Let It Happen...Simply Let It Happen! (Lesson No. 49)

Several months ago I was watching our club pro hit on the range. I walked over to him and asked if he concerned himself with the wrist cock and release. His response surprised me when he said, "It is not really a wrist cock." He also said he did not concern himself with the release. I was previously sure I had to work my hands and wrists to end the dreaded fade or slice I was getting.

Today I think far differently and with far better results. Last summer my older brother Bill and I played golf at Mondbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio.  When we finished he suggested I keep my right hand more relaxed. The tip proved to be very helpful. Ironically, earlier this week, I decided to relax also my left wrist at address before the take away. It worked wonders and made me understand our pro's concept of not worrying about the wrist cock or the release.

With a correct grip pressure and relaxed wrists every thing happens as it should. It only takes a few minutes to learn to accomplish this idea. It is actually very easy and works very well. Relaxing the wrists relaxes the arms, too. Tension is not good.

The experience points out the fact that with most tips we get, advice or whatever, there is usually "more to the story".

Richard Englefield

 

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Right Shoulder Arms! (Lesson No. 48)

Here is a tip that should help your game and maybe immensely so. Last week we visited Marathon, Florida and played at the par 3 Key Colony Beach Golf Club. We played three times (nine holes) and on the third day I had seven of nine greenies. Two factors resulted in my success.

The first fix involved my right shoulder. At address my orientation was slightly incorrect until I simply moved my right shoulder back or slightly rotated my upper body toward the back swing direction. I was not square with my shoulders. The change made a huge difference in my accuracy.

For longer shots I realized there is rotational strength in my right shoulder to help take the club further away from the ball in the back swing. I added good distance by adding "pull" with the right shoulder.

The second fix brought home a good number of pars when I missed the very small greens. It made sense to me that if I was chunking chip shots I might do as the pros do and hover the wedge above the ball before the back swing. It worked masterfully. It takes into account that the heavier club will descend on attack and therefore why not compensate. A very good idea.

We cannot expect perfection with every shot. Therefore I simply work to improve my percentages. The seven greenies was a significant improvement in my percentages.

Richard