July 19, 2006

“The Web’s Most Popular Golf Improvement Newsletter”
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In this issue we’ll discuss…

1) How to Stop Topped Shots
2) Dealing With A Semi-Buried Lie

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1) How to Stop Topped Shots
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Topping a shot is embarrassing and frustrating. If you top the ball or hit it thin, it’s because you’re hitting the ball on the upswing, most often caused by trying to either scoop or lift the ball.

To eliminate topping you must remember that golf is a game of opposites. If you want to hit the ball up you have to swing down, especially when it comes to a fairway wood or a hybrid club.

Here are 5 keys to stopping topped shots:

• Address the ball with a normal stance
• Position the ball inside your left heel
• Use a one-piece takeaway
• Use a descending blow
• Finish in balance

To eliminate topped shots address the ball as you normally would, but make sure the ball is no further forward than the inside of your left heel. This is the base of your swing arc. Positioning the ball back in your stance enables you to make contact at the lowest point of your swing. Use a one-piece takeaway and strike the ball with a descending blow. Finish in balance.

Moving the ball back in your stance generates more backspin. This backspin, when applied correctly, works to negate sidespin, which results in more control.

The Two Tee Drill
To stop topping shots put a tee in the spot you would normally use for a fairway wood. Instead of hitting from that tee, place another tee with a ball two inches behind the empty tee in front. As you hit a few shots focus on grazing the empty tee after you make contact with the ball. Repeat several times. As you practice, you’ll see your shots gaining more and more height.

After practicing with the fairway wood, try other clubs requiring a descending-to-level blow for consistent contact, such as hybrids, irons, and wedges. With hybrids, separate the tees one to two inches apart. With irons and wedges, an inch apart.

As you practice, you’ll see the number of top balls or thin shots dwindle. Eventually, the topped shot will make its way out of your repertoire altogether.

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2) Dealing With A Semi-Buried Lie
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On some occasion you’ll encounter a shot that’s semi-buried in the sand. A semi-buried lie unnerves some golfers because it seems a rather formidable shot. However, it isn’t nearly as hard as it looks. The key is using the right club for the job, in this case a pitching wedge.

Here are 5 tips to hitting the “pick and chop” shot from a semi-buried lie:

• Use a slightly open stance
• Position the ball back in your stance
• Make sure your hands are forward
• Make a steep descending blow
• Minimize body turn

The pitching wedge is ideal for this shot because it has plenty of bounce and less loft than a sand wedge, making it more effective for digging into the sand. That capability is critical for playing from semi-buried lies.

To hit the pick and chop, address the ball with a slightly open stance and with the ball positioned off your right heel (for right-handers). Take a stronger grip than usual and place your weight on your front foot. Make sure your clubface is square or even slightly open to the target.

Minimize your body turn and hit precisely where the ball comes into contact with the sand. Take the club back more upright than usual and descend into the ball with no follow-through. The club should stick in the ground and the ball should pop out of the sand with plenty of height.

Your arms should do most of the work with the pick and chop. The ball will roll a little more than usual when it hits the green. Consider roll before hitting the shot.

If you follow these tips, you’ll get out of the bunker in one shot. More importantly, you’ll land on the green in position to putt, having eliminated unnecessary strokes from the sand.
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Question of the Week
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From Jerry Kartenz, Seattle, WA

Q: What’s the Best Way To Promote A Good Full Turn?

A: That’s a good question. A full turn creates the torque you need to hit a ball solidly. But not every player makes one. Some are afraid to make a good turn because they feel that the more they turn away from the target, the more likely they are to mishit the ball. Others don’t make a good turn because they aren’t aware of its importance.

The Mirror Drill promotes a full shoulder turn. I use it in my golf lessons. First, take an address position in front of a mirror. Then, place your hands on your hips and look to the right (for right-handers), as if you were looking at someone behind you. If you have to lift your left foot off the ground, go ahead. Feel the rotation of your spine and the coil of the turn. Now, look in the mirror. See how your back faces the target? Your left knee should point inward. And your weight should be mostly on your right side. That’s all there is to it.

Work on the Mirror Drill regularly. When you’re familiar with the sensation involved, head to the practice range and hit some balls. You may be surprised how well you hit them.
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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

Until next time, Go Low!

Jack