Hi, Thanks for your newsletter, I find the tips very helpful! I need specific help on body alignment. I have tried everything. What tips do you have on alignment, or do the golf videos address this? I make some good swings when I am set up and aligned correctly. Please help!!!
Willie Singleton
Hello Willie,
Stand behind the ball along the target line, and hold your club up so you can see both the ball and the target along the shaft. Pick a spot on the ground two feet in front of the ball. Usually there will be something on the ground like a weed or a divot or just discoloration. Then place your clubhead behind the ball, aimed at that spot. Then take your stance and you should be able to easily align the rest of your body (feet, hips, shoulders) parallel to that target line.
Joe
Friday, April 16, 2004
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Why do so many people think it is OK to improve their lies?
Lyle
Hello Lyle,
There two schools of thought on this topic. The purists say you will never improve unless you learn how to play from bad lies, while others disagree. I have mixed emotions about this. Those who want to play in competition might as well get used to “playing the ball down”. Their handicaps will become higher, which gives them an advantage in formal competition. However, those who do not play in formal competition may not want to see a good round spoiled by a bad lie, especially when they don’t get to play very often, and are playing on course conditions that are nowhere near as good as tournament courses. One could argue that high handicappers have no business playing the ball down for two reasons. The pace of play will suffer due to more bad shots. If they cannot hit good shots from good lies, how on earth do you expect them to hit from bad lies? They will never gain any confidence. They can never be sure if the bad shot was due to a bad swing or a bad lie. With this in mind, it seems sensible for recreational golfers to improve their lies to get the most enjoyment out of the game and to improve the pace of play. However, if they ever want to establish a formal handicap, they will have no chance in competition when they have to play the ball down. Purists, stop and think about that, you should welcome it.
Joe
Lyle
Hello Lyle,
There two schools of thought on this topic. The purists say you will never improve unless you learn how to play from bad lies, while others disagree. I have mixed emotions about this. Those who want to play in competition might as well get used to “playing the ball down”. Their handicaps will become higher, which gives them an advantage in formal competition. However, those who do not play in formal competition may not want to see a good round spoiled by a bad lie, especially when they don’t get to play very often, and are playing on course conditions that are nowhere near as good as tournament courses. One could argue that high handicappers have no business playing the ball down for two reasons. The pace of play will suffer due to more bad shots. If they cannot hit good shots from good lies, how on earth do you expect them to hit from bad lies? They will never gain any confidence. They can never be sure if the bad shot was due to a bad swing or a bad lie. With this in mind, it seems sensible for recreational golfers to improve their lies to get the most enjoyment out of the game and to improve the pace of play. However, if they ever want to establish a formal handicap, they will have no chance in competition when they have to play the ball down. Purists, stop and think about that, you should welcome it.
Joe
