1. Eighteen holes of match play will teach you more about your foe than 18
years of dealing with him across a desk.
Grantland Rice
2. Golf appeals to the idiot in us and the child.? Just how childlike golf
players become is proven by their frequent inability to count past five.
John Updike
3. It is almost impossible to remember how tragic a place the world is when
one is playing golf.
Robert Lynd
4. If profanity had any influence on the flight of the ball, the game of
golf would be played far better than it is.
Horace G. Hutchinson
5. They say golf is like life, but don't believe them. Golf is more
complicated than that.
Gardner Dickinson
6. If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork as poorly as they do a golf
club, they'd starve to death.
Sam Snead
7. Golf is a day spent in a round of strenuous idleness.
William Wordsworth
8. If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
Dean Martin
9. If you are going to throw a club, it is important to throw it ahead of
you, down the fairway, so you don't have to waste energy going back to pick
it up.
Tommy Bolt
10. Man blames fate for all other accidents, but feels personally
responsible when he makes a hole-in-one.
Bishop Sheen
11. I don't say my golf game is bad, but if I grew tomatoes they'd come up
sliced.
Arnold Palmer
12. My handicap? Woods and irons.
Chris Codiroli
13. The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody would put a flag
stick on top.
Pete Dye
14. I'm hitting the woods just great; but having a terrible time getting out
of them!
Buddy Hackett
15. The only time my prayers are never answered is playing golf.
Billy Graham
16. If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf
ball.
Jack Lemmon
17. Its good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are
still rolling.
Mark Twain
18. Don't play too much golf. Two rounds a day are plenty.
Harry Vardon
19. Golf and sex are the only things you can enjoy without being good at
either of them.
Jimmy DeMaret
20. May thy ball lie in green pastures, and not in still waters.
Ben Hogan
21. If I hit it right, it's a slice. If I hit it left, it's a hook. If I hit
it straight, it's a miracle.
All Us Hackers
22. The difference in golf and government is that in golf you can't improve
your lie.
George Deukmejian
And Finally.
23. Golf is a game invented by the same people who think music comes out of
bagpipes.
Lee Trevino
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Trouble with Tight Lies
You're just 50 yards from the green -- inside that dreaded
"tight-lie" zone. In other words, it's too close for a full pitch
shot and too far away for a simple chip shot. Suddenly you begin
get concerned about the difficult "finess" required to perform that
1/4 sand wedge swing. You start to remember all the chunked shots
that went less than 10-inches and the 80-yard sculled "worm
burners" that fired straight over the green.
Your golf buddies begin to laugh out loud while rubbing their hands
in glee. But hold on... no need to panic. For these tight lie shots
the solution is easier than you'd think.
It's critical that you catch the back of the ball first, then take
a divot -- NEVER the other way around. Your divot on these shots
should always be in front of where your ball layed.
1.) Setup slightly open with your stance...
2.) Have the ball back in your stance so the shaft naturally leans
forward with your hands ahead...
3.) Look at the FRONT of the ball and just turn back and through.
You'll be surprised to discover that the ball will pop off the
clubface with the proper spin on it. It's not big and dramatic --
and rarely does this result in trumpets and dancing girls -- but
it's how you'll get it on the green and near the hole without a lot
of trouble. That's how you'll save par... drain more birdie
putts... and wipe that smile off their faces. You can thank me
later.
"tight-lie" zone. In other words, it's too close for a full pitch
shot and too far away for a simple chip shot. Suddenly you begin
get concerned about the difficult "finess" required to perform that
1/4 sand wedge swing. You start to remember all the chunked shots
that went less than 10-inches and the 80-yard sculled "worm
burners" that fired straight over the green.
Your golf buddies begin to laugh out loud while rubbing their hands
in glee. But hold on... no need to panic. For these tight lie shots
the solution is easier than you'd think.
It's critical that you catch the back of the ball first, then take
a divot -- NEVER the other way around. Your divot on these shots
should always be in front of where your ball layed.
1.) Setup slightly open with your stance...
2.) Have the ball back in your stance so the shaft naturally leans
forward with your hands ahead...
3.) Look at the FRONT of the ball and just turn back and through.
