Thursday, October 14, 2010
TLTGOLF: Golf Tip: Let's get specific about off season prac...
TLTGOLF: Golf Tip: Let's get specific about off season prac...: "Indoor golf practice facilities have become popular around the country and are gearing up for the winter practice season. This does not incl..."
Golf Tip: Let's get specific about off season practice
Indoor golf practice facilities have become popular around the country and are gearing up for the winter practice season. This does not include outdoor driving ranges retrofitted with gas heaters for winter practice and those facilities that offer what I call ‘gaming’ situations, or Golf Simulators.
Winter practice will lead to a better golf game and a better golf game leads to more enjoyment on the golf course.
It is important to understand that habits, good and bad, are part of your perception when it comes to swinging the golf club, much like the fear of hitting over water or a sand trap. That said, when you put your clubs away for the season, know that any and all bad habits are put away as well, and will remain waiting until the next time you play golf even if it is several months before you play.
Below are a few simple suggestions golfers might consider if they want to improve their golf swing and hence have more fun playing golf.
First, go ahead and take time from your golf swing/game. Enjoy the fall, the holidays and all that brings
• While watching football, take a pad and jot down those things you know about your swing that need to be addressed. Doing this will help you isolate and focus on swing problems once you start your winter practice.
• Take a little time when you are out running errands and find an indoor practice facility near your office or home and pay them a visit. It’s not a bad idea to add a range gift certificate to your Christmas ‘wish’ list. Note: you may not like the facility that is closest to you, so check around to be sure you get the best fit for you and your swing needs. It is important you are comfortable with the environment.
See what they have to offer in the way of range ball membership programs. Most facilities deeply discount the price of range balls when you sign up for a range membership program.
• Check out the teaching staff. Find out their rates for private lessons, their teaching philosophies and the like.
• Ask questions: I offer this for your consideration. You need a sense of what the teaching pro espouses, their communication skills and whether or not YOU feel they can help you. Note: It is not necessary to take lessons at the same place where you practice, so don’t fall into that trap While it may be convenient, it may actually be self defeating.
• Avoid signing up for any ‘winter instruction program’ until you are sure the person you are signing up with is a good fit for what you are looking for.
• Make a date to start working at the facility you chose after the holiday season is over. Sometime in mid January would be perfect.
• Schedule going to the range twice a week. This would include any trip you might make to take a lesson. Your personal hitting sessions should take no more than 45 minutes or involve more than say a medium or large basket of balls.
• Should you sign up for and start taking lessons, space them out to give you time to practice between sessions. I would suggest a lesson every two weeks. This gives you plenty of time to work on those swing issues you and the professional have discussed.
Finally, check in with your teaching pro to let him know how you are doing and if you are having any difficulty with what you are working on. They might say something, in passing, that causes it all to make sense to you.
You may not realize it, but having a teaching pro help you monitor your progress is a valuable tool to improving your golf swing.
Do your research, make a plan and stick to it. In the spring, when you hit the links, your efforts will be rewarded.
Have a great winter practice season!
Winter practice will lead to a better golf game and a better golf game leads to more enjoyment on the golf course.
It is important to understand that habits, good and bad, are part of your perception when it comes to swinging the golf club, much like the fear of hitting over water or a sand trap. That said, when you put your clubs away for the season, know that any and all bad habits are put away as well, and will remain waiting until the next time you play golf even if it is several months before you play.
Below are a few simple suggestions golfers might consider if they want to improve their golf swing and hence have more fun playing golf.
First, go ahead and take time from your golf swing/game. Enjoy the fall, the holidays and all that brings
• While watching football, take a pad and jot down those things you know about your swing that need to be addressed. Doing this will help you isolate and focus on swing problems once you start your winter practice.
• Take a little time when you are out running errands and find an indoor practice facility near your office or home and pay them a visit. It’s not a bad idea to add a range gift certificate to your Christmas ‘wish’ list. Note: you may not like the facility that is closest to you, so check around to be sure you get the best fit for you and your swing needs. It is important you are comfortable with the environment.
See what they have to offer in the way of range ball membership programs. Most facilities deeply discount the price of range balls when you sign up for a range membership program.
• Check out the teaching staff. Find out their rates for private lessons, their teaching philosophies and the like.
