We are getting a heat wave here in PA and Maryland toward the end of this week (yeah, over 40 degrees, woohoo!), so some folks apparently broke out the golf clubs yesterday and played some golf. One of my students immediately got in touch with me to set up a lesson.
Let's be realistic. We are only in the FIRST week of winter! We've had a cold December, and some long range forecasts suggest a warmer than average January and February, but please, you know it's generally going to be cold!
Now is NOT the time to get a lesson on your full swing unless you live in a warm climate. In that case, any time is a good time. But, here in PA, most golfers won't get out much until April. As such, a good time to start getting ready for the season with a full swing lesson is some time in March.
Now, if you absolutely have no clue about how to work on your golf swing over the winter months, then by all means, get a lesson. But, this lesson should not involve much ball striking. It should be all about learning the proper fundamentals of the swing. Most improvement in the golf swing comes WITHOUT hitting balls. Now is the time to get in front of a mirror and perform slow swings, and learn what it feels like to be in the proper positions throughout the golf swing.
Winter golf instruction can also focus on improving your biomechanics and fitness. If you have the opportunity, get yourself a physical assessment and get set up on a program to improve your golf fitness so you can be better prepared to improve your swing when the season arises.
If you have the itch to play golf this winter, go ahead! But, if you have not swung a club in a couple months, keep your expectations low. Your timing will likely be off a bit, and this will hamper your swing. However, your mind will likely be uncluttered as well, so you may actually be able to hit some good shots. The bottom line is to just enjoy yourself as always.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Goal Setting
As we approach the end of 2010, it’s time to set goals for the New Year. We should do this in all aspects of our life, but if you are passionate about your golf game, it’s really a great idea.
Let’s take the example of a 20 handicapper. Some people might be happy with dropping their handicap to 15 over a twelve month period. In reality, that would only be within the normal statistical fluctuation of a typical golfer’s scores. Consider this…the typical PGA Tour player is going to shoot a low round of 64 or 65 some time during the year, and under difficult conditions, may shoot a round or two in the 80s. That is essentially one shot per hole. The top players are more consistent and may have a narrower deviation.
With this in mind, the 20 handicapper can expect to shoot anywhere from 85 to 105 during the course of a year. Dropping down to a 15 handicap would only drop those figures from 80 to 100. In reality, dropping down to a 15 handicap only requires a few more scores in the low 80’s and a few less scores above 95. The golfer might get a little more consistent for a season through better putting, or better ball striking, but their overall game really shows limited improvement. The next year, they could be right back up to a 20 handicap if one area of their game falls apart. Therefore, why not be a bit more ambitious in your goal setting? You can be ambitious, but still realistic! I say you shoot for a 50% drop in your handicap.
To really drop your handicap by 50% or more, you have to show improvement in your entire game. To go from a 20 handicap to a 10 handicap will require you to break 80 a couple times, and shoot only a few scores in the 90s. Is this possible? Absolutely. As 12 year old, I dropped my handicap from 25 to 14. When I was 13, I went from 14 to 8, and when I was 14 I went from 8 to 4. After that, my handicap hovered from scratch to 3 for the balance of my amateur career. I plateaued due to lack of adequate instruction, as no one could ever claim I was lazy. I hit more balls than anyone I knew. Ok, so my handicap was dropping about 40% per year, but that was without any instruction. I just went out and played.
So how do you go about accomplishing this goal? You need to break things down in more detail.
First, you should set a goal of improved ball striking by the time the season begins in earnest. Here in Maryland, that is around mid-April. The weather beginning in mid-March is adequate for work on the full swing. Get yourself some instruction on the full swing, and start your practice. If you practice smartly, and keep accurate data, by the time May rolls around, you should already be hitting the ball better than the previous year.
Now its time focus on other areas of your game. In your first few rounds of the year, you should pay attention to your ball flight characteristics, where you are missing your tee shots, where you are missing the green, how many penalty shots you are accruing, how you are missing your putts, etc. If you can keep accurate data, you will learn your tendencies and what areas of your game need the most work. Then you can set goals for your putting, greens in regulation, etc.
If you are an avid golfer and you already keep detailed statistics, it is far easier to develop detailed goals for the upcoming season. Get yourself into this habit, and each year you will find you have the ability to improve, no matter how low your handicap is to start the year.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Let’s take the example of a 20 handicapper. Some people might be happy with dropping their handicap to 15 over a twelve month period. In reality, that would only be within the normal statistical fluctuation of a typical golfer’s scores. Consider this…the typical PGA Tour player is going to shoot a low round of 64 or 65 some time during the year, and under difficult conditions, may shoot a round or two in the 80s. That is essentially one shot per hole. The top players are more consistent and may have a narrower deviation.
With this in mind, the 20 handicapper can expect to shoot anywhere from 85 to 105 during the course of a year. Dropping down to a 15 handicap would only drop those figures from 80 to 100. In reality, dropping down to a 15 handicap only requires a few more scores in the low 80’s and a few less scores above 95. The golfer might get a little more consistent for a season through better putting, or better ball striking, but their overall game really shows limited improvement. The next year, they could be right back up to a 20 handicap if one area of their game falls apart. Therefore, why not be a bit more ambitious in your goal setting? You can be ambitious, but still realistic! I say you shoot for a 50% drop in your handicap.
