Sunday, August 1, 2010

Recapture. Don't recreate

I was recently asked what I would do with Tiger and his recent putting wo's.  Tiger has been the best putter on the planet for quite some time.  This is especially true in pressure situations.  I told them that I wouldn't change a thing.  We might look at some old video of him making some of the biggest putts in the history of the game to see if he spots something that he did which he isn't currently feeling.  At the least,  it may give him a little confidence boost to create the trust needed to make his best strokes.  When you've done something well for an extended period of time and then lose it, don't recreate. Recapture.  I hear too often people looking for new solutions when their old solution worked very well for a long time.  Golf is about consistency.  You won't find consistency through change.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Golf Shoes

Golf shoes are very important component of the swing.  Using the ground effectively allows you to generate maximum speed and distance.  This time of year is usually a little muddy.  Make sure your spikes are new and clean.  The extra support created by new spikes will allow you to use the ground a little better.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Practice your weaknesses and play your strengths

Most player's know what they do well and what they don't.  Spend the majority of your practice time working on the things you struggle with.  Don't get caught up practicing only what you're good at.

When you go play, focus on your strengths.  If your putting is strong and chipping weak.  Aim toward the fat of the green to give you the best chance of hitting the greens.  Avoid being tempted by tucked pins as a poor chipper will make a sure bogey from the short side.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Aimpoint Green Reading - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it @ 12:11 PST
A few weeks ago Mark Sweeney, of Aimpoint Golf, came to Webster Golf Club to host a green reading clinic. It was attended by 11 people. A little less than I would have expected. The other reason he was here was to certify me as Western New York's only Certified Instructor of this technique.

This information is absolutely vital and goes into the art of how to accurately read the green. For year's, the ability to read the green has been a kind of magic used by only a few.

Most people think they "know" how to read the green and I can guarantee you they do not. This information will help you make more putts. Check out his website http://www.aimpointgolf.com and let me know when you're ready to make some more putts.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Address hands. vs. Impact hands - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it @ 23:43 PST
Most players aren't aware that the shape of a players hand at address should be very different than the shape of the hands at impact. During address, the hands will be set-up in a way where the left wrist is bent and the right wrist is flat. At impact, that arrangement should be reversed(flat left wrist and bent right wrist).

Try and create that look and you will hit crisper and longer shots.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

D Plane analysis - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it @ 10:22 am PST
When you are practicing, make sure you understand what is happening to cause the ball to do what it is doing. Only solid shots will give you the ability to corretly analyze what happened.

Face will determine initial starting direction and club path will determine curve. If the path of the club is moving left of the direction the face is pointed the ball will curve right. Opposite for shots curving left. If the ball is curving in a way that you don't like, adjust the face angle at impact so it matches the direction of the swing path so the ball flies straight. This may be straight right or straight left but try and make the ball go straight first before you try to make it go toward your target.

After you can make the ball fly straight, then you can try and change the path so the ball will fly straight toward the target.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Try to make them all - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it @ 10:52 am PST
Whenever you reach a distance from the green that you can reach with a sand wedge I want you to think a little more clearly about the goal. Instead of trying to get the ball on the green or get it close, try making it. Visualize the entire shot. The ball flying, landing and rolling in the cup.

This is especially true for putting. Try to make every putt you look at. This doesn't mean hit it harder. It is simply a state of mind that has a specific positive goal. You won't make them all and that shouldn't surprise or frustrate you. As long as you are trying to make instead of get close or don't three putt or don't miss, you will have a greater chance of making each putt.

Previous Months Tips HERE