Joe,
If someone is in the sand trap and the golf ball is unplayable. So they take a unplayable ball do they have to put it in the sand trap or can they take it out of the trap and play it on the fairway? Let me know. I was told you can take it out of the trap and put it on the fairway as an unplayable ball.
Thanks Pati
Hello Pati,
According to Rule 28 you have 3 options, all of which are a one stroke penalty. You can replay your previous shot by walking back to where you started (not recommended due to pace of play),
or you can drop the ball as far behind your spot as you want, as long as you stay in the bunker, or you can drop in the bunker sideways to your spot within 2 club lengths but no closer to the hole. You cannot drop in the fairway. If your unplayable lie was at the back of the bunker, there may not be any legal place to drop, so you would have to go back to the previously played spot, which hurts the pace of play. Now remember these are rules for formal competition. If you are only playing for fun, then you and your partners can agree that hey, you have already been hit with a penalty, so drop it wherever you want, the USGA police are not going to arrest you, although they might arrest me for saying that. I won’t snitch if you won’t.
Joe
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Dear Joe
First I like to say I enjoy reading your e-mails, I learn a great deal.
I have been playing golf for approx. 2 years. I am having trouble hitting with my irons (yes with all of them.) The trouble is that I cannot get any loft on the ball, it flies just above the ground. What do I need to do? Thanks for taking the time to read my e-mail.
Garry Rodriguez
Lubbock, Texas
Hi Garry,
Many new golfers do the same as you because they are trying to lift the ball and therefore hit it too thin. Start with a wedge or 9-iron and try to hit the ball down into the ground. You may have noticed the pros on TV usually take a big divot on fairway shots. That is caused by striking the ball with a downward blow, and the club continues downward into the ground, producing the divot. In golf, you have to hit down to make the ball go up. You can see the same result with a ping pong paddle and ball. If you chop down on the ball, you give the ball underspin and the ball rises. If you swing up at the ball, you give the ball overspin and it drops quickly. When you can successfully hit down properly with your 9-iron, it will also work with your other clubs. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
Joe
First I like to say I enjoy reading your e-mails, I learn a great deal.
I have been playing golf for approx. 2 years. I am having trouble hitting with my irons (yes with all of them.) The trouble is that I cannot get any loft on the ball, it flies just above the ground. What do I need to do? Thanks for taking the time to read my e-mail.
Garry Rodriguez
Lubbock, Texas
Hi Garry,
Many new golfers do the same as you because they are trying to lift the ball and therefore hit it too thin. Start with a wedge or 9-iron and try to hit the ball down into the ground. You may have noticed the pros on TV usually take a big divot on fairway shots. That is caused by striking the ball with a downward blow, and the club continues downward into the ground, producing the divot. In golf, you have to hit down to make the ball go up. You can see the same result with a ping pong paddle and ball. If you chop down on the ball, you give the ball underspin and the ball rises. If you swing up at the ball, you give the ball overspin and it drops quickly. When you can successfully hit down properly with your 9-iron, it will also work with your other clubs. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
Joe
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
nice newsletter.
Where can I get some info/help. I make solid contact, I keep pulling my ball about 30 yards left with my irons, this is killing me. What to fix? What doing wrong ?
thanks!
Ralph
Hello Ralph,
There are two possibilities here, grip or swing path, maybe both. First the swing path. Most people think they are swinging down the target line, but while the body is turning, by the time the clubhead gets to the ball, it is no longer down the target line, the turn pulls the club inside the target line. Let’s say the target line is 12 o’clock. If you are right handed, your path is probably pulled toward 11 o’clock. To correct this, swing toward 1 o’clock and exaggerate the follow-thru in that direction. For the grip, my first guess is that you are using the interlock grip, which I have seen many people struggle with. My second guess is the overlap, which I myself have used for over 40 years with some success, but now I am using the ten finger grip because I have gotten in the habit of having contests with myself using different methods, and the ten finger grip won. Try such contests yourself and use the grip that works best for you.
Joe
Where can I get some info/help. I make solid contact, I keep pulling my ball about 30 yards left with my irons, this is killing me. What to fix? What doing wrong ?
thanks!
Ralph
Hello Ralph,
There are two possibilities here, grip or swing path, maybe both. First the swing path. Most people think they are swinging down the target line, but while the body is turning, by the time the clubhead gets to the ball, it is no longer down the target line, the turn pulls the club inside the target line. Let’s say the target line is 12 o’clock. If you are right handed, your path is probably pulled toward 11 o’clock. To correct this, swing toward 1 o’clock and exaggerate the follow-thru in that direction. For the grip, my first guess is that you are using the interlock grip, which I have seen many people struggle with. My second guess is the overlap, which I myself have used for over 40 years with some success, but now I am using the ten finger grip because I have gotten in the habit of having contests with myself using different methods, and the ten finger grip won. Try such contests yourself and use the grip that works best for you.
Joe
Monday, June 14, 2004
Question for the Evil Twin:
Jody, what do you say about having to follow all the rules of golf, no matter what?
Answer: For those who say a rule is a rule and you have to follow it, then make sure you also follow these rules:
In California, it is illegal to set a mousetrap without a hunting license.
In North Dakota, it is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.