To really drop your handicap by 50% or more, you have to show improvement in your entire game. To go from a 20 handicap to a 10 handicap will require you to break 80 a couple times, and shoot only a few scores in the 90s. Is this possible? Absolutely. As 12 year old, I dropped my handicap from 25 to 14. When I was 13, I went from 14 to 8, and when I was 14 I went from 8 to 4. After that, my handicap hovered from scratch to 3 for the balance of my amateur career. I plateaued due to lack of adequate instruction, as no one could ever claim I was lazy. I hit more balls than anyone I knew. Ok, so my handicap was dropping about 40% per year, but that was without any instruction. I just went out and played.
So how do you go about accomplishing this goal? You need to break things down in more detail.
First, you should set a goal of improved ball striking by the time the season begins in earnest. Here in Maryland, that is around mid-April. The weather beginning in mid-March is adequate for work on the full swing. Get yourself some instruction on the full swing, and start your practice. If you practice smartly, and keep accurate data, by the time May rolls around, you should already be hitting the ball better than the previous year.
Now its time focus on other areas of your game. In your first few rounds of the year, you should pay attention to your ball flight characteristics, where you are missing your tee shots, where you are missing the green, how many penalty shots you are accruing, how you are missing your putts, etc. If you can keep accurate data, you will learn your tendencies and what areas of your game need the most work. Then you can set goals for your putting, greens in regulation, etc.
If you are an avid golfer and you already keep detailed statistics, it is far easier to develop detailed goals for the upcoming season. Get yourself into this habit, and each year you will find you have the ability to improve, no matter how low your handicap is to start the year.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - How to Stretch
As many golfers know, improved flexibility can help to improve your golf swing by allowing you to have a bigger shoulder turn, create a wider swing arc, and maintain posture throughout the swing. However, much of what I read on the golf forums on how to stretch is not healthy.
If you are seeking to increase your overall flexibility, it is NOT necessary to stretch hard every day. In fact, that would do more harm than good. It is, however, necessary to do some light stretching before your round of golf or practice session, and helpful to do some light stretching afterward.
When you stretch for increased flexibility, keep these tips in mind....
1. You only need to stretch for increased flexibility 2 or 3 times per week.
2. With each stretch, ease into the stretch, and never bounce when you are in the stretch. That is a good way to cause injury.
3. Hold your position for 30 to 45 seconds, and be sure to breathe. Get into your initial position where you feel discomfort, hold it for 15 seconds, then try to increase the stretch slightly and hold for another 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Always remember to breathe and try to keep the rest of your body as relaxed as possible.
5. When you are finished with the stretch, come out of the position very slowly.
6. Try to hit the major muscle groups when you stretch. Of utmost importance to golfers are the hamstrings, glutes, back, lats, shoulders and neck.
7. Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes to do your stretching routine and take your time!
Keep these tips in mind and you should start to see results after just a couple weeks. If you have any very tight areas, there may be an injury, so be sure to get checked out. Never, ever stretch beyond your limits...if you have pain, back off!
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
If you are seeking to increase your overall flexibility, it is NOT necessary to stretch hard every day. In fact, that would do more harm than good. It is, however, necessary to do some light stretching before your round of golf or practice session, and helpful to do some light stretching afterward.
When you stretch for increased flexibility, keep these tips in mind....
1. You only need to stretch for increased flexibility 2 or 3 times per week.
2. With each stretch, ease into the stretch, and never bounce when you are in the stretch. That is a good way to cause injury.
3. Hold your position for 30 to 45 seconds, and be sure to breathe. Get into your initial position where you feel discomfort, hold it for 15 seconds, then try to increase the stretch slightly and hold for another 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Always remember to breathe and try to keep the rest of your body as relaxed as possible.
5. When you are finished with the stretch, come out of the position very slowly.
6. Try to hit the major muscle groups when you stretch. Of utmost importance to golfers are the hamstrings, glutes, back, lats, shoulders and neck.
7. Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes to do your stretching routine and take your time!
Keep these tips in mind and you should start to see results after just a couple weeks. If you have any very tight areas, there may be an injury, so be sure to get checked out. Never, ever stretch beyond your limits...if you have pain, back off!
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - How to Improve Your Golf Swing
If you've ever paid much attention to the golf tips I write in this blog, you will notice that I rarely get into specifics about how to swing the golf club, or offer specific ways to putt or hit various shots. There are millions of tips like that on the internet, in books and in magazines. If you read this blog, chances are you've seen a lot of those tips.
Today I offer a very general idea about improving your golf game. If you want to hit the ball better, you need to improve your swing. But, what exactly does that mean and how do you do it? Well, the first thing I will say is that there is no SECRET. Just as there are millions of golf tips to help you improve your swing, there are thousands of ways to swing a golf club relatively effectively.
