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Golf tips
Tip Archive
July 2011
Playing in the Wind
If you watched much of the British Open this past weekend you probably noticed that many players were trying to keep the ball low. The "champion golfer of the year", Darren Clarke, was particularly good at playing this tricky shot. In order to play well on links courses and in breezy conditions this shot is a must. Here are a few things to work on to keep the trajectory low.
June 2011
The Fundamentals of Chipping
May 2011
Breaking Putts - Play More Break!
One of the comments I hear often from students is "I hit the ball great today, but my putting was terrible!" Practicing the short game, especially putting, is overlooked all too frequently by amateur players. Eliminating three-putts and becoming more proficient from 6 feet and in is the surest way to lower scores. One of the most common faults I see on the greens is the tendency for players to not play enough break. If you're consistently missing putts on the "low" side of the cup, PLAY MORE BREAK! You'll enjoy seeing those putts drop!
Pitch shots from the rough around the green
One of the most challenging shots for many players is the pitch from deep, thick rough around the green. While some golfers are blessed with more "feel" than others, there are certain fundamentals to remember when faced with this troubling shot:
Increase your Fitness, Decrease your Scores
Improving one's golf swing is just about everyone's goal, yet not every golfer is sure how to achieve it. Yes, spending countless hours on the mechanics of the golf swing, aided with the help of video analysis and a professional is beneficial. However, this alone does not guarantee you will see positive results.
If you're not quite achieving your goals, consider working hard on improving your overall fitness, health, and wellness. This includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility, and nutrition. Cardiovascular exercise will help your endurance, especially on the last few holes. Flexibility and strength training will make it easier for you to develop your swing. You will be able to put your body in better positions to make efficient and repeatable swings.
Lastly, proper nutrition keeps your immune system strong, gives you ample energy, and helps regulate bodily processes. If you're not sure how to begin this new lifestyle, consider contacting a fitness expert and nutritionist. They are capable of designing a fitness program for your needs. Commit yourself to 6 months of a fit lifestyle and begin to see your scores drop…not to mention a few pounds too!
Despite a troubled 2010, both on and off the golf course, Tiger Woods is committed to a healthy lifestyle. He was one of the first professional golfers to make fitness a regular part of his preparation.
Putting Practice- Keep it FUN!
I hear this question all the time, “ Brian, what's the fastest way to improve my scores?” While keeping the ball in the fairway off the tee and limiting “blowup holes” is necessary to lower scores, the quickest way to knock a few shots off is by decreasing the amount of putts/round. For middle-high handicap players this means improving lag putting and eliminating three putts. You're not always going to hit your approach shot within 10-15 feet of the hole. When you don't hit it close, you need to have confidence that you will convert those short to medium length putts.
Putting and the short game account for approximately 60%-70% of total shots. Despite this FACT, most players spend the majority of their practice time on the driving range and very little time on the short game, especially putting. And people wonder why their scores don't improve! If you want to LOWER your scores, spend more time on the practice green. I understand that practicing putting can sometimes be mundane and repetitive. With that in mind here is a drill to keep your putting practice FUN. There is no substitute for quality practice time.
Around the World: This drill should be practiced from 3 feet, 5 feet, and 7 feet. Place a tee at 5 spots around the cup at the desired distance. The goal is to make 3 CONSECUTIVE putts from each spot. If you MAKE all three putts you may go to the next spot. However, if you MISS you must return to the first spot. Once you have made it all the way around the cup, move to the 5 foot putts and repeat. This drill is great, because it simulates the pressure on the golf course to convert short putts. You'll notice that your nerves will improve after some practice.
Loren Roberts has amassed over $15 million in career winnings on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour. Throughout his golf career he has been a prolific putter earning him the nickname, “The Boss of the Moss.”
Playing in the Wind
Playing in windy conditions can be one of the most daunting challenges in golf, however with the correct approach you can still have success. The most important thing is to mentally prepare yourself for a difficult round of golf. Accept the challenge and consider it to be a fun endeavor. Also, remember that your competitors are faced with the same challenge. Here are some tips when faced with different shots when it's breezy.