In Seattle, residents may not carry concealed weapons longer than six feet.
In Vermont, it is illegal to whistle underwater.
In Carmel, New York, a man cannot go outside while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match.
In Denver it is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor.
In Devon, Connecticut, it is unlawful to walk backwards after sunset.
In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle
In California, it is illegal for anyone to try and stop a child from playfully jumping over puddles of water.
In California, it is illegal to eat an orange in your bath tub.
In Connecticut, a pickle is not officially a pickle unless it bounces.
In Sarasota, FL, it is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.
In Kentucky, it is illegal to transport an ice cream cone in your pocket.
In Louisiana, it is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.
In Louisiana, biting someone with your natural teeth is "simple assault", while biting someone with your false teeth is "aggravated assault".
In Massachusetts, mourners at a wake may not eat more than three sandwiches
In Nebraska, a parent can be arrested if his child cannot hold back a burp during a church service.
In Pennsylvania, a special cleaning ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling.
In Pennsylvania, no man may purchase alcohol without written consent from his wife.
In Texas, it is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.
In Washington, it is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town.
In Chicago, it is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe's neck.
(if you don’t feel there is a need to change some of the golf rules, then don’t change these either)
Jody, what do you say about having to follow all the rules of golf, no matter what?
Answer: For those who say a rule is a rule and you have to follow it, then make sure you also follow these rules:
In California, it is illegal to set a mousetrap without a hunting license.
In North Dakota, it is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.
In Seattle, residents may not carry concealed weapons longer than six feet.
In Vermont, it is illegal to whistle underwater.
In Carmel, New York, a man cannot go outside while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match.
In Denver it is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor.
In Devon, Connecticut, it is unlawful to walk backwards after sunset.
In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle
In California, it is illegal for anyone to try and stop a child from playfully jumping over puddles of water.
In California, it is illegal to eat an orange in your bath tub.
In Connecticut, a pickle is not officially a pickle unless it bounces.
In Sarasota, FL, it is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.
In Kentucky, it is illegal to transport an ice cream cone in your pocket.
In Louisiana, it is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.
In Louisiana, biting someone with your natural teeth is "simple assault", while biting someone with your false teeth is "aggravated assault".
In Massachusetts, mourners at a wake may not eat more than three sandwiches
In Nebraska, a parent can be arrested if his child cannot hold back a burp during a church service.
In Pennsylvania, a special cleaning ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling.
In Pennsylvania, no man may purchase alcohol without written consent from his wife.
In Texas, it is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.
In Washington, it is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town.
In Chicago, it is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe's neck.
(if you don’t feel there is a need to change some of the golf rules, then don’t change these either)
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Hello,
Is there a cure for the Yips?
Ann
Hi Ann,
When all else fails, you have to adopt an attitude with an edge to it. By that I mean you have to mix a little self anger along with determination that you are going to execute a stroke and you are not going to allow worry to affect the outcome. If the outcome is still not successful, tell yourself it is not because you did not execute the stroke properly, and therefore you have done the best you could. With this approach, the Yips should no longer be an issue. The Yips are only an issue if you worry about the outcome before and during the execution of the stroke. Take worry out of the equation with this “Edge” and execute. The outcome is going to happen whether you like it or not, but your outcomes will no longer be a result of worry, just execution, and things can only get better from there.
Joe
Is there a cure for the Yips?
Ann
Hi Ann,
When all else fails, you have to adopt an attitude with an edge to it. By that I mean you have to mix a little self anger along with determination that you are going to execute a stroke and you are not going to allow worry to affect the outcome. If the outcome is still not successful, tell yourself it is not because you did not execute the stroke properly, and therefore you have done the best you could. With this approach, the Yips should no longer be an issue. The Yips are only an issue if you worry about the outcome before and during the execution of the stroke. Take worry out of the equation with this “Edge” and execute. The outcome is going to happen whether you like it or not, but your outcomes will no longer be a result of worry, just execution, and things can only get better from there.
Joe
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Hello,
I recently bought a DVD that claims that thru Neuromuscular exercises will help us in our swing. The theory is by watching a perfect swing over and over again with different clubs should give you a good tempo swing. I observed that the guy is swinging with his left heel off the ground during his backward swing. The guys on tour do not seem to swing like that. Is there a concern? Even Mark Sensei (Body Golf) doesn’t swing like that. Should I stop seeing it before I swing like a cockadoo? :) I also noticed that he is hitting with a very old wood, steel shafted. Ball flight is amazingly good!
Thanks
Jack
Hello Jack,
If you have ever seen Bobby Jones swing, you will notice that his heel comes way off the ground, and since Bobby Jones was one of the greatest golfers who ever lived, it is logical to say that this is only a mannerism, not a fundamental. If you try to copy every mannerism from every video, you will fry your brain. Mannerisms are minor differences in appearance that are not as important as the fundamentals that you must do to improve. Most mannerisms occur during the backswing (like Jim Furyk) and follow-thru (like Arnold Palmer), most fundamentals, the important things, occur from the top of the backswing to the point of contact. Watch the downswing, how the pros move their weight to the front foot, watch the position of the back elbow, and watch how they delay their wrist action until the last possible instant before contact. If you can imitate those things, then it won’t matter if you look like a cockadoo (whatever that is).