Consider this...there are over 28,000 PGA professionals (no, I am not one of them). To gain entry into the PGA management program, at some point you must pass a players ability test. Typically, to pass, you have to shoot a couple scores in the mid-70s. I would argue that to do that, you need a reasonably effective golf swing. But, I guarantee, many of those swings are going to look a bit unorthodox.
So, when I say that to play better golf you need to improve your swing, I am not saying you need to go out and try and turn your swing into Ben Hogan's swing. What I am saying is that you should learn about the basic fundamentals of the golf swing and try to apply them to your swing.
Unfortunately, we have some disparity in opinion regarding these basic fundamentals. For instance, the Stack and Tilt swing model will have you set up to the ball with more weight on your front foot and have you feel as if you are keeping more weight on this front foot throughout the swing. That swing will have you finish with definitive tilt in your upper body away from the target.
Other swing models seem to be a response to the Stack and Tilt swing. For instance, CJ Goeck's Perfect Connection model will have you finish in a more upright position that appears to put less strain on the back than the Stack and Tilt swing. Also, there is disagreement among the supposed golf biomechanics as to what model will result in less stress on the body.
So, what does all this mean for the golfer? I strongly believe that the first thing a golfer should do to start making improvements is to get a physical assessment of their body from an experienced trainer or therapist. This will help identify the weaknesses in the body that may be keeping you from making any improvements at all.
Once you identify those weaknesses, work to strengthen them through a training program recommended by your trainer. After that, it is on to the fundamentals.
I believe that the fundamentals of the swing are quite simple. They start with a good grip, good stance and posture, and then you need to train the body how to move properly in the golf swing. Get yourself a video analysis of your swing so you can identify the areas that need most improvement. Then set a goal to improve on those fundamentals. Develop a plan to achieve that goal. This plan should require that you only work on one or two areas of the swing at a time.
Keep this in mind...improving your golf swing is a long term pursuit. If you are simply looking for a quick fix to help you straighten out your slice, don't expect long term improvement in your ball striking. Improving your swing requires knowledge of the fundamentals and the ball flight laws.
One other thing I should add...there is no one golf swing model that is better than the rest. While Ben Hogan had a gorgeous swing, most people do not have the physical capabilities of duplicating that swing. I can't name one player on the PGA Tour who swings like Hogan. None.
There is, however, a golf swing model that will work for best for you, based upon your own abilities. As Hogan used to say, you have to go dig it out of the dirt.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Today I offer a very general idea about improving your golf game. If you want to hit the ball better, you need to improve your swing. But, what exactly does that mean and how do you do it? Well, the first thing I will say is that there is no SECRET. Just as there are millions of golf tips to help you improve your swing, there are thousands of ways to swing a golf club relatively effectively.
Consider this...there are over 28,000 PGA professionals (no, I am not one of them). To gain entry into the PGA management program, at some point you must pass a players ability test. Typically, to pass, you have to shoot a couple scores in the mid-70s. I would argue that to do that, you need a reasonably effective golf swing. But, I guarantee, many of those swings are going to look a bit unorthodox.
So, when I say that to play better golf you need to improve your swing, I am not saying you need to go out and try and turn your swing into Ben Hogan's swing. What I am saying is that you should learn about the basic fundamentals of the golf swing and try to apply them to your swing.
Unfortunately, we have some disparity in opinion regarding these basic fundamentals. For instance, the Stack and Tilt swing model will have you set up to the ball with more weight on your front foot and have you feel as if you are keeping more weight on this front foot throughout the swing. That swing will have you finish with definitive tilt in your upper body away from the target.
Other swing models seem to be a response to the Stack and Tilt swing. For instance, CJ Goeck's Perfect Connection model will have you finish in a more upright position that appears to put less strain on the back than the Stack and Tilt swing. Also, there is disagreement among the supposed golf biomechanics as to what model will result in less stress on the body.
So, what does all this mean for the golfer? I strongly believe that the first thing a golfer should do to start making improvements is to get a physical assessment of their body from an experienced trainer or therapist. This will help identify the weaknesses in the body that may be keeping you from making any improvements at all.
Once you identify those weaknesses, work to strengthen them through a training program recommended by your trainer. After that, it is on to the fundamentals.
I believe that the fundamentals of the swing are quite simple. They start with a good grip, good stance and posture, and then you need to train the body how to move properly in the golf swing. Get yourself a video analysis of your swing so you can identify the areas that need most improvement. Then set a goal to improve on those fundamentals. Develop a plan to achieve that goal. This plan should require that you only work on one or two areas of the swing at a time.
Keep this in mind...improving your golf swing is a long term pursuit. If you are simply looking for a quick fix to help you straighten out your slice, don't expect long term improvement in your ball striking. Improving your swing requires knowledge of the fundamentals and the ball flight laws.
One other thing I should add...there is no one golf swing model that is better than the rest. While Ben Hogan had a gorgeous swing, most people do not have the physical capabilities of duplicating that swing. I can't name one player on the PGA Tour who swings like Hogan. None.