Shots into the wind
One of the most common mistakes I see among most amateurs is to swing too hard and not take enough club when faced with this situation. In actuality, it is more prudent to take MORE club and swing easier. By swinging with a slower tempo, the ball is able to stay "under" the wind. Also, the ball should be positioned more in the back of the stance at address.
Shots downwind
Just like the previous situation, it is advantageous to keep the ball "under" the wind when faced with this shot. It is difficult to carry the ball the desired distance if you hit the ball high into the air. Again, place the ball towards the back of your stance and swing with a smooth tempo. Most likely you will have to allow for some roll, because the wind will negate any backspin.
Shots in a crosswind
When faced with this shot you have two options: you can "ride the wind" or "hold" the shot into the wind. Holding the ball into the wind is probably the more difficult shot, because it requires being able to effectively fade and draw the golf ball. When "riding" the wind aim far enough to the left or right to allow for the wind.
Fairway Bunker Shots
Without a doubt, fairway bunker shots are one of the most difficult shots in the game of golf. However, with much practice this shot becomes a little less dreadful and challenging. Getting the proper contact can be much easier said than done. With that in mind, here are some tips to use the next time you practice this troubling shot.
Ernie Els, one of the best players in the game today, maintains a "quiet" lower body while rotating his upper body. Make sure to keep the club moving through the ball after impact.
Green Reading
Learning how to effectively read greens is an often under-valued skill. It is not only critical to have a proper putting motion, but it's also necessary to understand how to evaluate every putt you have during a round. Often times, amateur golfers do not spend enough time carefully reading putts. It's important to evaluate your putt, but also not slow down the pace of play. The key to not affecting pace of play is to read your putt while your playing partners are putting. This way you will not be slowing down play.
In my opinion, the most important thing in green reading is evaluating the putt from various angles. Too often I see players only read a putt from behind the ball. I have found it very useful to read putts from the side, as well as behind the hole. Another trick is to "feel it in your feet." As you're reading your putt, begin to notice the subtleties of the break in your feet. This is a skill that will take some time to hone, however a very useful one to have.
Laying the Foundation- The Setup
In addition to a fundamentally sound grip, an athletic setup is vital to swinging the club correctly. Without both of these, swing faults in the backswing and/or downswing are inevitable. Here are some concepts you can implement to establish a setup that will help create a technically correct and dynamic swinging motion.
Setup
Managing your round; eliminate the big number
One of the keys to consistently lowering your scores is to avoid double and triple bogies. To anyone who has played golf long enough this is no big secret. However, avoiding doubles and triples is easier said than done.
One of the most common mistakes I see among high and middle handicappers is following up a poor shot with another one. How many times have you tried to hit the heroic shot from the woods only to make matters worse? Don't be tempted to let your ego take over. If you hit a tee shot in the woods, "take your medicine" and chip out back to the fairway. When you get in a tough situation try to play for a bogey. You might surprise yourself and make a par! You're friends will be impressed with your composure and course management. And at the end of the round I guarantee your score will be lower.
TIGER PLAYS A DIFFICULT SHOT FROM THE WOODS
ON THE 11TH AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL GC
Laying the foundation- The Grip
Learning a fundamentally sound grip is vital for everyone, but especially for beginner's and junior golfers. 99.9% of all Tour players have proper grips. And it's important that you do too. For beginner's, I'd recommend implementing the overlapping grip or the 10 finger grip (for young kids). While the interlocking grip can be effective for some players, I think the overlapping grip is more fundamentally correct. I believe the overlapping grip puts the right hand (left hand for lefties) in a better position to be effective throughout the golf swing.
Don't underestimate the value of a good grip! It's absolutely necessary to be meticulous about getting it right. Learn the basics and you're well on your way to playing terrific golf!
The pre-shot routine; getting mentally prepared to play a shot
Calculation
This step is often one that is rushed through by most amateur golfers. While playing "ready golf" is fine, it is still critical to give proper time to analyze your next shot. Many poor shots can be attributed to a lack of preparation and calculation even before taking a swing. Before playing the shot, review these things: the lie, wind speed/direction, pin placement, uphill/downhill. Also, take into consideration where the "safe" place to play is. There are times to be aggressive and to play conservatively. Weigh your options and be confident before playing the shot.