• Ask questions: I offer this for your consideration. You need a sense of what the teaching pro espouses, their communication skills and whether or not YOU feel they can help you. Note: It is not necessary to take lessons at the same place where you practice, so don’t fall into that trap While it may be convenient, it may actually be self defeating.
• Avoid signing up for any ‘winter instruction program’ until you are sure the person you are signing up with is a good fit for what you are looking for.
• Make a date to start working at the facility you chose after the holiday season is over. Sometime in mid January would be perfect.
• Schedule going to the range twice a week. This would include any trip you might make to take a lesson. Your personal hitting sessions should take no more than 45 minutes or involve more than say a medium or large basket of balls.
• Should you sign up for and start taking lessons, space them out to give you time to practice between sessions. I would suggest a lesson every two weeks. This gives you plenty of time to work on those swing issues you and the professional have discussed.
Finally, check in with your teaching pro to let him know how you are doing and if you are having any difficulty with what you are working on. They might say something, in passing, that causes it all to make sense to you.
You may not realize it, but having a teaching pro help you monitor your progress is a valuable tool to improving your golf swing.
Do your research, make a plan and stick to it. In the spring, when you hit the links, your efforts will be rewarded.
Have a great winter practice season!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Have more fun playing golf next year. Work on your swing this winter.
I know I keep harping about this, but being dedicated to helping golfers help themselves, I simply cannot stay away from the topic; Improve your swing in the winter months so you can improve your game next year.
Indoor golf practice facilities have finally come of age and are gearing up for the winter practice season. This does not include heated/covered outdoor ranges and those facilities that offer what I call ‘gaming’ situations, or Golf Simulators.
Winter practice will lead to a better golf game and a better golf game leads to more enjoyment on the golf course.
When you put your clubs away for the season, know that any and all bad habits are put away as well, and will remain waiting for you until the next round, even if it is several months before you play.
Below are a few simple suggestions you might consider if you really want to improve that golf swing and hence have more fun playing golf.
First, go ahead and take time from your golf swing/game. Enjoy the fall, the holidays and all that brings
• While watching football, take a pad and jot down those things you know about your swing that need to be addressed. Doing this will help you isolate and focus on swing problems once you start your winter practice.
• Take a little time when you are out running errands and find an indoor practice facility near your office or home and pay them a visit. It’s not a bad idea to add a range gift certificate to your Christmas ‘wish’ list. Note: you may not like the facility that is closest to you, so check around to be sure you get the best fit for you and your swing needs. It is important you are comfortable with the environment.
See what they have to offer in the way of range ball membership programs. Most facilities deeply discount the price of range balls when you sign up for a range membership program.
• Check out the teaching staff. Find out their rates for private lessons, their teaching philosophies and the like.
• Ask questions: I offer this for your consideration. You need a sense of what the teaching pro espouses, their communication skills and whether or not YOU feel they can help you. Note: It is not necessary to take lessons at the same place where you practice, so don’t fall into that trap While it may be convenient, it may actually be self defeating.
• Avoid signing up for any ‘winter instruction program’ until you are sure the person you are signing up with is a good fit for what you are looking for.
• Make a date to start working at the facility you chose after the holiday season is over. Sometime in mid January would be perfect.
• Try to schedule going to the range twice a week. This would include any trip you might make to take a lesson. Your personal hitting sessions should take no more than 45 minutes or involve more than say a medium or large basket of balls.
• Should you sign up for and start taking lessons, space them out to give you time to practice between sessions. I would suggest a lesson every two weeks. This gives you plenty of time to work on those swing issues you and the professional have discussed.
Finally, check in with your teaching pro to let him know how you are doing and if you are having any difficulty with what you are working on. They might say something, in passing, that causes it all to make sense to you.
You may not realize it, but having a teaching pro help you monitor your progress is a valuable tool to improving your golf swing.
Do your research, make a plan and stick to it. In the spring, when you hit the links, your efforts will be rewarded.
Cheers!
Indoor golf practice facilities have finally come of age and are gearing up for the winter practice season. This does not include heated/covered outdoor ranges and those facilities that offer what I call ‘gaming’ situations, or Golf Simulators.
Winter practice will lead to a better golf game and a better golf game leads to more enjoyment on the golf course.
