Joe,
Three years ago my handicap was 17 now it is 31! I simply can not resist looking up and hitting from the top. I go to the driving range and my swing is fine but I can not take it to the course. After fifty five years of golf maybe its time to give it up. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Best regards, Bob Schuessler
Hello Bob,
Hitting from the top and looking up are both related to a “reverse pivot” which results in your weight ending up on the wrong foot. The Body Golf videos have some excellent drills that will surely correct this, like the toe drag drill and step-thru drill, both of which will assure that you finish with all your weight on the front foot. Once you can do that, it will be easier to keep looking at the ball spot after contact. Also, you must realize that on the range there is no pressure while on the course the fear of a bad shot will make your muscles behave differently. On the range you are swinging every few seconds so it is easy to get into a good rhythm, while on the course you are only swinging once every several minutes, so be sure to take a few practice swings before every shot. Don’t give up, just swing easy and make good contact on every shot. Even if you bogey every hole, that alone will get you back to your original handicap. Best of luck.
Joe
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Joe,
My buddies and I had a discussion, since golf is a never ending search for perfection, and we cannot agree on what a perfect round of golf would be, what is your opinion?
Ronnie
Hello Ronnie,
Be reasonable, nobody is going to score 18 for 18 holes. No matter how good a player is, many players can shoot their best round ever and still say there were a few more putts that they could have made. So absolute perfection is an unrealistic goal. Instead, look at it in terms of realistic expectations vs. “successes” or “good feelings” about having achieved something. Unless you play every day, you should not expect to shoot in the 60’s. Unless you play more than once per week, you should not expect to shoot in the 70’s. If you play less than once per week, you probably should not expect to break 90. Those who play only once or twice per month should be happy to break 100. So what brings the good feelings of success? If you have never broken 100, but that is your goal, it is a perfectly good feeling when you finally do it. Even if your score was not your best, but you won a match, that’s a success and a perfectly good feeling. If you don’t have a match, create your own against the course. If you had more good holes than bad holes, that’s a win. If you hit more fairways and / or greens than you missed, that’s a win. If you one-putted more times than you 3-putted, that’s a win. If you avoided lost balls or penalty strokes, that’s a win. Learn to enjoy each of these wins. Even if you did not accomplish any of these things, your misadventures can always get a few laughs during the recap of the round afterwards with your friends. Laughter is the best medicine, a good feeling, and what can be more perfect than that?
Joe
My buddies and I had a discussion, since golf is a never ending search for perfection, and we cannot agree on what a perfect round of golf would be, what is your opinion?
Ronnie
Hello Ronnie,
Be reasonable, nobody is going to score 18 for 18 holes. No matter how good a player is, many players can shoot their best round ever and still say there were a few more putts that they could have made. So absolute perfection is an unrealistic goal. Instead, look at it in terms of realistic expectations vs. “successes” or “good feelings” about having achieved something. Unless you play every day, you should not expect to shoot in the 60’s. Unless you play more than once per week, you should not expect to shoot in the 70’s. If you play less than once per week, you probably should not expect to break 90. Those who play only once or twice per month should be happy to break 100. So what brings the good feelings of success? If you have never broken 100, but that is your goal, it is a perfectly good feeling when you finally do it. Even if your score was not your best, but you won a match, that’s a success and a perfectly good feeling. If you don’t have a match, create your own against the course. If you had more good holes than bad holes, that’s a win. If you hit more fairways and / or greens than you missed, that’s a win. If you one-putted more times than you 3-putted, that’s a win. If you avoided lost balls or penalty strokes, that’s a win. Learn to enjoy each of these wins. Even if you did not accomplish any of these things, your misadventures can always get a few laughs during the recap of the round afterwards with your friends. Laughter is the best medicine, a good feeling, and what can be more perfect than that?
Joe
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Joe,
Any idea about what happened to Kenny Perry’s swing?
