Par Threes Are Deceptive For the Pros (Lesson No. 45)

On the PGA tour with 72 players coming down the stretch on Sunday afternoon it is quite interesting to see how many miss greens on par threes. The stats will surprise you with the number of greens missed. The long par threes are understandable but the shorter ones seem to plague the pros too. They are a problem for us ordinary golfers, as well.

Yesterday, I had a typical practice round but I was waiting to arrive at No. 8, a short par three. In my previous Journal I mentioned my customary shot at that pin, long and left. I also said I could tee up a second ball and be sure to turn away adequately and hit safely to the green. Believe me, yesterday was an interesting happening!

For your information, I have several new items added to my address and back swing, previously discussed. Yesterday I walked briskly to the tee and smiled (and even chuckled) as I thought, "I need only add a good turn away to this shot and I will have a greenie!" I did not waste any time. I teed it up and turned away correctly and hit a perfect shot to the front of the green (a little short- probably 15 feet shy). I had my greenie. I knew what to do and swung with total confidence and - BINGO! I did it.

My point is that by example, without bragging, I can confirm that game improvement does happen. Notice I did not discuss my other shots on the previous seven holes. Some were good and others not great. My round was typical as practice rounds go. But remember, I was looking forward to the eighth hole from the start.

So, now I have parred the par threes and look forward to the long par fours. Always a source of bogies. My driver is working well. I am now twenty yards closer on those long par fours when I hit my second shot from the fairway. Yesterday on the long par four No. 6, I marveled at being inside the 150 yd. marker with my tee shot. Two years ago I was hitting from at least 175 yards most often. I do like my Taylor Made R-7 driver and that helps. You will see your improvement, over time, as the foregoing demonstrates.

I always say to friends and family, as we talk about our round, "It is best to notice your improvement rather than your score." Especially if you are working on your game. I made a few changes in my chipping game which has vastly improved. From that fact I realized that I had better improve my putting game or the better chips shots do not improve my score. It is much like learning to hit further without hitting greens. Still chipping!

Being satisfied with improvement in the elements is very important. Far more important than your score. Eventually the score improves also, but not necessarily at first. There are so many elements that we cannot expect score to improve immediately.

Be happy with your progress. Good luck!

Richard

And the Beat Goes On.............(Lesson No. 44)

Many years ago, Randy Mosely, Head Golf Professional at the Stouffer Pine Isle Golf Resort at Lake Lanier, Ga. advised me to simply record each hole I parred. I was a beginner and eventually parred all 18 holes. Twenty years later, after reworking my swing, I find myself wisely doing the same thing again.

Several days ago I wrote about the long four iron to the green at No. 9. Yesterday I stood at the tee at my nemesis hole (No. 4) a narrow tree lined par three, usually 165 yds. The tee was back and the flag was back making the hole 180 yds. Typically, even from 165 yds., I am short and left, often in the green side bunker. Yesterday, for unknown reasons, I walked to the tee and gave very little thought to my new swing and focused on my lower body. I knew, from recent experience that my hips and foot work were in need of renewed concentration.  I took a few practice swings and rehearsed my intentions. I then did as I intended. The four iron flew high with a slight draw and landed pin high about 12 feet left of the pin. 

Interestingly, while I say I gave little thought to my swing, I need to point out that I did give casual quick thought to my new found ideas on orientation at address (torgue and grip pressures) which after many months of rehearsal builds into the swing my arm rotations and back swing directions. The absolute necessity requirement was for lower body emphasis on that shot.

So.........that takes care of the long par 4 (No. 9) and  good old par 3 (No. 4). No. 8 is a short par 3 (135 -140 yds.) Invariably I am pin high with the 9 iron left in the bunker! In my practice rounds I can put down another ball and improve my turn away and hit safely to the green.

Today, I will rehearse my lower body and hip movements before I hit at No.8. But I shall also rehearse the very easy to remember and quite often forgotten turn away - for a better attack from the inside. I should be all right.

And the beat goes on..............

Richard

Less Is Better (Lesson No. 43)

A recent golf magazine had a front page headline that said, "105 Tips for Better Golf."  My response was that a game should not require 105 Tips. Who could remember them?

The following comments may be more valuable than 105 Tips:

Jack Nicklaus said, "There is no secret to playing this game."

Tom Watson said, "You Gotta Hit It!"

Yesteday, after a not so good practice round at my club I stood at 175 yards on my last hole (No. 9) and with some disappointment picked my 4 iron. The flag was back and I was in the middle of the fairway. I had played through two fellows on No. 8 and they were now waiting on me at the tee. I very simply applied my experience and knowledge and without great thought or contemplation I hit the 4 iron as Tom Watson advised. I just "hit it"!

The ball flew high and with a slight draw dropped near the flag and stopped six feet from the pin (pin high). I turned and doffed my hat to the two fellows behind me on the tee and thought to myself, "That shot will bring me back."

Such a shot happens quite often after you have been working on your game with probable frustration. It reminds us of the idea of one swing thought. It also teaches us that preparation is time consuming and requires much patience. But it also says that with time and practice all that you have been adding to your technique eventually does pay off.

Ironically, that afternoon I was walking through the mall when I stopped to read a quotation in the window of a book store. It said, "The difference between winners and losers is that winners never quit."

Therefore my advice is simply this:

Golf is not an easy game but you will improve if you work to improve. In time, the techniques you learn become ingrained and you can get markedly better! So, if you have been striving for a better game be assured that a day will come when you can hit from 175 yards to the middle of the green very near the pin. And it will likely be an easy shot that perhaps surprises you very much.

Maybe today that will happen or early next spring. That day is coming and when it does, you will say, "You gotta hit it."

Richard

 

Addressing Your Ball - Very Important (Lesson No. 42)

Obviously, the older we get the greater benefit we have with hind sight. We older golfers have tried many things to improve our game and we know good from bad. Right from wrong. There are  many or several obstacles to game improvement. The first obstacle is playing for score before you are ready. Your first objective should be to improve the various parts of your game. Significant improvement comes from significant knowledge.

Balance during the swing is the key to consistency. Try the practice swing standing on a 2x4, as Ernie Ells has suggested. Slow your swing down and learn to stay "aboard" during your swing. Posture is the secret to achieving this technique. Kathy King, long a Champion on the LPGA Tour was seen on the practice range addressing the ball, then moving her hips slightly forward (toward the ball)before her back swing. It works exceptionally well at improving your turn.

The two drills mentioned in previous Lesson  No. 41 teach the important necessity for assertion in the take away. That understanding followed by the advice to sit in a chair and turn your upper body right and left will go a long way toward getting your swing ready for consistency. You need to turn your back muscles to avoid swaying off the ball.

If your problem is hitting fat or chunking the swing, practice posture with your back slightly arched before the back swing. You'll see many pros with that posture on TV. It is a necessity when learning to swing on the 2x4 drill.

It is very unlikely that you will improve very much until you realize that your practice session must include correctness in technique.  The few items mentioned above are likely to help your game at whatever level you may be. If your game is not improving be sure to review all 42 Lessons herein before putting your clubs away.

Correctitude has great magnitude.

Richard Englefield

 

 

Two Take Away Tips (Lesson No. 41)

Because the take away is so important to your swing I have two suggestions that will help new golfers and maybe some others as well. The first is an idea I saw in a magazine related by Ernie Ells. I tried it and it was very helpful.

1. Ernie suggesed we place or imagine a block of wood behind the ball at address. At the take away we should apply sufficient effort to move the block of wood. The idea points out the need to apply an assertion in the direction away from the target, low and more than slight. It has worked well for me and it tends to keep your initial take away lower than without the idea.

