Being a real duffer at the time I just teed it up and whaled away. As usual I hit a "power fade" (you don't call them that?) and landed in a fairway bunker. No problem.
I confidently grabbed my 5 iron and hit a nice pull that went over the fairway and into another bunker. Now I am looking at the green about 150 yards away and pulled my "150 club" took my best stance in the bunker - not grounding the club, of course! - and took dead aim at the pin. The ball flew straight as an arrow, landed softly and trickled straight for the hole.
I stood there transfixed! Three shots, never in the fairway, and I'm
looking at a posssible EAGLE! I was frozen in position for about two seconds as the ball rolled onto the edge of the hole, lipped out, and stopped 4 feet away.
It was an easy birdie putt! A BIRDIE! almost an Eagle!
Wow! - I kept flashing back to the lip-out-almost-eagle! A thrilling moment just thinking about what "Could-a-Happened"! Unforgetable!
Now for that elusive Hole-In-One .....
Yes, I know the pros do it all the time, but not so for us high handicappers.
Here is my story: I was playing by myself (you know: the "practice round" thing) when I came to a short par-5 hole. Being a real duffer at the time I just teed it up and whaled away. As usual I hit a "power fade" (you don't call them that?) and landed in a fairway bunker. No problem.
I confidently grabbed my 5 iron and hit a nice pull that went over the fairway and into another bunker. Now I am looking at the green about 150 yards away and pulled my "150 club" took my best stance in the bunker - not grounding the club, of course! - and took dead aim at the pin. The ball flew straight as an arrow, landed softly and trickled straight for the hole.
I stood there transfixed! Three shots, never in the fairway, and I'm
looking at a posssible EAGLE! I was frozen in position for about two seconds as the ball rolled onto the edge of the hole, lipped out, and stopped 4 feet away.
It was an easy birdie putt! A BIRDIE! almost an Eagle!
Wow! - I kept flashing back to the lip-out-almost-eagle! A thrilling moment just thinking about what "Could-a-Happened"! Unforgetable!
Now for that elusive Hole-In-One .....
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Lower Your Golf Scores - Follow the Rules
"Oh, no - not another blah-blah about the rules!"
So says Joe Sixpak who just wants to see if he can hit his $330 driver farther than his buddies. On the green he wants to hear: "Close enough - pick it up!". Maybe that's you - maybe it's somebody you know.
One remarkable fact about the game of golf is that there is so much skill and honor involved. No matter that it can be played with all ages, both sexes,is great exercise and requires a rare commodity - mental discipline!
I like to think of it as the "real" man's game. Maintaining the high honor and respect for the system with its history and great names is as much a part of the game as making an honest birdie putt.
The rules of golf brings out the best in the players - physically, mentally, socially and just about any other way you can imagine. Courtesy and respect for the other guy is paramount. The honor system in golf requires you add a stroke on your score for an error - even if no one else saw you do it.
So quit teeing-up in front of the markers, tapping your ball onto the little tuft of grass two inches away from where it lies, taking a "free" drop from the rough and so on - you know what I mean. We have all seen infractions all too often At the very least agree on any rules "modifications" before you start play from the first tee - not after.
Skim over a rules book once or twice during the season. When my partners take liberties with the rules I handle my emotions by saying to myself, "Well, ok, he just disqualified himself and so I win by default!"
That's reality. But what I do is just focus on MY game as if I am playing by myself and let the other guy do whatever he wants. Getting into a heated argument will not help your score, I promise.
Most guys and a lot of gals enjoy a challenge and golf is definitely a challenging game and one of the biggest challenges is to play by the rules.... I hope you agree.
When you join the USGA you get a compact little rule book as one of the benefits. Visit http://www.usga.org
So says Joe Sixpak who just wants to see if he can hit his $330 driver farther than his buddies. On the green he wants to hear: "Close enough - pick it up!". Maybe that's you - maybe it's somebody you know.
One remarkable fact about the game of golf is that there is so much skill and honor involved. No matter that it can be played with all ages, both sexes,is great exercise and requires a rare commodity - mental discipline!