Kenny
Hi Kenny (hmmm, this would not be the real Kenny, would it? nawwww),
KP has an unusual backswing, which supports my theory that the only purpose of the backswing is to arrive at a strong position at the top of the backswing. That position may be different from person to person, so this position is studied carefully by serious golfers. When they are playing well, they have their swing videotaped, and then when they are not playing well, they compare their current swing to their best swing and look for differences. One of the things they seem to believe, which I do not think is so important, is to point the club down the target line at the top of the backswing. I believe there are other things more important to look for, and to focus on that “mannerism” may distract attention to other “fundamentals” that occur during the downstroke. KP and Tiger have both gotten concerned when they viewed themselves “coming across the line” at the top. As we have pointed out before, many successful golfers come across the target line all the time, so maybe that is not the right thing to focus on. I would prefer to look at the path of the downswing, the amount of weight shift, and the position of the back elbow before impact. Good luck, Kenny.
Joe
Any idea about what happened to Kenny Perry’s swing?
Kenny
Hi Kenny (hmmm, this would not be the real Kenny, would it? nawwww),
KP has an unusual backswing, which supports my theory that the only purpose of the backswing is to arrive at a strong position at the top of the backswing. That position may be different from person to person, so this position is studied carefully by serious golfers. When they are playing well, they have their swing videotaped, and then when they are not playing well, they compare their current swing to their best swing and look for differences. One of the things they seem to believe, which I do not think is so important, is to point the club down the target line at the top of the backswing. I believe there are other things more important to look for, and to focus on that “mannerism” may distract attention to other “fundamentals” that occur during the downstroke. KP and Tiger have both gotten concerned when they viewed themselves “coming across the line” at the top. As we have pointed out before, many successful golfers come across the target line all the time, so maybe that is not the right thing to focus on. I would prefer to look at the path of the downswing, the amount of weight shift, and the position of the back elbow before impact. Good luck, Kenny.
Joe
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Joe,
what is the most satisfying thing about golf?
Answer: I agree with Henry Longhurst. The most exquisitely satisfying act in the world of golf is that of throwing a club. The full backswing, the delayed wrist action, the flowing follow-through, followed by that unique whirring sound, reminiscent of a passing flock of birds, this is without parallel in sport.
what is the most satisfying thing about golf?
Answer: I agree with Henry Longhurst. The most exquisitely satisfying act in the world of golf is that of throwing a club. The full backswing, the delayed wrist action, the flowing follow-through, followed by that unique whirring sound, reminiscent of a passing flock of birds, this is without parallel in sport.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
) Joe,
About 6 weeks ago I was playing well before we went on vacation, in fact I was on the verge of breaking 80 at our home course and played well while on vacation, but as soon as we got back from vacation it was like I left my swing on the plane to go somewhere else? For some reason I have started hitting everything with my shoulders instead of with my arms and hands. I know by bringing my shoulders through first it leads to a direct pull or a serious slice, and I notice now that since I'm not swinging through I'm also hitting off my back foot. I know what I'm doing, but I can't stop swinging with my shoulders, can you help?Chad
Hello Chad,
Everyone has their own favorite swing thoughts, but sometimes they get in the way. In your case, I see no reason why your shoulders, arms, and hands cannot work together rather than separately. Do the double clubber drill as shown in the Body Golf videos, and you will feel a flowing motion starting from the lower body followed by the shoulders, arms, and then the hands. Delay the wrist break as long as possible. Make sure you start the downswing with the lower body, that way you are less likely to hit off the back foot.
Joe
About 6 weeks ago I was playing well before we went on vacation, in fact I was on the verge of breaking 80 at our home course and played well while on vacation, but as soon as we got back from vacation it was like I left my swing on the plane to go somewhere else? For some reason I have started hitting everything with my shoulders instead of with my arms and hands. I know by bringing my shoulders through first it leads to a direct pull or a serious slice, and I notice now that since I'm not swinging through I'm also hitting off my back foot. I know what I'm doing, but I can't stop swinging with my shoulders, can you help?Chad
Hello Chad,
Everyone has their own favorite swing thoughts, but sometimes they get in the way. In your case, I see no reason why your shoulders, arms, and hands cannot work together rather than separately. Do the double clubber drill as shown in the Body Golf videos, and you will feel a flowing motion starting from the lower body followed by the shoulders, arms, and then the hands. Delay the wrist break as long as possible. Make sure you start the downswing with the lower body, that way you are less likely to hit off the back foot.
