Jeff Smith's

Pretty Good Round

2010-07-01T05:59:00.001-07:00

Jeff,

Its Joe. I just wanted you to know that I had a pretty good round this afternoon - so thank you.

Joe S.

Columbus, IN

Shank Free!

2010-07-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

Its Rick. No need to call me back, but I just wanted to tell you that after our lesson, I am shank-free. As a matter of fact, I am so shank-free that I had a 39 on the back 9 on Saturday, and had a 38 on the back side on Sunday! I greatly appreciate the help!

Rick C. - 19 Handicap

Columbus, IN

My Driver is Going Twice as Far!

2010-06-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I could hit my driver that far. It is now going twice as far as it had been going! Thank you for the golf lesson tonight!

Amanda H.

Ann Arbor, MI

Jr. Golf Camp @ Otter Creek July 12 - 16, 2010

2010-06-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

July 12 - July 16

Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Cost: Only $90 per session per child

Each student receives 10 hours of instruction and fun!

Perfect for your son or daughter as they want to get into golf and see how good they cam become! A fun filled week of golf skill building, games, contests, quizzes, trivia and more! Poor weather? No problem! We have indoor fun as well with the indoor studio they can hit balls and putt indoors.

Only 10 spots left as of June 30th! Hurry!

Sign Up By Email: jmsgolflessons@gmail.com

We will provide email confirmation of your registration within 24 hours. If you have not received email confirmation within 24 hours, please resend your request. Class sizes are limited, so be sure to have confirmation. Alternate list will be taken and fill and any open spots will be notified in order.

Payment by check - Make check payable to Plane and Simple Golf School

Payment must be received 3 days prior to 1st class at Otter Creek Golf Course in person or by mail

Send to: Plane and Simple Golf School, 11522 E. 50 N, Columbus, IN 47203

Payment by credit card - Sorry, but we are not able to accept credit cards for payment at this time.

Cancellation Policy - 100% refund for anyone cancelling prior to 3 days of the 1st class. Cancellations less than 72 hours prior to 1st class 80% will be refunded unless vacated spot is filled from alternate list, then 100% will be refunded.

I’m Stunned!

2010-06-19T08:27:00.001-07:00

I’m stunned. I just picked up 2 clubs in distance!! I’m no longer hitting driver – 3 hybrid into par 4 greens – I am hitting driver – 6 iron now. Perfect – sign me up for the Champions Tour! I like hitting the center of the face!
Dan P.
Columbus, IN

Intermediate Jr. Golfers

2010-06-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Young golfers learning about how to choose the right club for the job!

Carded My Lowest Score

2010-06-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am hitting the ball better, carded my lowest score last weekend. Still not anywhere close to what I want, but improving. I would definitely like to work on 110 yards in.

Wesley B.
Columbus, IN

Hit it Really Well

2010-06-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Jeff,

Hit it really well on the range tonight after the rain. Irons still solid and the best I've hit the driver in long time. On the driver I moved ball forward 2 inches, very loose grip, quiet hands... Encouraging, but know I just borrowed it for tonight. Even had a draw on may 30/40% of drives..

Thanks for your help,

Bob G.
Columbus, IN

Helped The Slice

2010-05-03T06:10:00.001-07:00

To update you, the grip change has definitely helped the slice. I am still working on the grip pressure part, but being able to get through the ball has helped a bunch!

Thanks

Wesley B.
Columbus, IN

I Proved It Can Be Done!

2010-04-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

That string/tee setup worked....I actually hit several drives with a draw. I had it down to 2 pre-shot thoughts and 1 thought through the swing. I proved it can be done.

Bob G.
Columbuis, IN

Best Drives of My Life!

2010-04-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Best Drives of My Life!

Bob S.
Columbus, Indiana

A Great Thought

2010-04-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Power, Will, and Determination.........Believe, and you can get there.

-Dylan Wolterman, 18
Greensburg, IN

Teaching Availablility and Scheduling a Lesson

2010-01-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

I teach almost every day of the week. I believe that in order for me to be effective - I need to be accessible to everyone who wants me to help them. When someone comes to me for help with their game - I am honored and I want to make it easy for them to get to me.

Even though I am fortunate enough to be able to teach at multiple facilities, I am easy to get a hold of if you send me a text message on my phone 812-344-4109 or send me an email at jmspga@pga.com. I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can so we can get together to find the right day and time.

What is the Stimpmeter and how does it work?

2010-01-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Gary Myers, the course superintendent at Harrison Lake Country Club uses a Stimpmeter on a regular basis to test green speeds at the club. The Stimpmeteris a 36-inch long, aluminum tool used by golf course superintendents to make a standard measurement of the relative speed and uniformity of their greens. A Stimpmeter reading is actually a distance measurement in feet and inches.

At one end is a ball release notch that is designed so that a golf ball will always be released and start to roll when the Stimpmeter is raised to an angle of approximately 20 degrees to horizontal. The basic steps to measure green speed start by rolling three golf balls in one direction on a level area of the green. The three distances are measured and averaged. Using the average stopping point of the first three golf balls, this step is repeated along the same line, but in the opposite direction. The distances obtained in steps one and two are averaged, resulting in the Stimpmeter reading for the green. The longer the distance, the faster the green. A reading of 8 - 9 feet is considered a medium to fast speed for day-to-day play.

The Stimpmeter is a helpful management tool for the golf course superintendent in providing smooth, consistent putting surfaces, but is not intended for course-to course comparisons by golfers.

Are Your Grips the Right Size For Your Hands?

2010-01-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

I had a young man come in this afternoon to change his grips that he got a "good deal" on. He allowed me to measure his grips on his clubs and determine the right size for him. He quickly saw that the grips he just got online were definitely too small for his hands and he asked what the difference be. Well, as I showed him by having him grip a club with a grip on it that was too small - the club rotated left (closed) a little when he applied his grip. Then he gripped a club with a grip size the fit him, and the club stayed right where he had it originally - in a square position. I see this more than a student with grips that are too large.

When giving a lesson or club fitting, I always look to see if the club fits the student in all ways, as I know that it will make a difference in performance. People come in many shapes and sizes, and their equipment should fit them. If your are wearing too small or too large a pair of shoes, you will certainly have a more difficult time walking than you would if they fit just right, so do the same for your golf game - get fit and stop making adjustments for improper equipment!

The young man built up his grips to fit - and I'm sure that he will hit the ball much better with grips that are the right size for his hands!

Where should bunker rakes be placed?

2010-01-02T10:54:00.001-08:00

Should bunker rakes be placed inside or outside of the bunker? Taken from USGA website.

There is no set rule as to where the bunker rake should be placed. It is recommended that rakes be placed outside bunkers and in positions where they will be least likely to affect play. Other considerations, such as golf course maintenance and the size and design of the bunkers, will impact the final decision made at each course.

Is there a rule for hole locations on the green?

2010-01-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

I've played a lot of golf courses and have seen hole locations all over the place. What is the USGA's recommendations regarding hole locations? Taken from USGA website.

The USGA frequently receives requests for guidelines with respect to selection of hole locations on the putting greens, particularly during competitions. There are no rules regarding hole locations, so there is no such thing as an "illegal" hole location. However, we do have some guidelines.

Many factors affect selection of hole locations. The first and most important is good judgment in deciding what will give fair results. Do not be tricky in locating holes. There should be enough putting green surface between the hole and the front and the sides of the green to accommodate the required shot.

In any case, it generally is recommended that the hole be located at least five paces from any edge of the green. If a bunker is close to the edge, or if the ground slopes away from the edge, the distance should be greater, especially if the shot is more than a pitch.

An area two to three feet in radius around the hole should be as nearly level as possible and of uniform grade. A player above the hole should be able to stop the ball at the hole. Consider the condition of nearby turf, especially taking care to avoid old hole plugs that have not completely healed.

Frost & Frost Delays

2010-01-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

How can a footprint be a killer?

It's hard to believe that simply walking, or driving a cart across the turf covered with frost can cause so much damage. The proof will be there in a few days as the turfgrass dies and leaves a trail of cart tracks or brown footprints. That's why most courses will delay starting times until the frost has melted. And it's also why golfers who appreciate a quality putting surface will be patient during frost delays.

Why does frost cause problems?
All of the turf on the course is fragile. The putting surface, or green, is an extremely fragile environment that must be managed carefully and professionally. Remember that every green is a collection of millions of individual grass plants, each of which is a delicate living thing. Obviously, Mother Nature never meant for these plants to be maintained at 5/32 of an inch for prolonged periods. This stress makes greens constantly vulnerable to attacks from insects, disease, heat, drought, cold -- and frost.

Frost is essentially frozen dew. It can form when the temperature (or wind chill) is near or below the freezing point. The ice crystals that form on the outside of the plant can also harden or even freeze the cell structure of the plant. When frosted, the normally resilient plant cells become brittle and are easily crushed. When the cell membranes are damaged, the plant loses its ability to function normally. It's not much different than cracking an egg. Once the shell is broken, you can't put it back together. The proof is in the prints. Although you won't see any immediate damage if you walk on frosted turf, the proof will emerge within 48 to 72 hours as the leaves die and turn brown. And, since just one foursome can leave several hundred footprints on each green, the damage can be very extensive. Its not just golfers who cause damage. If you are out early in the morning walking your dog or jogging when frost is present, the damage is still the same. So during these times please use the cart paths rather than going across the fairways and greens.

Club Head Speed & Ball Speed

2010-01-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

What is it and how is it measured? "Clubhead speed" is a measure, in miles per hour, of how fast the clubhead of a golf club is traveling at the point it impacts the golf ball. Clubhead speed can be recorded by a launch monitor like the Zelocity Pure Launch that I use in my teaching and club fitting.
On the PGA Tour, a typical driver clubhead speed is 110-115 mph. On the LPGA Tour,a typical driver clubhead speed is 95-105 mph. Most "average" golfers don't approach those speeds, although some big hitters can exceed what the pros typically average. But a typical recreational male is probably swinging somewhere in the neighborhood of 85-95 mph for his driver, while a typical amateur female golfer is probably around 60-70 mph for her driver.

Ball Speed generally can be calculated by taking the club head speed and multiplying it by 1.5 IF the contact is in the center of the face and the energy transfer ration (smash factor or "I got all of that one" factor) is high. How fast the ball is traveling is really the measure of how far it goes. Remember that just because you swing for the fences on one swing doesn't mean that you really did hit the ball the farthest you can. Most times, you can just swing your normal under control swing and transfer more of the power in your swing to the ball the best and THAT is the shot that goes the farthest. REALLY!!!

Backspin Basics

2010-01-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

What is Backspin & Do You Need a Lot of it to stop a ball on the green?

What is it?
The backward rotation of the golf ball in flight along its horizontal axis (the top of the ball is rotating back towards the player), or the measured rate of that rotation. Most golfers think of backspin more in relation to wedges - backspin is what causes some wedge shots to "back up" on the green, or roll backwards after hitting the green. But all clubs produce backspin. When the clubface makes contact with the ball, the ball slides up the clubface and is "gripped" by the club's grooves, which imparts backspin. The more lofted a club is, the more backspin it will produce. Aerodynamically, backspin produces lift which creates greater carry.

How much do I need to stop a ball?
The things in physics that stop a ball on the green are trajectory, speed and backspin. If your ball comes in very high and falls quite vertically down - you don't need a lot of backspin it get it to stop on the green. If your ball is coming in on a much lower, flatter trajectory - you will need more to stop it - unless of course, the shot is running out of speed. It goes without much deliberation that any ball running out of speed will slow down and stop without much backspin help (hopefully it will stop near the hole).

Spin the Long Bunker Shot

2009-12-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a shot that will stun your friends and opponents. It's also a great alternative when you're faced with one of the game's toughest assignments -- the long bunker shot.

When most golfers are called upon to hit a greenside sand shot of 30 yards or more, they resort to sort of a power blast, taking a huge swing while also trying to minimize the distance they hit behind the ball. For obvious reasons, this is a tricky shot. To pull it off, you need a lot of talent and a lot of guts.

As an alternative, I've developed a sort of secret weapon -- the slicing 9-iron. You can't hit this shot when you have a high lip to clear, but in all other situations I think it's a better shot than the big explosion.

Basically, the idea is to make a big shallow cut across the ball and slice it to the green, where it will spin to the right. You begin by setting up an extremely open stance, while also allowing for the slice by aiming a bit left. As a result, your body will be aligned further to the left than for any other shot in the game. The 9-iron will be wide open and laid back, with the ball positioned off your left instep. Figure on opening the leading edge of the club face about 45 degrees from square.