I like to think of it as the "real" man's game. Maintaining the high honor and respect for the system with its history and great names is as much a part of the game as making an honest birdie putt.
The rules of golf brings out the best in the players - physically, mentally, socially and just about any other way you can imagine. Courtesy and respect for the other guy is paramount. The honor system in golf requires you add a stroke on your score for an error - even if no one else saw you do it.
So quit teeing-up in front of the markers, tapping your ball onto the little tuft of grass two inches away from where it lies, taking a "free" drop from the rough and so on - you know what I mean. We have all seen infractions all too often At the very least agree on any rules "modifications" before you start play from the first tee - not after.
Skim over a rules book once or twice during the season. When my partners take liberties with the rules I handle my emotions by saying to myself, "Well, ok, he just disqualified himself and so I win by default!"
That's reality. But what I do is just focus on MY game as if I am playing by myself and let the other guy do whatever he wants. Getting into a heated argument will not help your score, I promise.
Most guys and a lot of gals enjoy a challenge and golf is definitely a challenging game and one of the biggest challenges is to play by the rules.... I hope you agree.
When you join the USGA you get a compact little rule book as one of the benefits. Visit http://www.usga.org
Friday, March 7, 2008
Let's Hear It for "The MAN"!
Is there anyone in the world who does not know the name - "Tiger Woods"?
I doubt it!
Folks, we are looking at the Charles Lindbergh of the golfing world! He is so far ahead of the other greats of golf history. For instance, I understand that for the last 12 months he has earned - from tournament winnings alone - over $77,000,000!
That number is greater than the earnings of Jack Nicklaus's entire career! And he is only five wins short of Nicklaus's all time record of 18 wins of major professional golf tounaments!
Tiger has passed up the great names of Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan.
Not a big Tiger Fan? I suggest you visit his website.
Oh, by the way, Tiger's longest streak was 36 wins ... when he was 11 years old.
I doubt it!
Folks, we are looking at the Charles Lindbergh of the golfing world! He is so far ahead of the other greats of golf history. For instance, I understand that for the last 12 months he has earned - from tournament winnings alone - over $77,000,000!
That number is greater than the earnings of Jack Nicklaus's entire career! And he is only five wins short of Nicklaus's all time record of 18 wins of major professional golf tounaments!
Tiger has passed up the great names of Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan.
Not a big Tiger Fan? I suggest you visit his website.
Oh, by the way, Tiger's longest streak was 36 wins ... when he was 11 years old.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Balance Your Balls
Do you balance your golf ball before you begin play?
What - you say?
You mean you do not balance your golf balls? Maybe not if you are
Tiger Woods - because Nike makes balanced balls for him, I suppose.
Dave Pelz convinced me that a non-balanced ball is unpredictable with regard to knowing whether the ball will roll online or not. My missed putts - which just rimmed the hole without going in - seemed to decrease when I balanced my ball.
The only ball I found to be balanced was made by Wilson - Wilson "True" I think it was called. I found a ball balancer call a "Spin-Go" at my local golf store. I found that all the balls I had were not balanced, regardless of price. Even Pro VIs were not balanced.
So now, whenever I buy any balls, I test them all. I always look for a distance ball because I need distance.
I need a balanced ball because I need to hole my putts!
Once the ball is balanced all you need to do is align the balance mark on the ball with the line you want to start the ball on, take your best putting grip and stance and let 'er go!
What - you say?
You mean you do not balance your golf balls? Maybe not if you are
Tiger Woods - because Nike makes balanced balls for him, I suppose.
Dave Pelz convinced me that a non-balanced ball is unpredictable with regard to knowing whether the ball will roll online or not. My missed putts - which just rimmed the hole without going in - seemed to decrease when I balanced my ball.
The only ball I found to be balanced was made by Wilson - Wilson "True" I think it was called. I found a ball balancer call a "Spin-Go" at my local golf store. I found that all the balls I had were not balanced, regardless of price. Even Pro VIs were not balanced.
So now, whenever I buy any balls, I test them all. I always look for a distance ball because I need distance.
I need a balanced ball because I need to hole my putts!
