Play for the Bogey

photo credit: Matt Seppings   Besides the PGA Tour players, how many scratch golfers (par shooters) do you know?  Most amateurs don’t know any scratch golfers, the reason is that scratch golfers usually play other scratch players.

The common mistake that amateurs make is when they try to make a par on every hole.  Unless you are a scratch golfer you are pipe-dreaming!  The average score for the amateur golfer is bogey (1 over par).  Bogey golf means that you will shoot 90 for 18 holes which is a very respectable score.

Playing bogey golf is a lot less discouraging for the average player than trying to shoot par every round.  Try to improve your game by striving to play bogey golf.  Every hole that you par is a plus and a morale booster for your game.  Try it and watch your game improve !

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.

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.

Try a Shorter Backswing

photo credit: endbradley   Every golfer strives for more power which usually results in taking the club back farther.  Taking the club back farther on the backswing does equate to more power but at the expense of control.  Next time your on the range try taking the club back farther in your backswing and notice how it decreases the control of your clubhead.

Power comes from torque and torque is developed from the rotation of your hips and shoulder.  A good shoulder turn on the backswing results in greater clubhead speed and power.  Concentrate on making a good hip turn away from and through the ball.  Your shoulders should automatically fall into place.  You will be amazed at how a slightly shorter backswing can give you more control and power.  Try it.

Swinging Through

photo credit: danperry.com   Most would agree that the 3-metal is one of the hardest clubs to hit.  It’s length and minimal club-loft are the contributing factors.  Players tend to swing at the ball instead of swinging through the ball.

By swinging at the ball, the average golfer will tend to approach the ball with a steeper clubface angle which decreases the loft of the club even more.  Instead, try hitting through the ball.  You can do this by having the proper swing thought before the shot.  Just think about making a good golf-swing and imagine that the ball isn’t even there.  Doing so will allow you to make a smooth, flowing swing which will result in excellent height and much more distance.  If you want to hit more par-fives in two, try this method.

Becoming a Mentor

photo credit: The-Lane-Team   The old saying “it’s better to give, than to receive” is very true when it comes to the game of golf.  Becoming a mentor is a high calling that can be extremely rewarding for both teacher and student.

Conveying your knowledge of the game to a youngster who has a sincere desire to learn, can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  A mentor not only teaches but also influences.  Most kids need direction, something they may not be getting from their own parents.  Most of the time, you can leave a lasting impression by what you say and/or do.  Patience is the key to any lasting friendship and it is a prerequisite to being a good mentor and friend.

If you ever get the opportunity to become a mentor, take it, you won’t be sorry.

Colored Balls

photo credit: Bob B. Brown   Recently, during the 2010 U.S. Open, there were several players using colored golf balls.  Could it be that colored balls are making a comeback?  Many newcomers to the game of golf do not realize that during the mid to late 1980s, colored balls were the rage.

There were orange, red, pink, green, lime and several shades of yellow balls.  The two most popular colors, during that time, were lime green and orange.  Colored balls were great in the fall when a white ball could be lost amongst the leaves but with a bright color, it was nearly impossible to do so.  Colored balls are a must if you ever play in snowy conditions. 

Colored balls are simply more fun to use. . . I prefer lime green !

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