"The great martial arts instructors talk often about pulling as your
opponent is pushing. What does this mean? Basically, it's a simple
way of maintaining balance.
Think of it this way...If your opponent pushes you in the chest with all of his force...and
you resist...it won't take long before you lose balance.
But if instead of resisting, you let your body step backward -- you
would easily keep balance. This is a great example of not fighting
the laws of nature.Another example is water. Imagine a river finding it's way.
It doesn't try and ram it's way trough a rock wall. It's just meanders
around the wall -- basically taking the path of least resistance.To me, great golf is a lot like these two examples.
And in turn, poor golf is like standing your ground against that
opponent - instead of stepping backward. Or, like water ramming
against the rock wall - instead of gently finding it's way around.How does that relate to you and the golf course?Too many times I see people struggle instead of taking what the
golf course gives. Or, for that matter, struggling with their game -- in a
quest for perfection -- instead of playing with what they have on
a given day...or just going with the flow.Tour professionals understand this.
Well, at least the best ones do.
They know that there are literally dozens, if not hundreds, of ways
to achieve the same result. And when it comes right down to it --
the result -- or a good score -- is all that matters.
On one day, their swing might be so good that getting around the
golf course is easy. But maybe their putting doesn't feel all that great.
So, even though their swing is great -- they still only manage two or
three under par.
But on the next day, their putter comes alive -- but their swing feel
goes slightly dormant. They hit less greens - but make lots of par
putts and take advantage of the greens they do hit.
But the net result is the same -- two or three under par.
They understand that golf is a marathon -- not a sprint -- so they
take this in stride. They'll wait for those days when everything clicks
- but aren't consumed with it happening each time they tee it up.This can happen with course conditions just as easy.
One day, on a par four, you could hit driver within a short iron of the
green. But the next Saturday, when the wind shifts a little, it might
turn into a hybrid or fairway wood. The golf course is constantly
changing, which to me, is one of the things that makes this game
so special.
But if you don't embrace that change and expect to end up in the
same spot every time -- you will end up a seriously frustrated golfer.These are some of the reasons why it's difficult to follow up a
great round with another great round.
Say the last time you played -- you were 2 under by the 6th hole
-- but now you are 1 over -- so it's very easy to think "what's
happening here?"
Or, "why am I so bad today when I was so good yesterday?"
Part of it could be some simple fundamentals ... but mostly -- it's
about just being at peace with the game.
And knowing that no one masters golf.
This is why Tiger Woods doesn't shoot 54 every time he plays.
Or why Ben Hogan would always wake up from his famous dream
on the 18th hole -- right after making 17 straight birdies. Even in
his dreams he couldn't master this game.Can taking a more serene approach help you score better? Absolutely!
Here are a few things that could help you go with the flow on the
golf course...
1. Understand that golf course conditions are ever-changing -- so it's
impossible to duplicate your play each time out.
2. Develop a balanced game -- with emphasis on the short game --
so when you don't have a solid swing -- you still have chances to
shoot your handicap.
3. Take each shot and each round on it's own merit. Don't compare
past rounds and past shots. Just take what you have in front of you
-- with whatever physical tools you have for that given day -- and
make a plan accordingly.
4. Understand that your score on a given day doesn't define you as
a golfer. Sometimes -- a lot of times actually -- luck plays a huge
part in this game. I know Gary Player said "the more he practiced,
the luckier he got" -- but somethings are just outside of your control.
Know that and be OK with it.As strange as it sounds -- you may have to think about and practice
going with the flow.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Swing with Balance
Just about every weekend golfer would like to have a balanced finish to his or her swing, one that looks like the pros' finish. Why shouldn't you want to copy the pros? They're pretty good, aren't they. A comfortable, balanced finish to a golf swing offers numerous benefits. It not only looks great, it also places less stress on your body. And for those who haven't guessed it, it also works better. Anything that works better generally takes strokes off your golf handicap. Unfortunately, many golfers lose their balance during their swings. Some spend hours trying to eliminate this flaw to no avail, despite taking golf lessons and studying golf tips in magazines and newsletters. That's because their corrective methods don't work. They may help for a short while, but in time, the golfer reverts to his or her old habits. Thus, an off-balance swing stays that way. Until they achieve proper balance, cutting strokes off their golf handicaps may be difficult to do.