When you put your clubs away for the season, know that any and all bad habits are put away as well, and will remain waiting for you until the next round, even if it is several months before you play.
Below are a few simple suggestions you might consider if you really want to improve that golf swing and hence have more fun playing golf.
First, go ahead and take time from your golf swing/game. Enjoy the fall, the holidays and all that brings
• While watching football, take a pad and jot down those things you know about your swing that need to be addressed. Doing this will help you isolate and focus on swing problems once you start your winter practice.
• Take a little time when you are out running errands and find an indoor practice facility near your office or home and pay them a visit. It’s not a bad idea to add a range gift certificate to your Christmas ‘wish’ list. Note: you may not like the facility that is closest to you, so check around to be sure you get the best fit for you and your swing needs. It is important you are comfortable with the environment.
See what they have to offer in the way of range ball membership programs. Most facilities deeply discount the price of range balls when you sign up for a range membership program.
• Check out the teaching staff. Find out their rates for private lessons, their teaching philosophies and the like.
• Ask questions: I offer this for your consideration. You need a sense of what the teaching pro espouses, their communication skills and whether or not YOU feel they can help you. Note: It is not necessary to take lessons at the same place where you practice, so don’t fall into that trap While it may be convenient, it may actually be self defeating.
• Avoid signing up for any ‘winter instruction program’ until you are sure the person you are signing up with is a good fit for what you are looking for.
• Make a date to start working at the facility you chose after the holiday season is over. Sometime in mid January would be perfect.
• Try to schedule going to the range twice a week. This would include any trip you might make to take a lesson. Your personal hitting sessions should take no more than 45 minutes or involve more than say a medium or large basket of balls.
• Should you sign up for and start taking lessons, space them out to give you time to practice between sessions. I would suggest a lesson every two weeks. This gives you plenty of time to work on those swing issues you and the professional have discussed.
Finally, check in with your teaching pro to let him know how you are doing and if you are having any difficulty with what you are working on. They might say something, in passing, that causes it all to make sense to you.
You may not realize it, but having a teaching pro help you monitor your progress is a valuable tool to improving your golf swing.
Do your research, make a plan and stick to it. In the spring, when you hit the links, your efforts will be rewarded.
Cheers!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
ENOUGH RYDER CUP.....NOW, MOVING ON...TO THE SWING
O.K. ranting is done for the Ryder Cup, at least until 2012.
It's time to move on to the golf swing.
Actually, I am putting my latest article to bed for New England Golf Monthly's Holiday issue and will be posting part of it on the TLTGOLF blog later in this weekend.
In the meantime I am soliciting you, the readers, to suggest golf swing topics you would like covered in the weeks and months ahead as many of you set in earnest to improve your swing over the winter months with an eye on improving your game in 2011.
Be sure to give ME a little background including: Your age, years playing, how often you play/practice, any lessons, past and present sports, (and I mean WAY back to high school), injuries or surgeries, occupation, education, right or left handed and handicap.
Also, if you would like me to reply to you 'privately' please let me know that too and I will do so.
Cheers and let me hear from you.
Thanks for following the TLTGOLF blog.
It's time to move on to the golf swing.
Actually, I am putting my latest article to bed for New England Golf Monthly's Holiday issue and will be posting part of it on the TLTGOLF blog later in this weekend.
In the meantime I am soliciting you, the readers, to suggest golf swing topics you would like covered in the weeks and months ahead as many of you set in earnest to improve your swing over the winter months with an eye on improving your game in 2011.
Be sure to give ME a little background including: Your age, years playing, how often you play/practice, any lessons, past and present sports, (and I mean WAY back to high school), injuries or surgeries, occupation, education, right or left handed and handicap.
Also, if you would like me to reply to you 'privately' please let me know that too and I will do so.
Cheers and let me hear from you.
Thanks for following the TLTGOLF blog.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
TODAY'S SHOW
I spent most of the hour talking about the impact of poor putting on the Ryder Cup today on my Internet/radio show.
My main point is, once you are 'in the saddle', ready to make your stoke, you don't second guess or even change up the normal pace of your putting routine. I saw this almost all weekend from a majority of American players. Who by the way, are regarded by most as the best putters on the planet!.
