My goal during every round is to shoot the least amount of strokes after 18 holes. I realize this is not an earth shattering revelation. Yet, I felt it needed to be stated at the beginning of today’s discussion. Every thought, decision, and swing are focused on maximizing the chances for the best outcome for each shot. Sounds daunting for sure, however if you take time to think about it I am right. Unfortunately, this focused goal can be a challenge sometimes when my ego, due to frustration, decides to rear its ugly head. When this happens the key to success is to beat back the ego beast. So, how can I do this you may ask! Well…..
Continue readingYear: 2024
Flaring Your Feet in Your Golf Stance
If you watch many golfers, the foot position will vary considerably. Many times I was asked about why I flare my front foot more than my trail foot. Mostly, I mention that it helps me finish my swing in a balanced position. However, that is not the root answer. My foot position in my stance depends greatly on something more fundamental – flexibility. Yup, that is the primary reason. Let me explain why.
Continue readingClub Selection Out Of The Rough
Every round of golf requires players to hit the ball out of the rough. It does not matter how hard we try, our ball will inevitably find the rough. Knowing this, do you understand what club to use when to ensure that we minimize the damage of mishits out of the long grass. Many times I a have ruined a round of golf be poor club selection out of the rough because I did not account for how my ball was lying in relation to the grass around my ball. Fortunately, I have learned this lesson (many times) and I think I make better club selection now than in my past. Do you understand what club to use depending on how your ball is lying in the rough?
Continue readingSetting Your Wrists For A Great Golf Swing
Our wrists play an important role in every golf swing. The ability of each player to set their wrists in the proper position is unique to each, however having a 90° angle between their wrists and forearms is very important. This topic is not new, but recently I was asked about it by a young golfer, Alex, and so I decided to address this important topic. As I perused many videos, all said basically the same thing with very few differences. Basically, the wrists should be in the right angle position by the time your lead arm is parallel to the ground. Sounds daunting, but actually it is simpler that it sounds.
Continue readingImproving My Golf Game With Hickory Sticks
Last night I brought out my hickory sticks for the first time in 2024. It was a perfect opportunity to play nine holes with some you players, Alex and Cedar, who have amazing potential. Both are hooked on golf and love to practice as much as play! Looping around the links, we talked plenty of golf. We did not discuss their swing much, but more about how to course manage their round. With me using my hickory sticks, it afforded us an opportunity to discuss potential shots as I was considerably shorter than both of them on every club, but still scored the same at the end. Using my hickories accentuated some swing challenges I was experiencing, but also provided an opportunity to fix my errors…..which I did. Playing with hickory sticks is fun and educational; what a great combination!
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The Grateful Golfer 