There is, however, a golf swing model that will work for best for you, based upon your own abilities. As Hogan used to say, you have to go dig it out of the dirt.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day
Greetings golfers! I am looking for some input regarding services that I offer with this website and some information about the typical visitor to my site. Please click on the link below to take the survey. It will only take you a couple minutes and your help is greatly appreciated!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2XCT82M
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2XCT82M
Golf Tip of the Day - Training the Hips
Yesterday, a golfer asked on a forum about how the pros learn how to turn their hips properly in the golf swing. I commented that most pros and good golfers and general don't think about it that much, because we learned to play at an earlier age and it just comes naturally.
With the popularity of the Stack and Tilt golf swing, there are now a couple schools of thought on how the hips move in the golf swing, but there are some common elements. There is some turn in the hips in the back swing, although the Stack and Tilt method calls for more of a tilting to allow for a straighter back leg. In the down swing and follow through, there is a lateral move toward the target, a turn and some "curling" of the hips in both methods.
However, many golfers simply have trouble with all of these moves, and they wonder how to learn them. Here are a couple thoughts.
No matter which swing model you subscribe to, you need to learn how to make the moves slowly, and without a club in your hands. Break the move down piece by piece, and perform each move slowly and master it.
If you have never participated in any sport or activity where the hips are engaged quite a bit, such as baseball, swimming, the martial arts, etc., I highly recommend taking up a martial arts class. In order to throw the various kicks and punches properly and with power, you need to learn how to utilize the hips and core. Training your hips and core this way will help you develop them for use in the golf swing. Furthermore, the hip action for throwing a simple straight punch with power is very similar to the hip action used in the golf swing.
I like this idea better than simply trying to find exercises to train your hips because of the practical use of martial arts training. Learning a skill that applies to two activities is better than simply working an exercise to benefit one. It will also keep your attention longer as well.
Scott Cole
With the popularity of the Stack and Tilt golf swing, there are now a couple schools of thought on how the hips move in the golf swing, but there are some common elements. There is some turn in the hips in the back swing, although the Stack and Tilt method calls for more of a tilting to allow for a straighter back leg. In the down swing and follow through, there is a lateral move toward the target, a turn and some "curling" of the hips in both methods.
However, many golfers simply have trouble with all of these moves, and they wonder how to learn them. Here are a couple thoughts.
No matter which swing model you subscribe to, you need to learn how to make the moves slowly, and without a club in your hands. Break the move down piece by piece, and perform each move slowly and master it.
If you have never participated in any sport or activity where the hips are engaged quite a bit, such as baseball, swimming, the martial arts, etc., I highly recommend taking up a martial arts class. In order to throw the various kicks and punches properly and with power, you need to learn how to utilize the hips and core. Training your hips and core this way will help you develop them for use in the golf swing. Furthermore, the hip action for throwing a simple straight punch with power is very similar to the hip action used in the golf swing.
I like this idea better than simply trying to find exercises to train your hips because of the practical use of martial arts training. Learning a skill that applies to two activities is better than simply working an exercise to benefit one. It will also keep your attention longer as well.
Scott Cole
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Passive Arms
I just read a great interview with instructor Jim Waldron, who teaches in Oregon and Hawaii. I agree with much of what Jim teaches and how he teaches. Jim has a martial arts background as I do, and he employs much of what he has learned in studying the martial arts into his golf instruction, as I do.
One thing he mentions in his interview is that the arms should be PASSIVE throughout the golf swing. Most golfers try to control the golf club too much with the hands and arms, and as a result, they actually lose control of the club. Over active arms throughout the golf swing also results in a substantial loss of power.
Jim refers to the use of the arms in the golf swing as the "Arm Swing Illusion." It appears that the arms control the club throughout the swing, but they actually just follow the body movement. If you employ sound mechanics in your swing, you don't have to worry about what the arms are doing. Furthermore, the arms actually move very little on their own during the swing, it just looks that way.
I often say to students "you have to lose control to gain control." Until you understand that concept, you'll never take your swing to the next level. Learn to develop passive arms throughout your swing, and keep the triangle formed by your arms and shoulders down to the grip of your club in front of your body, and you will become a much better ball striker.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
One thing he mentions in his interview is that the arms should be PASSIVE throughout the golf swing. Most golfers try to control the golf club too much with the hands and arms, and as a result, they actually lose control of the club. Over active arms throughout the golf swing also results in a substantial loss of power.
Jim refers to the use of the arms in the golf swing as the "Arm Swing Illusion." It appears that the arms control the club throughout the swing, but they actually just follow the body movement. If you employ sound mechanics in your swing, you don't have to worry about what the arms are doing. Furthermore, the arms actually move very little on their own during the swing, it just looks that way.
I often say to students "you have to lose control to gain control." Until you understand that concept, you'll never take your swing to the next level. Learn to develop passive arms throughout your swing, and keep the triangle formed by your arms and shoulders down to the grip of your club in front of your body, and you will become a much better ball striker.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tiger's Hank Haney Swing vs. Tiger's Butch Harmon Swing
There is a new article online regarding Tiger's performance under Hank Haney from 2006-2009 and during his record year in 2000 when he was coached by Butch Harmon.
No matter what you think of either instructor, both have earned their ranking as the two best instructors in the business, no matter what you think of their abilities.
