FEELING AT HOME ON THE RANGE
Spending time on the driving range is one way to help your game.
Here are some suggestions for your next visit:
Start hitting balls with your shorter clubs (W-7) and then gradually move to the longer ones – then work back down to the shorter ones. This helps your muscles warm up and then cool down.
Pick a target – just like you do when you’re on the course. Periodically align a club with your feet to double-check where you are aiming. Right-handed golfers will want to aim slightly left of the target, left-handed golfers slightly right. By doing this it makes it a little easier to shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot during your swing.
GET ‘IN LINE’ BEFORE YOUR NEXT SWING
During our round we are constantly picking targets as to where we want our next shot to land. To increase your chances of success when you play your shot (assuming you’re playing from a reasonably level lie) make sure your shoulders, hips and feet are all “in line” with where you want the ball to go. This will make your backswing easier and then you can follow through directly towards your target.
GET MOVING!
Spring is only a couple of weeks away. Golf courses will soon be opening and we will be back on the fairways again.
As the temperature warms up you can start thinking about how to warm up your body – by stretching, walking, yoga, stair climbing or whatever you enjoy. It’s time to get moving and wake your body up from the winter doldrums. Golf is a full-body experience and to enjoy the game and prevent early season injuries you need to prepare yourself before you take that first swing!
‘TEE TIME’
During an 18-hole round a player will use their driver approximately 14 times. The Tee Shot sets up the way a hole is played so it is very important. When teeing up you ball make sure you have half the ball above the clubhead when using a wood. Also, take a good look at the teeing area (keeping in mind you may go two club lengths behind the tee markers) and find a level spot to hit from. The ball should be played off the heel of your front foot.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
When you swing a golf club your whole body is involved. As your shoulders turn you legs are also working in that the weight is shifting from the front leg (nearest the target) to your back one.
Don’t be in a hurry on your backswing – your body needs time to fully coil and prepare for the reverse move through the ball. The longer the club you are hitting, the more important this becomes.
WINTER HIBERNATION AND YOUR GOLF SWING
Temperatures have dropped and snow has made its first appearance. For the most part golf over the next few months will be of the simulated variety.
There are numerous things you can do throughout the winter months so that you are ready when courses open next spring.
Keep moving! Flexibility is very important in your golf swing. Do what appeals to you – skiing, curling, walking, yoga – anything that works your muscles.
If you’re watching golf on TV, note the tempo and footwork in each player’s swing. Check to see if they maintain their balance on their follow through.
Visualize! You can practice at the various facilities in the area or anywhere you are, as you envision how you want to swing the club once you get back on the golf course next spring!
DON’T LOOK TO SEE A GOOD SHOT
When we play golf most of us are more concerned with what the ball does after we hit it rather than finishing our swings. Simply put—Don’t Look and your shot will automatically be better! As you finish your follow-through your shoulders will pull your head up and you’ll see the ball’s flight—you do not need to lift your head—it will come up on it’s own. Trust that it will.
CONNIE DECKERT
CGTF Professional