New Golfers Need Tips

Putting Is Very Important (Lesson No. 56)

2008-10-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

Practice Short Putts

We need greenies and they are hard to come by. An easier way to shave strokes is to practice 3-4 ft. putts. Maybe you are tired of working on your irons and driver at the range. Maybe disappointed.

Go to the putting green and simply find a level area followed by an area with a slight bend right or left. Practice your short putts and learn how to be not timid. Short putts need a firm stroke with follow through to your target aim.

You will save strokes with a little practice on the putting green. More up and downs and pars will happen!

Richard

Tags: Golf, beginners at golf, Putting,

Use The Driving Range Properly (Lesson No. 55)

2008-06-20T04:21:00.000-07:00

Beating Balls Helps Very Little

Years ago Randy Brooks, Asst. Pro at Pine Isle Golf Resort near Lake Lanier, Ga. told me "Only perfect practice makes perfect (helps you get better)." Twenty years later I understand exactly what he was saying. After the early stages of learning the game we need to experiment to find what works best for us. Mainly because we are all quite different physically and in terms of coordination.

My experience has taught me to go to the driving range and work experimentally on the elements of the golf swing. Watching Arnold Palmer, years ago, tune up for a Sr. Tour event on the range I noticed he began with a short iron and easily swung to loosen up for a while. He then graduated to the longer irons and finally the driver. Many start with a wedge. I begin with my seven iron because it resembles more clubs that I use most often.

As for experimenting, I think of my take away, then my lower body and finally my upper body. Most of my efforts to improve accuracy and distance involve the address at take away and the initial grip pressures and turn away from the ball. Balance and posture are exceedingly important in preparing for a good shot.

Lately I have found that relaxation techniques are vital to a good take away. I begin to relax en route to the golf course! Then again after a few shots on the range and again after the second or third hole during play. Tension builds and must be alleviated frequently during practice and also during play.

My current swing thoughts involve the words "Easy followed by Acceleration". Review Lesson No. 51 at left. Scroll down.

Good luck helps too.

Richard Englefield

Tags: Golf lessons, Beginning golfers. Driving range

Stay In Touch With Your Game

2008-01-31T11:40:00.000-08:00

How Often We Forget.......

Sorry, we sold out. We might resume production.

Ten years ago I wrote a few articles about game improvement and devised a few items to improve my own game. The Swing Thought Reminder Board shown above was by far the best device I've ever used for improving my game. The subtleties and nuances required for improved consistency were too easy to forget. Frequently I would have to relearn my new techniques each time I returned to the golf course. The home based reminders etched those ideas in my mind so I could easily bring them to the course for my next round of golf.

I have about ten Swing Thought Reminder Boards left over from my earlier marketing efforts a decade ago. It occurred to me they might be helpful to others. If you'd like to try one we'll send it to you for $10. postage prepaid. Included is a Dry-Erase Marking Pen that wipes clear and clean with dry or damp cloth.

I suggest you send an Email telling of your plans to purchase with your mailing address. I can then acknowledge your Email and advise our mailing address for your check. Upon receipt of your check or money order we'll ship immediately, postage prepaid. Sorry we do not accept credit cards at this web site because we are not in business full time..

Best recollection, my costs were around $4.00 for the Boards and $1.50 for the Dry Erase Pen. Postage will be around $3.00. (prepaid). This is merely a close out and we hope an opportunity to help someone's game. However, if we sell them quickly I could be persuaded to go into business again.

At my Country Club three weeks ago we placed five on the counter for display, out of curiosity. Yesterday only two remained. So we shall see.......

The pictures above give you an idea how the boards may be used at home, etc. A daily reminder is an excellent way to ingrain your game improvement ideas.

Good luck.

Dick Englefield

Email:

symphonycomposer@aol.com

Tags: Golf Game Improvement

A Surprisinig Way to Improve Your Game! (Lesson No. 54)

2007-12-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

Practice At Home

I'm lucky to have some acreage, so I have mowed the pastures and put in a mini - nine hole golf course. All par 3s except for one dogleg par four - 310 yds. No putting greens but pins are in place for targeting.