The link to the article is below...
http://rexfordbuzzsaw.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/which-tiger-swing-was-better-hank-haney%E2%80%99s-or-butch-harmon%E2%80%99s/
Scott Cole
www.howtgolfyourbest.com
No matter what you think of either instructor, both have earned their ranking as the two best instructors in the business, no matter what you think of their abilities.
The link to the article is below...
http://rexfordbuzzsaw.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/which-tiger-swing-was-better-hank-haney%E2%80%99s-or-butch-harmon%E2%80%99s/
Scott Cole
www.howtgolfyourbest.com
Monday, December 13, 2010
How To Play Golf Without Back Pain
The golf swing is a complex athletic move that involves the use of just about every muscle and joint in the body. As a result, golfers tend to be injury prone when they swing the golf club with some improper moves during the golf swing. One biomechanical trainer who trains a number of golfers on the PGA Tour has suggested that golfers are great compensators. When they struggle to make a proper move at some point in the golf swing, golfers will compensate by trying to counter that move later in the golf swing. Unfortunately, this is often when injuries occur.
Probably the most common injury among golfers is in the back. Back injuries are usually a result of two major faults in the golf swing. The first swing fault occurs when the golfer has difficulty lifting their arms in the back swing. The golfer usually compensates for this by tilting the hips in the back swing, instead of turning them. As a result, the back leans toward the target in the back swing. In the downswing, in order to make some decent contact with the ball, the golfer must thrust the hips forward violently, which tilts the spine back away from the target, and puts significant pressure on the lower back.
The golfer who has some difficulty in lifting their arms in the back swing likely has some shoulder issues that need to be addressed. There is likely some rotational ability that can be addressed with treatment and exercise. Once this is addressed, the golfer should also learn to swing the club without tilting the spine toward the target. Maintaining the spine angle properly throughout the swing will go a long way toward playing without back pain.
The second swing fault that results in back pain is the reverse C position that many golfers end up in on their follow through. Many golfers end up in this position because they do not understand how the golf club functions to get the ball in the air. As such, they try to help the ball in the air with a big follow through that results in them leaning away too much from the target, and this puts significant pressure on the lower and middle back.
The simple solution to this swing fault is to get a better understanding of how the golf club works to get the ball in the air. Consider a pitching wedge. The wedge typically has 47 degrees of loft, and a number of grooves. The loft and the grooves will combine to create backspin, and it is the backspin that lifts the ball in the air. The more spin you create, the higher the ball flies.
Many beginners and average golfers instead try to help the ball in the air by catching the ball on the upswing as they tilt the back too far away from the target. What they should be doing is lowering their center of gravity in the downswing, which will allow the club to catch the ball first, and bottom out past where the ball was sitting. The divot should actually occur past where the ball was sitting. This allows the club to compress the ball and put spin on it to get it into the air. A golfer who understands this knows that they don’t need to tilt the spine so much during the swing.
The key to avoiding back pain while playing golf is to learn the proper fundamentals of the swing. By having a better understanding of the swing fundamentals, the golfer can learn to swing the club properly, and play pain free.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Probably the most common injury among golfers is in the back. Back injuries are usually a result of two major faults in the golf swing. The first swing fault occurs when the golfer has difficulty lifting their arms in the back swing. The golfer usually compensates for this by tilting the hips in the back swing, instead of turning them. As a result, the back leans toward the target in the back swing. In the downswing, in order to make some decent contact with the ball, the golfer must thrust the hips forward violently, which tilts the spine back away from the target, and puts significant pressure on the lower back.
The golfer who has some difficulty in lifting their arms in the back swing likely has some shoulder issues that need to be addressed. There is likely some rotational ability that can be addressed with treatment and exercise. Once this is addressed, the golfer should also learn to swing the club without tilting the spine toward the target. Maintaining the spine angle properly throughout the swing will go a long way toward playing without back pain.
The second swing fault that results in back pain is the reverse C position that many golfers end up in on their follow through. Many golfers end up in this position because they do not understand how the golf club functions to get the ball in the air. As such, they try to help the ball in the air with a big follow through that results in them leaning away too much from the target, and this puts significant pressure on the lower and middle back.
The simple solution to this swing fault is to get a better understanding of how the golf club works to get the ball in the air. Consider a pitching wedge. The wedge typically has 47 degrees of loft, and a number of grooves. The loft and the grooves will combine to create backspin, and it is the backspin that lifts the ball in the air. The more spin you create, the higher the ball flies.
Many beginners and average golfers instead try to help the ball in the air by catching the ball on the upswing as they tilt the back too far away from the target. What they should be doing is lowering their center of gravity in the downswing, which will allow the club to catch the ball first, and bottom out past where the ball was sitting. The divot should actually occur past where the ball was sitting. This allows the club to compress the ball and put spin on it to get it into the air. A golfer who understands this knows that they don’t need to tilt the spine so much during the swing.
