How To Break 80 Newsletter

February 3nd, 2010

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

1) How To Play A Shallow Water Ball
2) Playing To A Back Pin
3) Drill of the Week: Sink More Makeable Putts
4) Article: Creating An Effective Golf Club Set
5) Article: Beating Five Common Blowup Holes

Jacks Note: Do you know the fastest way to drop shots from your scores?  We've put together a video that shows you the "best-of-the-best" in terms of drills to help you improve your game around the greens. See it here. Also, I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge all of you who wrote back or posted on the blog regarding the whole Tiger incident.  It obviously caused quite a stir.  I felt an explanation was in order so I posted so all could read.

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) How To Play A Shallow Water Ball
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Many weekend golfers automatically take a drop when their ball finds the water. Usually, that's the correct choice. A ball in the water is rarely playable. But it does happen occasionally. Before making the decision to play a water ball, assess the situation carefully. The wrong choice may not only get you wet, but also cost you strokes--to the tune of a double or triple bogey.

Here are four questions to ask before playing a water ball:

* How far is the ball submerged?
* Can I take a balanced stance?
* What club should I use?
* Can you play the ball to a safe place?

The key to playing a water ball is how far it's submerged. If more than half the ball is under water, take a drop. You won't be able to get the club to the ball. If it's not, do the following:

* Check to see if the lie allows you to take a balanced stance. You must swing aggressively here, so if you can't take a balanced stance you're wasting your time. Also, find a safe landing spot before taking the shot.

* Take the pitching wedge out of the bag. It has a high degree of loft and a sharp leading edge. You'll need both to cut through the water. You're in a hazard, so you can't touch your club at address.

* Treat the shot like a buried lie in the sand: Open your stance, play the ball in the middle, close the clubface a bit, and use a steep wristy backswing and downswing. Bring the club down forcefully through the ball. You want to hit directly behind the ball and to accelerate into the ball when hitting from the water. Punch the ball to a safe landing spot.

Usually, you're better off taking a drop when the ball finds the water. But on those rare occasions where you can hit it from there, follow the keys explained above.

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2) Playing To A Back Pin
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Playing a shot to a back pin is tricky. You want to get the ball close enough to the pin for a makeable putt. That in effect turns three shots into two. You can chip the ball there, but your normal chip tends to check up when you hit it. You need something that runs, yet is controllable. One option here is the "hook chip," which produces a ball that doesn't check up. It's great shot to have in your bag when playing to a back pin.

Below are five keys to this shot:

* Use the standard chip set up
* Choke down on the club
* Take a 10-finger grip
* Swing the club inside
* Accelerate through the ball

Making a slight adjustment to your grip is the key here. Instead of using your normal chipping grip, choke down on the club a couple of inches and take a 10-finger grip. Doing so, promotes more release with your right hand (left, if you're left-handed). It also closes the club for a lower flight and a hotter roll.

Having taken your grip, assume your normal chipping setup. Play the ball back in your stance as you usually do for a chip. (Many teachers recommend playing the ball off the back ankle.) Keep your hands ahead of the ball and shift your weight to your front side, which will help you hit down on the ball.

Now swing the club inside, setting up an in-to-out path. Accelerate through the ball, rotating the club with your right hand into a toe up position. It's like hitting a topspin forehand in tennis. The ball will take somewhat of a curved path to the pin.

Playing to a back pin requires some thought. You can chip the ball there, but a chip shot usually checks when hit. Instead, try something that runs. A hook chip is an option in this situation. Master it and you'll cut strokes from your score.

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3) Drill of the Week: Sink More Makeable Putts
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Many golfers--including Tour players--cut across the ball when they putt. That's because they swing the club from inside-to-out, causing skidding and spinning. To stop this, you need to swing the shaft not the putterhead along the target line. Here's a drill that will cure you of this bad habit.

Take two clubs and line them up on each side of the target line--one club on the outside of the target line, one club on the inside of the target line. The outside club's head points away from the hole while the grip points toward the hole starting at the ball. The inside club's head points toward the hole while the grip points away starting at the ball. Try some putts. Focus on swinging inside-to-in, not inside-to-out.

The clubs help you see your true putting stroke so you can correct it. Also, if you place your right forefinger (left forefinger for lefties) on the shaft, imagine that your holding a pencil and trying to trace the target line with your stroke. You may miss a few putts when you start, but keep at it. Soon, you'll sink more than you miss.

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: Creating An Effective Golf Club Set
5) Article: Beating Five Common Blowup Holes

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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