2. Maybe for seniors and maybe for anyone, this is similar to No. 1 but slightly different for whatever advantage it might have for your swing.

Go to an open field where there are no obstructions. Make sure no one is behind you. Address a ball or tee or anything. Then, plan to throw your club behind and upward, perhaps twenty or thirty yards. Go ahead and toss it. It should go back and slightly behind you and upwards in the process. You will need your arms and wrists to accomplish the drill. For beginners this drill will acquaint you with necessities in the take away.

3. While you are in the open field you can reverse the idea and toss the club forward the same distance. It should go towards an imaginary target ahead. This drill will help you understand the "release".

Both  drills have a slight flaw to be understood with certainty. On the course one of the greatest mistakes is to loosen the grip at the top of the back swing. Never loosen the grip at the top of the back swing.

Be careful and look behind you when practicing same as when backing out of a parking place. Good idea when on the course taking practice swings. Be careful.

Richard

A Short and Valuable Lesson (No. 40)

As I practiced on the range and played a practice round of nine holes today, one idea kept running through my mind. I kept thinking how interesting it was that things I learned last year were helping me to perfect my swing today! For most beginners and maybe most experienced golfers luck plays a big part in their game.

My five year (actually 20 year) endeavor has been based on the idea that luck is not enough.We have seen many winning pros fade to the back (leaderboard) when they strive to improve. Something has to change when we try to get better. The changes make the road a bit rocky, at first.

My putting continues to be markedly better, reliable and specifically a better line. Honestly, the idea that improved my putting was not new. I had used it before. I was comfortable coming back to it. It is so good I would have to sell it.

My fairway wood shots (TaylorMade-3 Wood) were spectacular, straight and long. I made another 20 ft. putt for a par. On No. 18 (I played the back nine) I miss hit driver on a short par five and from 270 yards out on a dog leg right I hit 3 iron roughly 200 yds on line. I didn't expect to hit so far and went through the dog leg to trees on the left. It required a draw around the tall tree; well hit to the green (around the tall tree branches). Mission accomplished even if it did roll to a bunker back with flag back. Hitting good 8 iron draw shots, 6/7 fairways, putting reliably well and hitting respectable three woods from the fairway can improve your luck considerably.

I am still missing too many greens but my memory flash backs are helping me to regain my iron play accuracy from last year. I have incorporated a far more relaxed posture with emphasis on my total orientation into the back swing. The relaxed posture is supposed to improve my balance through the swing. My follow through is vastly improved. It was the poor follow through that made me take stock and rework my entire golf swing.

After hitting several good iron shots I wondered if readers of my Golf Journal realize how much of the body (muscles) must be orientated for the back swing. I replied to myself, "Damn near every one (muscle) I have is going into my back swing." I had to relate the fact because I was hitting good irons and drivers during my round (6/7 fairways). It is not too difficult but it is a comprehensive matter that requires thought process and total orientation. Only with luck can I step up and hit a very good shot. More often I have things to do, thoughts to have, orientations to achieve, before I take a back swing. My first target is into the back swing. My address sends the ball on line toward the fairway or the green. I never take the back swing for granted. Never.

Good luck!

Richard 

 

A Putting Turn Around (Lesson No. 39)

Most changes with your putting stroke will be subtle; something we talked about in Lesson No. 38. Because putting is so valuable and important to the game, I have been changing my methods weekly or monthly for over a year.  Alternatively, Vijay was heard to say, "You guys keep changing your swing. I've been working to perfect the same swing for ten years." We know he has changed his putter from time to time, so he obviously works to improve his putting. They say he putts to a little wooden tee on the practice green much of the time. A very good idea.

Today I had a fascinating round and because I parred the first hole, I kept my score. Yesterday brought on the results of today's round. Yesterday I abandoned my putting style because it simply was unreliable. Very simply, I focused or concentrated on the unity of my hands and knuckles rather than a fingers guide to the cup. I also was certain to have a vertical concept in my addressing the putt. The putts, yesterday, began to improve. Today I remembered what I learned yesterday.

The results in todays round were impressive. Thirteen putts (9 holes) is a remarkably good number.  Three putts of more than fifteen feet is noteworthy. The 30 footer on No. 9 for bogie was very good. Actually there was only one bad putt. On No. 5 (a par 4) I  hit out from under a tree to the front apron and chipped to four feet. The putt was slightly down hill and bending left. I missed. I replaced the ball (practice round) and missed again. I then missed again and again from 4 ft. I then remembered my advice to others and ran the bending putt into the cup with a moderately firm stroke through the break. I took the earlier tap in for bogie.

Stats are fascinating. I had four putts on the first four holes and was one under par. It speaks well of my short game on this particular day.........chipping and putting. Not well for my irons but I was one under after four with only one greenie  (my birdie hole).

I finished at three over par because I miss hit several chips shots. The putting saved my score since three over is respectable; particularly with the 30 footer on No. 9.

Other stats included four of seven fairways hit; mabe five if the first cut is a fairway and the shot is open to the green, as I keep my stats. If I'm on the fringe of the green and the pin is close-that is a greenie because it is close, makeable and puttable. My two greenies were legitimate greenies.

Two greenies and a 39 makes for interesting statistics. My new putting technique seemed to carry over when I went to the practice green after my round. I always like to practice my fifty footers because I need that putt.  I was not perfect but near perfect. Most were close and therefore my new technique seemd to work with the very long putts. I had to be sure.

Now, with a little more work I should have more greenies which I had in the fall of last year. I like my swing changes as they seemed to give me my two greenies, properly hit.  We'll see what tomorrow brings and be happy with the stats for today.

Richard Englefield

 

 

 

Subtle Thoughts on "Improvement" (Lesson No. 38)

I recently returned to the golf course after a three week vacation. I took with me a marvelous attitude and was optimistic. I hit briefly on the range, practiced a few chip shots and putted a few.  My thoughts going to the first tee were simply, "My memory is not as bad as I thought. There are more elements to a good shot than I ever perceived. I wonder if I am too old (67) to improve substantially." I then approached the first tee.

I did many things right and forgot to have a good shoulder turn - draw left to the trees. Great out from under and reasonably good chip and two putts for bogie. Was I disappointed? Great out from the trees and a very good chip shot. Great bogie. Not bad...............

Did I learn anything? Of course I learned that when working on elements it is quite possible to forget one of them. My conclusion? Remember the shoulder turn. My next tee shot was straight and long (250 yds.) I remembered the shoulder turn.

The No. 8 hole is a 145 yd. par three. I almost always draw it left to the fringe or bunker. I remembered my shoulder turn and hit to ten feet,  pin high with my nine iron. Working on your game has obvious benefits. It is not easy but it is the right path to improvement.

For the longest time I kept  hitting my long irons out to the right. I went to see Cindy Reid at Sawgrass in St. Augustine, Florida for a lesson. Cindy heads up Instruction at that very famous venue, home of the Players Championship. She watched my shots and advised me very wisely to stand further from the ball. I was hitting very slightly fat and opening my club face. Her advice has proven to be perfect. My long irons are vastly improved. Similarly, my 3 wood from the fairway.

Cindy Reid is a very competent instructor; formerly played on the LPGA, pretty as a picture and author of two books on golf. Wisely, her books are oriented towards lady golfers but she has given advice to such golfers as Vijay Singh and many others. Cindy has spoken very highly about my "Golfers Need Tips" journal.  Since she has been responsible for a large improvement in my long game I am listing her web site for your information:

http://www.cindyreidgolf.com/

I also recommend her books for anyone that is looking to improve their game. Her text is easy to read and filled with common sense. A good teacher is very hard to find and Cindy Reid is a very good teacher.