Practicing at home in the yard has value. There is no pressure which reduces stress which in turn teaches us to play without stress. When I go to the golf course I am far more relaxed. Particularly true of the short game which we all can find a place to practice on.

Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!

Richard

The Back Swing (Lesson No. 53)

2007-10-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Easier Than You Think

If the back swing is not correct hitting at impact will be troublesome. There are ideas and concepts that will help you achieve a better back swing.

1. Arms should be straight at address because they provide maximum leverage at impact.

2. Sometimes the left arm will bend in the back swing. En route to the top of the back swing you should extend your left arm to guarantee a straight left arm (for righties) at impact.

3. The upper body should turn away as the club is taken back. It is said the motion is similar to sitting in a chair and turning toward a person sitting next to you.

4. A good tip for your short game is to keep the right elbow close to the body for chip shots.

5. For the driver a bigger turn is required. It is often said that we should turn our back toward the target. For additional distance a slight hip turn is suggested.

6. The driver take away should have medium speed going back for control and a lift toward the top. Often we see pros pause at the top to insure balance & control during the down swing.

7. Remember the driving range is of great value when learning. It should teach you to ask yourself "What was not right in that swing." The next practice shot will get better.

Good luck and practice often.

Richard

code 2090

Tags: Golf, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips

Summer Heat Commands Preparation (Lesson No. 52)

2007-08-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Be Prepared !

Record breaking heat throughout the United States causes many problems for golfers and particularly new golfers. The following suggestions will help your game, beginner or experienced.

You will need to hydrate before going to the golf course. Drink plenty of water or a product like Gatorade before and during your game. Electrolytes such as calcium & potassium are very helpful at preventing leg cramps and weakness. Salt having sodium is lost through perspiration. Therefore be sure you have an adequate salt intake during hot weather. Sodium is required for good muscle activity. As I recall it has something to do with the "salt pump". A good idea to consult your physician on the subject because some people must restrict their salt intake.

Always bring a fluffy towel to the golf course. You'll need the towel to wipe your arms and hands before your next shot. You also must wipe your grips as the pros do before addressing the ball.

In that connection I find that I need three new or dry golf gloves for each nine holes. I change gloves after each set of three holes. It is imperative and absolutely necessary to change gloves or your next shot can be ruined! Those who ignore this advice will find their next 6-7 ( or more) shots ruined.

The swing thoughts for the day are simply water and more water, dry gloves and new gloves, salt and electrolytes and a fluffy towel.

Richard

Tags: golf, heat, exercise

Relaxing For Distance & Accuracy (Lesson No. 51)

2007-02-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

Believe The Tiger !

In golf you must do less to achieve more. Several thoughts and tips learned from the past tell the story quite well.

My first instructor at Pine Isle Golf Resort at Lake Lanier, Ga. told me to swing a little easier. Another Pro at Raccoon Int'l in Newark, Oh. advised me that my arms should feel loose like spaghetti. Tiger Woods and many other tour pros often say they swing at about 80%. Still a third Club Pro advised me to do stretching exercises before playing golf.

All the foregoing strongly suggest that loose and easier is best. Why? Because they all promote something called "Quickness" that cannot be achieved with full strength. Remembering our Physics and Mechanics classes we recall that Force = Mass x Velocity Squared. In golf the formula explains why different strokes are achieved by different folks having different lengths & weighted clubs. Club fitting is therefore a very good idea. Velocity is obviously paramount. Leverage is also a factor in determining club lengths. All the above must suit the abilities of the golfer.

The point is that we need to achieve club head speed and acceleration at impact for maximum force. Gearing up to kill the ball wastes much exertion at the top of the back swing, far too soon. With a relaxed set up and easier back swing we conserve energy for the impact area. Velocity and acceleration at impact is maximized in this way.