Grip the club at its full length and don't be afraid to make a full swing at the ball. Just be sure that you strike the sand about an inch behind the ball. Don't worry about digging too deeply into the sand - your ball position and open club face will prevent that. If you hit this shot properly the ball will take off well left of the target and fade slightly before it hits the green. Then watch what happens. It will take one bounce, after which the sandpaper sidespin you've applied to the ball will take effect. The ball will spin to the right faster than any other shot. The first time you pull this off you'll amaze yourself. After that you'll amaze everyone else.

Feet are Liars

2009-12-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how many times I've seen players - both pros and amateurs - check their alignment by setting a club along the line that connects their toes. In my view, that's a mistake.

The reason is that most players tend to flare open one or both of their feet. Most common is the flared left foot, which brings the left toe back four or five centimeters from the target line. The result is that, if you lay a club down from toe to toe, that line will point well left of target, and will not reflect your actual alignment. Your hips, knees, and shoulders may be perfectly square, but the flared toe line will make you look open.

A more precise way to check alignment is to lay the club along your heel line. As your toes flare, your heels remain on line, so the line that connects your heels will accurately reflect the actual alignment of your feet.

Even better yet, lay a club down on your shoulder line to see where your swing will most likely travel. This can be a real eye opener.

Making Your Best Choice for Your Equipment

2009-12-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

If you want to move past your current golf skill level to the next one, then you need to learn how to choose the right golf clubs. Having some basic tips and tricks in your arsenal when you go looking for your next golf clubs is absolutely vital.

Golf may not be a poor man's game by any stretch, so many beginners find themselves a little overwhelmed by the cost associated with buying clubs. Unless you should happen to have a generous rich neighbor or uncle that wants to help you invest in clubs, you may find yourself needing to borrow or rent clubs until you can afford your own special set. The problem with using clubs that you did not purchase for yourself is that you will not be using clubs suited toward you, and this could hamper your game. As soon as it is feasible for you to purchase your own clubs you must absolutely do so, as these clubs will be suited toward improving your game and allowing you to progress to the next level.

If you are using the wrong sporting equipment, it is quite certain that you will not play as well as a more experienced player with the right equipment. Players who have the right clubs are going to find their consistency improving because they will be using clubs that are suited for their specific style of play, and this is the most advantageous way to improve your golf game overall.

It is important that you take the time to learn about what makes a good set of golf clubs, at least if you want to learn how to best decide which will meet your needs. Women, men, teenagers and even children are playing now, so there are golf clubs that are suited for just about everyone out there in this day and age, and you cannot simply pick up any set of clubs and assume that it will work for you. Peruse the best available options not only in branded golf clubs but also off brand clubs, and explore the options available to you before you make any concrete decisions. The more you shop around, the more likely you will be to find the clubs that are actually going to work for you.

Here are some keys to finding the right clubs:

Make sure that you are playing with properly fitted clubs - I have spent years making sure that my students and members of clubs that I have worked for have been fit for their best performance.

Choose the club head and shaft that will suit your game and improve it rather than hampering it. Dont get caught up in what equipment others play with - their swings and games are different than yours!

Don't underestimate the psychological aspects of having new equipment! Part of the game is believing that you can play well, and trusting in your equipment is a big factor in that .You must be happy with your choice. They must give you confidence that you can hit good shots with them - if they don't give you that feeling, they may not be the best choice.

Teaching Methods

2009-12-27T07:23:00.001-08:00

I have an ideal swing model, but I do not try to change student’s swings just so it will look like that ideal swing. My swing model is flexible and adaptable based upon each student’s existing swing, body type and physical conditions.

The first thing I do with the student is sit down and talk to him about the state of his game, why he is seeking help, what his expectations are, and if he is able and willing to do the things that are necessary to improve enough to meet his goals. This initial interview helps me determine what motivates the student and how I can best work with him.

In the full swing and the short game, I concentrate on looking at what the student already does well. Using that as my base, I then think about asking the student to make any adjustments, if necessary.

I do use some teaching aids. I use string, shafts, grips, markers, tees, range baskets, putting aids, swing trainers, and golf balls. I use them to demonstrate a feel or a thought or an idea when it is necessary. I do use video with some students. I have a video camera suitable for teaching combined with the Swing View Pro teaching software system to illustrate the lesson. I also use the P3 Pro swing simulator in the off season to teach indoors and to use as a swing simulator for entertainment for the members. I continue to look for other effective tools that would be beneficial to the students.

I teach verbally, visually, and kinesthetically. I give each student homework at the end of the lesson, and I give him or her the lesson goals and homework so that he or she can remember what we worked on together.

Sample Lesson Procedure

Step 1: Interview with student

Step 2: Assessment of present situation

Step 3: Instruction, Coaching and Feedback

Step 4: Homework

Successful Students Include

1999 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier
Boys & Girls Union County North Carolina Champions
North Carolina Individual State High School Finalists
Rolling Hills Men’s & Women Club Champions
Regular State Amateurs Contenders, College and Mini-Tour Players
Columbus, Indiana Men’s City Champions 2003, 2004, 2006
Members of Columbus North Boys & Girls teams

(Boys team 3^rd in State 2003, 4^th in State 2004 & 2007 Individual State Champion)

Harrison Lake Men’s & Women’s Club Champions
Indiana Section Assistant Golf Professionals
Over 80 different local amateurs

Teaching Philosophy

2009-12-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

Golf is a game. I teach people the game of golf.Golf should be fun, as well as a challenge.
Golf lessons should be fun and beneficial for the student.

I teach the game as a whole, not just the swinging motion. I teach how to improve your score while ensuring that the fundamentals of grip, aim, posture, ball position, and swing plane are intact. I teach how to think on the course. I teach how to hit shots under real life course conditions. I teach how to handle your emotions during the game. I teach the student how to play and how to compete. I teach how to enjoy just playing. I care about my students’ progress toward their goals.

As a teacher of this great game, I strive to be:

· Ambitious and enthusiastic	· a good communicator	· a great listener
· articulate	· patient	· motivational
· caring and compassionate	· tolerant	· understanding
· a good coach	· a psychologist	· a trusted friend
· dedicated to my students’ success	· innovative yet simple	· professional

My main goal in teaching the swing is to get the student to understand how to get their ball to get from here to there. In teaching the swing, my primary focus is the basic fundamental skills. I teach my students to know that having the proper grip, ball position, stance and alignment are the crucial elements in being able to hit a good golf shot. I understand that no two people swing alike, but they all can prepare to hit a good shot. I understand that for every student, there is a way for him/her to do what is necessary, but not only one way, and it is my goal to help him/her find it, and repeat it.

I do not try to deal in the details of the golf swing with most of my students as they may focus too hard on some minor point that they fail to perform the major functions of the swing and not make good contact. The more advanced students need work on some of the finer points and I work with many of them using video and computer analysis in order to help them achieve their goals.

I teach about the need to swing the club down through the ball with a square clubface at impact. I teach the grip and its purpose of controlling the clubface. I teach a good, solid setup and posture and its affect on the swing plane and the swing path. I also teach about how to enjoy practice and how to do it effectively.

Club-fitting is an important part of my teaching. In order for our students to play good golf, their equipment must suit their swing needs. I have attended and taught clubfitting seminars and have a solid understanding of how the clubs must match the swing to produce the desired result.

I prefer to teach the complete game and give my students a practice program to follow. There are many aspects of training and I teach them all. I think it’s important for golfers to have a complete golf training program in order for them to play better and shoot lower scores.

Golf is more fun when you play better. The job of the PGA professional is to help people enjoy the game. I can do that by being effective teacher.

Professional Seminars Attended / Given:

2009-12-27T07:12:00.002-08:00

Professional Seminars Attended / Given:

· Titleist Club-Fitting Seminar, 1995 - Durham, NC

· Pinehurst Teaching Summit, 1996, 1998, 2000 - Hank Haney, Jack Lumpkin, Dr. Richard Coop, Dave Pelz, Dr. Robert Christina, Dr. Gary Wiren, Mike Hebron, Eric Alpenfels, Jim McLean, Ed Ibarguen, Dr. Fran Pirozzolo, Mike McGetrick, Terri Anthony-Ryan, Mark Steinbauer,

· CPGA Teaching Summit, 1997 - Ed Ibarguen, Robert Linville, Greensboro, NC.

· CPGA Tournament Operations Seminar, 1997 - Greensboro, NC

· CPGA PGA Playing Ability Test Administration, 1997 - Durham, NC

· CPGA Pro-Am Administration Seminar, 1997 - Greensboro, NC

· CPGA Rules and Course Marking Seminar, 2002 - Graham, NC

· CPGA Customer Service Seminars, 2002 – Myrtle Beach, SC & Monroe, NC

· PGA Employment Relationships Seminar, 2002 – Orlando, FL

· CPGA Giving a Better Golf Lesson Seminar, 2002 – Ed Ibarguen, Durham, NC

· CPGA Professionalism & Protocol Seminar, 2002 – Mike Harmon, Myrtle Beach, SC

· PGA Teaching Summit, 2006 & 2008 – Multiple Speakers, Port St. Lucie, FL

· PGA Masters of Legendary Service Seminar, 2004 – Tom Shay, Orlando, FL

· PGA Characteristics of Successful Small Businesses, 2004 – Tom Shay, Orlando, FL

· PGA Cash Flow Management Secrets, 2004 – Tom Shay, Orlando, Fl

· PGA Masters of Legendary Service Seminar, 2004 – Tom Shay, Orlando, Fl

· IPGA Merchandising & Panel Discussion, 2004 – Beth Ann Riecke, Franklin, In

· IPGA Junior Golf Program Improvement, 2004 – Roger Lundy, Franklin, In

· PGA Certified Professional Courses, 2004, 9 online business related courses in human resources, accounting, and solving business problems

· Guest Speaker / Topics

· Union County, NC Rotary Club & Kiwanis Club, 1999, 2001, 2002

· The value of a club in the community, How golf breeds good character, facility promotion

· Methodist College Professional Golf Management School, 2001, 2002, 2003

· Being a PGA Professional, How to Make Yourself More Valuable To Your Employer

· IPGA Winter Workshops, 2004, Franklin, Indiana

· Total Facility Management, Golf Shop Operations, Budgeting, Staffing, Marketing

· IPGA Fall Meeting, 2005, Indianapolis, Indiana

· PGA Member Panel - Our Working Relationships With Our Course Superintendants

· IPGA Winter Workshops, 2006 & 2007, Franklin, Indiana

· PGA Panel - Teaching Tomorrow’s Teachers – What, How, and What to Use

· IPGA Fall Meeting, 2006, Indianapolis, Indiana

· Relationships with our Members, Owners, Superiors and Subordinates

Teaching Experience

2009-12-27T07:12:00.001-08:00

• Over 8,200 individual golf lessons taught from 1995 – 2009
• Guest Teaching Professional – Simply Great Golf School, Myrtle Beach, SC 2007, 2009
• Guest Teaching Professional - Play Golf America Days – Indiana Golf Foundation - 2006,2007,2008
• Guest Teaching Professional – Indiana Golf Show – Indianapolis – 2005, 2006, 2007,2008
• Guest Teaching Professional – Golf Meadows Facility - 2005
• Guest Teaching Professional – Duke University – 2002, 2005
• Guest Teaching Professional - Gillespie Golf Course Junior Golf Clinic, 1996, 1997
• Guest Teaching Professional - Vantage Classic Junior Golf Clinic, 1995, 1996
• Guest Teaching Professional - PGA’s Clubs for Kids program 1994
• Teaching Professional - Bryan Park’s 8-week junior golf camp, 1994, 1995

Fitting Tools

2009-12-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

This is the system that I use to professionally fit golfers into their next set of clubs. As a certified Titleist Fitter, I make sure that the golfer walks away with not only the knowledge of what they are going to buy for their game, but that they know and understand why their game is about to improve.

Creativity Around the Green

2009-12-22T21:53:00.000-08:00

Take the shot that it calls for every time if you want to stay away from trouble and have your best outcome for a missed shot. If the shot calls for a long low running shot - then hit that shot. If it calls for a high soft shot - then hit that shot. When it is obvious what is the best choice, take it. But when you are faced with a tough shot or a tough decision of what type of shot to play, I recommend that you go with your strengths - your "money" shot. The one you pull off better than any other when you are under pressure is the one to use - IF the lie says its OK to hit it.