The key to avoiding back pain while playing golf is to learn the proper fundamentals of the swing. By having a better understanding of the swing fundamentals, the golfer can learn to swing the club properly, and play pain free.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Test Your Balance
Now that the cold weather is firmly entrenched here in the northern states, I will focus most of my posts on golf fitness for a while. Today, I want you to test your balance. If you have poor balance in your golf swing, you will never be a consistent ball striker. This doesn't mean you need to go out right away and by a swiss balance ball and try and hit golf balls while standing on that. While that would be an impressive feat, we'll leave that to the trick shot artists. It's completely unnecessary. It is also unnecessary to learn how to hit golf balls from any sort of device that makes it difficult to maintain balance. Without getting into specifics, recent research indicates that training on these devices is not helpful to swinging a golf club with better balance.
To test your balance, all you need to do is stand on one foot and then close your eyes. Try and hold the position for 15 seconds. It will be difficult for sure. If you struggle with this, do the following exercise.
Stand with both feet together. Shift your weight to your left leg and let your arms relax by your sides. Raise your right foot off the floor by bending your knee. Lean into a golf posture and allow your right leg to extend behind you. Allow your left leg to bend as you are doing this. Hold for a count of five, then return to the previous position, while keeping the right foot off the floor. Repeat this ten times, then switch legs and do the same. Gradually try to build up the time you hold the golf posture position on one leg for 15 seconds per repetition.
This exercise will help you develop better balance, which will translate into better balance for your golf swing.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
To test your balance, all you need to do is stand on one foot and then close your eyes. Try and hold the position for 15 seconds. It will be difficult for sure. If you struggle with this, do the following exercise.
Stand with both feet together. Shift your weight to your left leg and let your arms relax by your sides. Raise your right foot off the floor by bending your knee. Lean into a golf posture and allow your right leg to extend behind you. Allow your left leg to bend as you are doing this. Hold for a count of five, then return to the previous position, while keeping the right foot off the floor. Repeat this ten times, then switch legs and do the same. Gradually try to build up the time you hold the golf posture position on one leg for 15 seconds per repetition.
This exercise will help you develop better balance, which will translate into better balance for your golf swing.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Reading the Green
Let's face it, you could have the best putting stroke on the PGA Tour, but if you can't read the greens, it won't matter much. Still, I think we make this out to be more difficult than it needs to be. For instance, if you look at a putt from both sides of the hole and can't figure out which way it will break, it is likely a straight putt. So, just go straight at the hole. If you have good speed, you will likely have a chance to make the putt.
Here is a tip for you though for putts of 10 feet or longer. The most important part of the putt for you to read is the last third. This is when the ball is slowing down. Therefore, it will curve more than at any other time during the putt. Try to figure out what the break will be in the last third of the putt, then worry about the remainder of the putt after that.
Now, if you have a putt that breaks right to left, visualize the ball rolling into the top half of the hole, because that will actually be the center of your LINE. Then focus on having good speed and you will have a better chance to make a putt.
If you are having trouble reading the putt from behind the ball, walk to the other side of the hole and look at the line from there. Still no idea? It's likely a pretty straight putt. If you are more advanced at reading greens, then you can worry about how the grain may affect the putt as it dies at the hole.
Remember though, focus most of your attention on the last third, and visualize the ball rolling in the high side. One other comment, most golfers tend to miss to the low side, so that means they underestimate the break more often than not. With that in mind, learn to play a little more break than what your eyes are telling you.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Here is a tip for you though for putts of 10 feet or longer. The most important part of the putt for you to read is the last third. This is when the ball is slowing down. Therefore, it will curve more than at any other time during the putt. Try to figure out what the break will be in the last third of the putt, then worry about the remainder of the putt after that.
Now, if you have a putt that breaks right to left, visualize the ball rolling into the top half of the hole, because that will actually be the center of your LINE. Then focus on having good speed and you will have a better chance to make a putt.
If you are having trouble reading the putt from behind the ball, walk to the other side of the hole and look at the line from there. Still no idea? It's likely a pretty straight putt. If you are more advanced at reading greens, then you can worry about how the grain may affect the putt as it dies at the hole.
Remember though, focus most of your attention on the last third, and visualize the ball rolling in the high side. One other comment, most golfers tend to miss to the low side, so that means they underestimate the break more often than not. With that in mind, learn to play a little more break than what your eyes are telling you.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Measure Your Performance
One reason most golfers don't improve much over time is that they don't measure their performance properly. As a result they don't understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Most people measure performance simply by monitoring their handicap from year to year. However, it is rare that a golfer's handicap improves much after they have played golf for three years. Their handicap will hover within a relatively tight range, but there is no trend of improvement. As they get older, and their physical abilities diminish, they game becomes more difficult.
However, if they learn to measure performance in more detail then they can focus on the areas of their game that need the most improvement, and watch their scores drop. If you go to PGATour.com, you can find a whole host of statistical measures for each player. The individual golfer can go into even further detail with various measures of where their shots are heading when they miss, proximity to the hole, what putts they tend to miss and make, etc.
If you want to get control over your own improvement, learn how to measure your performance in greater detail.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Most people measure performance simply by monitoring their handicap from year to year. However, it is rare that a golfer's handicap improves much after they have played golf for three years. Their handicap will hover within a relatively tight range, but there is no trend of improvement. As they get older, and their physical abilities diminish, they game becomes more difficult.