Clubface Controls Balance What most golfers don't realize is that it's the clubface that controls balance. That's right. It's the clubface, not the body. Basically, our body is designed for making balanced, athletic moves, if it's allowed to do so. That's the key—allowing our bodies to make those balanced, athletic moves. Controlling the clubface enables your body to make those balanced, athletic moves.
The key for controlling the clubface in your swing is quite simply. Once you learn to properly position of the clubface through the swing, achieving proper balance in your swing is a snap. In fact, you'll be amazed at just how much more balanced—and powerful—your golf swing feels. But first you need to understand the swing's mechanics and how different moves affect balance.
Two Common MistakesTwo common mistakes golfers make tend to create an off-balance swing. Closing the clubface during the backswing is one. This mistake not only throws the golfer off balance but it also contributes to a reverse pivot. In fact, it's the main cause of a reverse pivot. That's because the body's natural reaction to a closed clubface is to shift the weight toward your front foot. A closed clubface also causes an instinctive hanging back on the right side during transition, creating poor contact and short-circuiting power.
The second mistake that causes an off-balance swing is over-rotating the arms, which leaves the clubface open. This move causes an overly flat rotation of the shoulders and a stranding of body weight behind the ball. More importantly, the move makes it difficult to get back on plane in the downswing and forces the body to move outside and around on the forward swing. This, in turn, makes most golfers fall toward the ball, creating a jammed impact position with little leverage for power.
Toe-up Drill Improves BalanceThe Toe-up Drill helps eliminates these mistakes and creates a better-balanced, more comfortable swing. The drill, which I've described in my golf tips newsletter, is easy to do at home or the range.
Assume your normal stance. As you start the swing, concentrate on turning the shoulders perpendicular to the spine in the takeaway. Allow your forearms and clubface to rotate naturally with the turn of your shoulders, so that the toe of the club points straight up as it reaches waist high. Do this several times.
When the club reaches your waist, you should feel your body weight move solidly on to your back heel. Instead of feeling weak and powerless, as you would if you over-rotated your arms or closed the clubface, you should feel coiled and powerful.
When you feel comfortable with the takeaway, try swinging to the top. Once there, you want the toe pointing straight down toward the ground. When you reach the top position, allow your arms to drop in an effortless manner and swing through to a simulated post-impact position. For best results, continue working on this drill. Each time you do it swing a little faster until you can swing at full speed. Once you feel confident, hit some balls using this new approach. You'll feel balanced and comfortable with your swing. A better-balanced swing will produce straighter shots and more consistency. Both will help you whittle strokes off your golf handicap.
Clubface Controls Balance What most golfers don't realize is that it's the clubface that controls balance. That's right. It's the clubface, not the body. Basically, our body is designed for making balanced, athletic moves, if it's allowed to do so. That's the key—allowing our bodies to make those balanced, athletic moves. Controlling the clubface enables your body to make those balanced, athletic moves.
The key for controlling the clubface in your swing is quite simply. Once you learn to properly position of the clubface through the swing, achieving proper balance in your swing is a snap. In fact, you'll be amazed at just how much more balanced—and powerful—your golf swing feels. But first you need to understand the swing's mechanics and how different moves affect balance.
Two Common MistakesTwo common mistakes golfers make tend to create an off-balance swing. Closing the clubface during the backswing is one. This mistake not only throws the golfer off balance but it also contributes to a reverse pivot. In fact, it's the main cause of a reverse pivot. That's because the body's natural reaction to a closed clubface is to shift the weight toward your front foot. A closed clubface also causes an instinctive hanging back on the right side during transition, creating poor contact and short-circuiting power.