Set Up and Posture

2009-12-07T20:00:00.003-08:00

Just like any other athletic endeavor, the beginning dictates how the motion can happen. The golf swing is a series of events that is affected by the position that you set your body in at the very beginning. Many swing flaws are the result of a set up that dictates the motion - change the set up and the swing that follows will be different. I have seen many people that "get in their own way" in the set up position and are doomed to the shots they hit. as soon as the starting position gets adjusted, their shots get better. Make sure that you give yourselef the best chance for success - come and let me show you how to get out of your own way and have the best chance to hit better shots immediately!

It is important to get students into an athletic posture that allows them to move with balance and speed. I will have the student stand tall, and then bend from the hips until they are in a position where their chest nearly faces the ball on the ground and they are in an athletic position that allows them to rotate with speed and power and hold their balance. Hands should hang naturally below the chin/neck and even with the ball. This chin should be up enough to let the shoulders rotate freely underneath. The weight should be evenly distributed between the balls of the feet and the heels and should be evenly distributed between the feet.

What is A Stimpmeter and How Does It Work?

2009-11-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Stimpmeter is a 36-inch long, aluminum tool used by golf course superintendents to make a standard measurement of the relative speed and uniformity of their greens. A Stimpmeter reading is actually a distance measurement in feet and inches.

At one end is a ball release notch that is designed so that a golf ball will always be released and start to roll when the Stimpmeter is raised to an angle of approximately 20 degrees to horizontal. The basic steps to measure green speed start by rolling three golf balls in one direction on a level area of the green. The three distances are measured and averaged. Using the average stopping point of the first three golf balls, this step is repeated along the same line, but in the opposite direction. The distances obtained in steps one and two are averaged, resulting in the Stimpmeter reading for the green. The longer the distance, the faster the green. A reading of 8 - 9 feet is considered a medium to fast speed for day-to-day play.

The Stimpmeter is a helpful management tool for the golf course superintendent in providing smooth, consistent putting surfaces, but is not intended for course-to course comparisons by golfers.

Improve Your Game In The Off Season!

2009-11-15T21:39:00.000-08:00

Off Season Golf Program

Come out to see me at Harrison Lake Country Club to keep your game sharp and work on your fundamentals and fine tune your setup and swing in the warm indoor climate of the golf shop. I have the video camera, the simulator, and the new Zelocity doppler radar launch monitor to help evaluate how changes in your technique can improve your ball flight, your game and your confidence!

Let's get together soon, and re-evaluate your season and see where you can make improvements during the off season. This is your opportunity to start your next golf season right out of the gate, with lower scores and longer drives. You won’t have to “work your way” into the season, you’ll be like a primed athlete ready to bust loose!

Golf Swing Training

What flaws in your golf swing that resulted in consistent mishit shots? Now is the time to diagnose the root cause and apply golf swing training drills to correct it. You can do many of these drills right in your home, garage or even your office with a golf club and a mirror.

Repetitive drill training for your golf swing will encourage your muscles to produce the correct technique, so when you get out on the range and come to the club to play or practice, you can actually feel the right way to swing your golf club.

Off Season Strength Training Program

Like in any other sport, athletes will spend their off season strengthening the specific muscles used in the mechanics of their sport…why wouldn’t you, if you want to improve your golf swing? I’m not talking about grueling gym workouts that break your body and take 2 hours to complete. I’m talking about simple golf strength exercises specfic to your swing you can do in your home in just a few minutes each day…and they are fun to do!

Off Season Golf Stretching Program

This is a BIGGY! As golfers get older, they lose a tremendous amount of golf specific flexibility, which results in a massive reduction in driving distance and even golf swing consistency. The ONLY way to stop this decline and regain the distance you’ve lost is a golf swing specfic stretching program. You will be absolutely amazed at the freedom you’ll get in your golf swing if you just do a few simple stretches each day. By this time next spring, you’ll be crushing the ball long and straight.

Your Off Season Golf Training Program Is A Must

Call me at Harrison Lake Country Club's golf shop or stop by Tuesday - Sunday from 9 to5 and we can begin getting your body and swing in great shape for your golf future. Call 812-342-6012 or email me anytime at jmspga@pga.com and I will be happy to help you get on your way to better golf at Harrison Lake Country Club and everywhere else!

Aerification is Necessary!

2009-11-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

Aerification is a Necessary and Highly

Beneficial Golf Course Practice

from Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

It Might Annoy Golfers for a Few Days, but Without Aerification, Greens Die!

It’s a perfect, sunny morning and you’ve just reached the first green in regulation. You feel great and you know you’re within birdie range. Then, you see them, those little holes in the green. Arrggh! They’ve just aerified the course, and it’s going to ruin your round, right?

Well, maybe not. Consider the fact that PGA Tour legend Tom Watson shot a sizzling record 58 at his then-home course, Kansas City Country Club, just days after the greens had been aerified.

Consider also that aerification is merely a short-term disruption that has long-term benefits for the course.
When you see them, remember that without those little holes, the greens would eventually die.
Preventative maintenance is an integral part of successful golf course management. Golfers view aerification as an inconvenience that takes the greens out of play for a day, pulling cores from the greens and leaving holes that can affect putting for many days before healing. To add insult to injury, aerification is best done in many part of the country during mid-summer, at the height of the playing season and when most greens are in prime condition.

But a golfer needs to understand how important aerification is to producing healthy turf.
Aerification achieves three important objectives. It relieves soil compaction, it provides a method to improve the soil mixture around the highest part of a green’s roots and it reduces or prevents the accumulation of excess thatch.

Like so many things, the quality of a good putting green is more than skin deep. In fact, the condition of a green has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order for grass to grow at 3/16-inch, it must have deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good soil, they get the oxygen from tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and sand particles.

Over time, the traffic from golfers’ feet (as well as mowing equipment) tends to compact the soil under the putting green – particularly when the soil contains a lot of clay. When soil becomes compacted, the air pockets on which the roots depend are crushed, and the roots are essentially left gasping for air. Without oxygen, the grass plants become weaker and will eventually wither and die.

Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting, thus helping the grass plants stay healthy. In most cases, it’s done by removing ½-inch cores (those plugs you sometimes see near a green or in fairways) from the compacted soil, allowing for an infusion of air and water that brings a resurgence of growth. The spaces are then filled with sand “topdressing” that helps the soil retain air space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward.

Older greens often are constructed of soils with significant amounts of silt, clay and fine organic particles that are prone to compaction. Filling aerification holes with sand improves drainage and resists compaction. The periodic introduction of sand to a green’s top layer can over time, avoid or postpone expensive rebuilding or renovation of greens.

Finally, growing of turf adds to a layer of organic matter on the surface. This layer, called thatch, is an accumulation of dead stems, leaves and roots. A little organic matters makes for a resilient green, but too much invites diseases and insects. Topdressing with sand can prevent thatch buildup, and aerification is one of the best ways to reduce an existing layer and prevent an excess of thatch from becoming established.
Other aerification techniques use machines with “tines” or knives that simply poke holes through the soil profile. A new technique even uses ultra high-pressure water that’s injected through the soil profile to create small holes that relieve some compaction but heal quickly.

There are many types of aerifying machines with different attachments that address different problems in the various stages of the life of a green. So the next time you’re ready to scream when the aerifiers are brought on the course, remember that a little preventative maintenance produces the best greens over the long haul.
The bottom line is that aerification is a necessary practice. But before you curse the superintendent for ruining your day, just think of Tom Watson.

Question. Do I Get Relief from Aeration Holes on the Green?

Answer.

Most golf courses, at least once a year, aerify their greens. Aerification, or aeration, is the process of punching small holes in the green; actually, small "cores" of turf and sod are cut and removed from the green (read more about aerification and its purposes here), which leaves holes.

It usually takes the green a couple weeks to heal following aerification. During those couple weeks - and especially in the several days immediately following aerification - the aeration holes are quite a nuisance. They can certainly affect a putt, especially if your ball happens to come to rest right on top of one.

But does that mean a golfer whose ball is affected by aeration holes is entitled to free relief?
The answer is a qualified no, with an exception possibly provided through a local rule.

That answer that can only be determined in a roundabout way, unless you know specifically where to look. Start with Rule 25-1, where we learn that you can get free relief from abnormal ground conditions on the putting green.

But are aeration holes considered an abnormal ground condition? The definition of abnormal ground conditions is this: "An 'abnormal ground condition' is any casual water, ground under repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird."

Aeration holes are holes, of course, but they are not made by burrowing animals. Are they ground under repair? If they are, then aeration holes fall under the definition of abnormal ground conditions.

So now we turn to the definition of ground under repair. The pertinent part of that definition is this: "Ground under repair is any part of the course so marked by order of the Committee or so declared by its authorized representative. It includes material piled for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked."

Hmmm, "hole made by a greenkeeper" seems to describe an aeration hole. Or does it?
Back to Rule 25-1, or more specifically, Decision 25/15. This decision gets straight to the point:
"Q. Is an aeration hole a hole made by a greenkeeper within the meaning of that term in the Definition of 'Ground Under Repair'?
A. No."
No. OK, so if the USGA and R&A say in Decision 25/15 that aeration holes do not qualify as "hole made by a greenkeeper," that means aeration holes are not ground under repair. And if they aren't ground under repair, that means they aren't an abnormal ground condition. And if they aren't an abnormal ground condition, then golfers do not get relief from them under Rule 25-1.

So, no relief from aeration holes unless ... unless the Committee in charge of your course or competition has adopted Specimen Local Rule 3c that appears in Part B of Appendix I to the Rules of Golf.
Because such a local rule would be of limited duration, it would not be printed on the scorecard. If it is in effect, it should be posted on a notice board for all to see before beginning their round.
Specimen Local Rule 3c says this:
"• c. Aeration Holes
When a course has been aerated, a Local Rule permitting relief, without penalty, from an aeration hole may be warranted. The following Local Rule is recommended:
'Through the green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green.
On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole that avoids the situation.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE: Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.' "
So, how do we sum this up? The process of reaching our conclusion may have been convoluted, but the answer to our original question - do you get relief from aeration holes on the putting green - is pretty straightforward. No, unless the local rule cited above is in effect.

What is A Stimpmeter and How Does It Work?

2009-11-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

The StimpmeterÃ¢ is a 36-inch long, aluminum tool used by golf course superintendents to make a standard measurement of the relative speed and uniformity of their greens. A Stimpmeter reading is actually a distance measurement in feet and inches.

At one end is a ball release notch that is designed so that a golf ball will always be released and start to roll when the Stimpmeter is raised to an angle of approximately 20 degrees to horizontal. The basic steps to measure green speed start by rolling three golf balls in one direction on a level area of the green. The three distances are measured and averaged. Using the average stopping point of the first three golf balls, this step is repeated along the same line, but in the opposite direction. The distances obtained in steps one and two are averaged, resulting in the Stimpmeter reading for the green. The longer the distance, the faster the green. A reading of 8 - 9 feet is considered a medium to fast speed for day-to-day play.

The Stimpmeter is a helpful management tool for the golf course superintendent in providing smooth, consistent putting surfaces, but is not intended for course-to course comparisons by golfers.

Recommended Hole Locations?

2009-11-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

The USGA frequently receives requests for guidelines with respect to selection of hole locations on the putting greens, particularly during competitions. There are no rules regarding hole locations, so there is no such thing as an "illegal" hole location. However, we do have some guidelines.
Many factors affect selection of hole locations. The first and most important is good judgment in deciding what will give fair results. Do not be tricky in locating holes. There should be enough putting green surface between the hole and the front and the sides of the green to accommodate the required shot.
In any case, it generally is recommended that the hole be located at least five paces from any edge of the green. If a bunker is close to the edge, or if the ground slopes away from the edge, the distance should be greater, especially if the shot is more than a pitch.
An area two to three feet in radius around the hole should be as nearly level as possible and of uniform grade. A player above the hole should be able to stop the ball at the hole. Consider the condition of nearby turf, especially taking care to avoid old hole plugs that have not completely healed.

Tossing for Touch

2009-10-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

For years, I played the game without having a feel for the short game. Then one day, I turned things around - not by hitting balls but by tossing them. For hours I tossed golf balls, from a variety of positions and to a variety of targets. I must have tossed over 500 of them, carefully noting the way each ball reacted after it hit the green. That was the day I learned the meaning of touch.