Joe
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Joe,
i am 13 and i would like to know which is the best make of golf ball and golf club
david
Hi David,
All the major brands of balls and clubs are pushing the limits of technology, so there is no single brand that stands out over all the others. You will see from magazines and web sites that the clubs used by the pros are many different brands. Pick your favorite pros and see what equipment they use. Annika likes Calloway, Phil likes Titleist, Tiger likes Nike, Vijay likes Cleveland, Padraig likes Wilson, lots of people like Ping. If cost is not an issue, and you want to play your very best, get custom fitted whenever you buy clubs. Some people still think new technology is a big advantage, but if that is true, why is it that the average scores for all golfers have not improved for many years? Think about it, it’s just a stick with a hunk of metal on the end. Since you are still young and growing, I would not invest a lot of money at this time because you will be outgrowing your clubs often. If you do not have a lot of money, you can still do very well by getting second-hand clubs from used equipment stores or even from flea markets and garage sales. Try them at a practice range and if they don’t work, just keep trading them in for other sets. Some of these sets are surprisingly good even if they look a little beat up. And if you want to save money on balls, just get a ball retriever and walk along some of the water holes on any course, and you will never have to buy balls again, and you will have many brands to choose from and decide which is best for you.
Joe
i am 13 and i would like to know which is the best make of golf ball and golf club
david
Hi David,
All the major brands of balls and clubs are pushing the limits of technology, so there is no single brand that stands out over all the others. You will see from magazines and web sites that the clubs used by the pros are many different brands. Pick your favorite pros and see what equipment they use. Annika likes Calloway, Phil likes Titleist, Tiger likes Nike, Vijay likes Cleveland, Padraig likes Wilson, lots of people like Ping. If cost is not an issue, and you want to play your very best, get custom fitted whenever you buy clubs. Some people still think new technology is a big advantage, but if that is true, why is it that the average scores for all golfers have not improved for many years? Think about it, it’s just a stick with a hunk of metal on the end. Since you are still young and growing, I would not invest a lot of money at this time because you will be outgrowing your clubs often. If you do not have a lot of money, you can still do very well by getting second-hand clubs from used equipment stores or even from flea markets and garage sales. Try them at a practice range and if they don’t work, just keep trading them in for other sets. Some of these sets are surprisingly good even if they look a little beat up. And if you want to save money on balls, just get a ball retriever and walk along some of the water holes on any course, and you will never have to buy balls again, and you will have many brands to choose from and decide which is best for you.
Joe
Friday, August 27, 2004
Joe,
Are we supposed to leave rakes inside the sand traps or outside the traps?
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
There is no requirement either way. Some courses recommend one or the other. If you leave the rake in the trap, you make it easier for the guys who mow the grass. If you leave it outside the trap, you make it easier for the next person to use (or to trip over). Most courses prefer to leave them in the sand.
Joe
Are we supposed to leave rakes inside the sand traps or outside the traps?
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
There is no requirement either way. Some courses recommend one or the other. If you leave the rake in the trap, you make it easier for the guys who mow the grass. If you leave it outside the trap, you make it easier for the next person to use (or to trip over). Most courses prefer to leave them in the sand.
Joe
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Joe,
which is more strict, the 10 Commandments or the Rules of Golf?
Answer: We had better hope “Thou Shalt Not Kill” is not interpreted by the USGA. It would be a penalty if you take a divot, because you are killing the grass. You usually have to kill whatever food you are eating, even fruits and veggies are a form of life. So I guess in order to avoid a penalty you would have to starve. Also, don’t ever kill any mosquitos, roaches, ants, spiders or any other kind of bug, just let them bite you, or else, as in the Rules of Monopoly, you will be handed a card that says “go to Hades, go directly to Hades, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.”
which is more strict, the 10 Commandments or the Rules of Golf?