The best tip I ever received was free and from my older brother who said, "You'd better relax your right hand before the back swing." I worked on that idea and expanded the concept to relaxing my right hand and right arm and then both arms and hands and hit my 8 iron 165 yards! Not bad for someone my age, nearing 70 and accomplished when I was age 68.

Balance is so important it must be mentioned. Good posture and being relaxed at address go together to improve your swing speed. Therefore when the weather improves go to the range and work on a relaxed set up and good posture that allows an easier back swing. You'll be surprised at how much further the ball goes and how much easier the game can be.

There must be a good reason why they call Ernie Ells "The Big Easy". Tiger achieves his great swing speed by swinging 80%. Jack Nicklaus says, "This game is not hard. It's really easy." It's probably a lot easier than most of us think.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click here)

Tags: golf, swing speed

Suggestion - Print These Lesson Pages

2006-04-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

From the Masters in Augusta we can all learn a lesson from Tiger Woods. On the first three days he had less than 29 putts per round. On the final day he had 33 putts. Otherwise he would have been in contention.

From Phil Michelson we learned that when you are good - "You are Good!" A broadcaster said correctly, "We may be seeing the beginning of another Arnold Palmer- Jack Nicklaus era." I hope so. I remember a few years ago thinking, "No golfer can even come close to Tiger Woods ability. He might just win them all!" I am beginning to think the same about Phil Michelson. In reality, as in years past, it is very difficult to stay on top week after week. But, we are definitely in for some very good golf during the remainder of the season.

One point I wish to make about these 50 Lessons. They are time tested and as I play my practice rounds, they continually hold true. Therefore, I suggest you take the time to print each lesson out for yourself or your students or your children. They are free and reliable. The print outs takes a while and could be easily done over a period of time.

As for me, when I finish working in my garden, now having twenty two very attractive Rose bushes, also Hibiscus and numerous other plants, including bulbs coming up, I will return to the golf course and probably add to the Lessons. My vacation from serious golfing endeavors has been welcomed. Time off is necessary and advisable. Building a garden(s) is extremely rewarding. As they say, "You should take time to smell the roses." Surprisingly it takes a long time for the bulbs to grow. But they do come up! A new garden has pleasant surprises nearly every day!

Below I have shown my Photo Journal web site and I have also included several attractive photos for your enjoyment. Take a welcomed break and see the flowers. They are beautiful.

http://journals.aol.com/symphonycomposer/VisionsofMyWorld/

(Click Here)

Richard Englefield

Code 513722

Beware of Tipsters & Advice in Golf - UNDERLINED (Lesson No. 50)

2006-03-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

During my golfing career I have had numerous tips and advice. I firmly believe most is well intended. My experience tells me most advice is limited in value because there is always more to the story. Actually, there is usually a lot more to the story.

Tom Watson said, "This game is not easy." Jack Nicklaus said, "There is no secret to this game." The game may be easy for some few, but it is not easy for me or anyone I know. Old advice said to keep the left arm straight. Butch Harmon says it is OK to let the left arm bend in the back swing. Advice is therefore questionable, at the least.

My advice is based on what works for me. It is tried and proven, for me. Many pros say when putting the grip must be soft. Jack Nicklaus said, "Sometimes I willed the ball into the cup." Very difficult to explain how one wills the ball into the cup. But, it must require a lot more than we are told about.

I cannot tell you just how many times I have gone to the course and played a practice round and fixed a bad shot. Quite often I have to fix a shot. But I rely on my own advice. Taking the club back and inside with some pull with the right hand usually fixes my shot. It takes the club to a preferable position at the top of the back swing and I hit more greens and better drives.

Yet, there are more add ins to fix a shot than I have said with all simplicity. I have other things to do. I might say, "Quiet my lower body." Or, I might say, "That was a mistake in my posture." Often I will say, "I must stop bending my knees when coming thru the ball!" Another is to say, "My head is moving up and down. I am over swinging, or was it posture?." It is important to learn what error you committed in the bad shot. Practice rounds and the driving range let you work on those things.

