The R&A and USGA have decided in their infinite wisdom to address the length of shafts on golf clubs. Specifically, the new rule allows tournament organizers to implement a local rule restricting the length of drivers to no longer than 46 inches. It is interesting that the governing bodies have decided to use the Model Local Rule approach instead of changing the rules of golf permanently. This change approach does make me wonder why and does this mean that any tournament hosting a professional or elite amateur event can impose local rules they may deem important?
Continue readingRefining Your Wedge Play For Lower Golf Scores
Hitting consistent accurate wedges is the key to lower golf scores. Often referred to as scoring clubs, hitting the proper wedge, the right distance, at the correct height is a skill that I have worked on for years. In my mind, I think I understand the mechanics to hitting great wedges, but it is never a bad idea to revisit (or learn for the first time) how to control the height of a golf shot with a specific specific wedge. Being able to manipulate the trajectory by adjusting the angle of attack of an approach shot is an advanced skill, but one every golfer will need to eventually know.
Continue readingHitting For The “Cycle” In Golf
In baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a “natural cycle”. With the MLB playoffs underway, I started to wonder if there was a ‘Cycle’ in golf. I have decided there is and believe I have coined a new term that all golfers should adopt and use willingly!
Continue readingConquering The Tight Lies In Golf
Hitting the ball up and down is a challenge that most golfers face multiple times a round. Because of its frequency, understanding how to hit tight lies is very important to keeping our scores low. A tight lie is defined by Golf.com as “the golf ball is sitting with an eighth of an inch or less space beneath it, on a surface so firm you can’t take a normal divot.” This type of condition make it very hard to easily slide the leading edge of the club face evenly under the ball. Fortunately, I found on method used by Phil Mickelson that makes complete sense and it is easy to execute.
Continue readingBuilding Power In Your Golf Swing
Every golfer I know wants to hit the ball farther. I have never encountered any player saying they wished they did hit the ball so far; everyone wants more distance. Over the 2021 season, I made some fundamental changes with my driver that increased my distance while keeping my accuracy. The changes I made are only the beginning, however I wish I had notice Annika Sorenstam’s tip earlier to help speed up my learning curve.
I changed several things with respect to my driver set up, however adopting the ‘less is more’ philosophy was by far the toughest change I made to my driver and fairway woods. With my new set up, I found that if I tried to swing fast at the ball, I would pull it left……consistently. Of course there is sweet spot between tempo and club head speed that we all seek and not trying to grip it and rip it is the first step. As I ran through my morning news feeds, I found this video that would have helped earlier in the season.
I tried placing my thumb over my grip to see how it felt. I took a few practice swings (no ball contact yet because my DIY driving net will not be set up until the new year) Sorenstam’s tip definitely forced me to grip the club looser. This, inturn, forced me to swing the club with less tension in my arms, wrists and hands. Hence, the natural ‘less is more’ golf drill.
Before I get too excited, I will need to hit balls to see if this drill will produce the results I am looking for in my golf swing. Moving forward, I will have to wait for a bit, but it is knowledge I can store and recall when the time is right. As you know from previous years of reading The Grateful Golfer, my off-season is the time I try to expand my knowledge and prepare my tools for my next golf season. Annika Sorenstam’s thumb over drill is a perfect example of my process that helps me keep me focused on ways to improve my overall golf game. As my golf journey continues, I am grateful for the time and access to knowledge that helps reduce my learning curve.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 