Old Style vs. New Style

photo credit: Shiny Things   Prior to the new stiff arm style of putting, golfers used a relatively short stroke.  The wrists were snapped at impact, giving the ball more momentum.  In today’s game it is popular to keep the arms straight and allow the shoulders to rotate which creates a pendulum type motion with the putter.

One has to wonder just how much improved the new system really is compared to the old style.  Back then you had infamously great putters such as Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and the list goes on.  They rolled the ball in the hole as well as today’s stars with average comparable to today’s.

Today’s style requires that you maintain a relatively stiff lead wrist throughout the putting stroke.  Doing so assures that your swing will remain consistent and will not break down when contact with the ball is made.

Hitting the 3-Metal

photo credit: teamstickergiant   It’s ironic that the 3-metal can be so difficult to hit off the fairway but relatively easy to hit off the tee.  How many really good 3 metal shots have you hit off the fairway?  Now think of how many really good 3 metal shots you’ve hit off the tee.  Quite a difference isn’t it?

When  using the 3-metal off the fairway think in terms of not “forcing” the ball in the air.  Do not try to hit the ball any harder than you would a 5-iron shot.  TIP:  Think fluid.  Even if the ball is slightly miss-hit with the 3-metal, it will usually travel farther than your best 3-iron shot.  It’s easy to spray 3-metal shots so concentrate on alignment and your set-up at address.  Also, try moving your hands slightly down on the grip which automatically makes the clubshaft shorter thus allowing for more control.

Chin Up

photo credit: Clintus McGintus   Described for right handed players - The chin can act like a brake during the backswing.  If the chin is held too low during the backswing it will prevent the left shoulder from going under it, thus, preventing a full turn going back. 

TIP:  When assuming the address position make sure that your chin is raised high enough to allow clearance for your left shoulder during the backswing.  Doing so allows the golfer to take the club back fully to the parallel (with the ground) position.  Most players make this adjustment just before they start their backswing.

Taking the club all the way back to parallel on the backswing generates greater clubhead speed which results in more shot distance.  Remember, in order to create length in your game you’ve got to find ways to create more clubhead speed.  This method is one of them.

Don’t Squeeze the Club Handle

photo credit: Matt Seppings   To the amateur, the only way to get more distance is to take a harder swipe at the ball, in doing so it means that their grip automatically gets tighter.  Just the opposite is true.

In order to achieve more shot distance you have to increase clubhead speed which isn’t accomplished by gripping the club tighter or swinging harder.  The real key is to loosen up your muscles which would be completely tense if you were to take a hard swipe at the ball. You must swing easier with more fluidity.  This all starts by exerting as little pressure as possible when gripping the club, doing so will free-up your wrists, arms, shoulders and entire body.  This obviously goes against normal instincts but it works and that’s all that counts.

Three Aspects of a Golf Swing

photo credit: D.Hilgart   There are three aspects of a positive golf swing if  you make the proper swing commitment:  (1)  Good acceleration > it is imperative that you accelerate through the hitting zone.  This means that your clubhead should be gaining momentum and speed as you move through the bottom of your swing arc.  (2)  Make the Proper Weight Shift >  Make your address with your weight firmly on your forward side and when you swing through the hitting zone your weight should begin to shift further towards the target.  (3)  Your clubhead loft should remain exactly the same as at address.  Changing the loft of your club (angle of attack) through impact, changes the height and distance of the shot.

Liability on the Golf Course

photo credit: dougtone   No matter where you play, there will invariably be golf holes that parallel busy roads.  In the Phoenix metro area playing under these types of conditions  is especially prevalent.  Most golfers don’t realize it but the liability consequences for an errant golf shot can be substantial. 

If you hit a shot which damages a vehicle or, worse yet injures a passenger, you can be held completely liable for damages.  The same holds true for hitting another golfer.  Your greens fee does not include an automatic inclusion into the course liability insurance policy.  You are on your own.

The safest bet, is to be extremely cautious at all times.  When hitting a shot, wait until the roadway is void of vehicles.  if there are other golfers to your front or sides simply let them pass.  “Play safe,” as the saying goes and the liability factor becomes non-existent.

Take a Short Backswing

photo credit: eMaringolo   Many amateurs are haunted  by quitting on short chip or pitch shots (30 yds. or less).  Most beginners will tend to take a longer than necessary backswing and then decelerate coming into and through the ball.  To correct this problem try the following:

Take a shorter backswing;  by doing so, it will force you to accelerate through the shot.   A longer backswing will tend to make you quit on the shot which is common with even the best of players.  Also, a shorter backswing will result in a more solid contact with the ball.  A ball that is solidly hit will react the way you want it to, when it strikes the green.

Short  chip or pitch shots are all about good tempo which results in the correct swing speed.  Practice Tip:  near the practice green try taking shorter backswings.  Bring the club back to about an 8:00 o’clock position and be sure to accelerate through the hitting zone.

Competition

photo credit: Jorge Franganillo   Playing golf alone is like fishing alone.  If you hit a good shot there are no witnesses.  Do you play golf alone?  Most players find it very boring.

On the other hand, when practicing,  it’s best to play alone.  The practice range will only take you so far but the “proof of the pudding,” lies on the golf course.  A practice round is void of competition because of the need to experiment with different shots, lies and situations you might expect during a typical round of golf.  This “on the job training” so to speak is invaluable in developing the confidence required to be a good golfer.

There is nothing like playing the game to win.  The thrill of golf comes from making good shots, making bets and winning.  You can’t win when playing alone, you can’t have much fun either!

Ball Speed

photo credit: CostasZ   One of the most difficult things about putting is determining ball speed.  Speed is critical in determining break.  On uphill putts most amateurs tend to leave their putt short of the hole.  On most downhill putts the ball will roll past the hole.  In order to eliminate this problem try the following:

TIP:  For downhill putts pick a spot just shy of the hole to aim for.  For uphill putts choose a spot just past the hole.  In both instances your chances of holing the putt are greatly increased.

Keep in mind that the break (slope) will also have a detrimental effect on putting accuracy, therefore, it is important to keep the amount of break in mind when determining how hard to hit the ball.

Playing the Lob Shot

photo credit: adamentmeat   Lob shots are difficult to hit for the amateur player, Pro’s make them look easy.  These are shots that should be hit only when absolutely necessary.

To hit a good lob shot the ball must sit up slightly on a cushion of grass.  Take your lob wedge and play the ball left of center about two ball widths.  Open the face of your wedge to get the ball up through impact.  For more loft, weaken your grip by turning your left hand (for right-handers) slightly to the left resting your thumb on top of the club.  Bring the club back halfway and make sure to accelerate through impact.  Make a long swing and at completion make sure your body faces the target.

Note:  Don’t try to lift the ball into the air by falling back during your backswing.  Stay balanced through the shot.

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