Every golf knows that the scoring distance varies depending on the skill factor. Regardless of your handicap, I think we can all agree that mastering the approach shot from 100 yards or closer will do wonders for our score. I am always searching for new techniques that will help sharpen my shot making that is easy and repeatable. The videos I like to watch are generally throwback to my early years of learning the game and I found one that is perfect for my game and hopefully for yours as well.
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Building 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!
Controlling The Distance With Your Wedges
Many golfers, including myself, refer to our wedges as the scoring clubs. It is with these short irons that will determine if we have a 3 foot or 30 foot putt. I spend a great deal of time practicing with my wedges and in the past decided to replace my 5 wood with a 60° wedge. It was a smart move for my game and it has helped me slowly lower my handicap. Understanding that wedges are critical to lower shooting lower golf scores, I am often asked about controlling my distance with each wedge. Well, my method is simple and it follows the guidance of Annika Sörenstam.
Continue readingFighting The Urge To Press a Poor Situation
I can state with all certainty that every golfer has tried to press a poor situation on the golf course in the hopes of regaining form in one shot. It is nothing to be ashamed about because it is a natural urge. Unfortunately, these high risk shots have worked the odd time and thus this positive intermittent reinforce (considered a very powerful motivator my psychologists) causes poor management. I have to say, I have fell into this exact situation many times over the years. The question is how to avoid pressing a poor situation?
Continue readingA Putting Tip By Annika Sörenstam
Whenever the names of greatest golfers of all time get bantered around, rarely do I hear a woman’s name make the list. This topic has caught my attention and will be a discussion for another day; for now I want to pass on a quick tip by Annika Sörenstam that will help you make those critical putts between 4 and 10 feet. By following her advice, you should lower your score and build confidence during clutch times.
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The Grateful Golfer 