However, if they learn to measure performance in more detail then they can focus on the areas of their game that need the most improvement, and watch their scores drop. If you go to PGATour.com, you can find a whole host of statistical measures for each player. The individual golfer can go into even further detail with various measures of where their shots are heading when they miss, proximity to the hole, what putts they tend to miss and make, etc.
If you want to get control over your own improvement, learn how to measure your performance in greater detail.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - More on Golf Fitness
The other day I touched on the potential need to undergo a physical assessment from a qualified therapist before undergoing any golf fitness program. This assessment will highlight weaknesses that may be keeping you from making improvements to your golf swing.
A proper assessment will involve analysis of the following:
1. Head, shoulder and hip alignment - this assessment looks for such characteristics as rounded shoulders, ears that may be ahead of the shoulders and an increased curvature of the spine.
2. Position of the feet as you stand erect - do the point in or out?
3. Balance - can you stand on one leg for 60 seconds?
4. Core strength - a lack of core strength will affect your ability to maintain posture in the swing.
5. Shoulder rotation - Lack of rotation ability result in restrictions to your arm swing. For instance, lack of rotation may result in an inability to lift the arms in the back swing, which can lead the golfer to compensate elsewhere. A reverse pivot is an example.
6. Torso rotation - lack of rotation ability in the torso may lead you to compensate by over rotating the hips or the shoulders.
7. Overall strength and coordination - If you lack in strength or coordination in some areas, it will be difficult to swing the club properly with good balance.
I will continue to touch on the subject in more detail in future posts.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
A proper assessment will involve analysis of the following:
1. Head, shoulder and hip alignment - this assessment looks for such characteristics as rounded shoulders, ears that may be ahead of the shoulders and an increased curvature of the spine.
2. Position of the feet as you stand erect - do the point in or out?
3. Balance - can you stand on one leg for 60 seconds?
4. Core strength - a lack of core strength will affect your ability to maintain posture in the swing.
5. Shoulder rotation - Lack of rotation ability result in restrictions to your arm swing. For instance, lack of rotation may result in an inability to lift the arms in the back swing, which can lead the golfer to compensate elsewhere. A reverse pivot is an example.
6. Torso rotation - lack of rotation ability in the torso may lead you to compensate by over rotating the hips or the shoulders.
7. Overall strength and coordination - If you lack in strength or coordination in some areas, it will be difficult to swing the club properly with good balance.
I will continue to touch on the subject in more detail in future posts.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Assess Your Golf Fitness Needs
Golf fitness is another golf related industry that has taken off over the last decade as PGA Tour players, led by Tiger Woods, have focused more on their fitness. As better technology has failed to help golfers improve, they are turning more to fitness, since golf instruction still tends to be a bit expensive for the average golfer.
Before a golfer begins to focus on improving their fitness, however, they should get a physical assessment first. This assessment will determine their strengths and weaknesses. The fact is, many golfers have physical issues that inhibit their ability to swing the golf club well. Visiting a physical therapist who knows the biomechanics of the golf swing is a good idea. The golfer can gain an understanding of their physical issues and learn how to improve them.
Over the winter months, it is a good idea to work on your fitness. Start out by getting a physical assessment so you can improve on your weaknesses and build on your strengths. This will help your game as the new season begins.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Before a golfer begins to focus on improving their fitness, however, they should get a physical assessment first. This assessment will determine their strengths and weaknesses. The fact is, many golfers have physical issues that inhibit their ability to swing the golf club well. Visiting a physical therapist who knows the biomechanics of the golf swing is a good idea. The golfer can gain an understanding of their physical issues and learn how to improve them.
Over the winter months, it is a good idea to work on your fitness. Start out by getting a physical assessment so you can improve on your weaknesses and build on your strengths. This will help your game as the new season begins.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Monday, December 6, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Keep an Open Mind
our students. Therefore, it is helpful to learn new ways and new ideas to help make students better.
With that in mind, I picked up a copy of the Stack and Tilt book yesterday to see what all the hub bub is about this swing model. There is practically a cult following with this model, much like there has been with the One Plane Swing. While I do not agree with many of the concepts of Stack and Tilt (or One Plane Swing for that matter), there are some things I found useful. Down the road I will start to conduct full reviews, but keep in mind, these will only be my opinions. That is the beauty of golf though, there are many ways to hit a golf ball, so there will be many opinions!
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
With that in mind, I picked up a copy of the Stack and Tilt book yesterday to see what all the hub bub is about this swing model. There is practically a cult following with this model, much like there has been with the One Plane Swing. While I do not agree with many of the concepts of Stack and Tilt (or One Plane Swing for that matter), there are some things I found useful. Down the road I will start to conduct full reviews, but keep in mind, these will only be my opinions. That is the beauty of golf though, there are many ways to hit a golf ball, so there will be many opinions!
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Keep a Journal
In a couple previous posts I have discussed the topic of taking notes. Behavior analysis studies suggest that golfers can improve much more rapidly by taking detailed notes during practice, lessons and their rounds of golf.