Joe
I recently bought a DVD that claims that thru Neuromuscular exercises will help us in our swing. The theory is by watching a perfect swing over and over again with different clubs should give you a good tempo swing. I observed that the guy is swinging with his left heel off the ground during his backward swing. The guys on tour do not seem to swing like that. Is there a concern? Even Mark Sensei (Body Golf) doesn’t swing like that. Should I stop seeing it before I swing like a cockadoo? :) I also noticed that he is hitting with a very old wood, steel shafted. Ball flight is amazingly good!
Thanks
Jack
Hello Jack,
If you have ever seen Bobby Jones swing, you will notice that his heel comes way off the ground, and since Bobby Jones was one of the greatest golfers who ever lived, it is logical to say that this is only a mannerism, not a fundamental. If you try to copy every mannerism from every video, you will fry your brain. Mannerisms are minor differences in appearance that are not as important as the fundamentals that you must do to improve. Most mannerisms occur during the backswing (like Jim Furyk) and follow-thru (like Arnold Palmer), most fundamentals, the important things, occur from the top of the backswing to the point of contact. Watch the downswing, how the pros move their weight to the front foot, watch the position of the back elbow, and watch how they delay their wrist action until the last possible instant before contact. If you can imitate those things, then it won’t matter if you look like a cockadoo (whatever that is).
Joe
Friday, June 11, 2004
Hello,
I am a beneficiary of the advice given in your newsletter. I have a question for you...a pro measured me and told me to use Ping green dot clubs which, when I checked on the Ping web site, meant that these are 2 degree upright clubs. My question is which all companies make such clubs. I play with Lynx blade irons and the heel of it some times is above the ground and I have to readjust the club. I do not intend to buy some thing very expensive here in India as choices are a bit limited. Thanks for being there.
Admiringly
Anand (dr.A.V.Pathak)
Hello Anand,
Many golfers are not aware that they need more upright lie angles, and that is part of the reason why their shots are pushed or sliced. I assume you feel that the Pings are too expensive for your taste. The least expensive approach is to try to get your Lynx irons bent more upright, but you must understand there is some risk of cracking the club. If you intend to purchase new clubs, you can usually search the internet to find out which companies in India offer clubs made to your specs. If you can try some “demo” clubs, make sure you use “striking tape and board” to see where the tape gets scuffed when you swing down on the board. The tape should scuffed in the middle of the sole if it fits you properly.
Joe
I am a beneficiary of the advice given in your newsletter. I have a question for you...a pro measured me and told me to use Ping green dot clubs which, when I checked on the Ping web site, meant that these are 2 degree upright clubs. My question is which all companies make such clubs. I play with Lynx blade irons and the heel of it some times is above the ground and I have to readjust the club. I do not intend to buy some thing very expensive here in India as choices are a bit limited. Thanks for being there.
Admiringly
Anand (dr.A.V.Pathak)
Hello Anand,
Many golfers are not aware that they need more upright lie angles, and that is part of the reason why their shots are pushed or sliced. I assume you feel that the Pings are too expensive for your taste. The least expensive approach is to try to get your Lynx irons bent more upright, but you must understand there is some risk of cracking the club. If you intend to purchase new clubs, you can usually search the internet to find out which companies in India offer clubs made to your specs. If you can try some “demo” clubs, make sure you use “striking tape and board” to see where the tape gets scuffed when you swing down on the board. The tape should scuffed in the middle of the sole if it fits you properly.
Joe
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Joe, my local courses are either too crowded, or too expensive. The only courses that are affordable and uncrowded are the shorter par 3 courses, but I like to hit my woods someplace else besides a driving range, and I don’t like traveling long distances to get to other courses. Any ideas?
Abe
Hello Abe,
Years ago, Jack Nicklaus was looking into the future and he saw this happening. His idea was to make a new ball called “half-golf” which would allow the construction of more short courses for people to play without consuming so much real estate. Jack’s idea did not catch on, but another company has come up with a similar idea. In my opinion, this is an idea whose time has come. I recently visited a website ‘almostgolfball.com’ where they have designed a new ball that travels about one-third as far as a real ball, but it is dense enough to allow chipping and putting, unlike most practice balls. It also hooks and slices just like a real ball. If you try these on a short par 3 course, it suddenly plays like a full sized course. At first it might seem like it will mess up your distance judgment, but just change the ‘yardage’ to ‘footage’. Since the ball travels only one-third the distance, and a 100 yard hole is 300 feet, the hole will play like 300 yards if you use the “A-Ball”. You already know what club to use for yardage with a real ball, so that translates into FEET for that same club with the A-ball. That same website also has a lot of other interesting information, check it out. For example, they have tournaments and Happy Gilmour style driving contests in any open field. The A-Ball is safer also, you are not likely to be hurt if you are accidentally hit by one. These balls are available on line, and also at some of the larger golf stores like Golf Galaxy.