Answer: We had better hope “Thou Shalt Not Kill” is not interpreted by the USGA. It would be a penalty if you take a divot, because you are killing the grass. You usually have to kill whatever food you are eating, even fruits and veggies are a form of life. So I guess in order to avoid a penalty you would have to starve. Also, don’t ever kill any mosquitos, roaches, ants, spiders or any other kind of bug, just let them bite you, or else, as in the Rules of Monopoly, you will be handed a card that says “go to Hades, go directly to Hades, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.”
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Joe,
I am 70 yrs.old and 5' 3"and resumed golf after 25 years. My equipment is almost as old as I am. I wish to buy new irons and woods. Do I need graphite shafts and should they be adjusted for my height? At the moment I am not getting any distance. I would be grateful for any help.Bob Ivinson
Hello Bob,
Yes, I think anyone who is going to buy new clubs should get properly fitted, or else your new clubs might not work very well for you. Graphite shafts are not an absolute necessity, but they might help, depending on how you swing. Try to visit a store that has a computerized hitting bay where you hit into a video screen and it tells you how many yards your shot would have traveled, it shows you the ball flight, hooks or slices, and launch angles. Then you can more easily compare results with different types of clubs.
Joe
I am 70 yrs.old and 5' 3"and resumed golf after 25 years. My equipment is almost as old as I am. I wish to buy new irons and woods. Do I need graphite shafts and should they be adjusted for my height? At the moment I am not getting any distance. I would be grateful for any help.Bob Ivinson
Hello Bob,
Yes, I think anyone who is going to buy new clubs should get properly fitted, or else your new clubs might not work very well for you. Graphite shafts are not an absolute necessity, but they might help, depending on how you swing. Try to visit a store that has a computerized hitting bay where you hit into a video screen and it tells you how many yards your shot would have traveled, it shows you the ball flight, hooks or slices, and launch angles. Then you can more easily compare results with different types of clubs.
Joe
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Joe,
Any ideas on how to get better tempo into the swing? I am smooth on the backswing but seem to want to hurry on the down swing. My back swing looks good until I reach the top and then I seem to want to unload. How do I ease into the downswing?
Scott
Hello Scott,
I think the double clubber drill shown in the Body Golf videos will help to promote better tempo. This drill makes it pretty hard to hurry the downswing, you can just feel the better tempo, so just don’t fight it, go along with it. The more you do it, the more your motor muscle memory ingrains the smoother tempo. Another benefit from this drill is that you can more easily see the path the clubhead is taking at the ball position. Most people are not aware whether or not this path is down the target line or across the ball.
Joe
Any ideas on how to get better tempo into the swing? I am smooth on the backswing but seem to want to hurry on the down swing. My back swing looks good until I reach the top and then I seem to want to unload. How do I ease into the downswing?
Scott
Hello Scott,
I think the double clubber drill shown in the Body Golf videos will help to promote better tempo. This drill makes it pretty hard to hurry the downswing, you can just feel the better tempo, so just don’t fight it, go along with it. The more you do it, the more your motor muscle memory ingrains the smoother tempo. Another benefit from this drill is that you can more easily see the path the clubhead is taking at the ball position. Most people are not aware whether or not this path is down the target line or across the ball.
Joe
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Joe,
We are starting a new recreational league, and we would rather do something new and different other than the conventional handicapping system. Most of us shoot between bogey and double bogey. Do you have any other ideas on how we can level the playing field and have a little more fun?