So, today I am suggesting that because there are so many elements to a good golf shot you must think differently than you have been told. One swing thought? Maybe on the back swing after you take the club back and inside, one swing thought. But, many thoughts must precede the back swing. Here is how I accomplish that.

I have key words rather than swing thoughts. I start with an easy one. Ball position. Absolutely a necessary thought otherwise you'll forget. Before the back swing there is the matter of balance. You need a word for that. Maybe "balance". You need some reminder about torque in your arms , maybe "torque". Torques lets you build the club/ arm rotation so you don't putt your 5 iron. There is a matter of lift in the back swing. The questions are how much and when to assert - "lift". I find it is different for each club, maybe similar for the 3 & 4 iron but different from the 9 iron for example. A very individual thing. But you have to experiment to find what is best for you.

Does this sound like one swing thought? Of course not. Many necessary thoughts at address and a means of reminding one's self of each in tandem without forgetting one of them. And finally maybe one swing thought in the back swing after all the other thoughts have been implemented at address.

There are a few words underlined in this lesson. Try to remember them all when you go to the course this week. Like memorizing a poem or lines in a play. Except much easier than a poem or a part in a play. A few simple words. Very easy and very necessary if you are looking for consistency.

Richard Englefield

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

2006-02-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

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

code 012830

Right Shoulder Arms! (Lesson No. 48)

2006-02-08T04:45:00.000-08:00

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

Subtleties in Golf Make Verbalizing Almost Impossible (Lesson No. 47)

2006-01-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

We all know every year one million people take up golf and every year approximately one million give up the game of golf. I'm not surprised because golf instruction is woefully inadequate. The problem is with the difficulty in verbalizing the important things that must happen if one is to become really good at the game. That very problem perplexed me for thirty years. I kept discovering valuable things that I never read or heard about.

Thus, after giving golf lessons and watching people improve, I decided to open my Golf Journal for beginners. We are nearing the end of my Golf Journal adventure. Maybe we'll close it down after Lesson No. 50, or simply leave it for posterity.

Today I will endeavor to write about something not seen or heard but which will quite possibly improve your game significantly. My effort will focus on verbalizing what others seem unable clearly enunciate.

Typically we hear instructors and pros talk about balance. We hear talk about coming over the top and dropping to the inside and this swing trainer and that. We hear about turning away and we hear about the release. But regrettably we never hear how to effect all those big words. What follows is short and sweet, simple and hopefully well articulated (verbalized).

At the take away the arms must be soft or relaxed while the grip must be moderately firm or sufficient to maintain control through the swing. This is not easy at first and requires much rehearsal and practice. The hands must be rather relaxed as well, especially the right hand for right handers. Especially too the right arm must be hanging somewhat loose with rotational intention.

As for balance, a golfer must forget about being in a hurry to swat the ball down the fairway 250 yards. Balance over the ball is the first requirement. Such is the reason we see the pros taking an inordinate amount of time over the ball! They are doing a balancing act before the take away. It is crucial and requires much experimentation and practice. Of all the tips I have ever heard this is the most important and the most rewarding in terms of improving your game.

Balancing at set up is somewhat complex in that it involves your back and hips and your intent (intentions). Your head is heavy and your feet and ankles are strong. The head easily moves up and down in your swing back and forward. A slight arch in your back helps to keep the head from moving. A good golfer's head never moves (or very little). Your hips and back are probably as important as your feet.

Balance is further achieved by anticipating your back swing with several parts of your body. At address you must orientate your arms and hands for the back swing. But, you MUST also orientate your knees, legs and hips for what you intend to do. Otherwise a disjointed uncoordinated back swing makes the golfer lose his balance. The words "one piece takeaway" simply do not say enough to a beginning golfer. However the words are surprisingly correct though inadequate to the task.