The second mistake that causes an off-balance swing is over-rotating the arms, which leaves the clubface open. This move causes an overly flat rotation of the shoulders and a stranding of body weight behind the ball. More importantly, the move makes it difficult to get back on plane in the downswing and forces the body to move outside and around on the forward swing. This, in turn, makes most golfers fall toward the ball, creating a jammed impact position with little leverage for power.
Toe-up Drill Improves BalanceThe Toe-up Drill helps eliminates these mistakes and creates a better-balanced, more comfortable swing. The drill, which I've described in my golf tips newsletter, is easy to do at home or the range.
Assume your normal stance. As you start the swing, concentrate on turning the shoulders perpendicular to the spine in the takeaway. Allow your forearms and clubface to rotate naturally with the turn of your shoulders, so that the toe of the club points straight up as it reaches waist high. Do this several times.
When the club reaches your waist, you should feel your body weight move solidly on to your back heel. Instead of feeling weak and powerless, as you would if you over-rotated your arms or closed the clubface, you should feel coiled and powerful.
When you feel comfortable with the takeaway, try swinging to the top. Once there, you want the toe pointing straight down toward the ground. When you reach the top position, allow your arms to drop in an effortless manner and swing through to a simulated post-impact position. For best results, continue working on this drill. Each time you do it swing a little faster until you can swing at full speed. Once you feel confident, hit some balls using this new approach. You'll feel balanced and comfortable with your swing. A better-balanced swing will produce straighter shots and more consistency. Both will help you whittle strokes off your golf handicap.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Four Ways to Use the Hybrid Clubs
By now, you've probably thought about or have a hybrid in your bag. If you have and you're using it, you know it's a good replacements for your 3- and 4-irons. A hybrid is shorter and easier to hit than a long iron. It doesn't take as long to learn to swing. And it hits the ball higher, making it idealfor shots in the fairway that must land softly on the green.But the hybrid is one of golf's most versatile clubs. It can beused in a variety of locations other than the fairway, like thefringe, the rough, the tee, and even a bunker, and in situationswhere you need to save strokes. Learn to hit a hybrid well andyou'll chop strokes off your golf handicap. Let's look at four ways this club can improve your game.
===========The Bunker===========A hybrid works well in a fairway bunker, as long as the lip isn't too high. You can hit this shot the same way you hit a normal hybrid shot, except for one adjustment--ball position. It's the key to making the shot. If the ball is too far backin your stance, you'll top it. If it's too far forward, you'll hit it fat. The best position is about an inch backof where you normally hit a hybrid. As you swing, keep yourfeet planted as much as possible and your weight centered.This steepens your swing and ensures first ball contact.
=============Bump and Run=============The key to the bump and run, is getting the ball on the ground as quickly as possible. The sooner it's on the ground,the more control you have over it. With the hybrid, the ballstarts rolling quickly, making it easy to gauge distance. Keeping the ball low to the ground is also one of the bestways of achieving consistency with this shot.The key to hitting the bump and run is choking down on theclub and holding it with a putting style grip. The idea isto emulate your putting stroke. Use a square-to-square stroketo achieve more accuracy and limit wrist movement, making it easier to judge speed and distance. Using the hybrid helpsyou get up and down successfully more often in this situation.
==============On the Collar==============No one likes playing a ball that's up against the collar.You're never sure how to play it or what club to use, the putter or the wedge. If those two choices don't thrill you,try a hybrid. It offers benefits the other clubs don't.It has a longer, wider sole, making it easier to hit solidlyand giving you a wider margin for error. More importantly,it won't slip under the ball or get stuck in the grass,as with a putter or a wedge.Address the ball with a putter style grip, but don't choke up.With the ball in the back of your stance, press the hands forward.On the backswing, cock your wrists to lift the clubhead slightlyand then swing downward on the downswing. Allowing your wriststo hinge slightly helps lift the club from the collar on thebackswing. The ball will pop and roll in a hurry, so read the green before hitting the shot and plan accordingly.
