Check Your Backswing

photo credit: I woz ere       Every golfer should understand the consequences of a faulty backswing.   What most amateurs find hard to understand is that the backswing determines the forward swing.   Here are some examples:

A)   If you typically slice the ball, try taking the club back to the outside of your target line.   B)   If you hit a lot of hooks, try taking the club back on the inside of your target line.   C)   If you are a relatively straight hitter, take the club back in line with your hands.

One of the best ways to correct swing anomalies is to have your swing analyzed by computer.   It will break your swing down, step by step, in order for you to determine exactly where your swing  faults are.

Swing Evaluation Session

photo credit: matsubokkuri     GolfTec is a new company where you can get  a comprehensive swing evaluation, using their patented technology.   Each location has certified personal coaches which can provide insight and feedback in reference to your swing analysis.   You will receive a results-based game-plan, specifically personalized for you,  by a helpful and knowledgeable coach.    

The swing diagnosis is done using video, motion measurement and a proprietary tour player database.   You will also have online access and reinforcement-swing video and diagrams, notes and practice drills.   The program is designed for golfers at every playing level from beginner to Tour Professional.

Presently, GolfTec is now offering a swing evaluation session for $79 (offer ends soon).   For more information go to www.ChangeMyGame.com or call 877 4-GOLFTEC  to schedule your swing analysis.

Be Your Own Teacher

photo credit: DavidHBolton     By studying your shot pattern  you can self-correct your swing faults.  

With the correct swing (right handers), the clubface approaches the ball from inside the target line, is square at impact and  moves back inside on the follow-through (inside-square-inside).   A common fault is to keep the club moving outside the target line after impact (inside-out).   A square clubface to the inside-out path is a push.   Open clubface > a slice.   Closed clubface > a hook.

An outside-in swing brings the club from outside to inside the line.   Square clubface at impact > pull.   Open clubface = a slice.   Closed clubface  > a very huge  slice.

To correct the inside-out swing, simply bring the club straight back along the target line as long as possible.

Mastering the Long Irons

photo credit: D.Hilgart     If you prefer long irons, opposed to hybrids, keep reading.   Did you know that the 1 iron (now an obsolete club) has more loft than the average 3 metal-wood?   Yet long irons can terrorize the average golfer.   To hit long irons you must  alter your setup.

The ball must be swept off the ground, shaving a very shallow divot.   Experiment by playing the ball in proximity to your lead heel.   Keep your hands in line with the ball or just slightly ahead of it.   Keep your head behind the ball at address.   Make a one piece takeaway keeping the clubhead low to the ground.  

With long irons, tee the ball up about a half an inch for use on long  par three golf  holes.

Sweep the Ball

photo credit: D.Hilgart     For most golfers, the fairway metal-wood is the hardest club to hit.   Do you hit up or hit down on the ball?   The answer:   you hit the ball at the bottom of your swing-arc and sweep the ball off the ground.  

Check Points:   1)   Be sure to set the clubhead flat on the ground at address.   2)   Play the ball left of center towards lead heel.   3)   Low sweeping takeaway.   3)   Use your entire body  in the swing, do  not make an arms-only swing which will tend to give you a more descending blow to the ball.   4)   From a good lie in a bunker, play the ball back, widen your stance  and keep your legs “quiet” during the swing.

Feet Placement

photo credit: stanik2007     The  position of  the  feet at address,  can determine the distance of your shot.   Example:   Step in front of a mirror with a club and assume  the address position with both feet square to your target line.   Start your backswing and stop.    Take note of  where your club is (the plane).   Now turn your back foot slightly towards the target, take your backswing and stop at the top.   Note that at the top, your club has not gone back as far as when you had a square stance.   Now proceed again, this time with your back toe pointed a few inches away from the target.   Take your backswing and stop at the top again.   Note how much farther back it is.   A longer backswing means more shot distance.

Assemble Your Game

photo credit: marine_perez     To maximize your ability to play well, it is  essential  to assemble all that you have learned prior to every shot  (presuming you have taken lessons or read many books).   The information being referred  to concerns  the swing, the game itself and  the opponent.  

Every good player prepares for each shot knowing exactly how to hit the ball using the correct grip, stance, aim and posture.   Jack Nicklaus makes this point very clearly in his instructional book GOLF MY WAY when he says  ”every well executed shot is 80% set-up and 20% swing,”  

The high handicapper stands besides the ball bewildered and expects a good shot without the  required preparation.   Good shots don't just happen, they are “made” to happen.   Assemble all that you know and use that knowledge for each and every shot you take.

Let Your Muscles do the Work

photo credit: nsaplayer     Concentration is the capacity of eliminating and keeping out all disturbing details prior to your swing.   Decide your shot before you start your backswing then just allow your muscles to do the work.  

Many players think that concentration means being buried in serious swing thoughts and making every effort to hit  each shot perfectly.  . .    not so.   The perfect place to “think” about the  details of your swing  is on the practice range where no strokes are at stake.

True concentration is the ability to keep your mind clear of all foreign and disturbing thoughts that could interfere with your ability to swing naturally.   Achieving full concentration is very difficult for most players but for a few, the power of concentration made them into champions.

The 8-Iron

photo credit: star5112     For  all players, amateurs and Pros alike, the 8-iron is the perfect club to use when practicing and should be considered your  ”ace-in-the-hole,”  during actual   play.  

On the range,  the 8-iron is a no-brain-er, it is the easiest club  in the bag to use.    With the club's high  loft,  getting the ball  airborne  is done with ease;   shot  accuracy is the norm rather than the exception.   The 8-iron should be the most useful club in  your golf bag because of it's versatility.

A golfer can recover from errant drives, fairway woods or long iron shots but if you miss an 8-iron shot you are going to lose  a stroke.   This short iron,  should be your “go-to”  club.   It can be used for approach shots, shots from the rough,  chip shots, pitch shots, bunker shots, pitch and run shots etc.   Drop your handicap, learn how to use an 8-iron.

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.

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