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Tip of the Month
2009 Tip Archive
August 2010
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.
July 2010
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.
June 2010
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.
May 2010
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
April 2010
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
March 2010
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!
February 2010
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.
January 2010
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.
2009 Tip Archive
August 2010
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.
July 2010
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.
June 2010
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.
May 2010
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
April 2010
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
March 2010
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!
February 2010
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.
January 2010
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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