==============Above the Pin==============Here's a shot that I've never mentioned in my golf tips,but can save strokes. When a ball ends up in the light roughon the high side of a pin, most players assume that a puttor a lob would be your only choices. But a hybrid works justas well, as long as you know exactly where to get the ballrolling on the green. Plus, it's a safer shot than a wedge.First, make sure there's room to get the club behind the ball.Then address the ball like a normal chip, with your handsslightly forward and the majority of your weight on yourforward side. Your head should be directly over the ball.Chip the ball so it lands in the rough, not the fringe.The hybrid's extra momentum causes the ball to roll forward through the rough. It will then roll softly onto the green.If you really want to lower that golf handicap, learn to hitthe hybrid in the situations mentioned above. You can also useit in the fairway or the rough. Keep those in mind as well.However you use it, the hybrid is a versatile club that canshave strokes off your scores. Think about adding to your bag if you haven't already.
===========The Bunker===========A hybrid works well in a fairway bunker, as long as the lip isn't too high. You can hit this shot the same way you hit a normal hybrid shot, except for one adjustment--ball position. It's the key to making the shot. If the ball is too far backin your stance, you'll top it. If it's too far forward, you'll hit it fat. The best position is about an inch backof where you normally hit a hybrid. As you swing, keep yourfeet planted as much as possible and your weight centered.This steepens your swing and ensures first ball contact.
=============Bump and Run=============The key to the bump and run, is getting the ball on the ground as quickly as possible. The sooner it's on the ground,the more control you have over it. With the hybrid, the ballstarts rolling quickly, making it easy to gauge distance. Keeping the ball low to the ground is also one of the bestways of achieving consistency with this shot.The key to hitting the bump and run is choking down on theclub and holding it with a putting style grip. The idea isto emulate your putting stroke. Use a square-to-square stroketo achieve more accuracy and limit wrist movement, making it easier to judge speed and distance. Using the hybrid helpsyou get up and down successfully more often in this situation.
==============On the Collar==============No one likes playing a ball that's up against the collar.You're never sure how to play it or what club to use, the putter or the wedge. If those two choices don't thrill you,try a hybrid. It offers benefits the other clubs don't.It has a longer, wider sole, making it easier to hit solidlyand giving you a wider margin for error. More importantly,it won't slip under the ball or get stuck in the grass,as with a putter or a wedge.Address the ball with a putter style grip, but don't choke up.With the ball in the back of your stance, press the hands forward.On the backswing, cock your wrists to lift the clubhead slightlyand then swing downward on the downswing. Allowing your wriststo hinge slightly helps lift the club from the collar on thebackswing. The ball will pop and roll in a hurry, so read the green before hitting the shot and plan accordingly.
==============Above the Pin==============Here's a shot that I've never mentioned in my golf tips,but can save strokes. When a ball ends up in the light roughon the high side of a pin, most players assume that a puttor a lob would be your only choices. But a hybrid works justas well, as long as you know exactly where to get the ballrolling on the green. Plus, it's a safer shot than a wedge.First, make sure there's room to get the club behind the ball.Then address the ball like a normal chip, with your handsslightly forward and the majority of your weight on yourforward side. Your head should be directly over the ball.Chip the ball so it lands in the rough, not the fringe.The hybrid's extra momentum causes the ball to roll forward through the rough. It will then roll softly onto the green.If you really want to lower that golf handicap, learn to hitthe hybrid in the situations mentioned above. You can also useit in the fairway or the rough. Keep those in mind as well.However you use it, the hybrid is a versatile club that canshave strokes off your scores. Think about adding to your bag if you haven't already.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Power From The Tip of Your Tongue
Anyone interested in adding an extra 10 - 20 yards to your drivesinstantly?Just follow this quick tip and you'll have to go through and re-do all of your yardages for every club in your bag.
The secret is not some core rotational exercise (although those can be awesome).No, this is so simple that you won't believe it until you try it. It's all about the placement of YOUR TONGUE!