There is a weight shift in the back swing that is surprisingly simple. Merely one must allow weight to go to the sole of the right foot as one turns away. As one turns away one must also keep the right arm low to effect the "low and slow". At my age, low is correct but slow is incorrect. For me to hit my five iron 175 yards I have to use strength in my take away, low and with some rearward reach with the right arm. It simply works well and therefore I advise it (for right handers)!

Today I chipped almost with uncommon perfection. My method was very simple. I straightened my arms and pulled my elbows close together and used a modest weight shift to the ball of my right foot same as with my driver and irons. I rehearsed my swing making sure I knew where the bottom of my pendulum was. My weight shift back toward the ball was decidedly slight. It worked very well. I have been practicing my short game for many years. Practice is necessary and very useful especially around the green. It can and has saved the games of many a PGA professional on Sunday afternoon.

There is sufficient information in this Lesson No. 47 to allow you to keep your clubs in the trunk of your car and head for the driving range as the weather warms up.

The one thing that will take your game to the next level is at the address far more than you may think. You need to spend less time hitting balls and far more time contemplating your address of the ball and your orientation and balance preparatory to your back swing. When you do take the club back you must be aware of where it is going and be sure to take it to the optimum location above and behind your right shoulder. That fact requires some experimentation and cannot easily be taught. But, you can find that point with unhurried experimentation. Very useful and rewarding.

One day in the not to distant future your game is going to get dramatically better. Subtleties and "nuances" are vastly more important at address than you may believe. When you find it you'll be so excited you will never want to forget it. It is not so much hitting as it is balancing in preparation for hitting that is so very important. Once you have mastered the balancing act at address then as Tom Watson said, "You gotta hit it!"

Richard Englefield

Emulating the Pros.....(Lesson No. 46)

2006-01-09T05:14:00.000-08:00

Ever notice that children on TV swing very much like the pros? Either they have excellent coaching or they have limber timber. At my age I can come close...... but not quite.

Hal Sutton remarked recently that golfers are each very unique. We see that more on the Champions Tour where golf swings definitely are dissimilar. My own experience is interesting because most of my game improvement was sought in magazines and books and actually discovered instead on the driving range and golf course. Ideas come from others but one makes it work uniquely by one's self.

For example, my arms are short by comparison to others. It makes a difference. I have a missing tendon in my left wrist,lost in a construction accident. It makes a big difference. Patricia has arthritis in her hip that makes a difference. I laughed understandably when Raymond Floyd said as he got older he had some pain when he got out of bed! Differences make a difference.

Trying to emulate the beautiful swings of the pros is a start but may not work as well as you expect. My slightly flatter back swing works better because my shorter arms and legs tend to make for a fat hit, thus a fade or resulting loss of distance. Adjustments of my posture at address made a significant improvement when I learned the importance of same.Eventually, what is new becomes comfortable, difficult as that may be to believe. It does happen.

I recently linked up with a young fellow playing alone on No. 16. I could see he loved his new golfing experience but he was in need of some lessons. He had the dreaded reverse "C" and was in need of leveling his hips and shoulders. It was plain to see.He will either continue with his errant game or he will find a way to improve.

To a certain extent, I try to emulate the pros. More often I work on my swing and realize there are numerous elements. I am finding that experimenting with those elements is frustrating but can be benefiting. Last week a foursome let me play through on a long par five. I hit a masterful three wood and one of the players said, "You have a beautiful swing!" Surprised me because I don't feel like I emulate the pros who do have a beautiful swing. I guess if you hit a masterful three wood long and down the middle, you have a beautiful swing.

You are unique and need to realize that differences make a difference. Format your swing to your individual characteristics and you will improve along with your score.