Joe
Abe
Hello Abe,
Years ago, Jack Nicklaus was looking into the future and he saw this happening. His idea was to make a new ball called “half-golf” which would allow the construction of more short courses for people to play without consuming so much real estate. Jack’s idea did not catch on, but another company has come up with a similar idea. In my opinion, this is an idea whose time has come. I recently visited a website ‘almostgolfball.com’ where they have designed a new ball that travels about one-third as far as a real ball, but it is dense enough to allow chipping and putting, unlike most practice balls. It also hooks and slices just like a real ball. If you try these on a short par 3 course, it suddenly plays like a full sized course. At first it might seem like it will mess up your distance judgment, but just change the ‘yardage’ to ‘footage’. Since the ball travels only one-third the distance, and a 100 yard hole is 300 feet, the hole will play like 300 yards if you use the “A-Ball”. You already know what club to use for yardage with a real ball, so that translates into FEET for that same club with the A-ball. That same website also has a lot of other interesting information, check it out. For example, they have tournaments and Happy Gilmour style driving contests in any open field. The A-Ball is safer also, you are not likely to be hurt if you are accidentally hit by one. These balls are available on line, and also at some of the larger golf stores like Golf Galaxy.
Joe
Monday, June 07, 2004
Hi,
I am still considered a novice golfer as I took the sport up 4 years ago. I try and get out as much as I can and truly love the sport and wish I had taken it up at an earlier age. I'm 44. I can hit my irons pretty well but have limited success off the tee. I find that most of the drivers available today have graphite shafts and that is where I have the most trouble. I've been told that you need to alter your swing to allow for the "flex" in the shaft. How is one supposed to do this without totally screwing up our normal method of swinging a club? Should I instead try and find a driver that has a stiff shaft so I can swing the same as with my irons?
Thank you,
Jeff J. Najduk
Hello Jeff,
I like your thought process, you should not have to change your swing for a driver or any other club, especially if you are hitting your irons pretty well. You should definitely find a different driver. Too much flex results in wildness. Too little flex results in loss of distance, but usually better accuracy. Many people are having success with graphite shafts that have “low torque”, which means it has flex without twisting. It is the twisting that causes wild shots. Also, most drivers do not have enough loft for the average player, so you lose distance when your ball has less hang time. That is why many golfers do better with a 3-wood. Try to attend demo days where you can try different drivers with different specs and see which ones work best for you. Some driving ranges also will let you try some of their demo clubs. Phone ahead and find out which ones will do that. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.
Joe
I am still considered a novice golfer as I took the sport up 4 years ago. I try and get out as much as I can and truly love the sport and wish I had taken it up at an earlier age. I'm 44. I can hit my irons pretty well but have limited success off the tee. I find that most of the drivers available today have graphite shafts and that is where I have the most trouble. I've been told that you need to alter your swing to allow for the "flex" in the shaft. How is one supposed to do this without totally screwing up our normal method of swinging a club? Should I instead try and find a driver that has a stiff shaft so I can swing the same as with my irons?
Thank you,
Jeff J. Najduk
Hello Jeff,
I like your thought process, you should not have to change your swing for a driver or any other club, especially if you are hitting your irons pretty well. You should definitely find a different driver. Too much flex results in wildness. Too little flex results in loss of distance, but usually better accuracy. Many people are having success with graphite shafts that have “low torque”, which means it has flex without twisting. It is the twisting that causes wild shots. Also, most drivers do not have enough loft for the average player, so you lose distance when your ball has less hang time. That is why many golfers do better with a 3-wood. Try to attend demo days where you can try different drivers with different specs and see which ones work best for you. Some driving ranges also will let you try some of their demo clubs. Phone ahead and find out which ones will do that. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.
Joe
Monday, May 31, 2004
Hi Joe, I have a question, I have observed that the left foot of professionals golfers after striking the ball stays perpendicular to the target like at address but most of us would turn the left foot after striking the ball more that 45* outward. I tried to restrict my left foot from turning but it hurts and it feels like I am restricting my turn. Does the position of the foot after impact makes a difference to distance and accuracy of the shot? Do you know what they did right that I didn't while imitating their swing? I am a golfer that believes in text book swing and have change my swing 3 times to get it close to perfect. Its painful during those times but very rewarding at the end. I tend to analyse what I do right to hit a good shot then the reverse so that I can always fall back on the drills that allows to hit the best shot I can hit. Hence, I am assuring you that I am prepared to change my swing again for the better. Thanks,
Jack
Hello Jack,
The pros are people who have been blessed with a high degree of athleticism, and they get to play every day, so they can more easily execute moves that the rest of us cannot. In the case of the front foot, some people can keep it perpendicular while others feel restricted by that. Once planted, the spikes keep it from moving during the swing. In my case, I have had knee surgery so I like to turn the toe outward a little bit to take some of the pressure off the knee. I do not believe that affects distance or accuracy. Rather than pursue a textbook swing, you might do better if you take a look at the Body Golf videos.
Joe
Jack
Hello Jack,
The pros are people who have been blessed with a high degree of athleticism, and they get to play every day, so they can more easily execute moves that the rest of us cannot. In the case of the front foot, some people can keep it perpendicular while others feel restricted by that. Once planted, the spikes keep it from moving during the swing. In my case, I have had knee surgery so I like to turn the toe outward a little bit to take some of the pressure off the knee. I do not believe that affects distance or accuracy. Rather than pursue a textbook swing, you might do better if you take a look at the Body Golf videos.