I first learned about the position of the tongue increasing overallstrength while over in India. One of my gurus would explain thatit helped to "complete the circuit" and give him strength andstamina while holding static Yoga poses. Of course it sounded kinda weird, but then again, this dude couldhold a handstand for over an hour! He probably only stopped thereout of boredom. But the guy was definitely onto something.
Now he didn't even know what golf was - but of course I'm ALWAYS relating everything to how it can improve our golf games, so hereit goes -Here's all you have to do: Gently place your tongue up on the roof of your mouth, with the tipresting against the back of your front top teeth. Gently hold it in that position while you swing. This will "close the circuit"...whatever the hell that means. Actually, I do know at least one theory, but let's just keep thisresults-oriented. Let me be clear about this - it should be gentle and subtle. Do NOT focus on it so that it becomes yet another swing thought.
To try this out for yourself, simply go to the range and warm up. Then pick a club and hit 10 ball "without tongue" and note the distance. Then hit 10 ball "with tongue" and compare. Be sure to compare only those shots with similar quality of contact.The chances are very good that you will notice increased distance when you "add a little tongue".
The secret is not some core rotational exercise (although those can be awesome).No, this is so simple that you won't believe it until you try it. It's all about the placement of YOUR TONGUE!
I first learned about the position of the tongue increasing overallstrength while over in India. One of my gurus would explain thatit helped to "complete the circuit" and give him strength andstamina while holding static Yoga poses. Of course it sounded kinda weird, but then again, this dude couldhold a handstand for over an hour! He probably only stopped thereout of boredom. But the guy was definitely onto something.
Now he didn't even know what golf was - but of course I'm ALWAYS relating everything to how it can improve our golf games, so hereit goes -Here's all you have to do: Gently place your tongue up on the roof of your mouth, with the tipresting against the back of your front top teeth. Gently hold it in that position while you swing. This will "close the circuit"...whatever the hell that means. Actually, I do know at least one theory, but let's just keep thisresults-oriented. Let me be clear about this - it should be gentle and subtle. Do NOT focus on it so that it becomes yet another swing thought.
To try this out for yourself, simply go to the range and warm up. Then pick a club and hit 10 ball "without tongue" and note the distance. Then hit 10 ball "with tongue" and compare. Be sure to compare only those shots with similar quality of contact.The chances are very good that you will notice increased distance when you "add a little tongue".
Monday, April 6, 2009
Using The Chi Putt
Long putts are difficult for many
golfers because of the length of
the stroke, it is much longer than
can be comfortably achieved.
In addition, they dont get a good
view of the ball because they are
in their putting crouch, and it is
difficult to judge distance
accurately.
Golfer Dave Pelz has developed a
shot called the "Chiputt", this
shot combines the best of the chip
and putt qualities.
Standing tall, nearly straight, is
one of the usual techniques called
for in chipping. This makes it
easy to judge distance and see the
hole while getting a sense of line
for the shot.
It allows a smooth, long swing
which sends the ball the correct
distance. Chip shots are made
from the back of your stance,
causing the ball to come off low
and with power.
The chiputt starts with a tall
stance, and doing the same thing
with it makes rolling the ball a
long distance easier.
Hold your putter as you would when
making a ship shot. Dont crouch
as in a putting stance, put feet
together with a small space
between them, you aim left of the
hole.
Place the ball halfway between the
ankles, since your feet are closer
together, its is back in your
stance, which is behind your
breastbone.
Leading the clubhead with your
hands, make a long, rhythmic
stroke into the ball. You may
want to allow the body to turn
slightly during long putts to
maintain a natural rhythm.
As with any new shot in golf,
practice it a lot before putting
it to use in your game, you will
find that it is quite effective
once you have learned its use.
This is also a great shot when you
are off the green with short
grass, fairway and putting surface
the only thing between you and the
hole.
golfers because of the length of
the stroke, it is much longer than
can be comfortably achieved.
In addition, they dont get a good
view of the ball because they are
in their putting crouch, and it is
difficult to judge distance
accurately.