Grace
Hello Grace,
Here are some ideas for situations like yours. 1-You can use a modified “Stableford” scoring system where your league decides how points are awarded, for example, 1 point for a bogey, 2 points for a par, 5 for a birdie, 0 for double bogey, and minus one point for higher, that way a disastrous hole will not hurt so much, and pace of play will improve when you fail to hole it for a double bogey, just pick it up. Another idea – play “bingo-bango-bongo” where points are given for the first person on the green, the person closest to the hole when everyone is on the green, and the first person to hole a putt. To be fair, the person furthest away must shoot first. Another idea -instead of handicaps, award a certain amount of “mulligans” per round depending on a person’s average score. Another idea - award mulligans according to their position in the standings, for example, first place gets 1 mulligan for the next week, 2nd place gets 2 mulligans 3rd place gets 3, etc., but if you do that, be careful to avoid slow play. Have fun!
Joe
We are starting a new recreational league, and we would rather do something new and different other than the conventional handicapping system. Most of us shoot between bogey and double bogey. Do you have any other ideas on how we can level the playing field and have a little more fun?
Grace
Hello Grace,
Here are some ideas for situations like yours. 1-You can use a modified “Stableford” scoring system where your league decides how points are awarded, for example, 1 point for a bogey, 2 points for a par, 5 for a birdie, 0 for double bogey, and minus one point for higher, that way a disastrous hole will not hurt so much, and pace of play will improve when you fail to hole it for a double bogey, just pick it up. Another idea – play “bingo-bango-bongo” where points are given for the first person on the green, the person closest to the hole when everyone is on the green, and the first person to hole a putt. To be fair, the person furthest away must shoot first. Another idea -instead of handicaps, award a certain amount of “mulligans” per round depending on a person’s average score. Another idea - award mulligans according to their position in the standings, for example, first place gets 1 mulligan for the next week, 2nd place gets 2 mulligans 3rd place gets 3, etc., but if you do that, be careful to avoid slow play. Have fun!
Joe
Friday, August 20, 2004
Joe,
I have read and heard in several places that you can hit chip shots just like you hit putts, but when I try that, my club gets slowed down by the taller grass and my chips end up short. If I try to hit it harder to compensate, then the club does not get stuck in the grass and my chips end up too long. How can I fix this?
Adam
Hi Adam,
For chip shots, the putting method only works on short grass. When the grass is taller, you must make the following adjustments. First, change the ball position to the back foot, or even further back depending on how tall the grass is. This allows your backswing to come up out of the taller grass and results in a more descending downstroke which again avoids getting caught in the taller grass. The more you play it back, the more lofted club you will need or else the shot will come out too low. Start with an 8-iron and see what happens. Also you must remember to keep your hands way ahead of the clubhead all during the stroke. Lock your wrists to prevent them from breaking, and your follow thru should end with the clubface still pointing at the hole. Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
I have read and heard in several places that you can hit chip shots just like you hit putts, but when I try that, my club gets slowed down by the taller grass and my chips end up short. If I try to hit it harder to compensate, then the club does not get stuck in the grass and my chips end up too long. How can I fix this?
Adam
Hi Adam,
For chip shots, the putting method only works on short grass. When the grass is taller, you must make the following adjustments. First, change the ball position to the back foot, or even further back depending on how tall the grass is. This allows your backswing to come up out of the taller grass and results in a more descending downstroke which again avoids getting caught in the taller grass. The more you play it back, the more lofted club you will need or else the shot will come out too low. Start with an 8-iron and see what happens. Also you must remember to keep your hands way ahead of the clubhead all during the stroke. Lock your wrists to prevent them from breaking, and your follow thru should end with the clubface still pointing at the hole. Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Joe, what’s wrong with Tiger’s swing?
Answer: Hey everybody has got an opinion, so here’s mine. He made a curious statement when he revamped his swing several years ago. He said he was getting away with murder by pointing the club across the target line at the top of the backswing. If that is getting away with murder, look at Bobby Jones’ swing, also Phil Mickelson, John Daly, and many others come way across the target line (who says crime does not pay?). Therefore I think he is focusing on the wrong thing, there can’t be anything wrong with that, it only sets the club into a good plane for the downswing path at the ball. There are far more important things to worry about than that. Tiger, if that is what you are thinking, you may be looking in the wrong area, perhaps even messing up other parts of your swing. Go ahead and cross that target line at the top, just like you did at the 1997 Masters, and see what happens.