As to subtle thoughts, I would simply say golf requires a subtlety, a relaxed approach and patience. Things must be right at address which is why the pros take a surprisingly long period of time at addressing the ball. During my recent practice round I did not keep score (never do) but I can assure you my best shots were unhurried and my thoughts were collected before I took my back swing. I believe that is what is meant when pros say they were being patient during their round.

No hurry. Collect your thoughts.

RHE

 

Today, I Return to the Course.....(Lesson No. 37)

My interests wax and wane between composing symphonies, golf and my beautiful garden.After composing nine symphonies I concentrated on golf (improvement). Improvement was significant but at age 67 one has certain limitations not anticipated. Thus, I returned to my home to develop my beautiful garden (pictured above). I also completed the finale movement of my Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, four years in the making. Today, I return to my golf course for some game improvement. The garden is prospering well. The music now rests. How shall I approach my new attempt at a better game?

Interestingly, many years ago, after a two month lay off in Ohio, I drove from Cincinnati to Lexington, Ky. one afternoon and played one of the best rounds of my life at Griffen-Gate. I was relaxed and had no stressful memories. Today, I will not worry about my game. I will be relaxed.

I have learned a lot about my game over the past five years. I will know that I have new knowledge and that it is good knowledge. I know what works and will make use of it. I know what fails me and will be mindful of such.

Surprisingly, I will have no predetermined expectations. But I will have the advantage of a three week layoff; some instructional reading and good advice from friends.

What key thoughts will pervade my mind as I begin my return effort? Here they are:

1. Posture and address.

2. Orientation (preparing for the back swing) at address.

3. Attacking the ball from the inside.

4. Balance throughout the swing.

5. Weight shift back and through the swing.

6. If orientation iscorrect and complete I will have but one swing thought in the take away.

7. I will take a bottle of water with me and drink it enroute to the course.

8. I will hit a small bucket and practice chipping and putting before I tee off.

9. I will expect miss hits and focus on the next shot rather than the preceding one.

I am sure I will enjoy the cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Good weather helps your game.

RHE

 

 

 

Important Concepts for Beginners and Pros (Lesson No. 36)

Years ago golf magazines proclaimed the grip required use of the two middle fingers of the right hand and the last two fingers of the left hand (right handers). The value of that advice was unmistakable. The concept was intended to foster a good wrist cock at the top and the release through the hitting area, theoretically. But, there is more to the golf grip than was being said.

One day, 17 years ago, I was hitting balls on the range in Lexington, Ky. preparing for a Monday Qualifier on the Sr. Tour. I chanced to meet a fellow qualifier who told me in no uncertain terms the grip had to be a ten finger grip! Seventeen years later I watch Sergio Garcia address the ball and notice his thumbs are vitally important to his grip at address. Over and over again I see him lift and replace his thumbs on the shaft until they are exactly correct before he takes his back swing. Emulating Sergio has helped my game significantly. But, there is even more than can be readily seen in Sergio's address.

Over and over again, I discover and rediscover the importance of both thumbs and forefingers in the grip at address.To that end, my favorite golf instructor advised me to grip lightly with the fourth finger of my right hand, which leaves primarily the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of the right hand for grip pressures. Chris Couch who plays both Nationwide and PGA  Tours told me those fingers of the right hand dominate his grip pressures at address. My recent experience, after returning from a heat induced vacation, tells me the above is essential and correct. Ben Hogan's book mentions the thumb and forefinger of both hands at address.

Importantly, I have found vast improvement in pressing my left bicep against my left side at address prior to my back swing. Also, notice Tiger Woods wears a big ring on his right middle finger. That finger is very important in the rotational forces that are required in the back swing. The ring could be an important reminder because I find that middle finger pressure to be vital to the back swing.

My last observation has to do with the players on the LPGA. We see many of the younger ladies finish their swings on their toes rather than heels. Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller had fantasic swings that were the same; vigorous and often said, "They nearly came out of their shoes." If you are hanging up on the right foot in the back swing, shift a little more weight to the ball of the right foot in the back swing. Relaxing the ankles prior to the back swing makes this easier and promotes the turn away and back through the ball.

Better print this lesson out for future reference.

RHE

A Golf Journal Awaits Good Ideas - Here are Several (Lesson No. 35)

After working with and practicing my short game, my improvements are worth mentioning.

Yesterday, as I stood at the first tee the ladies kept coming to the tee. It was Ladies Day. I had forgotten. Therefore, I just kept waving them ahead as I waited.

1. While waiting I went to a area nearby and practiced my short chip shots. I was rather good when I kept my right hand low in the takeaway. So good, in fact, that I have made it a part of my short game because it is reliable. I also remembered to add a slight wrist break on the way back. Relaxed wrists make this possible and seem quite natural.

2. Eventually I walked over to the putting green.Logic is commanding! My best putts came when I remembered to lift my hands or wrists before the putt. Alternatively, it could be explained by a slight nose dive of the hands before the takeaway. The method adds to the concept of verticle in the putting stroke. If there is an arch in my putting stroke I do not concern myself with it except to remember that Tiger Woods has an arch away in his putting stroke.

Jack Nicklaus says his putting stroke always had an emphasis on the right hand. I must be sure to use the left hand going toward the ball (and cup) or I am often erring to the right.

3. The heat and humidity in N. Florida have been unbearable, so I took two weeks off from my game and worked on my new garden. This was my second day back to the driving range. There was a paradox, as ususal. I was intent on being more relaxed. But when I added a slight second effort to the back swing my shots improved significantly. My new irons are Taylor Made  (from the 1990s). They have a taper tip shaft (stiff). I believe that translates to a stiffer shaft with a softer tip. I like the idea. My R-7 Driver has a "soft tip"  and I hit it extremely well. My point is that "relaxed" improves quickness and a late second lift effort improves club head speed. I am now hitting the stiff shaft irons about as far as my former irons with regular flex.

Either regular or stiff is fine. Older golfers seem to prefer regular flex. Stiff shafts tend to go a little straighter. Thus, I am experimenting with a stiffer shaft with a softer tip, hoping to hit a few more greens in regulation (GIRs).

If that doesn't work, I have a used set of irons (very inexpensive) with taper tip regular flex shafts I can put in my Taylor Made irons. Maybe I'll do that next week. 

The "Late Lift" in the backswing idea may be very important.

RHE

 

 

Relaxation Is The Key - Important Tips (Lesson No. 34)

Often new golfers will go to the course in cold weather, not realizing they could injure themselves. Dress warmly and wear regular warm gloves. Here are fun facts about cold weather golf....  and summer golf as well.

Many years ago I played in 40 degree weather. I wore thick gloves and could not grasp the club well. So, I decided not to grasp strongly but lightly through the thick gloves. I hit the ball surprisingly well!  Knowing I was stressed by the cold, I made a point to relax my cold shoulders before I hit the ball. I did surprisingly well.  When summer came I remembered the winter factors that provided good hits; relaxed hands and relaxed shoulders and I hit the ball very well.  The winter had taught me a valuable lesson.

One day four years ago I played in Ohio on a cold blustery day. I injured both elbows and required cortizone shots to repair the damage. There are "must dos" in cold weather which command relaxation techniques.

In the very hot summer we must first relax to hit a good shot. We must relax a second time to be rid of the heat stress. So a "double relaxation" is required in the very hot weather.

I have experimented with a floatation of the arms into the back swing. One must first relax and then let the arms float into the back swing before attacking the ball. As long as I remembered to rotate my arms into the flotation back swing I hit very good and accurate shots. It required a somewhat slower back swing, certainly unhurried.

These are good things to think about and practice on the range. Cold weather and hot weather induce stress that we must deal with.

