Slow and Easy Does It

It's a BIG problem for most high handicappers and goes
something like this:

You're in the tee box staring down a 450 yard par 5. You need a
good long drive here. So you take a couple easy practice swings
with your driver... line up your shot... take the club back...
then -- somewhere in the back of your mind -- a little voice
whispers to unload with everything you have.

And that's where the problem lies.

You should NOT be thinking about "unloading" anything at the
top of your swing. This leads to one of the biggest
power-robbers ever conceived by man or beast -- the dreaded
"yank" from the top. It activates your left shoulder, arms and
hands (ALL of which should remain loose and tension free) and
promotes a poor pivot (because your brain thinks your power is
coming from the "yank" -- which is doesn't. It comes from the
PIVOT).

The classic "yank" also results in your arms and hands coming
"over-the-top", pulling the club off-plane, and eratic shots
that spray the course like buck shot.

Okay... so here's the big tip of the day.

You must think "slower" and allow your pivot to take over your
swing. Let the club accelerate near the ball instead of
"blowing your wad" at the top. Think to yourself "I'm just
gonna hit a nice easy shot about 180 yards". Do that and "whap"
-- suddenly your shots are longer, straighter, and a heck of a
lot more consistent.

Don't worry about how long you need to hit it, or "hitting it
hard", or getting the club to the ball quickly, or anything
like that. This is what prompts your brain into activating the
"yank".

Instead be patient and concentrate on keeping your left
shoulder, your arms and wrists loose and limber.

Do this and you'll instantly have a slower, smoother,
effortless looking power swing (your buddies will swear
you're just coasting).

If it feels fast, it's not. If it feels slow and easy, it's
fast. How's that for irony.

No More First Tee Jitters

Without doubt -

- it is one of the most common problems in golf - the first tee jitters -

Luckily for you and I have a proven solution!

... courteous of George Beardsley.

He describes his magic formula to beating
your first tee jitters right here :

"People go from the driving range, where they
are relaxed and calm, to the first tee, where
they are anxious and nervous.

What causes this?

Could be a number of things

- from stage fright to uncertainty of technique.

But what ever the reason

-- there is one simple exercise that can help you
hit your best first tee shot.

When we're nervous or stressed, our heart rate
speeds up

-- so we have to slow it down.

And learning to breath properly is the quickest
way to get your heart rate under control.

So, before your next round of golf

-- try this simple breathing technique and you'll
find it much easier to hit that opening tee shot.

Start this process 10 minutes before tee off.

Get by yourself somewhere, whether on the range,
putting green or just off the first tee.

Then, clear your head and begin this simple
method to slow your heart rate.

** 4-7-8 Breathing Method **

Sit with your back straight.

Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge
of tissue just behind your upper front teeth,
and keep it there throughout the exercise.

Exhale through your mouth around your tongue
with your lips slightly pursed.

Follow these steps :

1. Empty your lungs, making a wooshing sound

2. Close your mouth and inhale through your
nose to a Mental count of 4.

3. Hold your breath for a count of 7.

4. Again, blow through your mouth. making a
wooshing sound to a count of 8.

** This is one breath.

Repeat the cycle 9 more times for a total
of 10 breaths.

Do it once or twice throughout the round in
stressful situations.

As you are doing your breathing exercises,
visualize the first tee shot and your ball
going right down the middle."

Hit the Driver 300+ Yards