Richard

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

2005-12-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-12-21T06:34:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-12-14T04:57:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-12-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-11-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-11-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-11-04T01:26:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-10-31T05:02:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-10-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-09-04T03:52:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-08-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-07-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-07-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-07-15T03:51:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-06-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-06-25T03:59:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-06-13T04:10:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-06-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-05-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-05-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-05-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

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

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

2005-05-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-05-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-05-09T04:19:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-05-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-04-30T03:12:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-04-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-04-22T03:31:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-04-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-04-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-04-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

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

Lady Luck Plays a Role (Lesson No. 14)

2005-04-10T06:23:00.000-07:00

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

A Bunker Shot Can Be Quite Easy! (Lesson No. 12)

2005-04-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

There are several things you need to know when learning to hit from a green side bunker. With a little practice you can become surprisingly good at this shot. The first thing I would suggest, from my own experience, is to purchase a good new or used sand wedge. Always have a new grip on any used clubs you buy.

Playing from a green side bunker requires that you plant yourself firmly in the sand before the shot. Your stance should be open to your target and knees flexed to a greater degree than normal. This insures that you will take sand and let the sand force or push the ball from the bunker. We do not want to fly the ball over and off the green.

Secondly, to that end, you should also address the ball with your hands low and having an open club face while aiming left of your target. The sand will tend to open the club face which is why we aim left.

Typically, while hovering the club above the ball your take away should be with extension or fairly strong and being sure not to lift the club too soon. The shot is a combination of sweep and splash. The swing is as if you were splashing in a pond of water! Your wrists should be very active coming through the ball. I like to compare the shot to swinging a sickle when cutting tall grass; the right hand is cutting through the sand with help from the left.

If the ball is plugged, as in fried egg, The club head should be closed and the back swing needs to be taken up quickly. A great deal of force is required for this shot.

While visitng a famous golf resort near Tampa, Fl. one day I observed a fellow practicing from a bunker at the driving range. I was amazed to see that his back swing on bunker shots all had the same back swing which was very high! He varied his distance by taking more or less sand. He was exceptionally good and he later told me he was a golf professional from Chicago.

I personally use more or less back swing for more or less distances. If the flag is close I am sure to take more sand by keeping my hands low and knees well flexed thoughout the shot.

I like to tell of my best sand shot in my forty odd years golfing career. My approach shot arrived in a green side bunker on an up slope an inch or two from the lip or edge of the bunker. Obviously I had to open the club face to near horizontal to be certain to send the shot high to avoid the lip. This was not a shot I had practiced. I swung hard and the ball flew very high and slammed dunked right into the cup for a birdie. It was lucky but also the correct way to deal with the difficult situation.

RHE

The Masters - What to Look For (Lesson No. 11)

2005-04-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

Weather permitting, we are going to be treated to the most exciting and famous golf tournament of the year - The Masters. The flowers and views will delight us all.

If you are working to improve your own game, here is what to look for as you watch this great event. Pay close attention to the lower body during the swing. The hips and legs are very important to the swing. These profesionals are surprisingly different, as some say, due to individual personalities. This could be very important to you as we are all quite different. What style best suits you!

Watch the take away. Notice how straight the right arm is in the early stage of the swing. See if you notice a slight pause at the top of the back swing. Watch for what initiates the downswing. Which comes first.

Be sure to notice the wrists and hands (and arms) in the short game; putting and chipping. Ball position is always important. I always like to see where the top of the back swing is in relation to their right shoulder. Where is the right elbow at the top of the back swing? Very interesting to watch the left hand early in the take away.

Most of us will be watching ball flight. Sometimes, we should watch the above mentioned references, if we are working to improve our game. This Masters is going to be a very good one. I hope each of you watch it.

Back in 1989 (?) a Cardinal flew onto our window sill in Atlanta. He stayed there for a very long time. I turned to Joan as we admired the big red bird resting on the sill. I said, "This is an omen. Jack Nicklaus will win the Masters!" Jack is from Columbus, Ohio and the Cardinal is the State Bird.

And win the Masters he most certainly did!

