Golf Tips and Instruction 11/12/08
In this issue we’ll discuss…
1) Tackling A Tight Driving Hole
2) Finding The Slot Cuts Strokes
3) Question of the Week – Can’t Start Backswing
4) Article – Playing Games Lowers Golf Handicap
5) Article – Winter Drills To Cut Your Golf Handicap
1) Tackling A Tight Driving Hole
Tight driving holes are a challenge. The idea of hitting to a fairway closely lined with trees creates panic in some golfers, resulting in a wayward shot that leaves them buried in a clump of trees or in deep trouble. Hit enough of these shots and you’ll boost your golf handicap to new heights.
If tight driving holes intimidate you, don’t sweat it. Perfecting a simple mental trick gets you in the middle of the fairway. Below are the keys to this trick:
* Visualize a goalpost
* Establish the limits
* Play your shot shape
* Compensate for the curve
* Adjust your swing
Visualize a goalpost the next time you’re on a tight driving hole—the kind of goalpost they use in American football with two uprights. If you hit a fade and you’re right handed, position the goalpost on the left. If you hit a draw and you’re right-handed, position the goalpost on the right. (Left-handers do the opposite.)
The goalpost’s uprights are the drive’s limits. Establish them off the tee. If you hit a fade, your limit on the left is the row of trees on the left. Your limit on the right is the middle of the fairway. If you hit a draw, shift the goalpost to the right.
Now visualize yourself hitting the ball between the uprights. Play the shape of your shot and make adjustments as needed. If you slice the ball, establish more generous limits. If there’s a crosswind, adjust the uprights or limits. Also, keep in mind that the ball will kick and roll the way it’s curving.
Don’t let tight driving holes freak you out. Master this simple mental trick and you’ll hit the middle of the fairway every time, leaving you in great shape.
2) Finding The Slot Cuts Strokes
Like most golfers you have good days and bad days. One possible reason for playing well on your good days is you’re finding the “slot” on your shots—a critical position at the top of the backswing that encourages solid ballstriking. Mastering the slot generates longer, straighter shots. But you must find it consistently to reap its rewards.
Here are five keys to finding the slot:
1. Assume good posture
2. Maintain straight hands
3. Keep the shaft parallel
4. Remain on plane
5. Keep the clubface square
Good posture is critical to finding the slot. Slumping over or standing too upright at address throws off your backswing as well as your timing and rhythm. With poor posture, you must compensate to find the slot, which can produce wayward shots.
It’s also critical to avoid rolling your hands during the backswing. If you do, the clubface rolls, hurting your chances of achieving a square clubface position at the top of the swing and at impact. Work on keeping your hand straight during your backswing.
In addition, keep the shaft parallel to the target line. That keeps the swing on a plane described by the left arm (right arm for left-handers) as it swings to the top. If the club drifts inside or outside this plane, you’ll hit a slice or pull.
At the top of the swing, the left arm remains on plane. If you were to draw an imaginary line from your left wrist through your left arm, the line should almost intersect the ball. If your left arm is too flat, it’s impossible to swing your arms down freely.
Finally, monitor your clubface position at the top of the swing. It reveals if your clubface is square in the slot or not. If it is, your clubface will be square at impact. The clubface’s toe should be pointing almost straight down. If it’s not, you must compensate.
Finding the slot generates a good swing. Work on finding it consistently. The more times you do, the longer and straighter you’ll hit the ball—and the fewer strokes you’ll need to reach the green.
3) Question of the Week – Can’t Start Backswing
Q. Hi Jack, I have two problems that keep my golf game from improving. My first problem concerns tension that comes when I’m ready to swing. I can’t initiate my backswing without shuffling my feet and rocking back and forth before I get comfortable. I have no problem with the practice swing or on the driving range. Second, which hand should actually be hitting the ball impact….left or right?
Thanks,
Tommy
A. Thanks for the question, Tommy. It’s only natural to feel a little tense or nervous when hitting the ball. A lot of golfers shuffle their feet or rock back and forth to get comfortable before swinging. But once you’re comfortable, stop all motion before initiating your backswing, then take a deep breath and exhale. That will help relax you. Also, make a conscious effort to relax your hands. If your hands are relaxed, your arms and body will be relaxed.
As for which hand hits the ball, if you’re right-handed, your left hand is your lead hand. It should make contact with the ball first. Your right hand guides the club in the right direction. If you’re left-handed, the opposite occurs. Your right hand leads, followed by your left hand, which provides direction. If you alter this sequence, you’ll hit a bad shot. So work on using your hands correctly during your swing and you’ll hit straighter shots with more power.
If you’ve got a golf question you’d like answered, send an email to us at questions@howtobreak80.com and we’ll review it. I can’t guarantee that we’ll use it but if we do, we’ll make sure to include your name and where you’re from
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 www.HowToBreak80.com/blog
To view this newsletter online, please visit:
http://www.howtobreak80.com/newsletter11122008.html
Here are some of my recent articles:
4) Article – Playing Games Lowers Golf Handicap
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/playing-games-lowers-golf-handicap.html
5) Article – Winter Drills To Cut Your Golf Handicap
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/winter-drills-to-cut-your-golf-handicap.html
Until next time,
Go Low!
Jack
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About the Author
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!”. He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.
