Lessons of a Lifetime DVD

photo credit: Bill Spruce     Tom Watson, one of the most well liked and respected golfers in the world has introduced a new DVD lesson program called “Lessons of a Lifetime” ($49.95).  

The DVD lesson series takes you through the swing and the shots that will make your game more consistent.   There is a section on course management and the secrets to success in competition.  

Tom Watson's career spans 40 years and  included 68 PGA Tour victories (8 Majors), 5 on the Champions Tour.   He is one of the most knowledgeable Professionals on the mechanics of the golf swing and considered a master teacher.   In 2009 at age 59, Watson came in 2nd at The Open Tournament at Turnberry.   To learn more go to www.TomWatson.com.

What’s Your Major?

photo credit: jschoi5714     The Dave Pelz Scoring Game School is conducting a special sweepstakes.   The grand prize winner will receive  1)    a preparation session with Dave Pelz (world renowned golf instructor) on the course where the  winner's major will be played.   2)   One three-day enrollment in a Dave Pelz Scoring Game School.   3)   Tickets to one of the four Majors in 2011.   4)   A set of 4 Pelz Wedges (custom fit at school).   5)   One Pelz O-Ball Odyssey putter, custom fit at school.   6)   One dozen O-Balls.

All entrants have to do is explain their personal favorite Major-and what it would mean to win it.   Dave Pelz will meet with the winner at the site of their personal favorite major site. Go to www.golf.com/yourmajor.com  to enter and for complete rules and list of prizes.   Good Luck !

Eliminating Fat Shots

photo credit: danperry.com     A fat shot is when your clubhead strikes the ground before the ball.   The “chunk” shot is second only to the shank in demoralizing the golfer.      

Drill:   From your regular address position, move your  rear foot back about one foot-length.   Now raise your toe  on your  back foot and  take your regular golf swing.   You will recognize just how much weight you need on your lead side once your downswing has begun.   If your weight remains on the rear foot (raised toe) you cannot finish your swing.   You will also notice that your swing-path  into the ball  is  on a  flatter plane which is needed to stop chili-dipping (hitting fat shots).

Every time you begin hitting fat shots this drill should be practiced.

Stan Utley

photo credit: USACE Europe District     Stan Utley is one of the most sought after golf instructors in the World.   Playing out of the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ., Utley ranks No. 6 in GOLF DIGEST'S, “America's 50 Greatest Teachers.”   He is a former PGA Tour winner who decided to devote himself to helping golfers at all levels of play.

Stan Utley  has  helped  such  PGA superstars as  Sergio Garcia, Jay Haas, Craig Stadler, Peter Jacobson, Darren Clarke and Rocco Mediate, (just to name a few).   He is known for his simplified and  innovative instructional techniques  specializing in the short game.  

He has written several excellent  instructional books including “The Art of Putting,” and “The Art of the Short Game,” which should be standard reading for every serious golfer.   Stan Utley can be reached at http://StanUtley.com.

Swing Overhaul?

photo credit: tnarik     Beware of the golf instructor that wants to give you a swing overhaul – change your entire swing.   Ask yourself the following question?   Do they want to really help me or are they thinking about more golf lessons $$?  

The fact is that there are no two golf swings that are completely alike.   Yes, it would be nice if we all had a golf swing like Sam Snead but the truth is, we don't.  

A good instructor will work with what you have and try to develop your game within the characteristics of your natural swing.   Yes, he'll make adjustments here and there but he should not try to give you a whole new look.   Maybe you will never play par golf but you can, and should,  play up to your full potential !

The First Lesson

photo credit: mahalie       A beginners first lesson is always a tense experience.   Knowing that very educated eyes are watching is enough to rattle even an experienced professional.    Most ordinary  teachers don't even consider how nervous a  beginner may be during their first lesson.  

Before the lesson begins, a  truly good instructor will spend at least fifteen to twenty minutes, with the new student, talking quietly somewhere other than on the practice range.   There are two reasons:   1)   The instructor needs to know what direction the student wants to take.   2)    It gives the instructor the opportunity to get the student to relax.

The wise instructor knows that unless their student is relaxed, nothing may be accomplished during the lesson period.   He also knows what he has to do to meet the goals the student has set.

Unteaching the Student

photo credit: David Paul Ohmer     All to often, fledgelings golfers will begin to play the game without any type of formal training. They receive tips and pointers from friends or learn from instruction books and the development of bad habits begins.

For instructor and student alike, it's always more difficult to break a bad habit than it is to begin the learning process in the correct manner. Swinging the club is a repetitive motion so once a habit develops,  it tends  get “locked” in.   Unteaching a student can be very tedious and time consuming for both the teacher and the student, sometimes  ending unsuccessfully.

If you are just beginning the game, do yourself a favor and take lessons from a  qualified instructor. Your ability to play and enjoy  the game, will be greatly enhanced.

Don’t Blame the Instructor

photo credit: rioncm     If you aren't achieving  your lesson goals,  don't blame the instructor.   In most cases, laziness is the culprit.    You may have the desire to learn but you may not want to spend the required time on the practice range.

No matter how good the instructor may be,  they cannot force you  to practice.   Once you are made to understand your swing problem/s, you need to work them out on the practice range.    Your instructor  can't do it for you,  you have to do it.   If you are  not willing  to spend hours on the practice range, taking golf lessons is a waste of time and money, furthermore,  most instructors  are not enthusiastic about teaching unproductive students.  

In most cases, a good practice session  can be  as much fun  as a round of golf.

Golf Lessons for Beginners

photo credit: donjd2     Taking lessons from a certified PGA Professional is always a good idea, however some people just simply cannot afford the charge, then what?   If you are a beginner it isn't a bad idea just to ask a golfer friend to get you started with the basics.   When you are a beginner, sometimes just getting the ball airborne is a big deal.   All you really need to know  are the basics which are as follows:

(A)   Grip.   (B)   Aim.   (C)   Stance.   (D)   Posture.   Everything else can simply come later.   Advancing the ball should be your first priority and those four points (G.A.S.P.) will help you do just that.   Once you develop consistency, taking lessons from a PGA Professional makes more sense.   It's easier on the wallet also !

When to Fire Your Golf Instructor

photo credit: Zunami     Signs you need to look for a new Instructor:   (1)   When asked who his influences were, he says “Why, what did you hear.”   (2)   After your lesson he asks if he can bum a ride home.   (3)   Every time he watches you swing, he stands behind your back.   (4)   When you ask him how to cure your slice, he says “slice of what?”   (5)   He asks if you would rather have your swing taped on VHS or Betamax.   (6)   He's startled every time he hears a siren.   (7)   He wears two golf gloves when demonstrating shots.   (8)   Minutes before the lesson he calls to say he's still waxing his car and will be late.   (8)   He claims he's Hank Haney's 1st  cousin.   (9)    He's wearing a leisure suit.    (10)   He asks you for your ID  before the first lesson.

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