RHE

Can Golf Instructors Play Golf? Lesson No. 10

2005-04-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

The pictures above shows how big birdies are in your golf game. Very big!

Twenty years ago I was at a driving range in Atlanta, Ga. watching a golf Instructor give lessons. I remember two things in particular. The instructor tapped the student on the upper right arm and advised him to relax his right arm. Superb advice.

The second thing I remember was asking the same Instructor to give me a lesson (my first experience with a paid instructor). I just had to find out, so I asked him to hit a shot with my 7 iron. He did quite well with the shot. I had to find out if he could play the game.

My next experience was in 1991 with Randy Mosely, Head PGA Professional at Stouffer's Pine isle Resort near Atlanta. I was playing a round on the fabulous lake side course when Randy drove up on a cart and stopped to watch me hit my approach shot. My ball was on bare ground (dirt) hard pan. I hit fat and short of the green 165 yds. up hill. Randy said, "Give me your 7 iron and a ball." He then placed the ball on the hard pan and hit the same shot to 4 ft. from the pin. He was my mentor and he was very good.

I am 67 years old and giving golf lessons. Knowing I may be asked to hit a demo shot I always tell my students I am, at age 67, not quite as good as I was formerly. Sometimes I hit an iron and thus far they have been exemplary, which means I know technique, with a little good luck tossed in.

Today, my course was quiet after the busy weekend and after hitting a few on the range I went to the first tee. After playing nine holes from the white tees (mostly), I tallied up my score; something I almost never do when I am working on my game. The sum and substance of it all (the round) I had two birdies, three pars, three bogies and a double bogie -39. The birdies were very big.

I was curious about this Instructor too (Me!!!). Could he play golf and score reasonably well? The best of it was an up hill chip shot (lofted) on a par three where I missed the green to the left, carelessly failing to turn adequately in my take away. I chipped (lofted) to three feet and holed the putt for an admirable par. I turned and tipped my hat to the twosome on the tee behind me.

The worst of it was not the double bogie. It was my 2 iron shot on the 205 yd. (blue tees) par three. I have worked for a year on that shot going from utility iron to 3 iron and finally to my old and respected 2 iron. I hit it straight and long and walked confidently from the tee box and began my happy walk toward the green. It was late in the day and the sun was in my eyes. I could not see where the straight shot landed. As I approached the green I discovered my ball plugged at 25 yrds. short of the flag on the apron. The ground was soaked from yesterday's rains. It was a well struck 2 iron that on any other day would have rolled up onto the green for the birdie putt. Was I angry or disappointed? Not at all. I know the game and the conditions that impaired my shot. I will simpy wait for a better day (conditions) and try again, with confidence that I can make the shot.

Other best shots were birdie and par Putts of 15 and 10 ft. respectively.

Last year I took a rather expensive lesson from the beautiful Cindy Reed Head Golf Instructor at the famous Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. I had to find out and asked her to hit an iron shot during our session. She picked my 4 iron and hit a masterful shot far down the range precisely on target.

Just like the PGA advertisement on TV says, "These guys (and girls) are good!"

What about me, the one writing these articles? Tonight, I stopped by to watch a young fellow on the range before I went to the parking lot. I asked if he wanted a few tips. He said, "I sure do!" After about fiften minutes of observation and advice he turned to me after hitting several beautiful golf shots and said,"I am sure you glad you stopped by!" His comments were similar to many others that I have helped without charge at my course in Chiefland, Florida. Also those that have paid for lessons.

My conclusion is simply this. Your instructor need not be a scratch golfer.It would be well if the Instructor was someone that had to work to develop his or her game. Intinctively good golfers probably do not make the best Instructors.

Birdies are indeed Very Big!

RHE

Lesson No. 9 - Dealing With Discouragement

2005-04-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we should plan to not play golf. There is frustration in learning to play a rather complex game. Yesterday, when I arrived at my club to play, I learned there was a tournament going on and the course would not be available until late in the afternoon. I then went to the practice range.