Commitment
After proper calculation, the second step is total commitment to the shot. Upon approaching the ball there should be complete confidence and commitment to the shot you wish to play. Any indecision at the ball can be detrimental. It is better to be committed to the wrong club than to be uncommitted to the right club. If you're having doubts about the club selection, go back to the calculation step and get re-committed.
Visualization
Seeing the shot before actually playing it is vital. Get the proper picture in your head of the shot you wish to perform. Often times you'll see tour professionals stand behind the ball before the shot. A vast majority of them are visualizing the shot. This means seeing the complete flight and roll of the ball. Sometimes it can be easier to visualize by closing your eyes. This eliminates many distractions and can make the visualization more dynamic and real.
Feel
For many amateurs and pros this can be the most challenging of the four steps. The feel step is usually associated with a pre-shot swing. "Feel" the club strike the ball. "Feel" the type of shot you want to play. Whether it's a little fade or draw, high or low shot. I encourage you to practice and adapt this step on the range before taking it to the golf course. It may take some time and effort to improve this step.
Playing from Uneven Lies
In a perfect world, every golf shot would be hit from a flat surface. However, as we all know the world is not perfect in more ways than one. There are many instances during a round when you must play from an uneven lie. Here are a few tips to remember when playing a couple of these shots.
Uphill Lies
The most important thing to do when faced with this shot is to match the angle of your shoulders to the angle of the slope. Also, feel like you're swinging down the slope on the backswing and up the slope on the downswing. This allows you to make cleaner contact with the ball, especially from the rough. The ball will be launched in the air much higher than normal, so take at least one extra club when playing this shot.
Downhill lies
Just like the uphill lie, this shot requires that you match your shoulder angle to the angle of the slope. Use a similar approach to this shot as the uphill lie. Except this time feel as though you swing up the slope on the backswing and down the slope on the downswing. In addition, the clubface will be de-lofted, so take at least one less club than normal. The trajectory on this shot is much lower than normal and tends to fall to the right (for left-handers to the left). The 18th hole at Augusta National Golf Club, site of The Masters every spring, is one of the most dramatic in golf. Many tournaments have been won and lost on this dramatically uphill Par 4. The 2nd shot is played from an uphill lie to an undulating green surrounded my menacing bunkers. Players spend hours practicing shots from uphill lies just to prepare for this fantastic hole.
Tip Archive
July 2011
Playing in the Wind
If you watched much of the British Open this past weekend you probably noticed that many players were trying to keep the ball low. The "champion golfer of the year", Darren Clarke, was particularly good at playing this tricky shot. In order to play well on links courses and in breezy conditions this shot is a must. Here are a few things to work on to keep the trajectory low.
• Ball position should be in the back of the stance
• Choke down on the club 1-2 inches
• Weight should be slightly forward
• Maintain smooth and slow tempo (swinging fast will elevate the ball)
• Abbreviated/low follow through
• Play this shot assuming you can run the ball up onto the green
• Choke down on the club 1-2 inches
• Weight should be slightly forward
• Maintain smooth and slow tempo (swinging fast will elevate the ball)
• Abbreviated/low follow through
• Play this shot assuming you can run the ball up onto the green
June 2011
The Fundamentals of Chipping
• Get the ball on the ground and rolling like a putt
• Primarily use a 7, 8, or 9 iron
• Choke down on the club 1-3 inches to increase accuracy and promote solid contact
• Stand closer to the ball than you do hitting a full shot; eyes should be almost directly over the ball; feet close together; left foot flared slightly open
• Weight is towards your front foot; lean into your left side (for right handed golfers)
• Hands slightly ahead of the ball at address
• Accelerate through impact; avoid slapping at the ball with your hands
• Keep the handle of the club (your hands) ahead of the club head through impact
• Short follow through; momentum of the shot carries the club head through the ball
• Visualize the shot taking into account your lie, speed of the green, slope, and wind direction
• Practice!
• Primarily use a 7, 8, or 9 iron
• Choke down on the club 1-3 inches to increase accuracy and promote solid contact
• Stand closer to the ball than you do hitting a full shot; eyes should be almost directly over the ball; feet close together; left foot flared slightly open
• Weight is towards your front foot; lean into your left side (for right handed golfers)
• Hands slightly ahead of the ball at address
• Accelerate through impact; avoid slapping at the ball with your hands
• Keep the handle of the club (your hands) ahead of the club head through impact
• Short follow through; momentum of the shot carries the club head through the ball
• Visualize the shot taking into account your lie, speed of the green, slope, and wind direction
• Practice!