RHE

 

 

 

Several Ways to Attack the Ball From the Inside (Lesson No. 33)

Often we hear advice to hit the ball from the inside. The idea is usually in reference to the problem of casting from "over the top" or coming across the ball producing a slice or unwanted fade. I have worked on this problem for a long time and in many different ways. Because we are all somewhat different there are different remedies for different folks. Here are some methods to achieve a better approach to the impact area. They largely relate to achieving a good position at the top of the back swing and beginning the down swing.

On the driving range we can experiment (A Very Useful Tool) without concern about the end result while practicing. Simply say, "This I will do, regardless." Improvement comes from new ideas, most often.

The elements must be understood.  The take away requires the left arm coming across while the right arm pulls away. There is a required "extension" of the arms in the take away. The angle of that take away varies with the length of the club. The driver making the largest radius in the take away.

The turn away has several elements which include the action of the feet and legs (weight transfer), lower and upper back muscles and the arms as well.  At the top, we endeavor to achieve a hit from the inside. Therefore, at the top we can consciously drop the club toward the back of the right foot or toward the right hip before attacking the ball. It works very well.

I have had good experiences with taking the club away and then consciously moving the hands inside in the take away. I sometimes like to think I'm swinging around the outside of a barrel; sure to get the club to an inside path from the top. Most often I must also remember the roll or rotation of the arms and then not to forget the turn away, as well. I rehearse these ideas before I take the back swing.

Both arms must roll back to the address position in the down swing.With all these tandem thoughts to remember, one must slow down the back swing. Even slowing down the initial down swing helps to achieve the complete release through the ball area. And, therefore we can attack the ball with greater force at impact having saved our effort for the impact zone.Doing otherwise spends the swing effort too early.

A little insurance is required to achieve this inside attack on the ball. Try these ideas. The right knee moves toward the ball in the down swing. The hips briefly slide toward the left in the down swing. Pictures of Ben Hogan show him addressing the ball with his hips slightly forward, which seems to help.

The swing plane is important. As the body turns there is a tilt at address and the arms must be in agreement with the tilt of the shoulders. The left arm is in line with the shoulders plane or angle. Think about the idea of a more or less flat back swing. Correct is in agreement with the tilt of the shoulders. The left arm coming back toward the right shoulder. This is helpful with the longer clubs. The shorter irons requiring more precise accuracy may require a greater lift in the back swing or slightly higher back swing.

This lesson reduces simply to take away, swing plane and beginning the down swing. 

RHE

 

 

 

Valuable Review Session (Lesson No. 32)

This week I had the unpleasant experience of a faltering swing. The "WHY" of it we may never know with certainty. Several things brought it back to an acceptable level of performance. Mentally, I had to start over and review "what made it work well."  There were several important rediscoveries that had to be made.

1. I knew a good torque and arm rotation into the back swing had performed magnificently in the past.

2. Length and accuracy were enhanced by good  attention to knuckles and thumbs in the back swing.

3. I remembered our Club Pro saying he did not manipulate the release. He simply let it happen. so, I relaxed my wrists and hands more. The results were quite amazing. I began to draw my iron shots again. This could go to the idea of a medium soft grip pressure.

I still have work to be done but I was again hitting the ball reasonably well. The heat and humidity probably was the cause of it all (95 degrees and 95%  relative humidity at 9:30 a.m.) The review was well worth the effort.

Today I suggest you review previous lessons No. 3, 4, 7, 8 and 18.

RHE

 

 

Important Random Thoughts That Help (Lesson No. 31)

For the new golfer, here are some helpful ideas that will improve your game:

A. During the hot summer months, you will need more than one golf glove. Spend a little money and buy some golf gloves (more than one). You will need to change gloves every 2nd or 3rd hole! High humidity and temperatures command that you do this! It is part of the cost of playing the game. A new glove on the tee, or in the fairway makes a huge difference in your game. Dry them out at room temperature.Save them and reuse them.

B. Check the humidity on your local weather channel or radio station before you play. Humidity will effect your swing more than you realize. Give thought to the fact that humidity slows down the club head speed; slows down the golf ball and probably slows down the golfer, too. You can lose seven to 12 yards with your 7 iron for example on a humid day! Believe it or not, that could be a one or two club difference and usually is at least that, when very humid!.

C. Do not take for granted the shaft in your clubs. Shafts can be regular, stiff or Lite. They make a difference. Go to your club pro and ask to use demo clubs on the range and find out if you have the correct shaft in your clubs. Our ages and abilities are vastly different. The lie angle of the shaft can be changed inexpensively. Demo clubs can often have different shaft lie angles for your experimentation. Try 2 degrees upright. Tom Watson said recently that the shaft is the most important element in your clubs! 

D. You should be talking to yourself when practicing or playing golf. You will need to invent your own language  for reminders. For example here are some lingos I use:

Putting- (4 L's) Load, Lock, Lift & Line, referring to hands and wrists at address

Iron play - First "this" then "that".

Driver - "Late lift" and "get back" referring to a second effort  in the back swing and then the hip slide and  hips return to the ball in the down swing. Very effective!

Chipping - Take the pledge (wrists), make the sling (first two fingers of both hands), align those same knuckles for the back swing. Translates to "pledge, sling, align to target."

Try different demo clubs! Learn to talk to your self in  your own abbreviated lingo. It helps.

RHE

 

 

A Surprisingly Easy Improvement (Lesson No. 30)

During the past five years I have been practicing my irons to hit more greens in regulation (GIRs). My stats are better; my irons are longer as well. One day last month the driving range was closed for mowing so I went to the practice green and began chipping.

To my surprise I learned that because chipping is typically only a partial swing I could work to improve consistency and direction quite easily. Very soon my session became more fun than work! In fact it was so enjoyable that I always practice my chipping when I go to the course, every day. Pulling through with the left arm straight proved to be the best method. Distance determined by visualizing 7,8,& 9 o'clock in the back swing. 

It is now one month later and I have a very good short game.It is fun and not feared at all. My new (tweaked) putter is working very well. My putting line has improved greatly and my distances are getting far better. The short game can become loads of fun as one gets better at chipping and putting.

For your information, in addition to my pitching wedge (48 degrees) I have a 52 degree gap wedge, 56 wedge and 60 degree lob wedge. These clubs give me 110, 95 and 75 yds, respectively with a full swing. They work much better than a series of partial swings with a pitching wedge for different distances. If you work with these wedges you can learn to hit them straight. Simply remember they have a shorter radius in the back swing.

If you consider your putting, chipping and wedge play, you are referring to more than half your game.How would you like to improve half of your game? The easiest half to improve upon.

It may be time to take a rest from your irons and devote fun time to your short game.Your score and enjoyment will improve dramatically.

RHE

 

 

 

What A Difference a New Club Can Make! (Lesson No. 29)

Birdies Tweet & Golfers Tweak.......

The equipment you are using in your golf game may not be right or best for you. As an instructor, the biggest fault I see in new golfers is their having bought used clubs that need new grips! Slick old grips will never make the grade for anyone. Go to your golf shop and either have them or you yourself can easily put on new grips! It's easy. Don't delay.

Tom Watson said recently that the shaft is the most important element of your equipment. That must be true because last year I was not hitting my driver well at all. I picked up a Taylor-Made 10.5 degree driver at Play It Again Sports and began hitting my drives straight and long.This year I bought an R-7 Quad Taylor Made driver and I am hitting drives unbelievably long (one was 270 yds. yesterday) and far more consistently straight.

