Putting is difficult, easy, rewarding and frustrating all at the same time. This fundamental stroke is the focus of relentless discussion by the experts. How to hold the club; blade or mallet head; fat or thin grip; lag or aggressive; I could to on and on, but I think you get my point. The changing variables of putting are vast and fluid at best. Yet, sometimes a simple tip is all that is required to simplify matters and help lower your golf score! Continue reading
Golf Tip
How to Improve your Golf Game
How to improve our golf game is a quest of all aspiring players. I have mentioned this before and trying to find that one golden tip or the perfect swing is daunting. I have researched, tried, invented (or made a version of) and butchered many golf drills. Created golf plans for the off-season. I have used videos, books, blogs, and magazines as a golf library looking for that one drill that will make me a better golfer! Continue reading
Golf Drill: Pennies From Heaven
Pennies from Heaven!
A transition date of February 4, 2013 was set after which the Royal Canadian Mint no longer distribute the penny. Although the Canadian penny is still circulation, it is only a matter of time before they disappear completely. At that point, golfers will have to transition to nickels or dimes, but that is a crux that all golfers will have to endure!
As always, I am looking for easy and repeatable drills that will benefit everyone. Barry, @flynhog1961 from Arkansas, passed on a great putting drill that his young daughter learned at a Razorbacks Golf Camp. He indicated that this penny drill came from LPGA star Stacy Lewis and since learning the drill, “My daughter (recreational player now) still putts amazingly and swears its from Stacy’s penny drill.” I like this drill because any player, at any age, could set it up and receive immediate results. Continue reading
Really Look to Learn in Golf
How many golf videos do you watch in the off-season? Do you watch the golf videos or do you ‘watch’ the golf video! I look at plenty that show great shots into the green, shots off the tee, and putts made from miles away! But to learn something, it is important to really look at the video!
Watch Jason Day’s swing in slow motion:
Now for an amateur:
What did you see? Did you notice anything that would help your game? There are so many moving parts in Day’s perfect rhythm that it is difficult to dissect anything that might be helpful for you game. The amateur’s swing is less smooth, but something helpful could still be found if you really look!
To break down any swing, I have a system. It is a 5 part process that works well for me and I use it whether I am watching Jason Day’s swing or any amateur. I believe I can learn something from every swing. Here is what I do:
- First, determine what I want to improve. As an example, I want to generate more power during contact. I would look at Day’s swing (several times) to find a single point of interest. In this case it would be Day’s hips.
- Then, I would only focus on that particular part of his swing. I already know that I am having trouble with my hips not sliding forward in my swing; so I would narrow my focus to Jason Day’s left hip.
- Next, I try to breakdown Day’s left hip motion into different segments. Breaking down each swing into segments helps find something I can hopefully duplicate. In Jason Day’s swing, I would break down his left hip into: stance, backswing, top of the swing, down swing, contact, and follow through. I might seem like a lot to focus on, but the process gets easier from here.
- I pick out two segments of my biggest challenge. In comparison to my swing, I would focus on Day’s left hip position at the top of his swing and during contact. These two positions, if I could duplicate, would greatly enhance my power off the tee!
- Lastly, I practice and practice and practice. I start with movements without a club. When I feel comfortable, I start using a club to develop a feel for my new changes. After I am comfortable, it is time to hit golf balls!
This 5 step process works very well for me! I allows me to focus on small changes of my swing with big results. I can use this process while watching any player at any. It takes practice, but after a few tries, you might be surprised on how quickly you notice small aspects of anyone’s swing that will help your game.
Regardless of who you are watching, if you really look, you will learn something.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Golf Tip – Shaft Bump Drill
Pete Robbins from White Dragon Golf passed on this great drill by Jim McLean. It ties in with yesterday’s post on making solid contact. As Jim McLean indicates, he is not the inventor of the drill, but explains how your hips sliding forward at the beginning of your golf swing leads to solid contact.
The Shaft Bump Drill is simple, easy to duplicate and gives immediate feedback. Check it out:
Shaft Bump Drill demonstrated by Jim McLean
Unfortunately, I will not be able to hit the range or links for a few months, but if anyone has used this drill, we would all appreciate your thoughts.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 