May 2011
Breaking Putts - Play More Break!
One of the comments I hear often from students is "I hit the ball great today, but my putting was terrible!" Practicing the short game, especially putting, is overlooked all too frequently by amateur players. Eliminating three-putts and becoming more proficient from 6 feet and in is the surest way to lower scores. One of the most common faults I see on the greens is the tendency for players to not play enough break. If you're consistently missing putts on the "low" side of the cup, PLAY MORE BREAK! You'll enjoy seeing those putts drop!
Pitch shots from the rough around the green
One of the most challenging shots for many players is the pitch from deep, thick rough around the green. While some golfers are blessed with more "feel" than others, there are certain fundamentals to remember when faced with this troubling shot:
1. Club selection: Most of the time you should use a sand or lob wedge. From deep rough you won't get much spin, so it's critical to get some air under the pitch shot.
2. Setup: Address the ball with a wide, slightly open stance and with plenty of knee flex. It's important to stay “low” to the ground during this shot.
3. The swing: Contact is critical. Make sure to accelerate through impact!
4. Expectations: From this lie, make it your goal to get the ball within 10-15 feet of the hole. That still allows a reasonable chance at an "up and down."
2. Setup: Address the ball with a wide, slightly open stance and with plenty of knee flex. It's important to stay “low” to the ground during this shot.
3. The swing: Contact is critical. Make sure to accelerate through impact!
4. Expectations: From this lie, make it your goal to get the ball within 10-15 feet of the hole. That still allows a reasonable chance at an "up and down."
Increase your Fitness, Decrease your Scores
Improving one's golf swing is just about everyone's goal, yet not every golfer is sure how to achieve it. Yes, spending countless hours on the mechanics of the golf swing, aided with the help of video analysis and a professional is beneficial. However, this alone does not guarantee you will see positive results.
If you're not quite achieving your goals, consider working hard on improving your overall fitness, health, and wellness. This includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility, and nutrition. Cardiovascular exercise will help your endurance, especially on the last few holes. Flexibility and strength training will make it easier for you to develop your swing. You will be able to put your body in better positions to make efficient and repeatable swings.
Lastly, proper nutrition keeps your immune system strong, gives you ample energy, and helps regulate bodily processes. If you're not sure how to begin this new lifestyle, consider contacting a fitness expert and nutritionist. They are capable of designing a fitness program for your needs. Commit yourself to 6 months of a fit lifestyle and begin to see your scores drop…not to mention a few pounds too!
Putting Practice- Keep it FUN!
I hear this question all the time, “ Brian, what's the fastest way to improve my scores?” While keeping the ball in the fairway off the tee and limiting “blowup holes” is necessary to lower scores, the quickest way to knock a few shots off is by decreasing the amount of putts/round. For middle-high handicap players this means improving lag putting and eliminating three putts. You're not always going to hit your approach shot within 10-15 feet of the hole. When you don't hit it close, you need to have confidence that you will convert those short to medium length putts.
Putting and the short game account for approximately 60%-70% of total shots. Despite this FACT, most players spend the majority of their practice time on the driving range and very little time on the short game, especially putting. And people wonder why their scores don't improve! If you want to LOWER your scores, spend more time on the practice green. I understand that practicing putting can sometimes be mundane and repetitive. With that in mind here is a drill to keep your putting practice FUN. There is no substitute for quality practice time.
Around the World: This drill should be practiced from 3 feet, 5 feet, and 7 feet. Place a tee at 5 spots around the cup at the desired distance. The goal is to make 3 CONSECUTIVE putts from each spot. If you MAKE all three putts you may go to the next spot. However, if you MISS you must return to the first spot. Once you have made it all the way around the cup, move to the 5 foot putts and repeat. This drill is great, because it simulates the pressure on the golf course to convert short putts. You'll notice that your nerves will improve after some practice.
Loren Roberts has amassed over $15 million in career winnings on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour. Throughout his golf career he has been a prolific putter earning him the nickname, “The Boss of the Moss.”
