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
No comments:
Post a Comment