The timidness, apparent insecurity brought on by all the second guessing seemed prevalent on the U.S. team
Now, I can only imagine the amount of pressure one is under during a Ryder Cup event. However, when under this type of pressure, one needs to stick with what works...and if it doesn't work.....you don't try to fix it during an event....and you most certainly don't change your routine thinking somehow that is going to make a difference.
I feel for the American Team. I know they went to Celtic Manor hoping to keep the Cup. I do not doubt that they gave it their best shot.
That said, I am haunted by what Jim Furyk's father said to him before the final round of Players Championship a couple short weeks ago: "Go play golf."
This simply means to relax and focus on playing the game. The rest will take care of itself.
Well, we did that. Only thing is we waited 'til Monday's singles matches to 'let go and play golf'.
And finally, almost in spite of themselves, team America STILL almost pulled out a victory! ...In spite of all the over thinking going on.....
I am still in favor of a 'Flat Stick Seminar' and a couple Ryder Cup Match Play summer camps for the players from the U.S.....Who knows, with a little more trust in our ability, we just might bring one home from the 'old sod' in a few years!!!
My main point is, once you are 'in the saddle', ready to make your stoke, you don't second guess or even change up the normal pace of your putting routine. I saw this almost all weekend from a majority of American players. Who by the way, are regarded by most as the best putters on the planet!.
The timidness, apparent insecurity brought on by all the second guessing seemed prevalent on the U.S. team
Now, I can only imagine the amount of pressure one is under during a Ryder Cup event. However, when under this type of pressure, one needs to stick with what works...and if it doesn't work.....you don't try to fix it during an event....and you most certainly don't change your routine thinking somehow that is going to make a difference.
I feel for the American Team. I know they went to Celtic Manor hoping to keep the Cup. I do not doubt that they gave it their best shot.
That said, I am haunted by what Jim Furyk's father said to him before the final round of Players Championship a couple short weeks ago: "Go play golf."
This simply means to relax and focus on playing the game. The rest will take care of itself.
Well, we did that. Only thing is we waited 'til Monday's singles matches to 'let go and play golf'.
And finally, almost in spite of themselves, team America STILL almost pulled out a victory! ...In spite of all the over thinking going on.....
I am still in favor of a 'Flat Stick Seminar' and a couple Ryder Cup Match Play summer camps for the players from the U.S.....Who knows, with a little more trust in our ability, we just might bring one home from the 'old sod' in a few years!!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
RYDER CUP WRAP!
I'm not sure but I think it has been a 17 year drought for the Americans winning the Ryder Cup on European soil......
I am more convinced than ever THIS Ryder Cup could have been ours IF and only if the putting would have been 'marginally' better for team U.S.
I mean when you look at it, the Titans for the Americans must have been holding something back the way the played the singles matches today. Woods, Stricker and Michelson played the game 'for real' today. It was like looking a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde compared to their performances the previous two days!
I will eat only 'half my words' about TW and his play being not up to par, pardon the pun, for Ryder Cup play. He showed me absolutely nothing the first two days...NODDA.....Except, of course, his team spirit....rooting for the others on the U.S. team....but heck, the way he played....and putted....it is really all he had.....and to his credit, it is a good thing...
His play today looked like Earl, (his dad), must have invaded his room at Celtic Manor last night and told him to 'get over it'...and play....because THAT is exactly what he did....PLAY. And today, at least, Tiger Woods proved himself worthy of Ryder Cup team membership, and for that I am greatful!
Phil and Steve? Again, were we to eliminate the previous two days of poor putting from these two and TW....Team U.S. would have buried Europe!!! But that is why the term 'golf' can be a four letter word from time to time.....
We gave em heck today and, again, had the flat stick not let Hunter Mahan down, as it has ALL WEEK, we just might have pulled another one out of the can and broken our losing streak in Europe.
Now, let's see if we all can stay out of trouble and the news for the next two years, keep everyone in our player's families healthy, and perhaps have a PGA Match Play Training Camp before the next Ryder Cup PLUS a Flat Stick Seminar or two.... and we may just find a way to end this drought and win on the 'old sod' in 2014..
Now, go practice your putting!
Cheers!
I am more convinced than ever THIS Ryder Cup could have been ours IF and only if the putting would have been 'marginally' better for team U.S.