Answer: Hey everybody has got an opinion, so here’s mine. He made a curious statement when he revamped his swing several years ago. He said he was getting away with murder by pointing the club across the target line at the top of the backswing. If that is getting away with murder, look at Bobby Jones’ swing, also Phil Mickelson, John Daly, and many others come way across the target line (who says crime does not pay?). Therefore I think he is focusing on the wrong thing, there can’t be anything wrong with that, it only sets the club into a good plane for the downswing path at the ball. There are far more important things to worry about than that. Tiger, if that is what you are thinking, you may be looking in the wrong area, perhaps even messing up other parts of your swing. Go ahead and cross that target line at the top, just like you did at the 1997 Masters, and see what happens.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
) Joe,
Can you suggest a drill that will improve my ability to hold my wrist snap until I reach the ball. I know that many times my wrists break before I reach the ball and all my power is gone.
S. M. Werren
Hello SM,
There are a couple of things to try. First, go to the top of your backswing and pause. Then fire your lower body without swinging, the left arm and wrist stay cocked. This is intended to train your upper body to wait a little longer. Another drill is to again go to the top of the backswing and this time complete the swing in slow motion without breaking the wrists at all. Then repeat this increasing the speed each time, remembering to keep the wrists from breaking at all. When you try this at full speed, you may discover it is impossible to complete the swing without breaking the wrists, but you will have delayed the wrist break as much as possible.
Joe
Can you suggest a drill that will improve my ability to hold my wrist snap until I reach the ball. I know that many times my wrists break before I reach the ball and all my power is gone.
S. M. Werren
Hello SM,
There are a couple of things to try. First, go to the top of your backswing and pause. Then fire your lower body without swinging, the left arm and wrist stay cocked. This is intended to train your upper body to wait a little longer. Another drill is to again go to the top of the backswing and this time complete the swing in slow motion without breaking the wrists at all. Then repeat this increasing the speed each time, remembering to keep the wrists from breaking at all. When you try this at full speed, you may discover it is impossible to complete the swing without breaking the wrists, but you will have delayed the wrist break as much as possible.
Joe
Monday, August 16, 2004
Joe,
I have noticed one of the reasons for slow play is the fact that players of lesser ability refuse to play from the forward tees. I suppose it would be too embarrassing for guys to play from the “ladies tees”. Any ideas on how to solve this?
Andy
Hi Andy,
You are right, if other male golfers in a foursome are not playing from the forward tees, then it would take some courage for a short-hitting guy to walk up to the forward tees, he would get a lot of giggles. I suppose it is possible for courses to impose restrictions on which tees you must use based on your handicap, but each golfer must decide what gives them the most enjoyment out of the game. Do you really want to have a chance to hit greens in regulation without having to use fairway woods for every shot? If so, go ahead and play the back tees and live with your higher scores. If not, swallow your pride and move up to the shorter tees, which by the way, should no longer be called the ladies tees because there are a lot of ladies who can hit the ball farther than a lot of men, and I am sure these ladies do not use the forward tees.
Joe
I have noticed one of the reasons for slow play is the fact that players of lesser ability refuse to play from the forward tees. I suppose it would be too embarrassing for guys to play from the “ladies tees”. Any ideas on how to solve this?
Andy
Hi Andy,
You are right, if other male golfers in a foursome are not playing from the forward tees, then it would take some courage for a short-hitting guy to walk up to the forward tees, he would get a lot of giggles. I suppose it is possible for courses to impose restrictions on which tees you must use based on your handicap, but each golfer must decide what gives them the most enjoyment out of the game. Do you really want to have a chance to hit greens in regulation without having to use fairway woods for every shot? If so, go ahead and play the back tees and live with your higher scores. If not, swallow your pride and move up to the shorter tees, which by the way, should no longer be called the ladies tees because there are a lot of ladies who can hit the ball farther than a lot of men, and I am sure these ladies do not use the forward tees.
