Your Go To Shot in Golf

September 7, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 18 Comments

Keeping my head still through the entire swing!

My ‘go to’ 7-iron from 150 yards!

As I watch and read of the woes of Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods, I empathize as they slash their way around the golf course. For me, it appears as if they have lost their “Je ne sais quoi” that makes them great players! It does not mean that they will never play great again, but for the time being they are struggling and it is tough to watch.

As they river of advice over loads their ability to process the information, it is sometimes difficult to break from the current of poor play. But, as all great golfers do from time to time, they will work on their game and eventually return to their former form.

For most weekend duffers, we do not have the luxury to spend the hours needed to fix all the hitches, clicks or alignment issues we face every time we tee it up. Most of us have accepted this reality and play within our fluid expectations.

To rectify our poor play on the links, most of us have a ‘go to’ shot that helps right our failing game. You know, your favorite club, distance or situation in which you do not think, worry, or adjust….your body and mind just knows how to execute without thinking. Generally, after successfully competing your ‘go to’ shot, you are back on track and your game is back to normalish.

For me, I have two ‘go to’ shots. The first and my most favorite is a 7-iron from 150 yards. It is the perfect distance for a smooth swing that does not require ‘anything’ to be completed with success. I aim for the middle of the green, let my mind to blank, and my body takes over. I focus on remembering how this swing feels and my game seems to correct itself.

My second ‘go to’ shot is my 3-wood. This appears to be an odd selection, but due to my style of game (shorter than most at my handicap) I hit more 3-woods than my playing partners. When I hit my 3-wood flush, I actually feel nothing off the head of the club. My follow through is high and my weight distribution works perfectly. I also focus on the feel and I am able to transfer it to my other clubs.

Either one of these ‘go to’ shots helps to quickly fix my ailing game. I also use these comfort shots on the range before I play to establish my groove. So, when my game is ailing, I revert back to my basics and try to focus on the feel of these two shots and it generally helps improve my game.

Do you have any ‘go to’ shots? If so, how do they help?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

What Causes a Chili Dip in Golf?

September 4, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Too much wrist action while chipping!

Not again! I exclaimed on the course not to long ago. Everyone has heard of the yips while putting, well, I had a case of the chili dips! Yup, each time I walked toward my ball, I started to second guess my course management of hitting the ball as close to the green as possible to chip the ball in or close to the hole. Normally, this strategy works very well as my short game is fairly strong. However, during this round…..

“Chili dip” is a slang term in golf that refers to a type of mis-hit. When a golfer chili-dips his shot, it means that his club struck the ground behind the ball, digging up turf and resulting in little or no contact with the ball itself. The result of a chili dip is a golf ball that doesn’t go very far, possibly moving only a few feet or barely at all. (about.com)

The chili dip is the bane of most amateurs on the links. The number of miss hits around the green quickly jacks up their score and frustration. I gave it some thought and decided on three main reasons (although there are many more) why a player hits the ball fat while chipping. Here is what I see:

First, too much wrist action. Players try to help the ball get in the air and use too much wrist action to move the ball. As a result, they generally hit behind the ball causing an errant shot. To fix this error, try locking your lead wrist and keep it slightly ahead of the ball during contact. This action will allow for crisp and solid contact on the ball.

Second, ball position. If a player is consistently hitting the ball fat, hence causing chili dips, the ball is usually too far forward in their stance. Move the ball back slightly to were the club first makes contact with the ground. To know this position, try a few practice swings without the ball in your sight line. Where your club touches the ground is where the ball should be placed with that club.

Last, bobblehead action! Keep your head still! I have this challenge as I like to watch the ball fly through the air, land on the green, and roll into the hole. I never want to miss the action. Unfortunately, by moving my head too quickly, it puts the rest of my body out of position during my swing. As a results, chili dip all day long. To fix this, watch your club make contact with the ball, then count to one before you follow your ball. You will not miss any of the action and if keeps your body in the right position through the entire swing.

Chili dip is a challenge for most amateurs. With a bit of practice and patience, this golf tip will improve this aspect of your game. The three main points mentioned above are what I believe are the root causes for hitting poor shots around the green. What do you think?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Which Putter is Best For You

July 26, 2015March 7, 2016 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Using the proper putter is key to scoring low in golf! Many amateurs believe that the style of putter head is the key factor when selecting a putter. Of course, looks and feel are very important, however it is not the key point when putter shopping.

Basically, there are two types of putters. A face-balance putter and a toe-balanced putter. Each club is designed to help the golfer make solid contact on the ball to ensure the truest roll towards the hole.

When deciding which putter is best for your game, it is important to determine your natural swing plane with making contact with the ball. Does your putter head follow that square-square-square line; the inside-square-inside path; or the inside-square-square path? It is important to understand which of the putter head paths is most natural for you before deciding the type of putter you may need. Continue reading →

Golf’s Unarguable Fundamental

July 15, 2015July 16, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Keeping my head still during my golf swing is by far the most important fundamental of hitting the ball well. I have tried all types of tips and tricks, but I always revert back to this basic tenant of a good golf swing.

To add to keeping my head still, I count to one silently before looking for the ball in the air. This little trick ensures my head stays steady and in the proper position throughout my entire swing. If I do not count to one, I generally it the ball off the heel of my club which sometimes results in something very bad!

Keeping your head still is key to great golf. I support it and recommended it! What are your thoughts on the matter?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

A Point to Ponder in Golf

July 9, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

I came across this quote from a fellow blogger sometime back. With my Regional golf tournament coming up in about 10 days, it struck home with me and I thought I would share. Thanks David at One Bearded Golfer for reminding me to stay focused and to use my head when competing.