You'll be surprised to discover that the ball will pop off the
clubface with the proper spin on it. It's not big and dramatic --
and rarely does this result in trumpets and dancing girls -- but
it's how you'll get it on the green and near the hole without a lot
of trouble. That's how you'll save par... drain more birdie
putts... and wipe that smile off their faces. You can thank me
later.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Develope a "Pre-Shot Routine"
The key is to develop a consistant pre-shot routine that breaks down into 3-4 simple
parts. Use the same routine on EVERY shot (even on the driving range) to force your
swing to become more automatic... repeatable... and amazingly consistant. Here's what
you'll need to do:
1. Walk into the shot from behind and align with the target...
2. Place club behind ball and take your grip...
3. Take a look at the target...
4. Waggle once or twice -- then pull the trigger!
When you see where your ball lands, immediately begin to analyze your next shot. Do
not waste your time fretting about mistakes or trying to fix your swing on the
course (do that on the driving range). Instead focus completely on your next shot
and a consistant pre-shot routine.
Your game will quickly become more solid, consistent, and a lot more fun!
parts. Use the same routine on EVERY shot (even on the driving range) to force your
swing to become more automatic... repeatable... and amazingly consistant. Here's what
you'll need to do:
1. Walk into the shot from behind and align with the target...
2. Place club behind ball and take your grip...
3. Take a look at the target...
4. Waggle once or twice -- then pull the trigger!
When you see where your ball lands, immediately begin to analyze your next shot. Do
not waste your time fretting about mistakes or trying to fix your swing on the
course (do that on the driving range). Instead focus completely on your next shot
and a consistant pre-shot routine.
Your game will quickly become more solid, consistent, and a lot more fun!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Pro Golf Swing
To get a smokin' fast clubhead speed... you've got to get more SLOW.
Okay... sounds weird... but by focusing on "turning" your hips and letting the shoulders, arms and hands loosely "go along for the ride", you're creating a professional power swing.
And here's the weirder part. Know what the core pivot of the world's best tour players is?2 miles per hour.That's it. And the average golfer's core pivot is just 1 mile per hour.
So here's a critical tip for you. Stop focusing on your clubhead speed and instead think about your core pivot speed. Why? Because even the hottest tour pros can't concentrate on a clubhead moving at 100 miles per hour or more. But it's easy to focus in on something moving 1 or 2 miles per hour.
And just think... even 1/2 of a mile an hour increase in your core pivot will result in an incredible increase in your clubhead speed.
The key is not to allow the swing to "disconnect" from your core pivot by activating the arms and hands. And that's where I always see the biggest problems. High-handicappers think they can get more clubhead speed by throwing the club at the ball with their arms. Forget it... it doesn't work. Keep your arms and hands "loose as noodles" and move SLOW from the top. As you pivot, allow them build energy like a wave moving through your feet... knees... hips... shoulders... arms... hands in that order.
Now that's a pro swing.
Okay... sounds weird... but by focusing on "turning" your hips and letting the shoulders, arms and hands loosely "go along for the ride", you're creating a professional power swing.
And here's the weirder part. Know what the core pivot of the world's best tour players is?2 miles per hour.That's it. And the average golfer's core pivot is just 1 mile per hour.
So here's a critical tip for you. Stop focusing on your clubhead speed and instead think about your core pivot speed. Why? Because even the hottest tour pros can't concentrate on a clubhead moving at 100 miles per hour or more. But it's easy to focus in on something moving 1 or 2 miles per hour.
And just think... even 1/2 of a mile an hour increase in your core pivot will result in an incredible increase in your clubhead speed.
The key is not to allow the swing to "disconnect" from your core pivot by activating the arms and hands. And that's where I always see the biggest problems. High-handicappers think they can get more clubhead speed by throwing the club at the ball with their arms. Forget it... it doesn't work. Keep your arms and hands "loose as noodles" and move SLOW from the top. As you pivot, allow them build energy like a wave moving through your feet... knees... hips... shoulders... arms... hands in that order.
Now that's a pro swing.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Stretching for Golf
Stretching for golf is critical to slowing down the rapid decline senior golfers experience, as well as reducing the stress on the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. The golf swing puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the body, and unless you are participating in a consistent stretching for golf program, you will be a statistic.