Joe
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Hi There,
I am a weekend golfer averaging between 83 and 90 per round...if I can just pin point my problem with my driver I'm sure I'll be able to lower my scores...the problem is that at the driving range I hit my driver almost perfectly every time ...but when I get to the tee I seem to pull my drives which is extremely frustrating .....what do you suggest I do to solve this annoying problem......maybe I'm trying to hit too hard ...maybe I'm turning too early ...I do not know .......driving range it works...on the tee it does not.....please suggest some drills that I can do to correct this.
Kindly
Saadiq
Hello Saadiq,
Some drills that will work are shown in the Body Golf videos, such as the double clubber and the toe drag. Many golfers find that everything seems to work better on the range than on the course, and there are 3 main reasons for this. First of all, if your range has rectangular mats, they help your alignment, while on the course you don’t have this help, so whenever possible, go to a range that has grass tee areas and align yourself to specific targets. Secondly, on the range there is no pressure, no penalty for a bad shot, so the muscles are more relaxed. On the course, muscles behave differently when the pressure factor is in play. Thirdly, on the range you are swinging every few seconds, so it is easy to get into a ‘groove’, while on the course you only swing once every several minutes, so it is harder to maintain this groove. I suggest on the range to get a mindset the same as on the course. Put a little pressure on yourself by picking a target, and tell yourself that unless you hit it at the target, you are going to deny yourself one of life’s many simple pleasures for the day, like watching TV or surfing the internet, or whatever penalty you choose, just to add a little fear factor.
Joe
I am a weekend golfer averaging between 83 and 90 per round...if I can just pin point my problem with my driver I'm sure I'll be able to lower my scores...the problem is that at the driving range I hit my driver almost perfectly every time ...but when I get to the tee I seem to pull my drives which is extremely frustrating .....what do you suggest I do to solve this annoying problem......maybe I'm trying to hit too hard ...maybe I'm turning too early ...I do not know .......driving range it works...on the tee it does not.....please suggest some drills that I can do to correct this.
Kindly
Saadiq
Hello Saadiq,
Some drills that will work are shown in the Body Golf videos, such as the double clubber and the toe drag. Many golfers find that everything seems to work better on the range than on the course, and there are 3 main reasons for this. First of all, if your range has rectangular mats, they help your alignment, while on the course you don’t have this help, so whenever possible, go to a range that has grass tee areas and align yourself to specific targets. Secondly, on the range there is no pressure, no penalty for a bad shot, so the muscles are more relaxed. On the course, muscles behave differently when the pressure factor is in play. Thirdly, on the range you are swinging every few seconds, so it is easy to get into a ‘groove’, while on the course you only swing once every several minutes, so it is harder to maintain this groove. I suggest on the range to get a mindset the same as on the course. Put a little pressure on yourself by picking a target, and tell yourself that unless you hit it at the target, you are going to deny yourself one of life’s many simple pleasures for the day, like watching TV or surfing the internet, or whatever penalty you choose, just to add a little fear factor.
Joe
Friday, August 13, 2004
Hello, I was excited when I saw the title of your ezine on 8/3 'thumb and palm' because I have had a reoccurring problem with my left thumb (I'm right handed golfer). The problem is a pain after play sort of like I've been stressing that joint. My game is ok (just need more practice to keep the cobwebs away), handicap about 6.1, but my thumb is sore all the time. Are you familiar with this complaint? Anything I can do... I don't like bowling!!!thanksdave baehr
Hi Dave,
If your thumb has no pain unless you play golf, then your grip may need adjustment. If you have not already been experimenting with different grip styles, I would suggest trying the ten finger grip, no overlapping or interlocking of the fingers, and weaken the left hand position to take the pressure off the thumb. Your handicap indicates you are a good golfer, so your ball flight must be fairly consistent. If you can strike the ball solidly and consistently with a different grip, and the thumb no longer hurts as much, then just learn to live with whatever new ball flight tendency you might have as long as it is consistent. The weaker left hand position may lead to a fade, but if so, you may be able to compensate with a stronger right hand position.