I recommend this exercise to you, whether you have a good short game or not. Take a dozen or so balls and toss them, underhanded, all toward the same target. Cup each ball in the palm of your hand and toss it with a stiff-wristed motion. This will give you a feel for the properly firm wrist action in chipping. Toss high balls that fly all the way to the hole and sit, and others that roll almost like putts. Make some downhill and uphill tosses as well, to see which type trajectory and roll works best in which situations. I suspect you'll find, as I did, that the 'low road' is easiest to regulate, whether you're tossing a ball with your hand or chipping it with a golf club.

Above all, however, you'll gain an understanding of the intricacies of the short game, where imagination and innovation are paramount.

How To Choose an Instructor

2009-10-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

As technology has advanced, so has golf instruction. Just as there are many choices of drivers, putters, balls, and other equipment, there are just as many choices of golf instructors. The process of how you choose your golf instructor is as unique as your fingers' prints. However, just like there are certain things you want to know before choosing your doctor, there are certain items you should inquire of your instructor.

Compatibility - It is your responsibility to insure that there is a fit between you and your instructor on all levels, personality type, mutual goals, similar outlooks on the game, and your instructor's ability to relate to your individual needs. Before throwing a dart in the phone book under "golf instruction", research the professionals in your area. One way is to ask friends and playing partners for referrals of good instructors in your area. Ask them about pricing, reputation, location, and their improvement under the instructor's tutelage. If you get along with your playing partners and the instructor does too, odds are you have found a fit. Then, call the instructor and ask if they have time to talk to you about your game and improvement goals. A good instructor will be happy to talk to you about your game, and get to know you as an individual, prior to helping you with your golf game.

Accreditation and Experience - Does your golf instructor have the education and experience to take your game to any level you desire? Many individuals claim to be golf instructors. Many of these individuals are self-proclaimed "experts," or had enough money to take a one to two week course on how to teach golf and make more money. In seeking a golf professional to help you with your game, insure that the individual has an active accreditation with the PGA or LPGA, or, has demonstrated an inarguable ability to help players of many levels improve through many years of practice. Other associations claim they produce golf instructors. However, these organizations have one focus, to make money, not to produce solid golf instructors. Inquire of your instructor their accreditation, as well as their education both on and off the golf course. Check with the LPGA or PGA websites to confirm your potential golf instructor's accreditation with that organization, and, how much experience the instructor possesses. Inquire of the instructor's philosophy and past success stories. If needed, ask for references of students from all skill levels that you can contact.

Swing Aids - Does your golf instructor use swing aids? Moreover, does he or she have a solid reason for using an aid that applies to your needs? Many instructors have bags full of swing aids, ranging from old broken shafts to expensive space-age contraptions. However, is the instructor actually using the aids in a constructive and meaningful manner, or are they just for show?
Look for an instructor who invests their time, money, and professional reasoning in the use of swing aids. Insure that an instructor is using swing aids that help you "feel" differences between what you are taught to achieve and how you are currently swinging the golf club. Beware the instructor who has a "cure-all" swing aid they have all their students use.

Video - Video swing analysis has become a staple for all golf instruction. It is no longer an option. If you are paying for instruction that does not include video review of your game, you should reconsider why you are paying for golf instruction. Video, when used correctly, is a third pair of eyes (you and your instructor are first and second). This is similar to a doctor using an X-Ray or M.R.I, to diagnosis a health issue. Your golf instructor should be using video in the same manner. Video should confirm the diagnosis to you, not the instructor. A good golf instructor has the ability to see the flaw first, and use his or her knowledge of that flaw to diagnose a cure or drill for you to practice to realize improvement. If your golf instructor is relying solely on video to tell what is happening in your swing, you will eventually lose trust in the instructor's ability to help you. You would second guess a doctor's ability to help you if he or she did not use their ability first and confirm their thoughts with tests. Then why would you rely on an instructor who is not "practicing" golf instruction in the same manner?

Follow-up Communication - Your golf instructor should have a program available for you to utilize to ask questions, give feedback, receive follow-up instructions, schedule lessons, or make other inquiries after your lesson. Some instructors offer their phone numbers after hours. Others utilize the internet for follow-up and communication purposes. Regardless of what form of communication is available to you after the lesson, your instructor should be available, at no extra charge, within a reasonable amount of time, to answer your questions and take interest in your concerns.

Playing Ability
Can your instructor play golf at a competent level? You would be surprised as to the number of golf instructors that can not break 90! It is not necessary for your golf instructor to be a great player, as some people might make you think. Great players do not necessarily make great instructors. Some of the world's greatest instructors never played competitively. However, if your instructor can not perform or demonstrate a skill he or she desires of you, how can you trust their credibility? Your golf instructor should have, at the very least, a history of tournament participation and success, as well as being currently able to demonstrate a basic playing ability representative of their status of being a golf instructor.

Let's face it; golf is not rocket science or brain surgery. However, there are physics, biomechanical, and geometric principles involved with the science of golf instruction. Your golf instructor should have a thorough understanding of these concepts related to the game of golf, as well as a basic intuitive ability to know when to fix your swing and when to leave your swing alone. Other factors such as having similar interests and opinions as you can greatly effect the relationship between you and your instructor. Your process of picking a golf instructor who "practices" golf instruction, much like a doctor "practices" medicine will eliminate most of the potential pitfalls that happen between uneducated consumers and/or the unreliable instructors. By asking simple questions before taking instruction, you will insure that you will invest your time and money wisely, as well as maximize your learning curve.

Finding Your Best Posture

2009-10-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Without a club in your hand, flex your knees, bend slightly from the waist, and then let your arms drop down naturally. Clap your hands together, and you'll be in the proper address posture.

It's as simple as that.

If you grip your club - any club - from this position, you should find that its sole lies flat on the ground.

If it doesn't, don't change your posture, change the club. This illustrates the need for proper clubfitting. Your clubs should fit your best swinging posture - it is the most athletic and the most powerful!

Golf Balance Exercises To Create A Rock-Solid Golf Swing - Taken From About Golf.com

2009-10-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Golf balance exercises should be a must for every amateur golfer. One of the biggest issues with most amateurs is balance, stability and body control in their golf swing.

So often I see a golfer swinging outside their physical capabilities and losing their balance, resulting in a severe mishit that will end up being a double or triple bogey.

There is a physical requirement to maintaining your golf balance throughout your swing. The golf swing position commonly referred to as golf posture is a very unnatural position for the body to be in at address, let alone throughout the swing.

Having a forward tilt over the balls of your feet require a high level of both strength and flexibility in your hamstrings. Just get in your golf posture and reach back behind your upper leg to see how tight your hamstrings are.

If your hamstrings are tight and/or weak, you will have no chance at maintaining your golf posture and ultimately balance throughout your golf swing.

How about your quadriceps?

The play a critical role in keeping your golf swing stable. Rotating your upper body around a somewhat fixed lower body takes a tremendous amount of leg (quad) strength. Also your quads help maintain your knee flex that you had at address. If your quads are weak, your legs will straighten, causing you to come out of our swing.

As you can see, your golf balance requires muscular strength and flexibility. Without it, you’ll be falling all over your swing forever!

One great golf balance exercise (drill) is swinging and actually hitting balls on one leg. Give it a try! You’ll soon find out how difficult it is. But stick with it, and you’ll become a pro at it. If you can hit straight balls on one leg, using both legs will be a cinch.

In all of my advanced golf performance training programs, I have the golfer do a majority of their strength exercises on one leg. It is brutal! It takes so much focus and concentration, you’ll be sweating before you even grab the weight.

I have literally dozens of golf balance exercises in my dvds, books and websites that will dramatically improve your balance, stability and overall control. It’s amazing how many emails I get from golfers who thought these golf balance exercises were easy until they did a full set of just one exercise.

They thought differently after that!

This could be your missing link to a great game! Focus on those golf balance exercises!

Golf Fitness Exercises For the Women Golfer - Taken From About Golf.com

2009-10-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

It is well known in professional golf how integral golf fitness exercises are for success at the highest level of golf. Men on the PGA Tour and women on the LPGA Tour understand the benefits of golf fitness exercises in achieving success. Outside the circles of professional golf many questions exist about golf fitness exercises. Questions such as; what are the best exercises to improve golf fitness levels, are flexibility exercises and stretches better than other forms of golf fitness exercises, and what are the benefits of golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer?

These and many questions surround the topic of golf fitness. This article is to provide some answers for you on the topic of golf fitness exercises for woman. It has been well documented in magazines and television how LPGA women such as Annika Sorenstam utilize golf fitness programs to benefit their play on the golf course. Is there a difference between the LPGA player and the amateur woman golfer in relation to golf fitness training? The answer is no. Yes, the women on the LPGA Tour are the best women golfers in the world, but the physiology of the LPGA player and amateur are the same. The skeletal, muscular, and neural systems are the same. The professional golfer has the same number of muscles in their bodies as the amateur. The woman's professional golfer has the same skeletal structure as the female amateur, and nervous system as well. Granted the LPGA player has more refined and efficient swing mechanics, but the body is the same.

As a result of the body being the same, the principles and structure of a golf fitness program for any woman is similar. Before discussing the specifics of a golf fitness program for women it is necessary to understand a few important principles. The first principle to understand about a golf fitness program is sports specific. Sports specific is a term describing the type of training utilized in a golf fitness program. Sport specific training simply states the program utilized by the woman athlete is geared towards improving them in their chosen sport.

A second principle closely related to sports specific training is cross specificity training. Cross specificity training is the utilization of exercises to develop the woman golfer in the positions, movements, and actions incorporated in the golf swing. The goal of cross specificity training is a transfer of training effect to the field of competition. Simply stated, a transfer of training effect is the ability of exercises utilized to train the female golfer having a direct benefit on their performance during a round of golf.

For example, golf fitness flexibility exercises will attempt to improve the flexibility within the woman golfer. As the woman golfer improves her flexibility parameters in relation to the golf swing. She may be able to create a bigger shoulder turn, which may increase the distance of her drives. This benefit is an example of a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. In summary, the three principles that assist in the development of a golf fitness program for women are; sports specific, cross specificity training, and transfer of training effect. Many additional principles exist that are used as guidelines in the development of a golf fitness program, but these are three essential ones.

Outside of the guidelines governing the development of a golf fitness program for woman. Specific physical components within the body are needed within the body to execute the golf swing correctly. Remember, it is the body performing the biomechanics of the golf swing. In order for the golf swing to be executed correctly and efficiently certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required. These are the actual physical components within the woman golfer a golf specific fitness program looks to develop and enhance in relation to the golf swing.

The golf swing requires the body to move through a long range of motion for an efficient movement to occur. Much of this is contingent upon the ability of the core to coil and uncoil during the swing. In order for these two biomechanical actions to occur efficiently, the development of proper flexibility in the core is necessary.

We utilize flexibility exercises that are cross-specific to the movements in the golf swing to develop flexibility. The majority of these flexibility exercises are rotational and dynamic.

The golf swing is a dynamic movement, indicating that the body is in constant motion. It is crucial to develop a range of motion for the swing in a dynamic rather than a static (not moving) method. The goal of these exercises is to create a range of motion in the core for the golf swing. Flexibility is the first physical component requiring development within the woman golfer.

One needs to maintain, dynamically, a stable body throughout the entire swing. We have all hit balls at the range and know what happens when we do not stay balanced during the swing. Improving the balance and stabilization capabilities of the core translates into a better golf swing. Better Balance equals a Better Swing. Even subtle movements are consistency killers; thus we need to develop and maintain balance for a consistent swing.

Balance is connected to the efficiency of the nervous system and strength of the muscular system working together. The development of greater balance in the core and swing is the result of two types of specific exercise. The first challenges the nervous system creating greater efficiency. The second are exercises that create increased strength in the core. The combination of these two types of exercises permit for the body to maintain posture, promote efficient weight transfer, and create power in the swing. The result is a more consistent, accurate, and powerful swing. This is the second component included with a golf fitness program for women

Remember that the golf swing is a repetitive movement. The mechanics of the swing repeat with each stroke. This process can be repeated hundreds of times in a round of golf. Ever go to the range and hit two buckets of balls? At some point the body starts to tire, and shots scatter.

Proper endurance training enables us to repeat a sound swing. We produce this through a series of exercises developing endurance in the entire body. This nets us a consistent swing through eighteen holes. Increasing endurance leads to lower scores. This is the third physical component of the golf fitness program for women.