Playing in the Wind
Playing in windy conditions can be one of the most daunting challenges in golf, however with the correct approach you can still have success. The most important thing is to mentally prepare yourself for a difficult round of golf. Accept the challenge and consider it to be a fun endeavor. Also, remember that your competitors are faced with the same challenge. Here are some tips when faced with different shots when it's breezy.
Shots into the wind
One of the most common mistakes I see among most amateurs is to swing too hard and not take enough club when faced with this situation. In actuality, it is more prudent to take MORE club and swing easier. By swinging with a slower tempo, the ball is able to stay "under" the wind. Also, the ball should be positioned more in the back of the stance at address.
Shots downwind
Just like the previous situation, it is advantageous to keep the ball "under" the wind when faced with this shot. It is difficult to carry the ball the desired distance if you hit the ball high into the air. Again, place the ball towards the back of your stance and swing with a smooth tempo. Most likely you will have to allow for some roll, because the wind will negate any backspin.
Shots in a crosswind
When faced with this shot you have two options: you can "ride the wind" or "hold" the shot into the wind. Holding the ball into the wind is probably the more difficult shot, because it requires being able to effectively fade and draw the golf ball. When "riding" the wind aim far enough to the left or right to allow for the wind.
Fairway Bunker Shots
Without a doubt, fairway bunker shots are one of the most difficult shots in the game of golf. However, with much practice this shot becomes a little less dreadful and challenging. Getting the proper contact can be much easier said than done. With that in mind, here are some tips to use the next time you practice this troubling shot.
1. Have a stable base. Be sure your feet are securely in the sand.
2. Choke up on the club
3. The upper body rotates around a "quiet" lower body
4. Excess lower body movement will lead to inconsistent contact
5. Take one extra club (due to the fact you're choking up on the club about 1 inch)
6. Make sure to take a lofted club if your ball rests near the "lip" of the bunker
7. Lower your expectations- getting OUT of the bunker is your top priority!
2. Choke up on the club
3. The upper body rotates around a "quiet" lower body
4. Excess lower body movement will lead to inconsistent contact
5. Take one extra club (due to the fact you're choking up on the club about 1 inch)
6. Make sure to take a lofted club if your ball rests near the "lip" of the bunker
7. Lower your expectations- getting OUT of the bunker is your top priority!
Ernie Els, one of the best players in the game today, maintains a "quiet" lower body while rotating his upper body. Make sure to keep the club moving through the ball after impact.
Green Reading
Learning how to effectively read greens is an often under-valued skill. It is not only critical to have a proper putting motion, but it's also necessary to understand how to evaluate every putt you have during a round. Often times, amateur golfers do not spend enough time carefully reading putts. It's important to evaluate your putt, but also not slow down the pace of play. The key to not affecting pace of play is to read your putt while your playing partners are putting. This way you will not be slowing down play.
In my opinion, the most important thing in green reading is evaluating the putt from various angles. Too often I see players only read a putt from behind the ball. I have found it very useful to read putts from the side, as well as behind the hole. Another trick is to "feel it in your feet." As you're reading your putt, begin to notice the subtleties of the break in your feet. This is a skill that will take some time to hone, however a very useful one to have.
Laying the Foundation- The Setup
In addition to a fundamentally sound grip, an athletic setup is vital to swinging the club correctly. Without both of these, swing faults in the backswing and/or downswing are inevitable. Here are some concepts you can implement to establish a setup that will help create a technically correct and dynamic swinging motion.
Setup
• Feet are about shoulder width apart; slightly wider with long irons and woods
• Bend forward from the hip joints, not your waist... Don't round your back!
• Arms hang naturally from the shoulders
• Ball positioned between the middle and front of your stance
• Feet, knees, hips, and shoulders should be in alignment
• Knees should be flexed, but do NOT squat; similar to an athletic defensive stance
• Spine angle should be maintained throughout the swing
• Bend forward from the hip joints, not your waist... Don't round your back!
• Arms hang naturally from the shoulders
• Ball positioned between the middle and front of your stance
• Feet, knees, hips, and shoulders should be in alignment
• Knees should be flexed, but do NOT squat; similar to an athletic defensive stance
• Spine angle should be maintained throughout the swing
Managing your round; eliminate the big number
One of the keys to consistently lowering your scores is to avoid double and triple bogies. To anyone who has played golf long enough this is no big secret. However, avoiding doubles and triples is easier said than done.