Twenty years ago I watched Jack Nicklaus win the Masters (1986) with a wide bladed putter. I often thought, harkening back to my C.E. courses in Mechanics, I would like such a putter with weighting added to the outside edges of the wide blade. Last month (25 years later) I bought an older Arnold Palmer wide blade putter and since it had cavities on each end of the blade I added buck shot to the ends of the wide blade with epoxy securing the load. Last week I played nine and had 14 putts! My newly installed putter grip was too large so I replaced it with a thinner one which I like much better.

Two weeks ago I saw an older set of Taylor Made irons with traditional muscle back blades and bought them for $90.They needed new grips which I replaced. The shafts were S-300 which I mistakenly thought were regular stifness. S-300 means stiff and I lost 10 yards or more with most of the clubs. While they were somewhat straighter I could not afford to lose the distance. This week I will replace the stiff with regular shafts. I will also replace the new grips with new Lamkin grips that are slightly thicker. Golfworks in Newark, Ohio has everything you need for working on your golf clubs. It makes a fun hobby.

My 3-wood has always been my nemesis. I have 3-woods, 4-woods and 5-woods in the closet in the garage. Last week I called Club Finders in Texas and inquired about a Taylor-Made 3-wood which might match my Taylor-Made driver. Sure enough, they had one with a regular flex shaft and I ordered it. They accepted my two Titleist fairway woods in trade which made the deal attractive. For the past three days I have been hitting my new 3-wood long and straight  for the first time in my life! The obvious difference was in the shaft length being slightly shorter and whatever knowledge TM lends to shaft design.

With new equipment I played six holes last week in even par before the lightning and rains poured down. I will, today, return to my Adams irons with regular shafts and the graphite tips. When I replace the shafts on my TM irons I will try them again. When reshafting, I will split the difference as the TM irons are slghtly shorter (which I like!) than the Adams, which also probably cost me distance. Next week I will give a report on the results of my Taylor-Made muscle back irons with new (R) shafts. 

Tweak your clubs. Different grips and shafts can make a big difference in your game. Either do it yourself or let your golf shop do it for you. It is fun and surprising the difference a tweak can make. It may lead to more "Tweets"!

RHE

Hot Summer Weather - Hydrate (Lesson No. 28)

In N. Florida, these days, the temperature is nearing 100 degrees. Soon it will be very hot in the Mid-West and most other parts of the country. Here is some important advice for golfers.

In Atlanta twelve years ago, I walked along with Jack Nicklaus as he was playing in a Sr. PGA tour event.I noticed that at every tee box there was a water jug. Jack Nicklaus stopped for a cup of water on every tee box as he arrived.

Anyone who has suffered from kidney stones will tell you to drink plenty of water during the hot summer months. It is a very good idea to take a bottle of water with you when you play golf in the summer time and most other times of the year. Hydrating before you play is good advice. Taking water during your round of golf is also recommended.

Dehydration intereferes with your ability. Skipping breakfast also interferes with your game. Taking a snack at the turn is advisable and helps your game. Water and snacks are today's good advice.

Coffee and Colas are not advisable as they dehydrate. Gator-Ade is good. Beer is debateable. Probably not in your best interests if you are trying to perform your best.

Always hydrate before and during your round of golf.

RHE

 

 

A Great New Day! (Lesson No. 27)

Every year one million people take up golf. Every year another one million give it up, finding it too difficult. I took up the game at age forty-eight and now approach my twentieth year as a golfer. Here are ten things I have been told that are nearly correct. My point is that most advice comes close but not nearly close enough.

1. A professional in Georgia told me in my first year of playing that I needed to work on stretching exercises. What he should have said was, “You need to stretch more going into your back swing.”

2. Another professional in Georgia said, “It’s probably some little thing you are doing wrong.” What he should have said was, “It is probably many little things you are doing wrong.”

3. Another professional told me to relax my right arm at addressing the ball. I have since learned that a golfer must relax right shoulder, right arm, lower back muscles and right hand before taking a back swing.

4. Another professional (Cindy Ried at Sawgrass) told me to stand further away from the ball. That was very good advice.

5. Another professional told me to widen my stance. What he should have said was, “You need to widen your stance and shift your weight to the right foot in the back swing.”

6. A friend, winner of the Ohio Amateur, told me, “The left arm is primary. The right arm goes along for the ride.” What he should have said was, “The left arm initiates the take away as the right arm pulls the take away toward the top.”

7. In a Video Cassette, Gary Player makes the statement, “Ah yes! The grip. We could talk for hours about that.” He fails to talk about the grip except to say it should be relaxed. He should have said, “The grip and grip pressure at take away are the most important parts of golf.” He should further have said, The forefinger knuckles and thumbs of both hands are paramount to the direction of the back swing.”

8. It is often said that we should have but one swing thought. It would be far more correct to say, “You should have but one swing thought at a time.” When you watch Ernie Ells or Tiger Woods, it is plainly obvious, by their moves and adjustments at address, they have more than one thought going through their minds. The golf swing is like Lasagna. It is correctly accomplished in layers or sequence. For example,

a) Push & pull,

b) knuckles or thumbs away, into the back swing.

9. How often we have heard it said, “Keep the left arm straight.” While essentially true, pragmatically, such is not easy. Better to have said, “As the back swing approaches the top, be sure to straighten the left arm before the down swing.” It is very easy and easily remembered.

10. I have been told that every club swings the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is far more correct to say, “The length of the club and lie angle of the shaft make every club slightly different to swing. Particularly the hands must respect the lie angle of the shaft in terms of grip pressure and finger forces on the shaft.”

         *************** Super Extra Bonus ***********

In beginning the back swing, do you aim at the target? No, you should not. Once you have addressed the ball with respect to your target, your first direction of aim is into your back swing. The biggest error in golf is attacking the ball from the wrong place at the top of the back swing. Where is the right place to be at the top of the back swing? You will find that after much fun on the driving range, just like the pros.

Having a problem with your game? Send us an Email and we’ll try to help! They say most advice is worth what you pay for it. Partly true but much advice you pay for is worth about as much as the tee you set the ball on. Good luck!

RHE

If you like symphony, you can visit Richard Englefield's Symphonies web site by clicking on the Englefield Symphoies web site box at the upper left of this page. Just click and Go! Turn on your speakers.

My Hole-in one That Did Not Count! (Lesson No. 26)

A hole-in-one is a very educational experience. Profound is a better description. There is simply bounds of valuable information contained in the experience. Why? because it very probably is the finest shot you will ever make, unless it was pure dumb luck. (Of course it was luck but maybe not dumb luck.)

Two days ago I was on a par three tee box 165 yds. away from the pin. I hit a six iron fat that rolled to the front apron and teed up another ball since no one was following. I was playing alone, practicing. My second tee shot flew straight and high then dropped out of sight.  I was sure the sweet hit was over the green. It felt near perfect.

As I approached the green (apron) I stroked my first ball toward the flag and walked to the backof the green in search of the second shot. I could not find it! I then returned to the first ball and as I passed the cup I glanced down and saw my second ball in the bottom of the cup! My mind immediately remembered everything about the tee shot that was nearly perfect. It felt good! I had rehearsed my orientation and initial take away. I took the time to perfect my grip pressures. I made  sure I turned my upper body away as I took my back swing. I extended my left arm at shoulder height, leveraging the swing perfectly. The ball found the bottom of the cup, leaving a ball mark three inches from the pin.

The reason it felt perfect is that my rhythm was perfect. My turn away was in perfect unity with my back swing and weight shift to the back foot. It was in fact so smooth I thought I had hit the shot twenty yards further than I did, as it dropped out of sight. I remember saying, "Better add some yards to my 6 iron!"

Maybe never again but I will always remember the weight shift and orientation ideas and probably the grip pressure reminder. How could I ever forget........the hole in one that did not count?