Golfers should also maintain a daily journal whenever they do something golf related. During winter, this could mean describing the few indoor swings you took or putts you hit, or your workout at the gym. Otherwise, write down a paragraph or two describing your round of golf, the weather, how you were feeling, what bets you might have had, how you performed, etc.
This journal should be kept in addition to the detailed notes you should start taking regarding your golf game. When you combine the information in the journal and in your notes, you will have a far greater capacity for learning, and this should lead you to improve your scores more rapidly.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Golfers should also maintain a daily journal whenever they do something golf related. During winter, this could mean describing the few indoor swings you took or putts you hit, or your workout at the gym. Otherwise, write down a paragraph or two describing your round of golf, the weather, how you were feeling, what bets you might have had, how you performed, etc.
This journal should be kept in addition to the detailed notes you should start taking regarding your golf game. When you combine the information in the journal and in your notes, you will have a far greater capacity for learning, and this should lead you to improve your scores more rapidly.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - Indoor Training
I think Mother Nature officially ended the golf season here in the Northeast and Maryland yesterday. The temperature dropped about 20 degrees in a matter of minutes as this cold front blew through. A few hearty souls still managed to find their way to Olney Golf Park, but it was not a comfortable day to work on your game or play golf anywhere.
So, now we are faced with about three months of chilly weather. Sure, there will be a few days where we can practice comfortably, but they will be few and far between. The heaters here at Olney Golf Park will help the avid golfer, but short game practice won't happen much.
How can we stay in touch with our golf swings when the weather gets cold? This is the time to really do some hard work on your swing. Indoor practice can be quite beneficial all year round. This is a great opportunity to work on your fundamentals.
I consistently hammer the point home...get in front of a mirror and work through the various positions of your swing slowly. Study the fundamentals of the full swing, and try to match them in the mirror. Use a face on view at times and a down the line view at times.
Learn how to move the body properly through the golf swing. Learn how to keep the club on plane slowly, and gradually try to build up your swing speed. If you struggle with making these movements, it could be the result of physical issues. Winter time is a great time to address these.
Don't let the cold months go to waste. To continually improve your game, it makes no sense to start again from scratch every Spring. Keep up the work in the winter months and you'll be sure to hit the ground running when Spring arrives.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
So, now we are faced with about three months of chilly weather. Sure, there will be a few days where we can practice comfortably, but they will be few and far between. The heaters here at Olney Golf Park will help the avid golfer, but short game practice won't happen much.
How can we stay in touch with our golf swings when the weather gets cold? This is the time to really do some hard work on your swing. Indoor practice can be quite beneficial all year round. This is a great opportunity to work on your fundamentals.
I consistently hammer the point home...get in front of a mirror and work through the various positions of your swing slowly. Study the fundamentals of the full swing, and try to match them in the mirror. Use a face on view at times and a down the line view at times.
Learn how to move the body properly through the golf swing. Learn how to keep the club on plane slowly, and gradually try to build up your swing speed. If you struggle with making these movements, it could be the result of physical issues. Winter time is a great time to address these.
Don't let the cold months go to waste. To continually improve your game, it makes no sense to start again from scratch every Spring. Keep up the work in the winter months and you'll be sure to hit the ground running when Spring arrives.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Golf Tip of the Day - How Do You Learn?
How do you learn? Why is it that we have all this new technology, all these training aids, golf tips and instruction from the best teachers in the world, and yet most golfers never improve? Why has the average handicap not dropped in 30 years while the clubs hit the ball straighter and the ball flies 25 yards further?
I will tell you why. Most golf instructors are not demanding enough of their students, and most students are not demanding enough of themselves.
Golf is a difficult game. There is a ton to learn, just in the swing itself! Yet, how many golfers take notes during a lesson. How many instructors have told a student to take notes? How many golfers keep detailed records of their rounds? Why is it that Steve Williams knows more about Tiger’s game than you know about yours?
The best way to learn is by practicing, but if you don’t take notes and keep track of the proper statistics, how do you even know what to practice?
I studied Pai Lum Kung Fu for eight years and was REQUIRED to keep a notebook and journal. We essentially learned something new every day, so there was no other way to keep track of everything.
Golf is a little bit different in that you can read all about the golf swing in a variety of books. But, you still need to learn what works for you, and the only way to keep track is by taking notes.
Just some food for thought. I will be hitting on this topic a bit more in the coming days.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
I will tell you why. Most golf instructors are not demanding enough of their students, and most students are not demanding enough of themselves.
Golf is a difficult game. There is a ton to learn, just in the swing itself! Yet, how many golfers take notes during a lesson. How many instructors have told a student to take notes? How many golfers keep detailed records of their rounds? Why is it that Steve Williams knows more about Tiger’s game than you know about yours?
The best way to learn is by practicing, but if you don’t take notes and keep track of the proper statistics, how do you even know what to practice?
I studied Pai Lum Kung Fu for eight years and was REQUIRED to keep a notebook and journal. We essentially learned something new every day, so there was no other way to keep track of everything.
Golf is a little bit different in that you can read all about the golf swing in a variety of books. But, you still need to learn what works for you, and the only way to keep track is by taking notes.
Just some food for thought. I will be hitting on this topic a bit more in the coming days.
Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com
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