The statistic I’m talking about is being one of the millions of golfers who aren’t improving and who are injured at some point every season you play. Does this sound like you? If so, keep reading to find out how you avoid being a statistic, and instead be one of the very few who actually improve and play their best golf.
The golf swing is dynamic. What I mean is it involves motion. This motion needs to be fluid, tension-less, and powerful. The only way to accomplish this is with dynamic strength and stretching drills aimed specifically at your golf swing faults.
This approach to golf improvement is not utilized among most amateur golfers, but if done correctly will take your game to the highest level in the quickest amount of time.
In most of the golf fitness books, videos and articles you read, you will see the golfer holding a particular stretch for up to 60 seconds.
Let me ask you this!
Do you ever hold any part of your golf swing when you’re playing or hitting balls? I don’t think so. So why would you train your body in this fashion? You wouldn’t! You would look at certain positions in the golf swing and incorporate dynamic (movement) stretches to improve those positions in an efficient manner.
For example, let’s say you are having a tough time making a full backswing. The backswing is a fluid and tension-less movement that is destroyed when you add tension or restriction to it.
Instead, you would make some backswing moves, going as far as you can, then a little farther and releasing it. Doing this 8-10 times throughout the day. You can do this in your office or at home. No need for a gym or workout gear.
Grab a short iron, stand tall with your arms extended straight out in front of you. The club will be horizontal to the ground at about chest height. Now rotate back as far as you can without too much hip rotation, then rotate through as far as you can with more hip rotation just like your golf swing.
Now this is a dynamic movement that will greatly improve your body’s ability to turn back fully and through to a complete finish for maximum power and distance.
In closing, don’t get me wrong!You can definitely do static stretches and not hurt your golf swing. But the emphasis should be on more dynamic stretches, and less holding stretches to maximize your golfing potential.
As you can see, this is a much different approach to stretching for golf.
For more tips click on Golf Fitness Guide on Left of page.
The statistic I’m talking about is being one of the millions of golfers who aren’t improving and who are injured at some point every season you play. Does this sound like you? If so, keep reading to find out how you avoid being a statistic, and instead be one of the very few who actually improve and play their best golf.
The golf swing is dynamic. What I mean is it involves motion. This motion needs to be fluid, tension-less, and powerful. The only way to accomplish this is with dynamic strength and stretching drills aimed specifically at your golf swing faults.
This approach to golf improvement is not utilized among most amateur golfers, but if done correctly will take your game to the highest level in the quickest amount of time.
In most of the golf fitness books, videos and articles you read, you will see the golfer holding a particular stretch for up to 60 seconds.
Let me ask you this!
Do you ever hold any part of your golf swing when you’re playing or hitting balls? I don’t think so. So why would you train your body in this fashion? You wouldn’t! You would look at certain positions in the golf swing and incorporate dynamic (movement) stretches to improve those positions in an efficient manner.
For example, let’s say you are having a tough time making a full backswing. The backswing is a fluid and tension-less movement that is destroyed when you add tension or restriction to it.
Instead, you would make some backswing moves, going as far as you can, then a little farther and releasing it. Doing this 8-10 times throughout the day. You can do this in your office or at home. No need for a gym or workout gear.
Grab a short iron, stand tall with your arms extended straight out in front of you. The club will be horizontal to the ground at about chest height. Now rotate back as far as you can without too much hip rotation, then rotate through as far as you can with more hip rotation just like your golf swing.
Now this is a dynamic movement that will greatly improve your body’s ability to turn back fully and through to a complete finish for maximum power and distance.
In closing, don’t get me wrong!You can definitely do static stretches and not hurt your golf swing. But the emphasis should be on more dynamic stretches, and less holding stretches to maximize your golfing potential.
As you can see, this is a much different approach to stretching for golf.
For more tips click on Golf Fitness Guide on Left of page.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Classic "Yank"
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 problems start.
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 180 yarder". 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. Concentrate on keeping your left shoulder, 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.
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 problems start.
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 180 yarder". 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. Concentrate on keeping your left shoulder, 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
