Swing Tips (downloadable PDF instruction)
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Lessons From The Teaching Pros
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FROM THE TEE
Swing With A Cast
Submitted by Ned Salz, La Quinta, Calif.
To create a well-timed rotation of the left arm in the takeaway
and to keep from getting too wristy, at address imagine
your left forearm and wrist are in a cast. Then, on the
takeaway, rotate that cast clockwise 90 degrees. You can
see a good example of this by watching John Huston on the
PGA Tour. During his swing, notice the position of his left
arm in the takeaway. It works for him, and it can work for
you, too.
GETTING TO THE GREEN
Turn The Clubface For Buried-Lie Shots
Submitted by Mark Ingebrigtsen, PGA Professional, Shreveport,
La.
When most players walk up to the green and see their ball
buried in the sand, they automatically think the worst will
happen. Here is a tip to help you get out of this problem
and get your ball close to the hole.
In a normal bunker shot, you want to play the ball forward
in your stance, open your clubface and your stance, and
slide the club under the ball with a good follow-through.
However, the buried-lie shot is totally different. For this
shot, play the ball in the middle of your stance, put more
weight on your target side (80/20) and place your hands
slightly in front of the ball. This will help to position
your body and shoulders for a descending angle to the ball.
Now, turn the clubface in about 35 to 45 degrees. It may
look wrong, but this is the secret to success. The swing
should be very upright with an early wrist set. Also, remember
to pick a spot behind the ball and make an aggressive swing.
However, there should be no follow-through on this swing.
The energy of the swing should be in a descending blow to
the sand. The sand actually will open the clubface and pop
the ball high into the air with very little spin, allowing
the ball to land much softer than your typical buried-lie
shot that comes out with a lot of overspin. It will take
some practice to trust this clubface position, but it will
get you out of the worst buried lie and close to the hole.
.PRECISION PUTTING
Distance Control On The Greens
Submitted by C.B. Maxwell, Pinfire Golf
One thing I notice about many amateur players is that they
have no clue how hard to hit putts longer than 25 feet.
They usually get one of two results — pitifully short
or woefully long. This often produces a dreaded three-putt.
The next time you are practicing on the putting green,
simply take a ball in your throwing hand and face the target,
rolling the ball underhanded toward the target. Notice how
you don't even think about how hard to roll it? It is instinctive,
not a thought or a mechanical process.
The same is true for putting. Line up the putt, take your
position and give one last look at the target. Simply visualize
rolling it with your right hand, and then put it in motion
with the putter. Aiming from this distance is not as important
as speed.
If the putt is longer than 30 feet, I think it is a good
idea to walk to the hole and back to get a better feel for
the distance from various angles. The reason is a putt of
over 30 feet might look like 40 feet or even 50 feet. The
optical illusion won't let the mind pace the shot properly.
By looking at a putt from both ends, you will have a better
idea of the true distance you face.
It really won't matter where you are aiming if your speed
isn't anywhere close to being right.
FIX YOUR FAULTS
Fundamentals Of A Proper Grip
Submitted by Jack Bowen, JB Golf Components, San Diego,
Calif.
Have you ever sliced or hooked a tee shot? Don't be so
quick to blame it on your fancy new driver. Most often the
source of the trouble is your grip. Here are three tips
for building a fundamentally sound grip.
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