Joe
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Hi, I love the news letter. I am 9 index, but just lately I have developed a very bad push off tee with driver, sometimes with 3 wood also. Not a slice, just a dead straight push. Any suggestions? thanks.
Milt
Hi Milt,
Assuming you do not push your irons, I have to wonder if your woods are from the same matched set, like maybe your shafts are too long for you. If that is not the case, then your problem could be any number of things, starting with proper grip, weight shift, swing path, wrist action, etc. Without being able to see your swing, I can only guess. You might want to experiment with different ball positions. Some people have success playing all clubs from the same ball position while others get better results playing the ball more toward the front foot.
Joe
Milt
Hi Milt,
Assuming you do not push your irons, I have to wonder if your woods are from the same matched set, like maybe your shafts are too long for you. If that is not the case, then your problem could be any number of things, starting with proper grip, weight shift, swing path, wrist action, etc. Without being able to see your swing, I can only guess. You might want to experiment with different ball positions. Some people have success playing all clubs from the same ball position while others get better results playing the ball more toward the front foot.
Joe
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Hello.
I'm 15 years old and I love to golf. My only problem is, I'm a very inconsistent player. Some days I can play really well and other days it looks like I've never played before in my life. It gets very frustrating. Do you have any tips on how I can become more consistent on my game? Thanks a million,
Nicole Thielges
Hi Nicole,
Everyone has varying amounts of inconsistency, all you can do is minimize this by developing your own set of “key” swing thoughts. Have a set of “keys” for the backswing and another set for the downswing. Of course it is not possible to think of more than one or two keys while swinging, but you can select a different key depending on what your particular problem happens to be at the time. Here are some keys to try on the backswing – head steady, keep the left arm comfortably straight, take it back low and wide, feel the weight shift to the inside of the back foot, while the wrist is hinging, get the shaft on the same plane as the leading arm. Here are some keys for the downswing – smooth tempo while shifting the lower body weight to the front foot, swing down at the ball on a path that is inside-out, extend the follow thru while you are still looking at the spot where the ball was after you hit it. These are just samples, there are many other things that may work for you, so compile your own list and then pick one or two at a time from the list until you find the right combinations for the backswing and downswing. Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
I'm 15 years old and I love to golf. My only problem is, I'm a very inconsistent player. Some days I can play really well and other days it looks like I've never played before in my life. It gets very frustrating. Do you have any tips on how I can become more consistent on my game? Thanks a million,
Nicole Thielges
Hi Nicole,
Everyone has varying amounts of inconsistency, all you can do is minimize this by developing your own set of “key” swing thoughts. Have a set of “keys” for the backswing and another set for the downswing. Of course it is not possible to think of more than one or two keys while swinging, but you can select a different key depending on what your particular problem happens to be at the time. Here are some keys to try on the backswing – head steady, keep the left arm comfortably straight, take it back low and wide, feel the weight shift to the inside of the back foot, while the wrist is hinging, get the shaft on the same plane as the leading arm. Here are some keys for the downswing – smooth tempo while shifting the lower body weight to the front foot, swing down at the ball on a path that is inside-out, extend the follow thru while you are still looking at the spot where the ball was after you hit it. These are just samples, there are many other things that may work for you, so compile your own list and then pick one or two at a time from the list until you find the right combinations for the backswing and downswing. Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
Friday, May 28, 2004
TRUE OR FALSE:
1) The number one fundamental of a good golf grip is comfort.
>____ False. Hand position is number one, comfort is nice, but you can feel comfortable with your hands in the wrong position.
2) The address position is similar to the position at impact.
>____ False. At address, the arms are not on the same plane as the shaft, at impact the force of the swing brings the arms to the same plane as the shaft. Also, at address the knees are bent about the same amount, but at impact the forward knee is straightened and the back knee is driving forward. Also, the hips are square at address, but are turning forward at impact.
3) For more distance, after the backswing it is important to get the clubhead online with the target line as quickly as possible.
>____ False, this may rob you of distance by causing “casting” or “hitting from the top”. For maximum distance, delay this action until the last possible instant.
4) At impact, both legs and arms should be extended as straight as possible.
____ False. Although the forward arm and leg should be straight, the trailing elbow and knee are flexed until after impact.
5) For straight shots, the clubhead should be square to the back .
of the ball at impact.
____ True.
6) There are six basic swings in golf: the driver off the tee, fairway woods, irons, flop shots, chipping and putting.
____ False, unless you consider greenside sand bunker shots to be in the same category as flop shots. I’m not sure if the author meant to say “types of shots” instead of “basic swings”, most of which are not really all that different.
7) The more upright the golfswing, the more explosive the impact can be.
____ False. There is such a thing as being too upright.
8) The general rule of thumb is: "The harder the sand, the harder the swing must be."
____ False. Club selection is more of a factor. Use a wedge with less “bounce” on the sole for hard sand.
9) Most hooking and slicing problems are caused by alignment problems.
____ False. Hooking and slicing are caused by the face of the club not being square at impact, no matter how you are aligned.
10) The more effort applied during the downswing, the further the ball goes.
____ False. This causes an arm swing, and robs you of the clubhead speed that you would get if you concentrate more on the effortless delayed wrist action at the last instant.
