Spin

photo credit: josh99smith   One of the most popular questions among amateurs is “how can I get more spin.”  Everyone seems to have the desire to spin the ball just like the pros but there are few situations where spin may be required, one of which is if the pin is cut towards the front of the green

For greater spin:  1)  there must be a relatively clean lie.  2)  A descending swing is required.  3)  Use 7-iron through wedge.  4)  Use a ball with a soft cover.  5)  Play the ball back in the stance.  6)  Make a short controlled backswing with firm wrists.  7)  Pinch the ball against the clubface and ground.  8)  Swing harder for more spin. 

If there is grass behind the ball the possibility for spin is almost eliminated since the friction between the ball and clubface is greatly reduced.

Oscar Winning Performance

photo credit: prateekb   Tiger Woods will make his return to the game at this year’s Masters.  He’s given only a couple of well orchestrated 5 minute interviews in which he chose the subject matter.  During one of the interviews he went so far as to stop the process entirely when he became uncomfortable with the line of questioning.

The Golf Channel is now bustling with ”Tiger talk” and video clips of his fist pumps.  Tiger’s well planned campaign to make himself the victim, instead of the perpetrator seems to be working flawlessly.  His desire to worm his way back into the arms of society has a superficial feel to it.  It’s hard to understand why everyone can’t seem to just wake up to one of the most famous con artists in the world of sports.

A Controlled Drive

photo credit: bradleypjohnson   There are occasions when hitting erratic tee shots becomes the norm rather than the exception.  If you find yourself inconsistent off the tee try the following soft swing which will create a low-flying shot:

Take your normal stance, play the ball off your left heel and choke down on the handle.  Make a shortened (three-quarter) backswing and do not raise your lead heel off the ground.  Do not allow your hands to roll over through the impact zone.  You will substitute distance for control, which may be a very good trade-off if you are wild off the tee.  This technique can also be used when hitting directly into the wind because the shot will have a low trajectory and roll farther once on the ground.

Never-up Never-in

photo credit: idovermani   The phrase “never-up, never-in” is more pertinent than you may think.  Ben Crenshaw, one of the game’s truly outstanding putters, said ” there are four ways to miss a putt – left, right, short and long.”

Follow this:  most putts will always be missed left or right, that means you will be long.  You can eliminate one of the four possibilities by making certain that you are never, ever short with your putts.  That’s where the phrase never-up, never-in comes from.  If you do not hit your putt/s hard enough you will be short, therefore, not giving the put an opportunity to go in the cup.  Sooner or later, if you keep going past the cup, your putts will start dropping and so will your scores.

Lob Shot From Deep Rough

photo credit: stanik2007   If you find yourself in deep rough and you need the ball to fly high and stop quickly try using your sand wedge.  Open your stance and the clubface, make a long slow backswing but be sure to break your wrists quickly so the club can be taken up at a steep angle.  Swing down slow and steady.

Mentally, approach this shot as you would a sand shot.  Slide the club into the grass about an inch or so behind the ball.  One of the most important aspects of this type of shot (as is the sand shot), is that you must execute a full and complete follow-through.  It is very easy for the deep grass to pull at the clubhead so a firm grip must be established.

The Bottom of Your Arc

photo credit: stanik2007   Many golfers don’t really understand the purpose of a practice swing.  The primary purpose of the practice swing is to learn where the bottom of your swing arc will be. 

In every round of golf there are no two lies that are exactly alike.  The practice swing should determine where the bottom of your arc is for the terrain that you are standing on.  If you notice that your arc bottoms out further back in your stance, play the ball back.  If it bottoms farther forward then play the ball farther forward in your stance. 

Knowing where your swing arc bottoms out will help prevent thin or fat shots.  Keep this in mind every time you make a practice swing and watch your scores drop.

Spring Vacation Deals

photo credit: Robber Esq   Here are two great packages for your spring golf vacation.

The Inn at Palmetto Blugg > Bluffton, South Carolina, www.palmettobluffresort.com (866 796 – 6565) –  SAVE $230 on the Lowcountry Golf Package which includes a two-night stay in a guest cottage, daily breakfast, 18 holes per day at the May River Club and Harbour Town Golf Links, boat transfers (gratuities not included), $825. per night.

The Villas of Grand Cypress > Orlando, Florida, www.grandcypress.com (877 330 – 7377) – SAVE $195. on the Tee and Tutor Package which includes two nights in a Club Suite, two rounds at a Jack Nicklaus designed course, one golf lesson, reduced fees on additional same day play, practice facility use, and/or club rental, $490 per night with a two night minimum stay.

Attitude on par Threes

photo credit: www.theedinburghblog.co.uk   Maintaining the correct attitude on par three golf holes will help you lower your scoring average.  Some pros will not use any club longer than a 7-iron if they intend on going for the pin.  Otherwise they know that the odds are on their side if they just aim for the green’s center. 

If you feel the shot calls for a 5-iron, use a 4-iron instead.  It’s better to overclub than underclub, furthermore, there is less trouble on the back of a green than there is on the front side. 

One of the most important aspects of iron play is to know how far you can hit each club with your normal swing.  Also, know your yardage distance to the hole for each approach shot.

Visualization

photo credit: ames sf   Some golfers think accuracy means hitting the ball straight but the real meaning of an accurate shot is when the target is hit.  Straight does not mean accurate.  Plan ahead by analyzing and visualizing your shot.  This should begin as you are approaching your ball, not in the address position.  Check for unusual lies or obstacles.  Once you are clear as to your goal, choose your target and visualize your shot in your mind’s eye.  See yourself swinging the club and visualize the flightpath of the ball to the target.

A positive mental image almost always leads to a successful golf shot.  Visualizing should also be done on the practice range.  It is important to develop the habit of visualization prior to each and every shots, including putts.

Weather Garments

photo credit: Duncanh1   Many companies are recognizing the need for clothing that is comfortable and fashionable yet will protect you from the elements.  Here are some new items for rain or shine: 

Sun Mountain’s Monsoon Jacket ($95) is fully waterproof which features shoulder gussets for easy movement.  It also has a taffeta lining for greater comfort.  Footjoy Dryjoy Golf Cap ($24) is completely waterproof.  Adidas Tour 360 4.0 Sport Shoes.  The lower half repels water while the upper half is breathable.  Footjoy Performance Rain Shorts ($95) warm and dry in the rain and cool in the sun.  Amphibian Towel by Frogger ($30) Extra large towel.  One side is bamboo the other is cotton for cleaning clubs and keeping your hands dry.

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