RHE

Spring Time Optimisim (Lesson No. 25)

Can your game improve? Will your game improve? The answer is found in your approach to the game. Of course it will improve. It might improve a lot!

With the vastly improved weather,  many of us will be playing and/or practicing more golf. Your approach will determine the extent of improvement. Golf has several different aspects.

The take-away (back swing) -  For the longer irons you will need a slower (completed) back swing and larger arc.

The mirror or shadows on the ground are the best tools for guaranteeing your head and shoulders stay over the ball during the swing. The confusion arises from the turn and the weight shift. It makes sense that a turn away keeps the head and shoulders over the ball. The slight hip slide at the beginning of the downswing keep the shoulders from lunging forward, ahead of the ball.

Chipping is all technique. It can be very easy or quite problematical. Play the ball back and hit on the downswing. Practice makes this element near perfect. The bump and run requires you have very slight wrist movemnet as in putting.

The driver is fun and probably the easiest to hit. Practice with a medium speed back swing. The club head will be going fast at impact. Take practice swings before hitting your driver.

Green side bunker shots are easier than I ever believed. Right handers should throw a side arm pitch at the sand behind the ball. It will slide through and lift the ball high and onto the green.

As for iron shots, every time I take Jack Nicklaus advice and raise my hands high in the back swing I hit the ball straight. I believe the turn begins only slightly after the initial take away. A determined left side and left shoulder going into the take away works better than pulling the right side away. BUT YOU MUST remember that a good take away ALSO requires The right arm pulling away in agreement with the left side.

My best advice to new golfers is:

"Learn to Turn!"

RHE

If you like symphony, you can visit Richard Englefield's Symphonies web site by clicking on the Englefield Symphoies web site box at the upper left of this page. Just click and Go! Turn on your speakers.

 

No Better Idea for Improving Your Scores (Lesson No. 24)

We are coming to the close of New Golfers Need Tips. Perhaps there will be a few more and then we will close down the web site. We therefore suggest you copy off all lessons and make a booklet for your review.

Here is a simple suggestion that is inexpensive and can be very helpful to your game. I'm surprised more people don't use this idea. The cost is around $10.00. Easily it could save you ten or more strokes.

Go to your local hardware store and purchase a 10 ft. plastic pipe. Then go to Wal-Mart and purchase a good size green dish towel and a pack of brass compression rings. The latter are for the corners of the "flag". Drill two holes in the pipe matching the size of the dish towel and wire the towel to the "pin". You will have a perfect target for practicing your short game in the back yard.

For a dollar or so more you can purchase a plastic covered container for your golf balls. In the early mornings before your game or in the cool of the evening you can learn to chip and pitch close to the pin. It worked wonders for me.

A few "Big Birdies" can help your score immensely. Par saves are very rewarding.

RHE

PS - We'd love to hear from you if we've helped your game. Use the Comment response available below or Email us, if you prefer, at consistantgolf@aol.com

Lost Your Swing? Puzzled? No Problem!! (Lesson No. 23)

If you are new to the game of golf, sometimes your new swing abandons you. As my brother Bob has said, "Here today, gone tomorrow." Where did it go?

Our new swing leaves us when we are tired.It leaves when we are working on something new and forget the previous things we learned.Very easy, very easy to do. Be glad if it happenes when you are NOT playing for $1.00 a skin! Expect it will happen from time to time and have a good laugh.It is absolutely predictable.

The best thing about losing your swing is that it makes you remind yourself of what you have learned. You feverishly search for what made your swing work correctly. It becomes a valuable time for review. Review of the fundementals.It makes you think. Golf requires much thought in the set up process, addressing the ball. Each hand must be correct. Balance must be anticipated. The orientation of the take away, weight transfer in the back swing and again in the down swing. All these things enter into the thought process when addressing the ball.

Suppose you have found that you need to take the club higher in the back swing or maybe quite differently, take a flatter back swing rather than higher. Your concentration on the new technique will almost always cause some forgetfulness regarding other matters. The secret then is to order your thoughts for the set up and then have the one new swing thought in the back swing.

The thought process is sequential, tandem, one following the others, reminders rehearsed so to speak and then the swing.Understanding the commonality of mental lapse makes us understand that lapses happen to all of us including the best touring pros on TV. As Tiger Woods said during an interview, "It was one of those shots that you don't know where it came from. It just happened."

When it happens to you, do not be alarmed. Simply go to the range and begin to rebuid your swing one element at a time until you discover what you were forgetting.As you go through the reminders and elements, you will find the flaw and get back on track again.

Actually, the experience is very helpful because it will happen on another day during your first skins game and you will want to know how to regroup and hit the next shot with perfection. It will require rethinking your set up and perhaps your backswing but it will be based on experience and should allow corrections during your game.

Fixing your swing is a part of the game of golf.We all have to learn to repair our swings.The PGA pros are constantly working to improve. Some have major repairs to make, at times. It is very much a part of the game.

Review lesson No. 18.

 

RHE

 

Interesting Paradox Can Help Your Learning Experience (Lesson No. 22)

My first golf mentor (19 years ago) advised me to slow down my back swing. He should have reminded me to complete my back swing. Slower but complete works well. 

On the Sr. Tour we see pros with varying speeds in their back swing but many are not fast. Another mentor advised me recently that he thinks of the driver being longer and slower in the take away. The point is a slower back swing helps to maintain balance and make ready for the moment of truth in the down swing. Some articles suggest a  very slight pause at the top of the back swing which can only be possible with a somewhat slower back swing.

I tell my students the speed of the back swing is not as important as balance and the all important preparation for the down swing, Also, a slower back swing allows things to happen in terms of rotation of the arms before the down swing begins. People often fail to complete their back swing by being too fast.

A controlled back swing is only possible without chaos or a hectic effort. A slower controlled back swing permits the all important coordination and acceleration though the impact area.An extremely fast back swing tends to spend or waste the swing effort before hitting the ball.

Relaxing before the shot and quieting the lower body will help in accomplishing this interesting paradox. Slower is better but completing the back swing to the top is imperative.

RHE

 

 

Your Round of Golf Needs Practice Swings (Lesson No. 21)

If you are taking the time to learn the game of golf,you should take the time to take practice swings. I always say, "If the pros do it, there is a good reason for it." Much of what the pros do is designed to take the error out of the shot.A great example is hitting the ball first from a fairway bunker.Most pros hit the ball first with their irons from the fairway. What about practice swings?

Nearly all profesional golfers take a few practice swings before they hit the ball. Why do they do this? Because a few practice swings tell you what you are about to forget to do.You know the feel of a good take-away. If the practice swings feel strange, then you know you are forgetting something.

Never is that more important than when on a side hill lie. Or an up hill lie. Or a down hill lie.Or a side hill up or side hill down hill lie.Practice swings tell you two important things. They tell you  how to adjust for good balance and they tell you how much to choke up on the grip; alternatively how much to adjust your posture for an uneven lie. The ball one inch below your feet requires a grip adjustment and even an adjustment to your stance. Hips move slightly forward if the ball is above your feet by merely one or two inches.

The best pros take as many as five practice swings before a chip shot. Actually, most fairways lies are not level. Many may be if your course is level but I find as I approach the ball most of the time there is a slope of some kind in the fairway. We do not want to hit fat or thin so we take practice swings to determine the correctness of our stance and balance before the shot.

You will be a long time learning if you do not learn to take practice swings. The sooner the better.

RHE

 

 

 

Interesting Approaches to Using the Driving Range (No. 20)

Having played in five Sr. PGA Monday Qualifiers I have had many fascinating experiences to valuable to ignore or fail to mention to other new golfers.Having been tutored and advised by very good mentors also has produced valuable information that should be shared.