Once the ball is balanced all you need to do is align the balance mark on the ball with the line you want to start the ball on, take your best putting grip and stance and let 'er go!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Should you change your grip?
When attending John Jacobs golf school I watched an instructor warming up in the morning. He was hitting fades with a fairway wood.
After watching 3 or 4 in a row land in nearly the same spot, I asked, "Can you hit a draw that lands the same distance to the left?" He demonstrated several nice draws which landed about 5 paces to the left of the target line. I thought, "He must be hitting a 5-metal ... no one can be that accurate with a driver."
So I went to look at his club while he took a break. It was a 7.5 degree driver! WOW! I was impressed!
Did you ever try to hit a low lofted driver? Less than 10 degrees or less than 9.5 degrees?
The pro explained that all he did was change his grip from slightly weak to slightly strong. The swing stayed the same other wise. The amount of change as in all things in golf is very slight. About a quarter inch is about all it takes. Try it sometime.
By the way, there was no change in the position of his feet -- just his
grip.
After watching 3 or 4 in a row land in nearly the same spot, I asked, "Can you hit a draw that lands the same distance to the left?" He demonstrated several nice draws which landed about 5 paces to the left of the target line. I thought, "He must be hitting a 5-metal ... no one can be that accurate with a driver."
So I went to look at his club while he took a break. It was a 7.5 degree driver! WOW! I was impressed!
Did you ever try to hit a low lofted driver? Less than 10 degrees or less than 9.5 degrees?
The pro explained that all he did was change his grip from slightly weak to slightly strong. The swing stayed the same other wise. The amount of change as in all things in golf is very slight. About a quarter inch is about all it takes. Try it sometime.
By the way, there was no change in the position of his feet -- just his
grip.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Find YOUR Sweet Spot!
Where is the sweet spot on your club? Is it the same for each club? Is it under the little mark on the top of the club face? When did you look for it last?
If you do not hit your golf ball with the sweet spot of the golf clubface you do not know where your ball is going and you certainly do not know how far it is going!
Most clubs have some sort of mark on the top edge of the club face but, I find, that it is not a good indicator of exactly where the sweet spot is actually located.
To find the sweet spot, pick up the club by the grip and hold it lightly. Let it hang down from two fingers so that it can swing freely. Take a golf ball and tap the face of the club with it - gently - and feel for vibrations coming into the fingers which are holding the club.
Tap near the toe of the club. Tap near the heel of the club. Feel the strong vibrations as the club attempts to turn and twist. Then slowly move the tapping in toward the center of the club-face and notice when you feel the vibrations disappear.
THAT spot is where the sweet-spot of the club is.
Hits on the sweet-spot will feel almost effortless and you will be amazed at how far the ball flies. I test the sweet spot on my clubs at least once during the round to remind me of just where that spot is. I will sometimes mark the top edge of the club face with another mark - different from the original mark on the face placed there by the manufacturer.
Below are some wonderful resources where you can learn more about the golf swing - - your golf swing -- how to simplify it and make it "do the talking" for you! Click Here! and Here!
Here is another tip - the sweet spot on your putter is enormously important - do not ignore it!
If you do not hit your golf ball with the sweet spot of the golf clubface you do not know where your ball is going and you certainly do not know how far it is going!
Most clubs have some sort of mark on the top edge of the club face but, I find, that it is not a good indicator of exactly where the sweet spot is actually located.
To find the sweet spot, pick up the club by the grip and hold it lightly. Let it hang down from two fingers so that it can swing freely. Take a golf ball and tap the face of the club with it - gently - and feel for vibrations coming into the fingers which are holding the club.
Tap near the toe of the club. Tap near the heel of the club. Feel the strong vibrations as the club attempts to turn and twist. Then slowly move the tapping in toward the center of the club-face and notice when you feel the vibrations disappear.
THAT spot is where the sweet-spot of the club is.
Hits on the sweet-spot will feel almost effortless and you will be amazed at how far the ball flies. I test the sweet spot on my clubs at least once during the round to remind me of just where that spot is. I will sometimes mark the top edge of the club face with another mark - different from the original mark on the face placed there by the manufacturer.