Responses from the Evil Twin:
TRUE OR FALSE:
1) The number one fundamental of a good golf grip is comfort.
>____ I can comfortably grip the wrong end of the club.
2) The address position is similar to the position at impact.
>____ True, when I am putting.
3) For more distance, after the backswing it is important to get the clubhead online with the target line as quickly as possible.
>____ Imagine the size of the outside-in loop that would create.
4) At impact, both legs and arms should be extended as straight as possible.
____ This might result in a leap.
5) For straight shots, the clubhead should be square to the back .
of the ball at impact.
____ Duh.
6) There are six basic swings in golf: the driver off the tee, fairway woods, irons, flop shots, chipping and putting.
____ This quite accurately describes my average hole but you forgot the foot-wedge.
7) The more upright the golfswing, the more explosive the impact can be.
____ And it produces a divot the size of a pizza.
8) The general rule of thumb is: "The harder the sand, the harder the swing must be."
____ The harder the swing, the more chance of skulling it. Maybe you could bank it off the clubhouse.
9) Most hooking and slicing problems are caused by alignment problems.
____ And the phase of the moon.
10) The more effort applied during the downswing, the further the ball goes.
____ The further it goes off line.
1) The number one fundamental of a good golf grip is comfort.
>____ False. Hand position is number one, comfort is nice, but you can feel comfortable with your hands in the wrong position.
2) The address position is similar to the position at impact.
>____ False. At address, the arms are not on the same plane as the shaft, at impact the force of the swing brings the arms to the same plane as the shaft. Also, at address the knees are bent about the same amount, but at impact the forward knee is straightened and the back knee is driving forward. Also, the hips are square at address, but are turning forward at impact.
3) For more distance, after the backswing it is important to get the clubhead online with the target line as quickly as possible.
>____ False, this may rob you of distance by causing “casting” or “hitting from the top”. For maximum distance, delay this action until the last possible instant.
4) At impact, both legs and arms should be extended as straight as possible.
____ False. Although the forward arm and leg should be straight, the trailing elbow and knee are flexed until after impact.
5) For straight shots, the clubhead should be square to the back .
of the ball at impact.
____ True.
6) There are six basic swings in golf: the driver off the tee, fairway woods, irons, flop shots, chipping and putting.
____ False, unless you consider greenside sand bunker shots to be in the same category as flop shots. I’m not sure if the author meant to say “types of shots” instead of “basic swings”, most of which are not really all that different.
7) The more upright the golfswing, the more explosive the impact can be.
____ False. There is such a thing as being too upright.
8) The general rule of thumb is: "The harder the sand, the harder the swing must be."
____ False. Club selection is more of a factor. Use a wedge with less “bounce” on the sole for hard sand.
9) Most hooking and slicing problems are caused by alignment problems.
____ False. Hooking and slicing are caused by the face of the club not being square at impact, no matter how you are aligned.
10) The more effort applied during the downswing, the further the ball goes.
____ False. This causes an arm swing, and robs you of the clubhead speed that you would get if you concentrate more on the effortless delayed wrist action at the last instant.
Responses from the Evil Twin:
TRUE OR FALSE:
1) The number one fundamental of a good golf grip is comfort.
>____ I can comfortably grip the wrong end of the club.
2) The address position is similar to the position at impact.
>____ True, when I am putting.
3) For more distance, after the backswing it is important to get the clubhead online with the target line as quickly as possible.
>____ Imagine the size of the outside-in loop that would create.
4) At impact, both legs and arms should be extended as straight as possible.
____ This might result in a leap.
5) For straight shots, the clubhead should be square to the back .
of the ball at impact.
____ Duh.
6) There are six basic swings in golf: the driver off the tee, fairway woods, irons, flop shots, chipping and putting.
____ This quite accurately describes my average hole but you forgot the foot-wedge.
7) The more upright the golfswing, the more explosive the impact can be.
____ And it produces a divot the size of a pizza.
8) The general rule of thumb is: "The harder the sand, the harder the swing must be."
____ The harder the swing, the more chance of skulling it. Maybe you could bank it off the clubhouse.
9) Most hooking and slicing problems are caused by alignment problems.
____ And the phase of the moon.
10) The more effort applied during the downswing, the further the ball goes.
____ The further it goes off line.
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Joe,
I've got the yips on short chips. Help. Marshall
Hi Marshall,
You are a poet and you didn’t know it. Here are a couple of things to try. For short chips, try using a 5-wood like a belly putter. Press the end of the shaft into your belly just above the belt, put both hands down the shaft and putt. If that seems too weird for you, use a 7-iron with your regular putting stroke, but play the ball off your back foot to ensure better contact. If neither method works, then you are probably being to wristy. Keep your hands ahead of the clubhead at all times, even during the follow thru. Let me know how it turns out.
Joe
I've got the yips on short chips. Help. Marshall
Hi Marshall,
You are a poet and you didn’t know it. Here are a couple of things to try. For short chips, try using a 5-wood like a belly putter. Press the end of the shaft into your belly just above the belt, put both hands down the shaft and putt. If that seems too weird for you, use a 7-iron with your regular putting stroke, but play the ball off your back foot to ensure better contact. If neither method works, then you are probably being to wristy. Keep your hands ahead of the clubhead at all times, even during the follow thru. Let me know how it turns out.
