What About the Left Heel?

photo credit: USACE Europe District   There are two schools of thought about raising the left heel during the backswing:  1)  Keep the heel down for more stability and to prevent moving off the ball (sway)  2)  To raise the left heel allowing for a fuller turn and longer backswing.  The controversy still continues.

The swing of Jack Nicklaus is a good example of the raised left heel.  As he swings,  his left heel raises dramatically off the ground.  The raised heel allows an effortless, full backswing

Ben Hogan, on the other hand,  raised his left heel occasionally, depending on the shot.  Hogan’s view was to do what comes natural ! 

If you are having difficulty making a full backswing, try lifting your left heel for much better results.

Speculating About Tiger

photo credit: linein   The Tiger Woods saga continues with so many unanswered questions:  When will Woods play his next tournament?  Will there be a reconciliation with his wife?  How many more sponsors will drop him?  Will he ever play again?

What does the future hold for Tiger Woods?  There are rumors that his wife may offer to take him back but he must give up golf  for at least two years, if not longer.  Apparently, she does not want him on tour away from their family any longer, it’s a matter of trust, according to my sources.  Once he has earned her trust, their kids will be older and they could be on the road together.  This could work. . . he will be out of the limelight and it will go a long way to restore his credibility as a  ”good father.”  Maybe !

The Return of The Tiger

photo credit: Keith Allison   When will Tiger Woods return to the game he has dominated for the past decade?  No-one really knows for sure, it may be too early to even speculate.  Most Public Relations firms suggest that he return to the game as soon as possible.  Their reasoning is that winning more tournaments will somehow restore what little credibility Tiger has left.

After having your life implode as Tiger’s did, who could ever concentrate on a game that requires such complete concentration.  Every golfer knows what it’s like to have a pressing issue on their mind; the golf game is the first to deteriorate.  Even if Woods does return soon how will his problems affect the way he plays?  It’s one question after another.

Controversial Views

photo credit: dhilgart   It seems many Pros have their own convictions:   PETER KOSTIS = “Forget all you’ve heard about pinching your knees together.  That’s nonsense.”  BEN HOGAN = “During the golf swing, the knees work toward each other.  Since they do, let’s start them that way to begin with, each knee pointing in.  This is a very valuable shortcut.”     HARRY VARDON = “The club should be gripped firmly with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand.”  BEN HOGAN = “Gripping firmly with these two fingers is a swing wrecker.”     SAM SNEAD = “The last two fingers of the left hand pull down on the club handle to start the downswing.”  NICK FALDO = “My left knee and left shoulder make the first move towards the target, while the right side of my body holds momentarily.”

Driver Loft

photo credit: Lisa Sanderson   How much loft is too much? 

For a long time the golfing community assumed that a drive with a lower trajectory traveled farther, research has found the opposite to be true.  Tee shots with a lower trajectory are more prone to trouble by running into hazards.  A high tee shot will remain very near to it’s landing area. 

Bottom Line:  Higher shots travel farther.  If your swing speed is between 75 and 95 mph., a 12 degree loft is ideal (most amateurs are using lofts of 10 degrees or less, typically used by touring Pros).  Make contact with an ascending Not descending swing.  Lower your right shoulder (right-handers) and play the ball off your left heel to add more natural loft to your drives.

Greens Fee’s

photo credit: www.theedinburghblog.co.uk   In some southwestern states such as Arizona and Nevada, greens fee’s can fluctuate from $40 to as high as $300 on the same golf course.  The cost depends on the time of year.  For example: a championship golf course in Scottsdale, AZ. may charge $200 in peak season (winter months) and as little as $20 in the off season (summer).  Is this huge discrepency warranted?

Granted, the temperatures in Arizona and Nevada can reach 110 deegrees in the summer months.  The players “in the know,” play only in the morning hours from 6:00am to 11:00am.  The temperatures during that time are quite pleasant.   The courses are in super shape and the savings are substantial.  Frankly, playing championship courses can be a steal !

Can Charles Barkley’s Swing be Fixed?

photo credit: believekevin   Recently, THE GOLF CHANNEL contracted with Hank Haney to fix the golf swing of Charles Barkley.  When Haney saw Barkley’s swing on video he said “this is going to take real work.”

Both Barkley and Haney met to discuss the practice schedule which Haney said was “the exact schedule he uses with Tiger.”  When Haney asked Barkley if he was up to that kind of “hardship,” Barkley agreed.

Hank Haney, who took over from Butch Harmon as Tiger’s teacher, was enthusiastic about helping Barkley.  During one interview Barkley stated that he rarely hits a ball higher than his own head.  Most of his shots are “grass cutters” or extreme “banana balls.”  He said “whenever I whiff, I tell everyone it was just a practice swing.”

Choosing the Right Ball

photo credit: Frank_BB   For years there has been serious debate among amateurs as to which ball is best.  The question is whether to play a high-end premium ball or a moderately priced sphere.  Manufacturers offer so many options that players become confused about making the proper choice. 

Hot Stix Golf recently conducted tests between balls with three-piece construction with urethane cover and balls with a two-piece cover.  The tests were to find the difference in launch angle, spin rate and all-around performance. 

Conclusion:  the 3-piece ball launches lower but spins more.  The 2-piece ball launches higher but spins less.  A ball that spins less (2-piece) can help golfers with slices or hooks. it will also add distance for those with lower swing speeds.  The 2 piece is preferable for those with slower swing speeds.

Should The Cup Be Larger?

photo credit: TorleyFor years now many have said they would like to see the size of the cup enlarged.  Among the various reasons given, the most prevailant is that a larger cup would speed play.

USGA Rules state that the cup size should be 4 1/4 in. in diameter and at least 4 in. deep.  Would a larger cup size make the game more enjoyable? 

If made larger, just how large should it be?  Some say 5 in., some say 6 in.  Can you just imagine the joy of not having to wait forever while the foursome ahead of you putt out?  It would be bliss, but the challenge of sinking a golf ball in a 4 1/4 in. cup from 40 ft. would be gone forever!

Annika’s Drug Test Send-Off

photo credit: SD Dirk
photo credit: SD DirkAnnika Sorenstam was undoubtedly one of the greatest golfers ever to play on the LPGA Tour.  In her very last LPGA Tour event, the ADT., the LPGA reared it’s ugly head and decided drug test her.

Drug tests are mandatory on both professional tours but it was the timing that was controversial.  Just two short months before in Oct., 2008, she was asked to take the same test with negative results, so why take another test 2 months later?  The LPGA procalaimed testing is done at random.  What would they have done in her last tournament if the results were positive, suspend her from retirement?

Was the untimely drug test payback by the LPGA for Annika’s early retirement?  Her presence brought millions in spectator dollars and advertisement to the LPGA tour.  Make sense?

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