Club head speed is a function of power. The more power generated by the body, the greater speed at which a club head impacts the ball. More power to the ball equals longer drives. Developing higher levels of power within the muscular system of the body is achieved through the implementation of power exercises. These types of exercise assist in creating higher power outputs of the muscles involved in the golf swing. Power training is the final component found in a golf fitness program for women.

In summary a golf fitness program for the LPGA or amateur woman golfer is relatively the same. Golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer are sports specific. The exercises contained within the golf fitness program are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and requirements of the golf swing. The exercises within a woman's golf fitness program induce a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. The golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. A golf fitness program for women will look to enhance these physical components of the body. The end result is an improved golf swing equating to lower scores and more enjoyment on the golf course.

I Didn't Think It Was Possible!

2009-10-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

I didn't think it was possible! Jeff has exceptional knowledge of the golf game in its entirety. He is a great communicator and teacher and, with his video/computer technology, is able to instruct and "show" the student exactly what changes need to be made and he can communicate why and what the results will be.

Under Jeff's instruction, all aspects of my game have improved, especially my short game and my decision making. I was able to take my golf game to a level I did not think possible in such a short time. I just shot my personal best 2 weeks ago and have more confidence in myself than I ever have.

I took my first lesson in May and by late September, my handicap index dropped from 32.0 to 17.8."

- Brian J.

Why Is Golf Harder Than it Looks?

2009-10-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Golf Certainly looks very easy to play well if you watch the professionals every Sunday afternoon, but it is not. Even those great players do not play their best every week, otherwise they would win every week they played. The truth is that we make good golf harder than for many reasons. There are solutions to all of the issues that make it difficult, but like anything else in life we want to become good at, all solutions must come from the will of the player to get better and to follow good instruction.

Below is a short list of things that make golf more difficult that it looks on TV:

1. Golf is a target oriented sport played from a stance parallel to our target line. What that means is that to properly align yourself to the target you must have your shoulders, hips, knees, and feet parallel to your target at set-up. A common error in this game is the player aiming their body at the target, and thus aiming the ball significantly right of the target. To create a great picture in your mind, first imagine a railroad track from you to the hole. Then place the ball on the right track and your parallel body on the left track. This will have you aimed perfectly to your target. This is the alignment part of the set-up.

Things to Remember:
The most common error in golf is poor aim (club and body).
Before you begin working on your swing itself make sure that the launching pad is set up and aimed properly!

2. Another thing that makes the game more difficult than it looks on TV is that we start from a static position. In most other sports we are reacting to a moving ball or object. In golf that is not the case. In golf we initiate all the motion from a static starting position from the setup position. Many backswings are not fluid due to the initial motion that is sometimes jerky and tension filled. The downswing is a reaction to the backswing. Physics states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. That is why the downswing is a high-speed version of the backswing.

Things to Remember:
In order to keep from having a jerky backswing, create a forward press to the left or a waggle to have a gentle start to the golf swing.

3. Another thing that makes the game more difficult than it looks on TV is the different uses of the body and the arms. The body moves in a horizontal rotating motion level with how much we tilt over and the arms move the club in a vertical motion relative to that tilt. The wrists hinge the club vertically on the backswing and unhinge on the downswing and they may also rotate the club during the downswing. The difficult part for many is having the parts designed to move horizontally moving vertically and the parts designed to move vertically moving horizontally.

4. Another thing that makes the game more difficult than it looks on TV is that we are using both arms to project an object. This is not natural to our body. If we were strong enough to swing a club with one arm this game would be significantly easier. We must learn to train our arms and legs to work together, as a team, to efficiently strike a golf ball both with power and accuracy. The left arm is our guide arm. It guides the club back and guides the club through the ball. The right arm is the support/power arm. It supports the weight of the club at the top of the backswing and supplies the power at the bottom of the downswing. The right leg pivots to accept weight transfer in the backswing. Then the weight shifts laterally left to the left leg in the transition, followed by a counter-pivot into the left leg that accepts the powerful weight transfer in the downswing. While learning to feel different parts of the golf swing we will use one-arm drills to help train our inner body to work correctly. The body tends to react more efficiently unilaterally than bilaterally.

Things to Remember:
This is difficult to teach due to the individual nature of athletic ability from person to person. The more athletic the person is, the easier it is for them to see what happens.

5. Another thing that makes the game more difficult than it looks on TV is the innate hit impulse at the ball. Generally speaking, anything we swing a club to hit something sitting still usually ends at the object. (ex. Hammer hitting a nail) One of the most common errors in golf is the poor finish, usually a culprit of the hit at the ball.

Things to Remember:
Understand that the golf swing's speed should be fastest just past the ball and should come to rest after all of the momentum of the swing is gone. The golf ball gets struck at the fastest point of the swing (hopefully) and the swing does not stop AT the ball.

Why Do We Aerify Greens?

2009-10-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Preventative maintenance is an integral part of successful golf course management. Golfers view aerification as an inconvenience that takes the greens out of play for a day, pulling cores from the greens and leaving holes that can affect putting for many days before healing. To add insult to injury, aerification is best done in many part of the country during mid-summer, at the height of the playing season and when most greens are in prime condition.

But a golfer needs to understand how important aerification is to producing healthy turf.

Aerification achieves three important objectives. It relieves soil compaction, it provides a method to improve the soil mixture around the highest part of a green’s roots and it reduces or prevents the accumulation of excess thatch.

Like so many things, the quality of a good putting green is more than skin deep. In fact, the condition of a green has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order for grass to grow at 3/16-inch, it must have deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good soil, they get the oxygen from tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and sand particles.

Over time, the traffic from golfers’ feet (as well as mowing equipment) tends to compact the soil under the putting green – particularly when the soil contains a lot of clay. When soil becomes compacted, the air pockets on which the roots depend are crushed, and the roots are essentially left gasping for air. Without oxygen, the grass plants become weaker and will eventually wither and die.

Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting, thus helping the grass plants stay healthy. In most cases, it’s done by removing ½-inch cores (those plugs you sometimes see near a green or in fairways) from the compacted soil, allowing for an infusion of air and water that brings a resurgence of growth. The spaces are then filled with sand “topdressing” that helps the soil retain air space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward.

Older greens often are constructed of soils with significant amounts of silt, clay and fine organic particles that are prone to compaction. Filling aerification holes with sand improves drainage and resists compaction. The periodic introduction of sand to a green’s top layer can over time, avoid or postpone expensive rebuilding or renovation of greens.

Finally, growing of turf adds to a layer of organic matter on the surface. This layer, called thatch, is an accumulation of dead stems, leaves and roots. A little organic matters makes for a resilient green, but too much invites diseases and insects. Topdressing with sand can prevent thatch buildup, and aerification is one of the best ways to reduce an existing layer and prevent an excess of thatch from becoming established.

Other aerification techniques use machines with “tines” or knives that simply poke holes through the soil profile. A new technique even uses ultra high-pressure water that’s injected through the soil profile to create small holes that relieve some compaction but heal quickly.

There are many types of aerifying machines with different attachments that address different problems in the various stages of the life of a green. So the next time you’re ready to scream when the aerifiers are brought on the course, remember that a little preventative maintenance produces the best greens over the long haul.

What is the Best Ball Position?

2009-09-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

There is no such thing as the 'ideal' ball position. What works for me may not work for you. You might be able to position your ball at least one ball-width forward of where I do and up to two ball-widths farther back.

For each individual, the optimum ball position is at the very bottom of the swing arc. Learn where yours is for every club in the bag. For every ball that sits on the ground, your club must strike the ball just prior to the lowest point of the swing arc. For every ball that sits on the tee, your club must go through the lowest point of the swing arc before striking the ball.

For a short, stout person with a flattish swing arc, that position will likely be relatively far back in the stance. A tall person will have a higher centre of gravity and swing with more lateral movement, which will mean a more forward position.

But just as important as your height is how 'leggy' your swing is. Players with active leg action, such as Lee Trevino, should play the ball more forward than those with quieter legs and an active upper body, who tend to trap the ball at an earlier point in the swing in the manner of Arnold Palmer.

The ultimate answer, however, is that your ideal ball position is the spot from which you play your best golf. You owe it to yourself, when you're striking the ball with crispness and consistency, to take careful note of the position of the ball in your stance.

Great Rules Clinic

2009-09-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

Thank you for putting on such a terrific rules clinic for the boys and girls teams. I know that you simplified a lot of things for the kids and cleared up many "how do I do this" and "what should I do now" issues for them aswell. That will certainly make it easier on the coaches and on them in their meets. I also wanted to thank you for working with the teams on the course as you have done. These types of things are what they need to become better players and I know that what you have done for them makes all the difference in the world. Thanks again for all your support!

Jack. C.
Columbus, IN

Cure the Putting Nerves

2009-09-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

I practice hitting short putts, not only to hone my aim and technique but to hone my nerves. I do this through a practice game which I recommend to you.

It's very simple. Try to make 25 short putts in a row. Start with two-footers - and that's not as easy as it may sound. When you get close to number 25, the tension will be palpable, especially if you've made a promise not to leave the practice green until you've made 25 in a row.

Once you've made all the two-footers, move up to three-footers (and plan to be out on the green for a while). When I have an all-out practice session, I'll also go on to four-footers, and on rare occasions I'll even get as far as the five footers. I've made 25 consecutive five-footers only a couple of times In my life, but on those occasions, I can assure you, I left the practice green with tremendous confidence in my putting and my nerves.

Great Clinic for Women

2009-09-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

I wanted to let you know that what you did with our small group of ladies today in the clinic was fantastic! The way you handled yourself with 6 women who had never been around golf today was simply astounding. We all left the short game area today with a real desire to play golf at the club. You certainly have a method and a personality that fits for us ladies quite well. The way you simplified what many of us thought to be too complex was both remarkable and memorable. We will all look forward to next week's clinic!

Nancy K.
Columbus, IN

Plane and Simple it Is !!

2009-08-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

What an appropriate name for your golf school - what you did for my son and I have transformed our golf games into something that we both can be happy about in just one afternoon. You have made good golf so simple and so easy to accept doing it a different way than we had been. I was quite skeptical going into our afternoon school last weekend and I came out a better golfer without having to hit balls until my hands bled like I thought I would. all I had to do was let you get me on plane and accept the facts you taught us. I never would have beleived that someone could make me better, but you did. My son thinks that you are the greatest teacher in the world - you got him making putts and getting his bunker shots CLOSE when he didn't think he could get out of the sand at all at the beginning. It's all just Plane and Simple!

Jason G.
Indianapolis, IN

Wow - Golf Made Easy

2009-08-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

Holy Smoke! Are you kidding me?!?! I have had lessons in the past - but never like the one you gave me this afternoon. I am still in shock as to how easy this is after you took all of the junk in my head and got rid of it and showed me how I could hit the ball better in just one hour! You have a way that really works! My ball flew straight for the first time in years and I was under control of it every time!!!! Sign me up for more lessons - if they all are like today's lesson - you are going to be a star!

Mike M. - Indianapolis, IN

Thanks for Helping Me Win City Championship

2009-08-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

Thanks so much for helping me with my golf game - it really means a lot that I can count on you to set me straight every time I have a bit of trouble with my game. Your advice and council is always on target, and your eye for knowing exactly what is my issue and knowledge of how to fix it is invaluable. Please don't ever leave town! I never would have been in contention for this year's city tournament, let alone win it, without your instruction and coaching of me. You filled me with the confidence I needed to do it, and it is my greatest achievement ever in my life! Thank you very much and I look forward to our lesson next Monday.

Tom S.
Columbus, IN

Divot Repair

2009-08-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Taking Care of the Golf Course is YOUR responsibility

when you are on it!

What you do or don’t do will greatly affect the players immediately behind you, as well as the membership as a whole. The golf course is a living breathing thing that requires cooperation on your part to help keep it in the best possible condition.

Aside from repairing ballmarks on the greens, the second single most important thing you can do is to replace your fairway divots. Doing so will help some of the collection areas in the fairways recover more quickly by reducing the reestablishment time of the divot. A sizable divot that is replaced with start to knit back in after several days, opposed to a sand and seed mixture that will take several weeks to equally recover.

Please watch the video below to see how to properly replace fairway divots.

My Game Is Better!

