The Proper Release

photo credit: rioncm   A delayed release (hands ahead of the clubface through impact) is one of the best ways to achieve more power and distance during the swing.  The delayed uncocking of the wrists causes the clubhead to accelerate dramatically just prior to impact.  The right hand must dominate the release in the impact zone (about one foot behind the ball).

A proper release should be a natural progression during the swing.  A split instant before the club reaches the top of the backswing (parallel with the ground), the downswing begins.  At that moment, the clubshaft will start to flex with the clubhead lagging behind the shaft.  As the clubhead moves into the hitting zone, it catches up to the shaft just at impact which generates maximum power.

Amazing Coincidence

photo credit: nsaplayer   The odds of four  pros getting a hole-in- one on the same hole, on the same day are 8.7 million to one. 

In the fifty four U.S. Open Championships held prior to 1989, only seventeen holes-in-one had been registered.  At the 1989 U.S. Open Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York, a new record was about to be established. 

In just over 90 minutes four aces were made on the 160-yard sixth hole.  USGA officials cut the hole in a trough.  Nearly every shot that hit behind the hole funneled into the trough and towards the cup.  Doug Weaver, playing in his first Open, was the first to make an ace.  He was then followed by Mark Wiebe, Jerry Pate and lastly, Nick Price.

Golf Injuries

photo credit: eamoncurry123   One of the biggest hazards to golfers is sunburn.  Being out in the hot sun for four to five hours can leave you badly burned, especially in the sunbelt regions of the U.S.  Use a good sunscreen with a rating of at least 45.  Another problem can be blisters.  Drain with a clean needle, don’t peel the excess skin away and cover with a clean bandage. 

Elbow tendonitis can be very painful.  Make sure you ice the elbow frequently before and even during the round, wear an elbow wrap.  Back pain can red-line your game completely.  You can find relief for back pain with a very hot shower and anti-inflammatory medications.  Walk instead of riding, it will help loosen stiff muscles.

Jack William Nicklaus

photo credit: nsaplayer   Possibly the greatest player of all time, Jack Nicklaus will celebrate his 70th birthday on January 21, 2010.  Born in Columbus, Ohio, he now resides in Palm Beach, Florida.  Nicklaus won 114 tournaments in his long PGA career.

Jack Nicklaus was the “frumpy” kid who challenged Arnold Palmer, the beloved General and leader of “Arnie”s Army.”  It took years for golf fans everywhere to adapt to Nicklaus’ stiff demeanor and style.  After all, he was the giant slayer, the chubby Knight that took down Arnold Palmer, the King.

Nicklaus is now golf’s beloved elder statesman, a man that finally after all these years, showed his emotions at the conclusion of  his final round at The Open.

As the song goes “thanks for all the memories,” Jack.

Quick Hinge

photo credit: Brian J. McDermott   If you want more power in your golf swing, especially if your an older player, hinge your wrists early in your backswing.  This pre-cocking of the wrists will compensate for a shorter backswing or, in the case of an older golfer, a narrower swing arc.

When starting your backswing, immediately start hinging your wrists.  You may have to use a slightly stronger grip, but making this small change will be well worth it.  You will generate more clubhead speed and a better release through the impact zone.

Another important shot characteristic, with an early wrist hinge, is that your shots will fly higher since an early wrist hinge brings your clubhead int0 the ball at a steeper angle.  Practice this new technique to improve your game.

The Cover of GOLF DIGEST

photo credit: BlatantNews.com   The cover of the Jan. 2010 edition of GOLF DIGEST depicts Tiger Woods and President Obama with Woods as Obama’s caddie.  It’s ironic that prior to the release of the magazine, the Tiger Woods sex scandal became public.  The top layer of Woods was peeled away only to expose the real person.  The phoney perception that he and his handlers built has now come tumbling down.

President Obama should realize that golf has a $195 billion impact on our economy and accounts for 2 million jobs.  How will Tiger’s disappearance impact golf and the Amercan economy?  His “exit stage left,”  may not be as devastating to golf as some may think !  We’re in store for new faces and hopefully a lot less fist pumps !

Too Much Thought

photo credit: Brian J. McDermott   The time to really think about your golf swing is on the practice range, not on the golf course.  After a few bad shots, the first thing on your mind should not be how to “fix” the problem. 

Believe it or not, the nature of golf is to hit more than a fair share of bad shots.  Ben Hogan once said that he was happy if he hit 4 really solid shots per round.  Just make up your mind that you will be hitting bad shots, after all, aren’t they part of the game?  Don’t try to make major swing corrections when playing, leave that to the pros and scratch golfers.  Save your corrective abilities for the practice range, your time on the course will be much happier.

Choosing a Golf Ball

photo credit: TheTruthAbout…Most golfers choose a golf ball that will give them a few extra yards, or more, off the tee.  This may not be the correct criteria to use when deciding which ball to play. 

One of the most important shots you can make, is the approach shot.  With this in mind, you should choose a ball that will give you the most performance on this type of relatively short golf-shot.  A golfer takes his driver out of his bag only 14 times per round.  Even 14 perfect drives won’t help your score as much as “sticking” it on the pin with a high soft approach shot.  Choose a ball that will do what you want it to do on your approach shots.

Driver Shaft Length

photo credit: foxypar4   The standard shaft length for the driver has been 43 inches.  The trend is changing to a much longer shaft length of up to 45 inches.  Here is where the controversy begins.

The 45 inch driver shaft allows for a wider swing arc and although 2 extra inches may not seem like a lot, it results in greater clubhead speed.  Greater clubhead speed means more distance.  With the 45 inch shaft, more control is sacrificed.  That is precisely why some players grip down when they require more accuracy but gripping down decreases swing arc and that means a greater loss of distance.  Nevertheless, many players are choosing length over accuracy by going with a 45 inch driver shaft.  You decide.

GOLF DIGEST’S Best New Courses

photo credit: danperry.comGOLF DIGEST’S Best new courses for 2009:  (1)  French Lick Resort, French Lick, Indiana (Pete Dye), $350,  www.Frenchlick.com 888 936-9360.  (2)  Sequoyah National Golf Club, Cerokee, N.C., (Robert Trent Jones), $65-$110,  www.sequoyahnational.com 828 497-3000.  (3) Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, Orlando, Fla., (Rees Jones) $75-$185, www.waldorfastoriagolfclub.com , 407 597-3783.  (4) Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, -Saguaro/Tortolita- Maran, AZ., (Jack Nicklaus) $80-$225 www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain , 520 572-3500.  (5) Wine Valley Golf Club, Walla Walla, WA., (Dan Hixson) $45-$90, www.winevalleygolfclub.com , 877 333-9842.

Best private courses for 2009:  (1)  Red Ledges Golf Club, Heber Utah www.redledges.com.  (2)  Wilderness Club, Eureka, Montana www.thewildernessclub.com .  (3)  Ballyhack Golf Club, Roanoke, VA, www.ballyhackgolfclub.com .  (4)  Victory Ranch, Park City, Utah, www.victoryranchclub.com .  (5)  Shooting Star, Teton Villiage, Wyoming, www.shootingstarrjh.com .

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