When I began my quest for the Tour the cost for entering was $165. About a year later they raised the fee to $325. which brought an end to my endeavors. I believed the stimulating competition would improve my game, concentration and enhance the discipline. I expected to play much better. The results were far different. Playing at Tampa Palms, Horseshoe Bend (Atlanta), Sleepy Hollow (NY) and courses in Jacksonville and Cincinnati, Ohio did not seem to bring sufficient improvement. The learning experience was in many other ways superb. I was in the company of many who were knowledgeable and very experienced.

Arnold Palmer calmly approached the driving range and began to hit short irons in an almost unbelievably relaxed mode. His swing was easy and he was consistantly straight; not long but incredibly straight.Watching Arnold and others, I learned "These guys are good!"

On my first day at my first Monday Qualifier I was hitting balls and working to correct a fade. There was a man standing behind me watching me. He continued watching as I continued to hit fades. I was actually quite embarassed until I realized "Oh well, I could be practiciing my fade, for all he knows." I don't hit fades any more. I hit the ball straight. I just wish they would move the pins a little further to the right.I could be a scratch golfer without a doubt if I would open my stance and aim left.My irons are consistantly accurate to the same spot, slightly right.

Our club pro (Walter Smith) begins on the range with his pitching wedge, swings easy and gradually moves on to the longer irons. He is very good and a frequent winner at the N. Florida Golf Assn. tournaments. His recent advice to me was to turn the shoulders early in the back swing. It sure helps to stay over the ball and adds distance too.

At another Monday Qualifier (Griffen-Gate, Lexington, Ky.) that I did not play in, merely visited, another Sr.Tour player advised me to use a ten finger grip. When my club loosens or waffles in the back swing I always remember his advice and take a stronger grip.

At the same venue another player said, "At our age we need to hit 100 balls before we play." Today, at age 67, I think maybe that is too many.  Often I see club pros, before their area tournaments, hitting a half bucket or less before they play. Take your choice.

Here are some "Always Do" commandments.

1. Always hit a few wedges, middle, long irons and driver before playing golf.

2. Always toss down a few balls and practice several  chip shots before playing. Always!

3. Always finish up with a few long putts, medium putts and short putts.You won't be sorry when you reach the first green.

4. Always do stretching exercises before you leave home or in the locker room before playing an important round of golf. That way you can have your game before the fourth hole.The time required is merely minutes and worth the small effort and you will feel surprisingly better!.

5. Always go to the range when you finish a round and work on whatever failed you or needs improved reminders.

I have been advised to keep a small note pad in my pocket and record any necessary reminders as I am playing my game. You can refer to those notes in subsequent rounds of golf. The advice proves to be excellent.

From this Lesson you should remember two words:

1. Always

2. Reminders

RHE

Fatigue Can Be An Important Factor (Lesson No. 19)

Fifteen years ago Orville Moody (the Old Sarge) won a Sr. PGA Tour event in Memphis (as I recall) with 23 under par.The Old Sarge was Director of Golf Operations for the U. S. Army before he retired to the Sr. Tour. He was in charge of all U.S.Army golf operations (world wide). Golf commentators said he was coming to the Sr. Tour and he certainly did.

After winning the event he was being interviewed on TV and asked how he managed to play so well. I remember his reply. He said, "I really don't know why I played so well. I did not sleep well for the last two nights." I also remember him hitting to the green on the final hole; a beautiful shot that rendered a birdie at the close. The cameras panned in on him after the masterful shot and he just shook his head as in disbelief. I believe the Sarge was in his own private zone which probably led to a 90% effort that worked extremely well.

Often I find that after playing and walking nine holes I am tired. Sometimes I say, " This is a lot of effort. I'm going to have a Diet Cola and go to the range relaxed and hit some balls." it always works surprisingly well.

The smoothest golf shot I ever hit was totally effortless. I was never sure why or how I hit the shot. Later I worked on the so called effortless golf swing and occasionally duplicated the easy effort. My swing thought was to relax my shoulders, arms and back muscles before the take away.An easy turn is far better than a big or strong turn away. Easy arms or soft arms is often the advice. It seems to work very well.

Lastly, when tired, another tip helps improve the home stretch holes coming in. If you feel fatigued remember the effect is more evident in your hands. Therefore, I try to quicken my hands at the take away late in my round of golf.I am older and my advice may be specific for older golfers, but quicker hands in the take away often helps my game late in the day.

The Old Sarge played easy and therefore masterfully well.

RHE

 

Band-Aids For Your Golf Swing (Lesson No. 18)

A few weeks ago I noticed, after many trips to the practice range, callouses forming on the knuckles of both forefingers. Band-Aids were applied.

I have often thought about Band-Aids when teaching golf and when working on my game.Thus, my idea of Band-Aids for your golf swing. At least once, you should try the following Band-Aid applications:

(1) Place a Band-Aid on both forefinger knuckles to remind you that those knuckles turn back or away early in the back swing.Naturally, they return in the down swing.

(2) Place a Band-Aid on your right shoulder blade to remind you that the right shoulder comes back early in the back swing.

(3) Place a Band-Aid on your forearms to remind you that they must rotate into the back swing and returning in the down swing.

(4) Place a Band-Aid on the right side of the right knee to remind you to never straighten that knee (or leg) out in the back swing.

(5) Place a Band-Aid on the left side of the left knee to remind you to forcefully straighten that leg in the down swing as your club head approaches the ball.

One swing thought? I don't think so. Always one swing thought at a time.You will need reminders if you are forgetful.

RHE

The photo was taken at the beautiful Mission Inn & Country Club at Howie-In-the-Hills, Florida.

 

Correcting the Slice (Lesson No. 17)

Leaving the ball out to the right or having a curve slice is a very common problem that has solutions and perhaps more than one.

Logic works very well in golf as in other areas of life. One should realize that (1) the club face is open towards the right and (2) the golfer is bringing the club shaft and face of the club across the ball during the downswing or at impact. The first can lead to a straight shot out to the right. The second leads to the "slice". Often both are happening at the same time.

Depending on how athletic you are and how fast your swing speed is, the remedy can vary. Therefore we will discuss the various remedies that will lead to a correction of both problems.

(A) If you are lifting the club too early in the back swing you will fail to give sufficient time for the release to happen and the club face will remain open. You need a larger arc or longer back swing.To achieve the remedy, as you turn away in the back swing, pull low with the right hand and follow low with the left a slightly longer period than before.This will be a good start on the problem.

(B) Secondly, do not be afraid to use a little extra lift with the right arm as you get into your back swing. This also widens the arc and adds good distance with little effort. Again, more time for the club face to close.

(C) Thirdly, a good turn away is not complete until the left shoulder comes across obviously under the chin. Dipping the shoulder under the chin is usually a mistake. Simply bringing the left shoulder across is sufficient if you have a good posture with a slight bend at the waist. 

The reason, or one good reason for the body turn away is to position the club properly above the right shoulder at the top of the back swing so the descent is from the inside in approaching the ball. By bringing the left shoulder across under the chin the same idea is accomplished.

(D) Lastly, if you want to evaluate your release, try a practice swing with a bent left elbow at address and watch where the release happens. Almost always it happens after the club head reaches the ball. Then try a practice swing with a straight left arm with two knuckles on the left hand  showing at the address of the ball. Keep the left arm straight in the back swing or be sure to straighten the left arm before the down swing and see where the release happens with respect to the ball. Properly done, the release should happen much sooner, hopefully closing the club face for a straight shot.