Joe
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Hello,
I can hit off the tee ok, and get about a 200 yards, drive well in the fairway. But when I use my irons I dub it or shank it or put the grass farther than my ball (in the right direction). I am thinking of hitting the ball first and then the ground. I am swinging with the natural golf way. What is the way to hit the ball forward down the fairway straight? Where is my aim going? Help me…
Silly in love, happy in heart.
Hi Silly,
What you describe is typical of a “reverse pivot” which means you have your weight on the wrong foot at the wrong time. You need to transfer your weight correctly. The “dance of golf” is described as shifting the weight to the inside of the back foot while turning, and on the downswing, shifting your weight entirely onto the front foot. On the follow-thru, the only part of the back foot that is touching the ground is the tip of the toe. Watch the pros on TV, they do it perfectly. If you do this correctly, you should see some improvement in your shots.
Joe
I can hit off the tee ok, and get about a 200 yards, drive well in the fairway. But when I use my irons I dub it or shank it or put the grass farther than my ball (in the right direction). I am thinking of hitting the ball first and then the ground. I am swinging with the natural golf way. What is the way to hit the ball forward down the fairway straight? Where is my aim going? Help me…
Silly in love, happy in heart.
Hi Silly,
What you describe is typical of a “reverse pivot” which means you have your weight on the wrong foot at the wrong time. You need to transfer your weight correctly. The “dance of golf” is described as shifting the weight to the inside of the back foot while turning, and on the downswing, shifting your weight entirely onto the front foot. On the follow-thru, the only part of the back foot that is touching the ground is the tip of the toe. Watch the pros on TV, they do it perfectly. If you do this correctly, you should see some improvement in your shots.
Joe
Monday, May 24, 2004
Hello,
I was wondering if you could explain how an incorrect lie angle can affect the shape of a shot. The reason I ask is I feel like the toe of the irons I use sits up too high (they are standard lie). I have noticed if I hold my hands high at address so the club sits flatter on the round it is easy to work the ball left, (I am right handed) but it feels a little unnatural with my hands so high. Do you think changing the lie angle (bending the toe of the club down) will help.
Regards
Jeff Sinclair
Newcastle, Australia
Hi Jeff,
For right handers, lie angles that are too flat will send the ball more to the right, too upright will send the ball more to the left. Are your divots deeper near the toe or the heel? If neither, then your lie angle is correct. For most people, it is normal to address the ball with the toe up because your arms are hanging down and are not on the same plane as the club shaft. However, when you are swinging, the force of the swing causes your arms to go on the same plane as the club shaft, which means the bottom of the club will be correctly flat to the ground. Watch any slow motion replay of anyone’s swing and you will see this to be true. When you extend your arms at address (like Natural Golf), the bottom of the club is more flat to the ground, as you said. If you enjoy working the ball left, do not bend the toe down. If you do not like holding your hands high at address, but you still want to work the ball to the left, then bend the toe up. The best way to tell if your clubs have the correct “lie angle” is the “striking board”, where you put tape on the sole of the club and when you hit the striking board, you can see where the tape is damaged. It should be damaged in the center of the sole if your lie angle is correct.
Joe
I was wondering if you could explain how an incorrect lie angle can affect the shape of a shot. The reason I ask is I feel like the toe of the irons I use sits up too high (they are standard lie). I have noticed if I hold my hands high at address so the club sits flatter on the round it is easy to work the ball left, (I am right handed) but it feels a little unnatural with my hands so high. Do you think changing the lie angle (bending the toe of the club down) will help.
Regards
Jeff Sinclair
Newcastle, Australia
Hi Jeff,
For right handers, lie angles that are too flat will send the ball more to the right, too upright will send the ball more to the left. Are your divots deeper near the toe or the heel? If neither, then your lie angle is correct. For most people, it is normal to address the ball with the toe up because your arms are hanging down and are not on the same plane as the club shaft. However, when you are swinging, the force of the swing causes your arms to go on the same plane as the club shaft, which means the bottom of the club will be correctly flat to the ground. Watch any slow motion replay of anyone’s swing and you will see this to be true. When you extend your arms at address (like Natural Golf), the bottom of the club is more flat to the ground, as you said. If you enjoy working the ball left, do not bend the toe down. If you do not like holding your hands high at address, but you still want to work the ball to the left, then bend the toe up. The best way to tell if your clubs have the correct “lie angle” is the “striking board”, where you put tape on the sole of the club and when you hit the striking board, you can see where the tape is damaged. It should be damaged in the center of the sole if your lie angle is correct.
Joe
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Hello,
Can you or anyone explain why the golf shoe makers have reduced the number of spikes on a golf shoe? It was 11 or 12 at one time, and now it is down to 6 or 7. It certainly does reduce the amount of traction for us amateur golfers who have to use soft spikes. Is it merely a cost savings for the shoe makers ?
Thank You,
Marshall
Hi Marshall,
The older shoes were designed for metal spikes, one point per spike totaling 11 or 12 points of contact with the ground. Newer shoes are designed for soft spikes, which typically have 6 points per spike totaling 36 or 42 points of contact with the ground, which should be enough for good traction. However the soft spikes wear out quickly, so replace them if you feel your feet slipping. You might also want to try a style of shoe that does not have removable spikes, instead they have built in permanent rubber points.