Joe
Hi Dave,
If your thumb has no pain unless you play golf, then your grip may need adjustment. If you have not already been experimenting with different grip styles, I would suggest trying the ten finger grip, no overlapping or interlocking of the fingers, and weaken the left hand position to take the pressure off the thumb. Your handicap indicates you are a good golfer, so your ball flight must be fairly consistent. If you can strike the ball solidly and consistently with a different grip, and the thumb no longer hurts as much, then just learn to live with whatever new ball flight tendency you might have as long as it is consistent. The weaker left hand position may lead to a fade, but if so, you may be able to compensate with a stronger right hand position.
Joe
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Joe,
Greetings and Salutations. Hi My name is Brian Varley. I watch the Golf Channel over here in Britain. Dave has had a clinic on putting recently. However he did not cover my own method which was used by Sam Snead. When the system of putting -Croquet style was banned, Sam went over to the 'Side Saddle' method. Now I have used that for 30 years and find it the best because, it is like bowling, and skittles. There is no movement across the body, just a straight line through the putt. There is no turning of the hands after the putt has been struck. I still cannot comprehend why it has not been seized on by the golfing instructors. Your comments would be welcome.
Brian the Lion
Hello Brian,
Most people are too embarrassed to try different things, but the embarrassment goes away when the putts start to fall. Sam Snead and Ben Hogan were two of the best who ever played, but both of them, as well as many other golfers, lost their putting touch in their later years, so they had to do something. In Sam’s case, the side saddle method worked for him, and I commend you for also having the courage to try it. I myself have tried lots of different methods because I was never satisfied with my putting. I decided to have a series of contests to determine which method was best for me. You need the pressure of a contest or else everything seems to work well on the practice green. I tried different grips, different putters, different stances including side saddle, and the clear winner, and I repeat, the CLEAR winner, was the belly putter with left hand low like Vijay Singh (even though Vijay has now gone back to a conventional putter). Here is the reason this works for me. My hands would not work together consistently, one hand would always overpower the other and I never knew which one would do that (this may be one of the main reasons for The Yips). The belly putter method removes this problem by reducing the hand action. Anyway, there is no guarantee this will work for you, you must have your own contests and see which method is best for you, including the side saddle. Best of luck.
Joe
Greetings and Salutations. Hi My name is Brian Varley. I watch the Golf Channel over here in Britain. Dave has had a clinic on putting recently. However he did not cover my own method which was used by Sam Snead. When the system of putting -Croquet style was banned, Sam went over to the 'Side Saddle' method. Now I have used that for 30 years and find it the best because, it is like bowling, and skittles. There is no movement across the body, just a straight line through the putt. There is no turning of the hands after the putt has been struck. I still cannot comprehend why it has not been seized on by the golfing instructors. Your comments would be welcome.
Brian the Lion
Hello Brian,
Most people are too embarrassed to try different things, but the embarrassment goes away when the putts start to fall. Sam Snead and Ben Hogan were two of the best who ever played, but both of them, as well as many other golfers, lost their putting touch in their later years, so they had to do something. In Sam’s case, the side saddle method worked for him, and I commend you for also having the courage to try it. I myself have tried lots of different methods because I was never satisfied with my putting. I decided to have a series of contests to determine which method was best for me. You need the pressure of a contest or else everything seems to work well on the practice green. I tried different grips, different putters, different stances including side saddle, and the clear winner, and I repeat, the CLEAR winner, was the belly putter with left hand low like Vijay Singh (even though Vijay has now gone back to a conventional putter). Here is the reason this works for me. My hands would not work together consistently, one hand would always overpower the other and I never knew which one would do that (this may be one of the main reasons for The Yips). The belly putter method removes this problem by reducing the hand action. Anyway, there is no guarantee this will work for you, you must have your own contests and see which method is best for you, including the side saddle. Best of luck.
Joe
