lessons

Baseball Hands!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

A friend of mine is a very athletic.  She plays multiple sports and has recently taken up golf.  One of her best sports is baseball.  Her technique to play baseball is fundamentally sound and she has enjoyed much success playing the sport.  This is where the challenge begins.

Image from: http://www.qcbaseball.com/skills/hitting_grip1.aspx

I have watched her play golf and her address to the ball is very good.  Her stance is good.  She has a deliberate lower body motion, although sometimes she likes to take a step like in baseball. She has good hip rotation and a strong follow through.  Unfortunately, she always hits the ball right.  I mean right, about 45 degrees off the tee.  It is not a slice, but travels straight right.

I have watched her hands and according to winnbaseball she loads her hands and delays contact through the ball….just like baseball players should.  “It is EXTREMELY important not to let the hands come forward in the process of the stride.  The knob of the bat should remain over the back foot  until after the stride foot has landed.”  Well, her golf swing definitely has this delay component in it.

Interestingly QC Bseball says, “Remember relaxed muscles will react quicker than tense muscles. So if you want to have a quick bat, relax those hands which in turn will help you relax at the plate.”  This is similar in golf and is a positive aspect when comparing the baseball and golf swing.

Well back to the problem.  I have suggested that my friend rotate her grip to the right to allow the club face to close during contact.  This has helped some and she hit a few balls straight and long.  But, this is not a permanent fix.  She loves golf and is trying to improve all the time, so this is where I need some help.

Before anyone asks, my first suggestion was to take lessons from one of the local pros and she has, but she wants to work on this current problem a bit before going back for another.

Therefore, does anyone have any suggestions, tips, or drills that will help fix my friends baseball hands?

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

Shots of the Week From Texas

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

I realize these shots are a week old, but I found them when reviewing the shots of the week from PGA.com.  This week, the shots are from out of the sand, from the fairway, from the tee and the final putt on the green.  All are excellent.

PGA.com Shots of the Week

As a learning point, watch the players heads.  None move during impact.  It reminds of the famous quote  “Keeping the head still is golf’s one universal, unarguable fundamental.” – Jack Nicklaus

Golfhabits.com has a very good article called Keeping the Head Still.  It is worth a read.

It was plus 15 today and the snow is almost gone.  Maybe the driving range will be open this weekend.

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

Taking Lessons…From a Pro or Your Buddy!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 14 Comments

Everyone who reads the title says, “Of course from a Pro!”  I agree.  However, how many amateurs are really willing to go to their local pro, pay $40 – $50, practice and then go back in four weeks to see how they made out?  I would suggest not very many.

At Golf Link, they outline the positives of taking individual or group lessons.  Additionally, they ask some important questions regarding what your expectations are from lessons.  It is a good article to read as a foundation for those thinking of investing in their game. Continue reading →

I Need To Work On My Swing!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

I have heard this statement so many times that I wonder if people really mean it!  “I need to fix my swing”.  Yet they never do; they ask a player with a 20 handicap for tips…not sure that is a recipe for success.  Each swing is unique to each player.  Of course we would all like to swing like Ben Hogan, but that is usually not the case.

The Bleacher Report covers the Top 20 swings of all time.  I am sure, that after you look at it, you can come up with many players who could make that list.  Ultimately, they all have the same basic swing and the results are in their successes.

But what about the rest of us!  We do not have that smooth take away or high follow through that ensures consistent results all the time….but do you really need it!  I remember pros like Ray Floyd and Lee Trevino who had less than text-book swings, but were very successful.  Also, look at this video of pros who have swings that you do not want to duplicate.

As you can see, even swings that are not text-book can still lead to success.  Moe Norman, considered one of the best ball strikers of all time had an ugly swing.  But could he hit a ball!

Ultimately, your swing is your swing.  Sometimes it is best just to embrace what you can do and not worry so much about what you cannot.  If you do decide to change, it is best to see your local club pro or a PGA professional (like Rick Williams at mindbodygolf.com).  They will be able to help you work out all the kinks.  Tips from your friends is probably not the best way to solve your swing problems.

In closing, if you are deciding to buy a new $500 dollar driver thinking it will fix your swing…may I suggest you save $400 and take two lessons before you buy new equipment!

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