Joe
Can you or anyone explain why the golf shoe makers have reduced the number of spikes on a golf shoe? It was 11 or 12 at one time, and now it is down to 6 or 7. It certainly does reduce the amount of traction for us amateur golfers who have to use soft spikes. Is it merely a cost savings for the shoe makers ?
Thank You,
Marshall
Hi Marshall,
The older shoes were designed for metal spikes, one point per spike totaling 11 or 12 points of contact with the ground. Newer shoes are designed for soft spikes, which typically have 6 points per spike totaling 36 or 42 points of contact with the ground, which should be enough for good traction. However the soft spikes wear out quickly, so replace them if you feel your feet slipping. You might also want to try a style of shoe that does not have removable spikes, instead they have built in permanent rubber points.
Joe
Friday, May 21, 2004
Hello,
I am 63 years old and started golfing right after my retirement in 1992. I am slowly dropping my handicap down from once a 36 to now a 18 yet want to get better. I realize you must practice a lot which I rarely do and that could be the main problem. I would like to get better with my irons without changing a whole lot of things. I have bought numerous videos and golf magazines and after I've watched or read hints to improve my game I get worse. I know old habits are hard to change and I seem to be a little stubborn when things don't go right and go back to what got me where I am at the present. I seem to pull the ball left on 90 percent of my shots where I know I could improve my game if I could only straighten this problem a little. I'm getting a divot before the ball is struck, seems as though I'm taking the club back to fast and dropping my shoulder on the down stroke to get as much distance as I possibly can get with an iron. I think should get me to the green. Usually a 5 iron gets me 150 yards, then a 7 iron does the same thing at times but always left of the green. I try to compensate by aiming right of the flag by a whole lot and the ball goes right where I was aiming most of the time to the right of the green. Yet when I aim at the pin the ball goes left of the green. No consistency what so ever. I know your going to say go practice on a range, but I'd rather be out on the course where I enjoy doing what I like to do. All I want is a tip from you that I can take with me while I'm golfing and improve my game just a little. I know this may seem stupid to you for what I'm asking and what I refuse to do and that is go to a range and hit balls. I've tried this many times before and my game didn't improve, I believe in on the job training while playing cause it's more fun. Three more strokes off my handicap and I'd be happy for now.
Thanks,
Gerald Koski Sr
Hi Gerald,
The mind is a powerful thing, and sneaky too. When you aim at the flag, the mind allows your natural tendency to pull, and when you aim to the right, you mind adjusts your swing to finish to the right, and the ball goes right where you aimed. You may have already discovered the solution to your problem, and many others also have this problem. Convince your mind that if you try to swing down the target line while your body is turning, by the time your club gets to the ball, your body turn causes the path of the club to turn left also, which causes a pulled shot. Your mind already knows when you aim to the right, the ball goes straight, so your solution is to line up at the flag, but do not swing down the target line, direct your downswing a little to the right, and your body turn will bring is back to square, which is down the target line. Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
I am 63 years old and started golfing right after my retirement in 1992. I am slowly dropping my handicap down from once a 36 to now a 18 yet want to get better. I realize you must practice a lot which I rarely do and that could be the main problem. I would like to get better with my irons without changing a whole lot of things. I have bought numerous videos and golf magazines and after I've watched or read hints to improve my game I get worse. I know old habits are hard to change and I seem to be a little stubborn when things don't go right and go back to what got me where I am at the present. I seem to pull the ball left on 90 percent of my shots where I know I could improve my game if I could only straighten this problem a little. I'm getting a divot before the ball is struck, seems as though I'm taking the club back to fast and dropping my shoulder on the down stroke to get as much distance as I possibly can get with an iron. I think should get me to the green. Usually a 5 iron gets me 150 yards, then a 7 iron does the same thing at times but always left of the green. I try to compensate by aiming right of the flag by a whole lot and the ball goes right where I was aiming most of the time to the right of the green. Yet when I aim at the pin the ball goes left of the green. No consistency what so ever. I know your going to say go practice on a range, but I'd rather be out on the course where I enjoy doing what I like to do. All I want is a tip from you that I can take with me while I'm golfing and improve my game just a little. I know this may seem stupid to you for what I'm asking and what I refuse to do and that is go to a range and hit balls. I've tried this many times before and my game didn't improve, I believe in on the job training while playing cause it's more fun. Three more strokes off my handicap and I'd be happy for now.
Thanks,
Gerald Koski Sr
Hi Gerald,
The mind is a powerful thing, and sneaky too. When you aim at the flag, the mind allows your natural tendency to pull, and when you aim to the right, you mind adjusts your swing to finish to the right, and the ball goes right where you aimed. You may have already discovered the solution to your problem, and many others also have this problem. Convince your mind that if you try to swing down the target line while your body is turning, by the time your club gets to the ball, your body turn causes the path of the club to turn left also, which causes a pulled shot. Your mind already knows when you aim to the right, the ball goes straight, so your solution is to line up at the flag, but do not swing down the target line, direct your downswing a little to the right, and your body turn will bring is back to square, which is down the target line. Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
