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How To Break 80 Newsletter

January 17th, 2010

"The Web's Most Popular Golf Improvement Newsletter"
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In this issue we'll discuss...

1) Sticking It From The Sand
2) Tee Up Whenever You Can
3) Question of the Week: Swing Hybrids Like An Iron
4) Article: Turn Short Game Practice Into Full-Swing Results
5) Article: Keys To Creating A Solid Two-Plane Swing

Jacks Note: Looking to improve your swing and lower your handicap in 2011? The best way to start is with the proper swing. We help you build a swing your buddies will be jealous of and that will earn you the respect you deserve on the course. It's all in our Full Swing DVD. There are only 23 left though so act fast.

This week we're doing something a little different, from now on the newsletter will be more blog based, so be sure and bookmark the blog!

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1) Sticking It From The Sand
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Aiming for the middle of the green is usually the best strategy when it comes to getting out of greenside bunkers. It's easier shot and it relieves some of the shot's pressure. More pressure is the last thing you need when facing a difficult shot. But sometimes you have to go for the pin, like when you're down a stroke in match play. That requires knowing how to shape a shot from the sand.

Below are five keys to sticking it from the sand:

* Open the clubface first
* Play the ball in the middle of your stance
* Grip down the same amount as you dig in
* Set your feet to anticipate the shot
* Swing along your stance line

Two keys to executing this shot are your lie and your release. While you don't need a perfect lie, you do need one where your stance is fairly level and the ball sits cleanly. The latter is critical. It helps when trying to add spin to the ball.

You can approach this shot as a normal bunker shot for the most part. Make sure you open your clubface before you grip the club and that you rehearse the shot before you get in the bunker.

Play the ball toward the middle of your stance to promote ball first contact, and grip down on the club the same amount that you dig your feet into the sand. Set your feet slightly open for a cut shot or slightly closed for a draw. Swing along your stance line.

The proper release is key here. If you want to fade it to a pin tucked on the right side of the green, hold off on the release a split second. If you want to draw the ball, release the club naturally.

Remember: Your club can't touch the sand before the shot. If it does, you have to change clubs.

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2) Tee Up Whenever You Can
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Golfing great Jack Nicklaus believes that when you should always tee up your ball whenever you get the chance. That's because teeing up a ball makes it easier to hit. So tee up the ball whenever can on par 4s and par 5s. And always tee up a ball on par 3s. But keep in mind that different clubs require different tee heights.

Below are the general rules on tee heights for different clubs:

* You should tee up
* An iron shot so the ball is just above the ground
* A hybrid shot so the ball is about a half inch above the ground
* A fairway wood so that a quarter of the ball is above the face
* A driver so that half the ball is above the face

You tee the ball up differently for different reasons. When you tee up a ball for an iron or a hybrid shot, you want to keep the grass from getting between the clubface and the ball. That increases your control over distance and direction. Grass interferes with your ability to put backspin on the ball, so it doesn't behave predictably.

Hybrids have more weight built into the sole. You want the weight to get under the ball, so you can take advantage of the technology. The same holds true for fairway woods and drivers.

But don't forget to make adjustments for your swing tendencies. Putting impact tape on a clubface tells you exactly where you're hitting the ball with the club. Use that information to make the necessary adjustments to hit the ball flush.

Tee up the ball whenever you get a chance. It provides better control over direction and distance—two things can help golfers chop strokes off their handicaps.

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3) Question of the Week: Swing Hybrids Like An Iron
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Q.

Hi Jack.
 
Having viewed Bobby Eldridge's Perfect Impact DVD, I now understand a whole lot better the difference between a driver swing and an iron swing. My question is where does a #3 Hybrid fit in?

I look forward to your answer.

Regards
Brian Hall

A.

Thanks for the questions. Swing hybrids like irons, but you first need to make a couple of adjustments, depending on where you're hitting from—tee, fairway, rough, or bunker. Use a normal posture and stance.

Below are some guidelines for swinging a hybrid:

In the tee box, tee the ball very low. Position it near the center of your stance but towards the target. Use a smooth tempo, with a full swing. Complete the follow-through.

From the fairway, position the ball closer to the center of your stance. Swing the club down and through the ball. Hit the ball first then take a small divot.

From a fairway bunker, position the ball in the center of your stance and dig your feet into the sand. Use a shorter swing and sweep the ball off the ground. You need a good lie to hit this shot.

From the rough, position the ball in the center of your stance. Use a 3/4 backswing, with a full follow through and a smooth tempo. Accelerate the downswing through the ball.

You can also use a hybrid to hit a bump and run. In this case swing the club as you normally would swing an iron.

You can also see more about the hybrid club in How To Break 80: Hybrid.

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.

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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 www.HowToBreak80.com/blog

Click here to view this newsletter on the web

Here are some of my recent articles:

4) Article: Turn Short Game Practice Into Full-Swing Results

http://www.howtobreak80.com/blog/2011/01/17/turn-short-game-practice-into-full-swing-results/

5) Article: Keys To Creating A Solid Two-Plane Swing

http://www.howtobreak80.com/blog/2011/01/17/keys-to-creating-a-solid-two-plane-swing/

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, go to http://www.howtobreak80.com/newsletter.htm

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About the Author
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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.

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