2009-08-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Jeff,
You have done a fantastic job of getting rid of my slice and getting me to hit the ball well! I have played for 3 months now after our lesson and I have hit more fairways and greens than I ever though possible. My friends are jealous, my wife is happy because I comae home happy, my scores have dropped and my handicap has dropped 8 strokes. I made my first birdie on a par 3 and a par 4 back to back yesterday and I had my best round ever and shot an 82! You are impressive - you got me believing how simple it is to hit the ball solidly and straight and that I can do it all the time! I am officially a golf addict now. I'm glad I spent the money to fly from Boston to see you this spring. The people in Indiana are lucky to have you.

Michael Q.
Boston, MA

The Latest Equipment

2009-08-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

I gave a lesson this afternoon to a young man who thought he had the "best shaft ever" that he just bought because he just HAD to have! It was brand new and "hot" because he heard that a tour player had it in his bag this week, so he drove 45 minutes to have someone put it in one of his 2 identical drivers. He came out to Harrison Lake Country Club where I teach to hit it using my simulator and launch monitor. He brought his other driver with him so he could see just how much better the new shaft was going to be and just how much farther he was going to hit it.

I decided that a blind test was the best thing to keep him from adjusting his swing and skewing the results, so I put masking tape over the shafts (the grips were both new and identical) so he could not tell which club he was hitting. I had him hit 20 drives with each club (I had him alternate - so that as he grew weary of hitting 20 drivers on a row, the effect would be the same per club) and we took the launch monitor reading and looked at his trajectory, spin rate, carry and overall distance, club head & ball speed and smash factor ratio for the two clubs.

The results was astonishing to him. The difference between the new shaft and the old shaft that I fit him into last summer were significant. We saw a difference of 2 mph difference in club head speed, a 3 mph difference in his ball speed, a much lower spin rate, a 1 degree difference in his launch angle and all that translated into a carry distance of 4 yards and a total distance difference of 7 yards. It can be amazing what happens when you get the right shaft into your hands.

By the way, the better performing shaft was the one I fit him for this past summer.

He just learned that by jumping on the trendy shaft bandwagon, he wasted time, gas, money - but he did gain a valuable lesson......

Play equipment suited to your game - not someone else's.

My guess is that he'll now try to sell that club to someone else who thinks the same way he did.

Video Analysis of Your Golf Swing

2009-08-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Most of the lessons that I give I take a video recording of the swing during at the beginning of the lesson and at the end of the lesson. Not all students do I use the video during the lesson as many don't require the use of it, and many lessons I use judgment on if it the best thing for the student to see the video.

I use the Swing View Pro analysis software to help students realize their potential as golfers. I set the camera on very specific angles to capture the angle that I need to best study the swing. I make sure that I get the same angle every time, so I can show the student direct comparisons from one swing to the next.

Students get an email wrap-up from me after the golf lesson to remind them of the major lesson points and I attach a video clip of their golf swing with any notes about it for them to keep and review.

Scoring Zone Putting

2009-07-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Importance of Putting

2009-07-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Chunk It Around the Green

2009-07-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

What??? Did I say to Chunk It?

Yes, I did. There are many times that your ball is in thick grass around the green and you cant get a club cleanly on it. Instead of getting frustrated that you can't hit the spinner or the high soft one, keep your head and just decide to hit the chunky one and let it run toward the hole. When the club cant touch the ball, it comes out like a knuckleball and will roll easily.

How to play the greenside chunk shot:
Set up with your weight a little more on your front foot, firm up you grip because the grass will most likely grab it a bit and twist the club, make sure that your takeaway is high enough to clear the rough. Just hit the grass behind the ball on a decending forward blow, keep your hands in front and keep your forearms moving toward the target, and let it pop out of the rough and roll.

Best Lesson I've Ever Had

2009-07-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Best, most informative, and entertaining golf lesson that I have ever had! Best golf pro in the state of Indiana! How could it have been so hard for so long and now so easy since my lesson with you? You made it make so much sense! Thank you!!!

Todd G.
Indianapolis, IN

Wedge Play

2009-06-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Are you playing with wedges that match your swing? If not, you may be getting a lot of thick divots, fliers, and balls that just don't spin well -all affect your score directly. Come in for an appointment to look at you wedges to make sure that you have the proper tools in your bag to get your game the best it can be. I will check the lie angle, grip size, your set up and angle of attack to see that you have the best type of wedge for your game today. I am a certified Titleist wedge fitter and have a good variety of wedges for fitting you into the correct specs!

You Deserve Accolades

2009-06-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

You deserve accolades for your organization, creation of a fun & and friendly environment, your devotion to the game of golf, but most of all - you helped us all get better immediately! My company's group, especially the ladies, had a terrific time at our retreat clinic - many of the first time golfers said that if they knew golf was this much fun, they would have started to play a long time ago. You impressed a lot of people with your easygoing and engaging nature and your professional and fun delivery. You should do more of these clinics! Let's schedule a clinic at your facility again next spring!

Derek G
Indianapolis, IN

More on Divot Replacement

2009-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

We have bentgrass fairways and I'm confused as to what to do with my divots. Are we better off replacing the divot or just filling the scar with the sand/seed mix that's provided? Taken from USGA website.

If the divot has some soil attached and hasn't been blown into a hundred pieces, it will heal quickly if it is replaced immediately. Be sure to replace the divot (green side up!) and step on it to establish contact with the soil below. If the divot cannot be replaced, then the sand/seed mixture should be used in the scarred area. Golfers who take the time to replace a divot properly or repair divot areas help keep the fairways in good condition for their fellow golfers.

We have bermudagrass fairways at our golf course. I want to be mindful of the proper etiquette, so how do I handle any fairway divots that I might create?

When the bermudagrass is actively growing, applying straight sand or a prepared mix to the divot areas will help the scar heal rapidly and level the playing surface for your fellow golfers. The same procedure can be used when the bermudagrass is dormant or if the surface has been overseeded for the winter months.

Should I Replace Divots or Not?

2009-06-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

If the divot has some soil attached and hasn't been blown into a hundred pieces, it will heal quickly if it is replaced immediately. Be sure to replace the divot (green side up!) and step on it to establish contact with the soil below. If the divot cannot be replaced, then the sand/seed mixture should be used in the scarred area. Golfers who take the time to replace a divot properly or repair divot areas help keep the fairways in good condition for their fellow golfers.
We have bermudagrass fairways at our golf course. I want to be mindful of the proper etiquette, so how do I handle any fairway divots that I might create?
When the bermudagrass is actively growing, applying straight sand or a prepared mix to the divot areas will help the scar heal rapidly and level the playing surface for your fellow golfers. The same procedure can be used when the bermudagrass is dormant or if the surface has been overseeded for the winter months.

Should I Place Rake In or Out Of Sand

2009-05-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Should bunker rakes be placed inside or outside of the bunker? There is no set rule as to where the bunker rake should be placed. It is recommended that rakes be placed outside bunkers and in positions where they will be least likely to affect play. Other considerations, such as golf course maintenance and the size and design of the bunkers, will impact the final decision made at each course.

My Son Wants to Play Golf Because of You

2009-05-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Jeff,

I know this isn't what you may want to hear, but my hard to get a long with son, the one that didn't want anything to do with golf before I brought him to your spring into golf jr. clinics the last two weeks is now pressing me to get him clubs and join the club so he can play. I think that you have created a monster, and he is about to be in your hair every day at the club. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you have a new member on your hands.

Keith H.
Columbus, IN

USGA Rules Description - Determining & Taking Releif

2009-05-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Mental Game Conversations

2009-05-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have been a student of the mental aspects of golf and human performance for years and I have a solid understanding that what and how you think about can have a serious effect on your performance on the course and your score. Stop by Harrison Lake Country Club and we can sit down and talk about how I can help you help your self be a better player.
Call me at the golf shop - 812-342-6012 or email - jmspga@pga.com.

Grip

2009-04-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Master This First!!!

Place the student's left hand on the golf club so that it is held in the fingers and so that the back pad of the hand rests on top of the shaft. Place the thumb of the left hand just to the right of the center of the shaft. Then place the right hand on the club so that the club rests in the fingers. The thumb of the left hand fits perfectly in the lifeline of the right hand like a puzzle piece. From here the player may employ either the ten finger grip, good for players with small hands (children and women), interlocking grip (Woods, Nicklaus, and Lopez), or overlapping grip (Faldo, Duval, and Norman). All of which are acceptable grips and all have won a major championship.

Grip Pressure:

Proper grip pressure is one of golf's most elusive fundamentals - and it's as difficult to describe as it is to achieve. One method that has helped me set the proper pressure in my left hand is the 'short-thumb' technique.
Take your usual grip on the club, with your left thumb extended straight down the shaft. Now, slide the thumb upward, about a centimeter. Notice the effect this has on the tightness of the hold in the last two fingers of your hand. This is exactly where you want a firm, secure grip. Too firm - the club will not have the ability to be square at impact.

Most players hold on too tight - remember righties - I always say... If you hold on tight - your ball goes right!

This is one key that I check all the time. If you occasionally experience a looseness in your swing - or the inaccuracy it causes - I recommend that you too experiment with the short thumb.

Seeing the Line

2009-04-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Are you missing straight putts?One of the reasons very well may be that you are not seeing the line well. Many do not see the line to set the putter on nor do they set their body in line either. The skill of setting the putter blade to the intended target line is elusive. It takes the diligence to practice with something that shows the target line, and the player must get accustomed to seeing the line from the side of the target line once it has been established. Spend time setting the putter blade to a target and getting comfortable with what that looks like to you and you will find yourself making more putts.

What Should You Get Out of a Golf School?

2009-04-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

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Drive It In Play

2009-04-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

How many times have you put yourself in trouble right off the tee? It has happened to us all. The tee shot can be the shot that kills our score or sets us up for a good score on every hole. The most important thing you can do to avoid a big score is to get off to a good start. It keeps you in focus, it keeps you in good spirits about your game and takes the pressure off every shot after. Today's game can be about distance, but there is no substitute for keeping the ball in play. A few keys to keeping it in play are aiming away from trouble, setting up for a straight shot, keeping your hands tension free, a smooth swing through the ball and possibly the most important thing of all is to be focused on where you want your ball to go (not where you don't want it to go). When you drive the ball in play, you will be back for more!

The Dreaded Reverse Pivot

2009-04-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

What it is: That spine-wrenching position at the top of your swing in which your head tilts toward the target (usually because it's locked on the ball), your right hip juts out away from the target, and most of your weight is on your left side.

How to know if you're doing it: You hit a random assortment of fat and thin shots.

Take your normal address position with a mid-iron. The ball should be played in the middle of your stance.

Using your left fingers, lift up the butt of the club so that it is under your chin and rests on your sternum. The club should hang straight down from there, so that the toe of the club is pointed at the ball. In this position, the club shaft represents your spine angle at address.

Still holding the club, make your normal back swing, taking your right hand back until your fingers are pointing at the sky.

If you are pivoting correctly - that is, if your spine angle has remained consistent during the back swing -- the club hanging from your left fingers will continue to point down at the ball.

If you're reverse pivoting, however, your incorrect tilt will force the club head to swing to the right, past your right knee.

Groove your back swing to the point that when you do this drill the club never moves more than a couple of inches to the right of the ball.

Course Maintenance Personnel and the Golfer

2009-04-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

It takes a lot of effort and man power to maintain the golf course at its current high level of conditioning. With the significant amount of daily play that occurs time is critical for my staff to accomplish daily tasks ahead of play. A task that should take only three hours to complete without play, takes four to five hours to complete in the middle of play.

Recently one of the staff members at the club was mowing on the course and a member approached him and said “this is for golf not for mowing” referring to the fairway that was being mowed through play. It is hard to believe this mindset exist and there is not a clear understanding that with out necessary maintenance of the course there would be nothing to play on.

It is our goal to complete as many tasks as possible before play each and every day, but at times it is not possible due to many factors such as the weather having the largest impact on the timing of events. My staff is trained to be sensitive to play, but there certain time s the job at hand has to be completed even though some disruption to golfer will take place.

The following animation is from the USGA and it talks about how play and maintenance can co-exist together..

How Well Should You Play?

2009-03-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

How Well Should You Play?

Does it seem to you that you play a few strokes over your Course Handicap most of the time?

Well, that’s normal under the USGA Handicap System.

Why? The USGA Handicap System is based upon the potential ability of a player rather than the average of all his scores. The USGA’s Handicap Research Team tells us that the average player is expected to play to his Course Handicap or better only about 25 percent of the time, average three strokes higher than his Course Handicap, and have a best score in 20 which is only two strokes better than his Course Handicap.

