Golf Tips and Instruction-Jan. 30, 2006
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How To Break 80 Newsletter
January 30, 2006
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This issue includes…
1) Driving for Distance
2) The Art of Lag Putting
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1) Driving for Distance
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We all want to hit longer drives. Hitting driver/8-iron into the green
beats hitting driver/4-iron to the green every time. Unfortunately,
length from the tee is confused with muscle power. Developing a
sounder swing improves driving distance, so concentrate on
technique. And try the following:
-Widen stance at address for greater stability
-Shift more weight on right side at address
-Keep your chin up to allow for shoulder turn
-Take a full 90-degree turn
-Hover club head above ground
-Hit hard with right hand through impact
-Sense right forearm crossing over left
-Finish high with your swing
Two proven drills for increasing driving distance are the lead hand
drill and the weighted-club drill.
1. The lead hand drill strengthens the “pulling” muscles of your
left arm. (Right fore arm for left handers.) With this drill, practice
hitting a golf ball with just your left hand. Start with a pitching wedge.
Try it without a ball first. Swing easily. When you’re ready, tee the
ball up and swing away. Take about 25 swings. When you can hit
the ball off the tee consistently, drop down to an 8 iron. Repeat the
process.
2. The weighted-club drill stretches the back muscles, leading to
a fuller turn. Use a heavyweight practice club, a practice “donut,” or
a weighted cover for your club. Take about 50 practice swings a
day. Swing easily and smoothly. After a month or two, you will find
the arc of your swing is larger than before, without losing control of
the swing.
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2) The Art of the Lag Putt
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Long putts intimidate some golfers. They leave them well short of
the hole. Instead of having an easy second putt, they’re left with a
ten- or twelve- footer, boosting their chances of three-putting.
When faced with a 20- to 40-foot putt, a good lag putt will reduce
the chances of three-putting. When lag putting:
-Step off the distance to the hole
-Take practice strokes behind the ball
-Stand taller in your stance
-Imagine a 2-foot ring around the hole
-Take a long smooth stroke
Stepping off the distance to the hole provides a good feel for distance.
When you take your practice strokes, face the target. It gives you a
feel for the stroke you’ll need. Standing taller encourage a long,
smooth stroke. Aim for the ring. It’s easier to putt to than the hole,
taking the pressure off to sink the putt. Make sure your follow through
equals your take away.
These tips reduce the intimation, but speed and distance control are
the real keys to long putting. To improve speed, practice with a
metronome. The tempo of your putting stroke is often the culprit when
speed is off. The stroke’s pace controls the ball’s speed. Practicing
with metronome evens out the takeaway and follow-through in beat
and length, improving pace.
To improve distance control, practice putting from the fringe on one
side of a green to the other. Try putting the ball as close to the
opposite fringe as possible.
Also, try putting with your eyes closed. Blind putting forces you to
visualize the stroke needed to sink the putt. It also helps feel and
speed.
And putt with confidence. It’s the single biggest factor in putting.
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If you want to truly discover the secrets of shooting like the Pros
and creating a more reliable and consistent swing,
check out: http://www.HowToBreak80.com
Also, for past issues of this newsletter and some of my most
recent articles, visit our blog at http://www.HowToBreak80.com/blog
Until next time, Go Low!
Jack
P.S. Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends.
If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, send a
blank email to htb80newsletter@aweber.com
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February 6th, 2006 at 4:41 am
I have lemented for a long time how my best drives only travel 300 yards. I read how the pros are going long upwards of 310-320 and beyond and I see these guys hit practice shots and I don’t think they hit it that much farther than I do (but they do). I finally figured out there are three main differences between me and them. Difference #1: They hit the sweet spot every time. Difference #2: Perfect course conditions that are set up fast. Difference #3: They almost always play in warm weather (it has been chilly here in Shanghai, China since November).
I am not saying I am anywhere near them in skill, but on a nice and dry course this past summer right after a local city open. I hit three drives over 300 yards on the day. There is something to be said about 40 yards of roll! My point is that if you hit a good drive on the courses they play, you would see yourself a little closer to the green on average. Of course, the big boys are shooting at a much more narrow target then we hackers are. My point is that we should compare apples to apples when we look at distances.
Having the right stick in your hand is important. Playing within yourself is important too. But Jack’s instruction is great when you want to crank one off the tee.
About lag putts…I totally agree on this. Putting and chipping are the most important shots in golf. When I practiced my short game every day I was a index 6. Right now in China I play country club golf and the practice facilities are not set up for practicing, so I don’t practice and I am a 14 right now. It is all because of my short game.
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