Below are some wonderful resources where you can learn more about the golf swing - - your golf swing -- how to simplify it and make it "do the talking" for you! Click Here! and Here!
Here is another tip - the sweet spot on your putter is enormously important - do not ignore it!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Golf Ball Flight Never Lies!
A golfer needs lessons.
There is nothing natural about the golf swing. You are not born knowing how to swing a club. You have to learn how to swing the club for maximum efficiency (proper distance and accuracy). A beginning golfer needs to take lessons, watch instructional videos, read books and practice.
I attended several weekend sessions of the John Jacobs Golf School and learned the principles of ball flight. We learned that the ball NEVER lies to us. It ALWAYS does exactly what it is told to do by the face of the club. Our hands control the club face.
Why does your ball always curve to the right? Because the face of the golf club contacts the ball on an out-to-in swing path with the face of the club open with respect to the direction of the swing path. Therefore, in this situation, the ball starts to the left and then curves more or less drastically to the right. A "pull-slice".
To correct this problem align your body parallel to the desired ball flight path. Next, make sure your grip on the club is in a slightly "strong" position. Make a full backward shoulder turn then start down with the body and let the arms and hands follow keeping the trailing elbow tucked into the side of the chest and hip. On the downswing make a full turn toward the target and finish with your belt buckle looking at the taget. Do it slowly hitting only a half or three-quarter shot until you get the feel of the proper timing and rhythm.
If you don't catch on after the first bucket of balls then you might want to see a golf instructor or check out David Ledbetter's video or CDs which you may be able to buy at Dicks Sporting Goods or 3Balls.com. Clubs fitted to you work so much better than ones which are not fitted to your particular characteristics - see GigaGolf!
There is nothing natural about the golf swing. You are not born knowing how to swing a club. You have to learn how to swing the club for maximum efficiency (proper distance and accuracy). A beginning golfer needs to take lessons, watch instructional videos, read books and practice.
I attended several weekend sessions of the John Jacobs Golf School and learned the principles of ball flight. We learned that the ball NEVER lies to us. It ALWAYS does exactly what it is told to do by the face of the club. Our hands control the club face.
Why does your ball always curve to the right? Because the face of the golf club contacts the ball on an out-to-in swing path with the face of the club open with respect to the direction of the swing path. Therefore, in this situation, the ball starts to the left and then curves more or less drastically to the right. A "pull-slice".
To correct this problem align your body parallel to the desired ball flight path. Next, make sure your grip on the club is in a slightly "strong" position. Make a full backward shoulder turn then start down with the body and let the arms and hands follow keeping the trailing elbow tucked into the side of the chest and hip. On the downswing make a full turn toward the target and finish with your belt buckle looking at the taget. Do it slowly hitting only a half or three-quarter shot until you get the feel of the proper timing and rhythm.
If you don't catch on after the first bucket of balls then you might want to see a golf instructor or check out David Ledbetter's video or CDs which you may be able to buy at Dicks Sporting Goods or 3Balls.com. Clubs fitted to you work so much better than ones which are not fitted to your particular characteristics - see GigaGolf!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Your Golf Attitude
I believe most of us weekend golfers do not understand the importance of Attitude in the game of golf.
The pros never talk about what they cannot do.
I have a friend who is really a good guy except when it comes to golf. He beats himself up all the time: "Well, here I go again - single bogey golfer- that's the best I can do...I can't make a two foot putt! ---"
I smile to myself when I hear his comments because it helps me win when his attitude is bad. I am not a scratch golfer either but I win more often than does my friend. I let every negative thought roll off like water on a duck's back.
I set goals for myself: "Today I am going to make two more pars than I made last time". Or, "One more birdie today than last time." Or, " I always make my putts inside 4 feet." Our brains are finely tuned receivers and usually enable us to do what we tell ourselves we can do.
Notice the next time you go out with your foursome. Listen to the talk and watch the physical reactions of your fellow golfers.
My routine is to talk to my self. I start by saying, "What a great day for golfing!" as I sniff the cool air and hear the birds in the trees. I take a few deep breaths of fresh air and focus on how good, clean, fresh air feels flowing into my lungs. I always allow time to stretch my major muscles and swing a few slow coordinated golf swings. I picture in my mind what a perfect shot looks like.