A few words and a little arithmetic may explain. A player’s Handicap Index reflects his potential because it is based upon his best scores posted for a given number of rounds, ideally the best 10 of his last 20 rounds. Since the USGA has his worst 10 scores tossed out, his Handicap Index reflects his best days.

The arithmetic comes in when the golf club calculates a player’s Differential for each score he posts. The Differential is the difference between a player’s adjusted gross score and the USGA Course Rating of the course on which the score was made, multiplied by 113, and then the total is divided by the USGA Slope Rating from the tees played rounded off to one decimal place. For example, if you post an 80 on a course with a Course Rating of 68.7 and a Slope Rating of 105, your Handicap Differential is 12.2. The next step entails averaging your best Handicap Differentials, which your golf club or association then will multiply by a 96-percent "bonus for excellence" factor that slightly favors the lower-handicap player. The next step is to delete all numbers after the first decimal digit, with no rounding off to the nearest tenth. Your club Handicap Committee then reviews your record, modifies it, if necessary and then issues your USGA Handicap Index.

If you have a USGA Handicap Index of 11.6 for example, it translates into a Course Handicap of 14 when you play from the middle tees one day at a course with a Course Rating of 72.1, with a Slope Rating of 135, so a little addition (72.1 + 14) leads you to think that you will consistently shoot around 86. In reality, your score average is normally three more strokes than that, or an 89. The USGA Handicap Research Team has determined that your best score in 20 is normally only two strokes better than your Course Handicap, or an 84; the probability of your recording an 83 twice in 20 rounds is only one in 50.

A good way to think of the range of scores upon which your USGA Handicap Index is based is the old bell curve that school-teachers refer to when discussing the range of scores on an exam. The scores of most players, when plotted out, are distributed on a bell curve from the high to low end of the scale. Thus, when you drop out the worst half of your scores, the average of the remaining 10 scores on the upper part of the bell curve reflect your potential ability.

Now, once in a while you will hear about someone shooting an incredible tournament score, such as a net score of 59. What are the odds of shooting a score like that? These tables from the USGA’s Handicap Research Team have figured the odds of one exceptional tournament score up to ten strokes better than the Course Handicap. For example, the odds of our example player with a Course Handicap of 14 beating it by eight strokes (-8 net) once is 1,138 to one. Put another way, the average players posts 21 scores a year. That means that to score this well, assuming the Handicap Index is correct, would take 54 years of golf to do it once. The odds of a player beating his Course Handicap by eight strokes twice is only 14,912 to one. That’s 710 years of golf for the average player -- odds far beyond the realm of reasonableness.

Since the USGA Handicap System is designed to promote fairness during competitions, what happens if a player’s scores contradict the odds and he consistently plays better than his Handicap Index when some crystal or trophies are at stake? The USGA has created a Formula - we’ll spare you all the complicated arithmetic - that is outlined in the USGA Handicap System manual under Section 10-3, "Reduction of a USGA Handicap Index Based on Exceptional Tournament Scores." A player’s USGA Handicap Index will be automatically reduced when he records at least two tournament scores in a calendar year or in his latest 20 rounds that are a minimum of three strokes better than his USGA Handicap Index. The better the scores, the greater the reduction.

The bottom line is you’ve got your USGA Handicap Index for better or for worse. Don’t worry if you never-seem to play to it on a given day. All golfers are in the same boat because USGA Handicap Indexes are based on a player’s potential ability rather than the average of his scores. You can do your part to make the USGA Handicap System work best by making sure all "great" tournament scores by all players get posted with a "T" so that they are reviewed and used under Section 10-3.

Psst. Hey, buddy. Yeah, you, the single-digit-handicapper. It's safe to take a double bogey on a par 5. Pass it on.

In the current format (known as Equitable Stroke Control), which was adopted in 1993, players with handicaps of 9 or lower cannot register a score of higher than double bogey on any hole, regardless of the hole's par. Players in the 10-to-19 range are limited to seven strokes per hole, 20 to 29 handicaps to eight strokes, and so on.

Putting Accuracy Check

2009-03-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Learn to check where your putter face is really pointing. Most golfers struggle with the putter face alignment to their target. I have helped many players by using a laser or a chalk line or other methods to show them exactly where their putter faces are set to at the address position. Many times the grip that the player uses is turning the putter face left or right and we correct that and the putts start to drop. Others have the issue of not being able to set the putter on the target line due to not reading the line from behind the ball. There are other issues to check for, but when the player focuses on the accuracy of their putter face, many of their putting problems go away.

Swing Plane Simplified

2009-03-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

The term "Swing Plane" refers to the circle that the golf club is swung on. As we stand upright and swing the club around our bodies, the circle the club swing son would be around us horizontally. As we tip over to face the ball on the ground, the circle tilts with us........to get a picture of this, imagine standing with a hula hoop around your stomach, tilt over and it tilts with you - and remains 90 degrees to your spine angle.

When and How to Focus

2009-03-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to keep your focus for the entire round if golf? Its difficult, isn't it? Not only is it not possible for most players, it is also not very productive or enjoyable to try. Learning when it is important to focus and what to focus on is the key to success! If you can find a trigger to focus when it is your turn to play, hit the shot and then turn off your focus when the ball lands, you can enjoy golf more and perform better because you are not thinking or analyzing yourself too much.

Think Positively for Top Performance

2009-03-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

It has been documented by many sports psychologists that it is not possible for the brain to think about more than 1 concept at a time - for example, your brain cannot think of hitting the ball on the green at the same time it thinks of hitting the ball in the water. It has also been documented that the brain is incapable of processing the negative of a thought - for example "Don't hit it into the water" get s processed as "Hit in into the water" and a bad shot is most likey to occur. What MUST be done is simply control your thoughts into positive outcome thoughts like " I WILL hit it into the fairway." and your shots will improve.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

2009-03-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

I hate to think how many strokes I have given away over the years of playing golf simply because I did not pay attention to what was happening around me or to my surroundings that affected my play. Much of what is important to pay attention to is fairly obvious and are things that are always there, so you tend to not give them consideration, but you should.
A short list of things to consider are:

The lie of the ball

Is it sitting "up" or "down" or somewhere in between
Is the ground hard or soft or wet

Uphill or downhill shot?
How much wind and what direction?
Does the ball have mud on it?
Does the green have a lot of grain?

Am I putting into it, against it or across it?

Can I get a club on the ball cleanly?
Is the tree branch really out of the way?
How tall is that tree?
How far is it to the clear the creek or the bunker?

Without creating a list a mile long, my point is to pay attention to your surroundings so that your scores don't become double digits on a hole.

Golf Balls - The Science Behind the Dimples - Taken From about Golf.com

2009-02-21T21:38:00.000-08:00

The dynamics behind the flight of the golf ball offers a fascinating insight into the physical interworkings of air pressure, turbulence, and aerodynamics.

When golf was first played in Scotland, most players played using clumsy golf apparatus, with the first golf clubs and golf balls made of wood.

In 1618 the "Featherie" was introduced. It was a golf ball made of feather. This feather golf ball was handcrafted from goose feathers tightly pressed into a horse or cowhide sphere while still wet. After drying, the leather shrank and the feathers expanded, creating a hardened golf ball.

As this type of golf ball was specially handcrafted, it was usually more expensive than golf clubs, so that only a few privileged people could afford to play golf back then.

After the Featherie golf ball came the Guttie golf ball. This type of golf ball was made from the rubber-like sap of the Gutta tree found in the tropics, and was shaped into a sphere when hot and eventually into a golf ball. As it was made of rubber, the Guttie golf ball could be cheaply produced and easily repaired by reheating and reshaping.

Comparing the two types of golf balls, the Featherie golf ball was said to travel farther than the Guttie golf ball because the Guttie golf ball's smooth surface prevented it from covering more distance.

With this discovery, the developers of golf balls came up with the "dimpled" golf balls that are so predominant in modern golf nowadays.

The dimples on the golf balls help reduce the aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag normally affects smooth golf balls and slows them down, because when they sail through the air, they leave a pocket of low-pressure air in its stir thus creating a drag.

By applying dimples to the golf ball surface, the pressure differential goes down and the drag force is reduced. These dimples create turbulence in the air surrounding the golf ball, which, in turn, forces the air to clasp the golf ball more closely. By doing so, the air trails the warp created by the golf ball towards the back instead of flowing past it. This results in a smaller wake and lesser drag.

Dimples were first added onto golf ball surfaces back during the gutta percha phase. Coburn Haskell introduced the one-piece rubber cored golf ball encased in a gutta percha sphere. Then in 1905 William Taylor applied the dimple pattern to a Haskell golf ball, thus giving rise to the modern golf ball as we know it today.

After its beginning, dimpled golf balls were officially used in every golf tournament. In 1921, the golf ball took its current form with standard size and weight. Nowadays there is a wide range of golf balls to fit every style, game and condition, with some golf balls offering control, and other golf balls offering distance.

Though a common sight nowadays, the dimpled golf ball is not just a mere element of the sports arena; it is a showcase of physics at work.

Bulding Confidence

2009-02-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

We all need to be confident to do everything in our daily lives well at all. Can you imagine living a life where you doubted yourself about anything that you have ever done? We would not be able to even walk or talk if we were full of doubt all of the time. Why is it that we do not doubt ourselves on some things, but not others?

Lets look at some actions we do every day like walking, talking, eating, drinking, throwing a ball, waving our hands, combing our hair, brushing our teeth, and for some people typing on a keyboard, and sending text messages. All of these actions we have developed over time from thousands of repetitions and we no longer even pay attention to doing them as we do them.

Contrast that thought with how many people try to hold and swing a golf club - they try to think hard about how to do it, put a lot of concentration to doing it, and do not succeed many times while they are in this phase of learning a motion. But lets think back to when we all were learning to perform the everyday motions that we are all good at I mentioned earlier - we had no confidence in doing them either!

So keep practicing your grip, keep practicing your swing, keep practicing every part of your golf game - you will get better and you will build confidence on doing it well!! Remember, repeating the motion correctly will build the motion, but being aware that you are doing it correctly means that your confidence in yourself will skyrocket!

Start small - remember your successes, and then go to the next level - remember your successes, and then go to the next level.........

Making Good Contact

2009-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is quite possibly the most important part of what we do when we swing the club. It is the purpose for much of golf instruction for the full swing and short game. For many golfers who do not make good contact with the ball, this is the area of primary concern. Poor contact is or has been an issue for everyone who has ever played the game, because until the contact is good - no other full shot practice will be helpful and the game will be a major challenge.

There are many ways to achieve............................

Confidence

2009-02-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

What does Tiger Woods have over everyone else in the field every time he tees it up? More than just talent, he has the supreme confidence in himself that he expects himself to hot each shot the way he wants and he expects to win! He was trained a long time ago to block out the negative thoughts and focus on his successes. He believes in himself more than others do and he has a higher success rate than others. Belief in oneself comes from the successes and from creating a positive self image. There are many books and different seminars from many different psychologists that teach us how to build confidence in ourselves. Check them out if you feel like that part of your game is where you need help.

Putting Confidently

2009-02-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

Golf great Greg Norman said it best "Amateur golfers should putt more boldly than the pros.
In fact, I think you should never lag a putt - you should try to sink every putt you face."

"You should try to sink every putt you face."

There are several reasons for this. There are only four ways to miss a putt - long, short, left and right. If you always get the ball to the hole, you eliminate one way. Besides, research has proven that the putt that has the best chance of going in is the one that is struck with sufficient force to carry it 10 inches past the hole. But be careful to know the green speed and what will the putt coming back be?

Along with this goes the psychological side. Think about the last time you missed several putts in a round by hitting them dead in the jaws of the hole but just short. Pretty frustrating, isn't it? Such chronic shortness can get to you, but hitting the ball consistently past the cup is rarely as unsettling.

And remember that if you hit the ball a bit too hard, you can watch the way it rolls as it passes the hole and get an immediate read on the return putt. If you leave it short, however, you deprive yourself of that information. On short putts a bold, firm stroke is best, as it tends to take the guesswork out of the break of the putt.

Furthermore, a bold stoke is a confident stroke, one with built-in acceleration through impact. That type of stroke works on any putting surface, fast or slow, bent or Bermuda. Aggressiveness on the green is also an asset in match play. On Tour,sinking a long putt it means saving one stroke out of 72 holes. In your weekend nassau, however, a long putt will invariably win you one of those 18 holes, while having a jarring effect on your opponent.