One of the most common mistakes I see among high and middle handicappers is following up a poor shot with another one. How many times have you tried to hit the heroic shot from the woods only to make matters worse? Don't be tempted to let your ego take over. If you hit a tee shot in the woods, "take your medicine" and chip out back to the fairway. When you get in a tough situation try to play for a bogey. You might surprise yourself and make a par! You're friends will be impressed with your composure and course management. And at the end of the round I guarantee your score will be lower.
TIGER PLAYS A DIFFICULT SHOT FROM THE WOODS
ON THE 11TH AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL GC
Laying the foundation- The Grip
Learning a fundamentally sound grip is vital for everyone, but especially for beginner's and junior golfers. 99.9% of all Tour players have proper grips. And it's important that you do too. For beginner's, I'd recommend implementing the overlapping grip or the 10 finger grip (for young kids). While the interlocking grip can be effective for some players, I think the overlapping grip is more fundamentally correct. I believe the overlapping grip puts the right hand (left hand for lefties) in a better position to be effective throughout the golf swing.
Don't underestimate the value of a good grip! It's absolutely necessary to be meticulous about getting it right. Learn the basics and you're well on your way to playing terrific golf!
The pre-shot routine; getting mentally prepared to play a shot
Calculation
This step is often one that is rushed through by most amateur golfers. While playing "ready golf" is fine, it is still critical to give proper time to analyze your next shot. Many poor shots can be attributed to a lack of preparation and calculation even before taking a swing. Before playing the shot, review these things: the lie, wind speed/direction, pin placement, uphill/downhill. Also, take into consideration where the "safe" place to play is. There are times to be aggressive and to play conservatively. Weigh your options and be confident before playing the shot.
Commitment
After proper calculation, the second step is total commitment to the shot. Upon approaching the ball there should be complete confidence and commitment to the shot you wish to play. Any indecision at the ball can be detrimental. It is better to be committed to the wrong club than to be uncommitted to the right club. If you're having doubts about the club selection, go back to the calculation step and get re-committed.
Visualization
Seeing the shot before actually playing it is vital. Get the proper picture in your head of the shot you wish to perform. Often times you'll see tour professionals stand behind the ball before the shot. A vast majority of them are visualizing the shot. This means seeing the complete flight and roll of the ball. Sometimes it can be easier to visualize by closing your eyes. This eliminates many distractions and can make the visualization more dynamic and real.
Feel
For many amateurs and pros this can be the most challenging of the four steps. The feel step is usually associated with a pre-shot swing. "Feel" the club strike the ball. "Feel" the type of shot you want to play. Whether it's a little fade or draw, high or low shot. I encourage you to practice and adapt this step on the range before taking it to the golf course. It may take some time and effort to improve this step.
Playing from Uneven Lies
In a perfect world, every golf shot would be hit from a flat surface. However, as we all know the world is not perfect in more ways than one. There are many instances during a round when you must play from an uneven lie. Here are a few tips to remember when playing a couple of these shots.
Uphill Lies
The most important thing to do when faced with this shot is to match the angle of your shoulders to the angle of the slope. Also, feel like you're swinging down the slope on the backswing and up the slope on the downswing. This allows you to make cleaner contact with the ball, especially from the rough. The ball will be launched in the air much higher than normal, so take at least one extra club when playing this shot.
Downhill lies
Just like the uphill lie, this shot requires that you match your shoulder angle to the angle of the slope. Use a similar approach to this shot as the uphill lie. Except this time feel as though you swing up the slope on the backswing and down the slope on the downswing. In addition, the clubface will be de-lofted, so take at least one less club than normal. The trajectory on this shot is much lower than normal and tends to fall to the right (for left-handers to the left). The 18th hole at Augusta National Golf Club, site of The Masters every spring, is one of the most dramatic in golf. Many tournaments have been won and lost on this dramatically uphill Par 4. The 2nd shot is played from an uphill lie to an undulating green surrounded my menacing bunkers. Players spend hours practicing shots from uphill lies just to prepare for this fantastic hole.
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