Golfer Dave Pelz has developed a
shot called the "Chiputt", this
shot combines the best of the chip
and putt qualities.
Standing tall, nearly straight, is
one of the usual techniques called
for in chipping. This makes it
easy to judge distance and see the
hole while getting a sense of line
for the shot.
It allows a smooth, long swing
which sends the ball the correct
distance. Chip shots are made
from the back of your stance,
causing the ball to come off low
and with power.
The chiputt starts with a tall
stance, and doing the same thing
with it makes rolling the ball a
long distance easier.
Hold your putter as you would when
making a ship shot. Dont crouch
as in a putting stance, put feet
together with a small space
between them, you aim left of the
hole.
Place the ball halfway between the
ankles, since your feet are closer
together, its is back in your
stance, which is behind your
breastbone.
Leading the clubhead with your
hands, make a long, rhythmic
stroke into the ball. You may
want to allow the body to turn
slightly during long putts to
maintain a natural rhythm.
As with any new shot in golf,
practice it a lot before putting
it to use in your game, you will
find that it is quite effective
once you have learned its use.
This is also a great shot when you
are off the green with short
grass, fairway and putting surface
the only thing between you and the
hole.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Lumpy Donut
A condition cause by golfers on
every green in the world has been
titled the "Lumpy Donut", it
occurs with the first group of
golfers in the morning and is
there the remainder of the day.
Think about this; a normal
foursome will put about 500
footprints on the grass around the
hole; it takes two hours for a
footprint to bounce back to its
standing length.
In that amount of time however,
thousand more footprints have been
added to this green.
This has caused the grass and the
soil to be squished, flattened and
stomped on nearly everywhere on
the green. The only place not
affected by this phenomenon is
directly around the cup.
Golfers seldom step within a foot
of the cup, what this creates is a
two foot area around the cup where
the grass has not been touched, in
this area the grass is a little
higher than the rest of the grass
on the green.
This is what creates the "Lumpy
Donut" or a raised circle of grass
with the cup in the middle!
When a ball rolls toward the hole
it finds a man made hazard, as it
slows down to enter the hole, it
suddenly comes upon this ramp in
the grass, which tends to make it
roll off and to the side.
No matter how strong your putt is,
the "Lumpy Donut" can throw it
off, maybe not by much, but by
enough to make you miss your putt.
The way to deal with this is to
strike your ball with enough speed
that if it rolled directly over
the hole, and didnt fall in, it
would stop 17 inches on the other
side of the hole.
This is the perfect way to deal
with the lumpy donut, enough speed
to get the ball up the ramp, but
slow enough to allow it to fall
into the cup.
every green in the world has been
titled the "Lumpy Donut", it
occurs with the first group of
golfers in the morning and is
there the remainder of the day.
Think about this; a normal
foursome will put about 500
footprints on the grass around the
hole; it takes two hours for a
footprint to bounce back to its
standing length.
In that amount of time however,
thousand more footprints have been
added to this green.
This has caused the grass and the
soil to be squished, flattened and
stomped on nearly everywhere on
the green. The only place not
affected by this phenomenon is
directly around the cup.
Golfers seldom step within a foot
of the cup, what this creates is a
two foot area around the cup where
the grass has not been touched, in
this area the grass is a little
higher than the rest of the grass
on the green.
This is what creates the "Lumpy
Donut" or a raised circle of grass
with the cup in the middle!
When a ball rolls toward the hole
it finds a man made hazard, as it
slows down to enter the hole, it
suddenly comes upon this ramp in
the grass, which tends to make it
roll off and to the side.
No matter how strong your putt is,
the "Lumpy Donut" can throw it
off, maybe not by much, but by
enough to make you miss your putt.
The way to deal with this is to
strike your ball with enough speed
that if it rolled directly over
the hole, and didnt fall in, it
would stop 17 inches on the other
side of the hole.
This is the perfect way to deal
with the lumpy donut, enough speed
to get the ball up the ramp, but
slow enough to allow it to fall
into the cup.
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