Finally, and perhaps most important, amateur players can recover from a short drive with a good approach, or from a short approach with a good pitch. But there is no recovery on the putting green. A putt left short is a stroke lost. So don't cheat yourself in an area where you have every capability to be proficient and every reason to be aggressive. Putt boldly after a good read.

Pre Shot Routine

2009-02-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

What you do before you the shot dictates how you can pull it off - especially when you really need to. People are creatures of habit, and when we get into our habits - we become comfortable and confident on what we are about to do. I have mentioned in my thoughts on building confidence that we gain confidence from our continued repetition of behaviors. A pre shot routine is just how you gain confidence in your golf swing and set up. It must be one that gets you into the position physically and mentally to hit the shot you want when you need to. You must be so comfortable with going about setting up for your shot that you automatically get into your shot without thought. It MUST be a routine that you own> It MUST be a routine that works. Without owning a good pre shot routine, you cannot succeed to the levels of play that you seek.

18 Questions About Your Handicap

2009-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

by Dean Knuth, USGA's Director of Handicapping

1. Should I post scores from match play events? If so, how do I handle putts that have been conceded and holes where I have picked up?
Submit all scores played under the principles of the Rules of Golf, including those shot in match play. Conceded putts are considered holed. If you think you would not normally make a conceded putt, putt out, or add one stroke(most likely score), or apply ESC, whichever score is lower.

2. Should I turn in scores on courses other than my own? What about nine-hole score?
Submit all scores, along with the USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating for each course you play. Combine nine-hole scores and post them as 18-hole scores too--even if played at different courses with different ratings. Nine-hole scores no longer must be consecutive--post them.

3. If I play 27 holes in one day, may I choose the 18 I want to record?
Post the first 18 holes as a score and then combine the next nine with your previous or next nine, whatever the case may be.

4. When men and women play together, should we allot strokes based on the men's handicap holes or the women's?
Men are allotted strokes according to men's stroke allocation (handicap holes), women according to women's. Even if a woman is "playing off" the man's ball, she should receive strokes according to women's stroke allocation.

5. If we play "winter rules," do the scores count?
If the course is "in season", post scores played under winter rules, unless the club specifically has declared not to do so.

6. Do I have to take scores from my Northern club with me when I go South for the winter?
Yes. Take your last 20 scores along with the Course and Slope Ratings of the courses on which they were played, and post them at your club in the South. (If there is insufficient room on the sheet, give them to your handicap chairman). You must also take your last 20 scores from the South back North with you. I there is a handicap network service available to you, you can have the routing to multiple clubs done automatically for you.

7. Just when I figured out how the handicap system worked, the USGA added the Slope System. What can it accomplish that handicaps and course ratings don't already?
The Slope System is a refinement of the USGA Handicap System. It adjusts a player's handicap to the course he's playing. That's necessary because Course Ratings are based on an expert's game. An expert's score should approximate the ratings. On a difficult course, a poorer player's score tends to rise more than the difference in Course Ratings between that course and an average one. Just how much more is what the Slope System measures.

8. How can a man and a woman with identical handicaps play even, when the man is able to hit the ball 50 to 75 yards farther?
Forward, or women's, tees are meant to alleviate most of this inequity, but the differences between men's and women's course rating systems require that the golfer playing from the highest-rated tees(usually the woman) add the rounded-off difference in Course Ratings to her handicap. If the women's Course Rating is 75.2 and the men's Course Rating is 70.1, for example, the woman receives an extra five shots.

9. I'm a grandfather an my young grandson and I like to play the front tees. When we record our scores, should we use the women's course rating?
No. The women's Course and Slope Rating is based on a female player's proficiency. Regional and State golf associations have issued men's Course and Slope Ratings for most forward tees. If they have not, the club can use a correction table from the USGA Handicap System manual.

10. Based on scores in our senior league, we're getting strokes on the wrong holes. What can we do?
Section 17 of the USGA Handicap System manual (available from the USGA for $5.00) recommends collecting 200 scorecards from your lower-handicap (0 to 8) members and comparing hole-by-hole averages with a similar collection from your average-handicap (20 to 28) members. Re-rate the holes based on the average differences between the scores of the two groups on each hole. The largest differences indicate the lowest-handicap (toughest) holes; the smallest differences the highest-handicap (easiest) holes. Do not make either the first or the 18th hole the No. 1 handicap hole. Usually the odds are on the front and the evens are on the back-nine. This system works best for match play. For team stroke play, the traditional system of assigning shots according to a hole's difficulty (primarily length, with consideration given to obstacles) is best.

11. What is the USGA Handicap Formula?
(Go to: http://www.usga.org and select Handicapping, then select the USGA Handicap System manual. See Section 10.)

12. Explain Equitable Stroke Control. How do I figure it if I don't yet have a handicap?
Equitable Stroke Control is the USGA's system for limiting your maximum score on any one hole so that your handicap reflects your true proficiency. It is the first line of defense against sandbagging because it prevents a golfer from deliberately recording a high score on one hole. A player with a Course Handicap of 9 or less can post up to a double bogey on any hole. 10-19 handicappers can have a maximum of 7 on any hole, 20-29 an 8, 30-39 a 9 and 40 or more a max of a 10. A player without an established USGA Handicap Index uses the maximum Handicap Index of 36.4 for men, or 40.4 for women, converted to a Course Handicap to determine his maximum number.

13. How long are my scores good for? When is it too late to submit them?
Scores are good as long as they are in the golfer's scoring record of last twenty scores. Tournament scores are good if they are either made in the last 12 months, or are in the record of last 20 scores. Always post scores as soon as possible.

14. How do we compute our club's Most Improved player?
There is more than one method. The USGA recommends that you add 12 to a players beginning Handicap and divide this by 12 plus the player's ending Handicap to determine the improvement ratio. The club member with the highest improvement ratio is "most improved". Golf Digest uses a slightly different method: Multiply a player's beginning handicap by 2 and multiply his ending handicap by three. Subtract the second figure from the first. The difference is the player's improvement rating. The player with the highest improvement rating is "most improved".

15. In match play, should we use the difference between the lowest handicapper's strokes and the other players' to determine how many strokes each player gets for the round, or should all players take all strokes as they appear on the scorecard?
The USGA recommends that the lowest handicapper play with no handicap strokes and the other players receive strokes equal to the difference between their course handicap and his. To allot strokes to each player according to his full handicap without playing off the low player gives an unfair advantage to the lowest-handicap player.

16. When my match goes to sudden death, do I still get strokes?
Yes, according to the handicap stroke holes on the scorecard.

17. Should I play my real handicap or my "trend"--what I believe it will be as soon as my most current scores are processed?
Play your official USGA Handicap. It does not change until the new handicap report is posted on a revision schedule established by the state or regional golf association. "trend" is for information only and should not be used for play.

18--I belong to a men's club at a public course. How do I get a USGA Handicap?
Any organization of golfers who 1)play together regularly, 2)personally post scores at a public area at the club, 3)have committees to supervise golfing activities--including a handicap committee to make sure that the USGA Handicap System is followed, 4)has by-laws--can issue USGA Handicaps to its members, just by following the USGA Handicap System Manual. Write to the USGA for sample club by-laws and for information on how to form a club. Remember that peer review must exist. That means that members have to have a reasonable and regular opportunity to play golf with each other, as well as review scores posted and the handicap committee has to have a reasonable opportunity to provide its necessary peer review oversight requirements.

Keeping a Consistent Grip

2009-01-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

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Most Common Golf Rules Infractions

2009-01-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

Of the approximately 37 million golfers in the United States (anybody who golfs at least once a year) 5 million have handicaps. We'll assume that these golfers try their best to adhere to the rules of golf. That leaves 32 million golfers who don't have a handicap. How many of them are dedicated to following the rules completely?

In a recent survey it was found that only 27% of golfers follow the USGA and R&A golf rules completely. They may try, but as we've found in the professional tournaments that there are a number of infractions of the rules. So the question is, "How many golfers actually golf without any infraction of the rules?" Probably not many.

And when you add in the fact that the vast majority of golf rounds are played for fun, you realize that perhaps players aren't so concerned about playing absolutely by the rules.

So what are the most common infractions (deliberate or unintentional) of golf rules?

1. Not playing in the order designated by the rules (golfers don't adhere to the "away" rule and play when they're ready)

2. Improving their lies (using the "foot wedge")

3. Taking a Mulligan (if it's a provisional ball, that's alright. However, if they take a Mulligan and don't count it, that's an infraction and should be penalized.)

4. Rather than taking a drop, golfers will place the ball on the ground in a good location for their next shot.

5. Pick up their golf balls to find out if that's their golf ball.

6. Ground their clubs on the fairway, in the bunker, and in the rough. (If the ball moves, they should take a penalty.)

7. When the golfer hits the golf ball into the rough and can't find it, they don't go back to the tee box to hit another ball. No one wants the walk of shame - they just drop or place the ball where they think the ball should have been (of course the lie of the ball will be very good where they drop it/place it). Called stroke and distance.

There are other rules that are commonly broken, but these cover most of the instances.

There are many who claim that if a golfer doesn't abide by the complete rules, that they are cheating. And in a way they are. Any game where a player doesn't abide by the rules can be considered cheating. But not all golfers are interested in playing by the rules. They just want to play golf their own way, and they will pay to do it and the courses will take their money, and the rest of the golfers on the course don't know it nor do they care. They are into what they are doing.

So, if you're out to have some fun, and you're not competing with anybody else using a handicap that is false, and you're not trying to compare your score with previous scores, what's the problem?

For example, if you are playing some basketball in your driveway with one of your children, do you have to abide by the rules of basketball? It's not the same game. Plus, you're out to just have some fun.

Of course, if you're competing, you need to abide by the rules.

I have been approached by many golfers who seek a ruling from me on things that are NOT within the rules because they are playing for a small wager (a hot dog and a drink after the round I'm sure) and they are usually upset and want me to be the judge. My answer is standard and simple to understand -I only have one rule book - and if what they are doing isn't in that book - I cannot be any help to them. If you make it up as you go - then learn not to take it seriously between friends - or you'll soon be without them.

Golf Fitness Stretching For A Tension-Free Swing

2009-01-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

Do you have tension in your golf swing? Tight golf swing muscles create tension and rapidly deplete your swing of power and distance. A golf fitness stretching routine targeting your golf swing specific muscles will be a must if you want to remove tension. Stretching your golf muscles is a very effective way to not only eliminate tension, but to improve golf swing technique, sequence of motion, stability and body control.
There are so many simple stretches you can do in a matter of minutes that will literally transform your golf swing. All you need is some guidance and direction whether it be a golf fitness training system or hiring a personal golf fitness trainer in your locale.
Either way, this is one of the MOST effective ways to improve your golf swing that you cannot deny golf fitness stretching anymore.

Ball Position and Alignment

2009-01-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

I like to say that ball position and alignment is really one word because if you get one of them off the other one will most likely be off as well.

I believe the number one error in all of golf is poor alignment. Because of condition one many people struggle to align themselves properly parallel left. The conscious brain tells the vast majority of players that they must align their body to the target. The brain doesn't understand that the bodyline and the ball/target line are not convergent. Usually this fact staggers the student because they felt like they were doing the right thing when in fact all they did was make it very difficult for themselves to succeed at all. Take two shafts and lie them down on the ground with one aimed at the target and the other aimed parallel left of the target.

The next step is actually going to take care of stance and ball position at the same time. After they have taken their grip and have aligned their body parallel left, have them address the ball by placing the club behind the ball and standing to the ball with their feet together. Have them move their left foot three inches forward and flare the foot open thirty degrees. Then have them drop their right foot back until the heels are shoulder width apart. We have now achieved stance and ball position at the same time.

Offical Rules Stuff

2009-01-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

I am not a USGA Rules official. I would like to be that proficient at the rules someday, but I do have a solid understanding of the Rules of Golf and have served as a rules official in many tournaments at clubs that I have worked for, and I have been asked to be a volunteer rules official in some high school state championships and other small events in my past. I have been to USGA rules seminars and have taken their complex tests. My scores were not high enough to qualify as a USGA Rules official, but were certainly respectable. I will post a few rules scenarios on this blog so you can quickly refer to them, but I will use the USGA material that is out there and not try to put my own words or video to something that is done quite well from the governing body itself.

Click Here for a link to the USGA website where you can track down any rule right from the source!!