I clean up my equipment because I want to celebrate this occasion in "style". I recall successful shots I have made in the past. To make it short: I place in my mind good feelings, positive thoughts about what I can do and have done and confident self talk like: "I CAN make this one - I have done it before!"
I recall one of my best T-shots ever: We had just exchanged a pleasant comment and I just took one practice swing, set the club behind the ball and hit it. The ball flew straight and true more than 30 yard farther than my usual studied T shot.
I felt positive and let my intuition do the rest. It works!
Try it sometime.
And, by the way, take a look at buying golf balls and equipment online.
Click on the banners below for some pretty good deals.
The pros never talk about what they cannot do.
I have a friend who is really a good guy except when it comes to golf. He beats himself up all the time: "Well, here I go again - single bogey golfer- that's the best I can do...I can't make a two foot putt! ---"
I smile to myself when I hear his comments because it helps me win when his attitude is bad. I am not a scratch golfer either but I win more often than does my friend. I let every negative thought roll off like water on a duck's back.
I set goals for myself: "Today I am going to make two more pars than I made last time". Or, "One more birdie today than last time." Or, " I always make my putts inside 4 feet." Our brains are finely tuned receivers and usually enable us to do what we tell ourselves we can do.
Notice the next time you go out with your foursome. Listen to the talk and watch the physical reactions of your fellow golfers.
My routine is to talk to my self. I start by saying, "What a great day for golfing!" as I sniff the cool air and hear the birds in the trees. I take a few deep breaths of fresh air and focus on how good, clean, fresh air feels flowing into my lungs. I always allow time to stretch my major muscles and swing a few slow coordinated golf swings. I picture in my mind what a perfect shot looks like.
I clean up my equipment because I want to celebrate this occasion in "style". I recall successful shots I have made in the past. To make it short: I place in my mind good feelings, positive thoughts about what I can do and have done and confident self talk like: "I CAN make this one - I have done it before!"
I recall one of my best T-shots ever: We had just exchanged a pleasant comment and I just took one practice swing, set the club behind the ball and hit it. The ball flew straight and true more than 30 yard farther than my usual studied T shot.
I felt positive and let my intuition do the rest. It works!
Try it sometime.
And, by the way, take a look at buying golf balls and equipment online.
Click on the banners below for some pretty good deals.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Golf Tips: Your Scoring Club
How is your golf? Yes: your golf score?
Which is your scoring club? Driver? Pitching wedge? Putter?
Which is your scoring club? Driver? Pitching wedge? Putter?
If you said "putter" you're probably right. Why? Because a good scratch golfer playing 18 holes will use his putter 36 times with every round. All the other strokes are taken with the remaining 13 clubs in the bag.
Therefore, good putting is absolutely crucial to making a lower score.
Using the putter is strangely mechanical and intuitive at the same time. You must swing like a mechanical putting robot and you must allow your intuitive brain to take command and control the motion of the putt, the direction of the putt and the pace of the putt.
Have you watched how Tiger Woods approaches his putt? He squats down - like all of us - to look at the line. He walks around both sides of the line and visualizes the the roll of the ball. Everything he does programs his mental intuition to automatically perform the stroke. He allows his vision and the feel of the green under his feet to feed information into his subconscious, intuitive mind. He evaluates the wind's effects, the grain of the green and uses the same routine every time. Then he practices "feeling" the putt with practice strokes - too hard, too soft, just right. Finally he adjusts his feet, sets the club behind the ball and using a measured rhythm allows this body to swing the club in a pendulum: straight back and straight through.
I have found that if the follow through is longer than the back swing I will make a better putt more often than not. Try it at home on your most green-like carpet. Make 8 and 10 foot putts and notice how the club feels in your hands and hold your position at the end of the stroke while you watch the path of the ball. If the pace is right, your ball will stop about 12 - 18 inches beyond the target.
The expert on putting and the short game is Dave Pelz. Pick up his book on putting at Amazon.com.
WebWeaverGolf 2-17-08 Next: Attitude
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