After hitting a large bucket of balls, I was quite pleased with my results. I was actually happy! My 2 iron was adequate at replacing my errant 3 wood. Much straighter and often beyond 200 yds. I had purchased a used Taylor Made gap wedge that worked much better than my old one, for reasons I would not understand. My success came from "cheating" just a little by shifting my weight slightly to my right foot before taking the back swing. It worked perfectly and was so easy to do.A little more grip pressure with my right hand made a gratifying difference at the top of the back swing. I was hitting the ball straight, for a change.

I then walked over to the practice green and tossed out twelve nearly new balls for a chipping session (Lesson No. 4 & 7). I placed the balls on a slope adjacent to the green and put my weight forward, hands forward with some degree of determination. I then concentrated on my hands rather than the club head and began to chip quite well. For distance control I used the left, center and right side of my right foot (shoe). I was not perfect, at first, but I was vastly better.

We do not know if that session will transfer to the golf course. From past experience I know it will (at times) and will not (at times). But, it is fun to imagine hitting a 2 iron 220 yds. to a long par 3 or straight on a long par five. Even more fun to imagine chipping close on long par 4s and maybe even a short par 5. Scores can improve considerably.

Practice is for the purpose of discovering what does not work and more importantly what does work well. As for taking it to the course, I am not sure except to say I am hitting more good shots today than in previous years. I enjoy the science of improvement. I always say, "I will be satisfied with small improvement today and a little more tomorrow."

RHE (See Post Scrip below taken from an AOL news account) - A bad day can get better:

"Olazabal had a 40 on the front, including a triple bogey on the 248-yard, par-3 eighth when he had a two-shot penalty. He shot a 29 on the back, including an eagle 2 on No. 13 when he chipped in from 15 yards and three straight birdies to end his round."

Lesson No. 1 - Getting Started

2005-02-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

There is a great deal of physical motion in the golf swing. It is great fun to hit the golf ball and watch it fly far down the fairway. Even more fun is launching a shot from the fairway and watching it loft high and drop on the middle of the green. There are secrets to these shots that need to be learned before they can happen.

I was playing golf at Prestancia Country Cub in Sarasota back in 1985 as I prepared for my PGA Senior Tour efforts. One of my partners was Dick Rhyan, a Senior Tour veteran. He was incredibly accurate and very consistent in making shots. I asked him what he thought of when he needed a good long drive from the tee box. His answer was simple. He said, " I think of balance." It was the best advice I'd ever heard on the subject of shot making.

Today, we are going to start with that subject; the matter of balance. A large human body has quite a task in staying over the little golf ball during the golf swing. Ernie Els suggests we practice by standing on a 4 ft. wooden 2x4 and practice making our swing without falling from the 2x4. Great advice. One learns about posture and turning away and back through to the target by using this little inexpensive method of practice. Since balance is paramount, learning to swing without losing your balance is the best way to start your golfing experience. If you are a seasoned golfer having difficulty hitting the ball straight or consistently well, this simple device will vastly improve your game.

Now, as to maintaining your balance! You will need to have your weight evenly distributed between the soles and heels of your feet. While you must bend at the waist, and have slight flex in your knees, you must not be hunched over. Rather, we like to say, "Be proud!" A slight arch in your upper back helps to maintain balance. We dare not fall forward or backward in the golf swing. You must then turn away into your back swing or you will hang up on your right foot. Weight transfers to the right foot and then back to the left in the downswing. Jack Nicklaus says, "Act like you are swinging in a barrel." I like to say, "Act like you are swinging away around the barrel." The downswing requires that you intend to finish high.

That advice should keep you squarely on the 2x4 and let you begin correctly so as to have a decent balanced golf swing. There is more and you will read about the many other options and tips in future columns.

RHE

The author is also a composer of great symphonies. For more information, please go to the Englefield Symphonies web site at the top left of this page. Just click & Go!