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Golf

2013-03-01 11:02:27

Ask the pro - series

Q-I am looking for a logical and sequential process to initiate and complete my golf swing. Presently, I have a dozen thoughts running through my mind when I am getting ready to take a swing. I need a way to organize them, any ideas?

A-Thus far in this series, with help from several sources, we have talked about the things that one must do to first get in the position to begin the swing. All of the previous articles are featured at www.theqandatimes.com under recent issues. They have been the grip, the alignment and the stance. The swing is broken down into two parts. The backswing…and the downswing. We have already discussed the backswing…and part of the downswing relative to keeping the head back and making no effort to move the golf club, and how it all should feel; the downswing…and the checkpoints. We have talked about the biggest problem of amateur golfers…the slice, and the other way the ball can bend badly…the hook. We have talked about what are called “fat” or “thin” shots, the in-to-out swing and recently about the most seductive and destructive medium in the game...that of the natural urge to act in the obvious way to achieve the desired result. The destructive side of this lies in the fact that in golf (as in many other things), the obvious way is not always the right way. We have talked about pulling the ball, pushing the ball, scooping and the dreaded s----k shot. We have talked about getting in and out of golf trouble, and other things like skied shots, swaying, spraying and toe shots. This month, we will talk about some more problems and some remedies. Looking Up Problem: Anxious to see where your shot is going, you begin to look up during the downswing and before the clubface makes contact with the ball. Remedy: This moves the body, which misaligns the swing path and produces terrible shots…or even a complete whiff. Many feel that this is the number one mistake that golfers make. To minimize this problem, rotate your hips properly through impact, keep arms fully extended through impact, concentrate on a low follow-through, and wait until you see the ball “disappear” before taking your eyes away from it. Losing Distance Problem: Not hitting the ball as far as you have been hitting it with the same club. Remedy: Be sure to make a full turn. Maintain a relaxed body with light grip. Keep left side firm with left knee bent through impact. Swing through the ball, not at it. Keep arms fully extended through impact. If you are battling with a lack of distance, one of the first things you should concentrate on is releasing your hands through the ball correctly. Make sure that your forearms are close together at impact, and after impact, your forearms should form an “X” or be crossed. This will ensure that you are not blocking the ball, it will help with the slice, and will do wonders for your distance. When You Play a Lot But Can’t Improve Problem: You play frequently but you are stuck in the same score range. Remedy: It’s time to go back to fundamentals and see a pro. Keep a record of where you are losing strokes and concentrate on improving those parts of your game. Start with a review of your grip and stance. That’s where most problems begin. Also, try to swing with the proper tempo and with 80% of your power. Too Many Three-Putt Greens Problem: You are losing far too many strokes in your putting game. Remedy: When this happens, it often means that your first putt was a very poor one. On long putts, concentrate on distance more than direction. Aim for a circle about three feet around the hole. Keep your head down and focus on making good contact and using the amount of force needed to reach that circle. Be especially careful on a downhill putt, and try to make the ball “die” at the hole.