In my travels and on TV I have often heard it said after a good shot, "He turned the screws on that one!" I was never sure what they meant by that comment until I understood how the arms rotate in the swing. They are like turning a screw driver with both hands (and arms) to the right in the back swing and then left in the down swing.(E) Load your address of the ball with preparation for that big "screw driver" move; first clockwise and then counter clockwise.

These concepts should help to straighten out your shots that go right (for right handers).

RHE

PS - Sometimes we see ladies on the LPGA slightly lift their hands before the take away. I do not know why this helps, but I've tried it and it definately does help!!

RHE

Enjoyable Oddities in Golf (Lesson No. 16)

The game of golf provides fantastic memories for all of us, over the years. Some of those oddities may have a lesson in them, though perhaps not obvious when they happen. My first such recollection happened over twenty years ago when I was a beginner and playing at the Rennassiance Pine Isle Golf Resort on Lake Lanier, near Atlanta, Ga.

I was playing alone as I often did after leaving work that day. My game was in the early learning stages. On the sloping up hill No. 7,  I was on a side hill up hill lie near the green when I chipped some thirty feet right into the cup! On the next hole (No. 8) I was at an uphill lie near the green perhaps 20 yards from the pin when I chipped up and the ball landed softly and rolled right into the cup. I had holed out two chip shots in a row. When I returned to the pro-shop I walked into Randy Mosely's office and proudly stated that I had set a record in the game of golf. Randy, knowing the level of my game,  looked at me with a dubious eye and asked what record I had set. I said I believed I was the first golfer to ever hole out two chips shots in a row for two consecutive double bogies!

A year or so later while playing with my brother Bob Englefield, who is an optometrist near Springfield, Ohio, I stood on the tee at the dog leg par five, No. 17 and said, "Bob, I am going to aim at the tall tree on the right at the dog leg (right). I then hit a very good drive that hit squarely the trunk of the large Oak tree on the right  side of the dog leg, perhaps 220 yds. away. I am still wondering if I should  pick a spot in the fairway when I hit my tee shots with my driver.

While playing in a PGA Sr. Tour Monday Qualifier at Horseshoe Bend C.C. in Atlanta, Ga. back in 1987 I will never forget my great hopes and excitement at merely being there. On the third or fourth hole I was one over par and my ball was on the green far away perhaps sixty feet from the pin. It was an undulating green and there were at least two bends in the very long putt. I could not see the cup, only the flag over the hill of the green. A caddy was  tending the flag as I stroked my putt to a hole I could not see. As I began my walk toward the hole a ball came rolling back towards me. Surprised, I looked to see who had hit the ball when the caddy explained my 60 ft. putt had rolled into the cup. I said, "It did?" The other pros all nodded in the affirmative. In those early days it seemed I made more long putts than short ones. Probably not, but I did make a large number of long putts early in my golfing career which is partly why I continued to this day. I make far fewer now that I am an experienced golfer at age 67.

I am sure I have previously mentioned the sand shot with my ball an inch from the lip of the bunker near the flag. I could only level my club head (sand wedge) and swing mightily. It flew about twenty feet high and dropped squarely into the cup for a slam dunk birdie!

I have never made a hole-in-one in 30 years of playing golf. I have hit the pin, had ball marks an inch from the cup, had par three iron shots stop within inches from the pin, but never a hole-in-one. Maybe if I adjust my grip I'll get one.................but I now believe it is unlikely. It is surprising how many golfers have had a hole-in-one. Pro shops, country clubs and resorts are filled with plaques with numerous names of individuals having made a hole-in-one.

The stories goes on but I have a tee time this afternoon and must take leave. I realize we all have stories to tell. And we all keep telling them. It is fun to stand on the patio at our club and listen to the stories being told nearly every day as the members come into the 19th hole for food and refreshments after their game. 

I just ordered a (nearly) new R-7 Taylor Made driver from my friend Jim Butler at Table Rock Golf Club in Centerburg, Ohio. Jim has a very unique shop with many hundreds of used clubs of every type imaginable. New or used, Jim probably has it or can find it for you. I once asked Jim, who is in his fifties, if we older golfers can improve our game. He said it not likely that we can improve very much. He may have been right but I can attest to the fact that being retired and playing golf nearly every day has improved my game in all areas where I previously did not practice. I now know how to handle side hill lies, up hill lies and up hill chip shots which I never had a clue about in previous years. I have lost distance off the tee but, occasionally hit one 280 yds. Most often 240 yds.; sometimes less.

Of one thing I am absolutely certain. Time and again I have helped seniors who are just retired and learning the game to a vastly improved game with merely good fundamentals. The same is true with young beginners. It is a fact that new golfers need tips at whatever age and such help can significantly improve their game.

Now, I'm headed for the range and a game. I will today work on the low & slow back swing. It nearly always fixes my shots to long and straight.

RHE

Richard Englefield

 

 

 

Thoughts on The Masters (Lesson No. 15)

Azaleas & Dogwoods in Full Bloom Everywhere

1. Never before has the viability of the short game been better demonstrated than in this years Masters.

2. Chris DiMarco has arrived and will be one of the top players in the days and years to come. His game is solid and most reliable. Putting needs a little work. His take was 3/4 million dollars.

3. Ryan Moore, one of several amateurs playing, served notice that he is just around the corner and ready to compete on the PGA. Calm and cool, he was superb.

4. Interesting how much money they made that shot no better than par ($112,000.) Interesting how much money the leaders made, also.

5. Even the greatest golfers chunked a few chip shots.

6. Interesting that Rod Pampling (finished third) was playing on the Nationwide Tour two years ago. Also, Chris DiMarco.

7. At age 64, Jack Nicklaus played superbly well and probably good enough to return next year considering all the younger players he out performed under difficult course conditions.

8. Despite inclement weather, week after week, this year the theater of PGA golf has been absolutley terrific.

9. Will we ever forget Tiger Woods chip shot on 16? I didn't know a ball could stop and then start again! I guess the grass was withering under the weight of the golf ball.

RHE

 

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Lady Luck Plays a Role (Lesson No. 14)

One of the young ladies on the LPGA Tour was being interviewed on the Golf channel a few weeks ago and she made a surprising statement. She said, "I mostly practice my short game. I spend comparatively little time on my irons and driver." Most of the pros on both tours hit 50-70% of their greens in regulation. Only the very best are in the 70% categaory. At 60%, that means in their rounds they are hitting only 10-11 greens. They are chipping to 7/8 greens every day.

Statistically, we hit 14 drivers, 8 chip shots (or more considering par fives) and approximately 30-35 putts per round. Pros do better than that. Ideally, those chip shots, well placed, can mean 8 pars or maybe a birdie now and then.

At my golf course I sometimes work as a Marshall. I see mostly retirees playing golf and they are surprisingly good at their short game. From thirty yards in they are hitting their chip shots close to the pin. At Augusta, this week we are seeing fabulous short games. Some of what we see is incredible.

At another club where I play golf, the high school girls teams come to practice.  Their coach has them all working constantly on four foot putts. At a driving range where I once worked in Venice, Fl. the owners son was consistantly working on making ten foot putts. He said you should learn to make ten in a row from ten feet.

My recent experience with the chipping game has revealed that I was bending my left arm somewhere in the back swing which led to some frustrating skulls. I learned to form a solid triangle with both arms and when I held the triangle consistantly throughout the shot I did remarkably better. The same triangle works admirably well in putting.

The next time you go to your golf course simply remember the words "four", "ten" and "triangle". Go early and practice the putts and chips remembering those three words (4, 10 & Try).

RHE

PS - The high school girl's team coach and I were talking one day about my short game and she said, "A long time ago I learned to take my right thumb off the club when chipping." I tried it and it worked amazingly well. That thumb tends to drive the club head into the turf. Lifting it during the back swing helps  immeasurably!

RHE