I mean when you look at it, the Titans for the Americans must have been holding something back the way the played the singles matches today. Woods, Stricker and Michelson played the game 'for real' today. It was like looking a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde compared to their performances the previous two days!
I will eat only 'half my words' about TW and his play being not up to par, pardon the pun, for Ryder Cup play. He showed me absolutely nothing the first two days...NODDA.....Except, of course, his team spirit....rooting for the others on the U.S. team....but heck, the way he played....and putted....it is really all he had.....and to his credit, it is a good thing...
His play today looked like Earl, (his dad), must have invaded his room at Celtic Manor last night and told him to 'get over it'...and play....because THAT is exactly what he did....PLAY. And today, at least, Tiger Woods proved himself worthy of Ryder Cup team membership, and for that I am greatful!
Phil and Steve? Again, were we to eliminate the previous two days of poor putting from these two and TW....Team U.S. would have buried Europe!!! But that is why the term 'golf' can be a four letter word from time to time.....
We gave em heck today and, again, had the flat stick not let Hunter Mahan down, as it has ALL WEEK, we just might have pulled another one out of the can and broken our losing streak in Europe.
Now, let's see if we all can stay out of trouble and the news for the next two years, keep everyone in our player's families healthy, and perhaps have a PGA Match Play Training Camp before the next Ryder Cup PLUS a Flat Stick Seminar or two.... and we may just find a way to end this drought and win on the 'old sod' in 2014..
Cheers!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
You CAN over prepare...when it comes to putting
So you don't think individual pace and overall tempo of an player is important?
Well, just recall the putting clinic put on at the Ryder Cup Saturday and Sunday by Team U.S.A.
It got to a point, for me, that I was timing the players for both teams and I found that TW, Phil and Stricker were taking 30% more time over putts than normal, (this is some of the stuff we teachers do-what can I tell ya?). Anyway, Graham, Westwood, Kymer and MacIlroy, on the other hand, appeared to be 'normal' in their overall approach to their putting.
Sure the Ryder Cup is important....but come on, to a degree, you have to play your own game and that includes your own pace on the green.....
The Rush Limbaugh of the golf world, Johnny Miller,commented on both Saturday and Sunday that he felt the Americans were taking too much time with their putts....
For me, it was like watching grass grow waiting for them to stroke their putts, (Cinck's head games at one point notwithstanding). It really seemed out of the ordinary for most all of them. Most golfers know that when you are in a routine, your pace and timing and tempo will be virtually the same....all the way round the lot. And I have to say that we were 'off time' when it came to our pace out on the putting surface and it cost us. It's not too late, but the guys have gotta get back into their routine's!
O.K. the first couple days were right up the alley for the European Team. Now let's hope the individual matches can get Team U.S.'s blood flowing again......GO U.S.A. We can do it...!
Well, just recall the putting clinic put on at the Ryder Cup Saturday and Sunday by Team U.S.A.
It got to a point, for me, that I was timing the players for both teams and I found that TW, Phil and Stricker were taking 30% more time over putts than normal, (this is some of the stuff we teachers do-what can I tell ya?). Anyway, Graham, Westwood, Kymer and MacIlroy, on the other hand, appeared to be 'normal' in their overall approach to their putting.
Sure the Ryder Cup is important....but come on, to a degree, you have to play your own game and that includes your own pace on the green.....
The Rush Limbaugh of the golf world, Johnny Miller,commented on both Saturday and Sunday that he felt the Americans were taking too much time with their putts....
For me, it was like watching grass grow waiting for them to stroke their putts, (Cinck's head games at one point notwithstanding). It really seemed out of the ordinary for most all of them. Most golfers know that when you are in a routine, your pace and timing and tempo will be virtually the same....all the way round the lot. And I have to say that we were 'off time' when it came to our pace out on the putting surface and it cost us. It's not too late, but the guys have gotta get back into their routine's!
O.K. the first couple days were right up the alley for the European Team. Now let's hope the individual matches can get Team U.S.'s blood flowing again......GO U.S.A. We can do it...!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
RYDER CUP....NERVES? AN OBSERVATION
Well, almost the first day of the Ryder Cup is in the can....
Who'd of 'thunk' it....rain in Wales! Who knows. It may SNOW today!
The one thing that struck me watching a little of the Cup on Friday was something I don't recall seeing. Maybe it is my 'old age' reflective nature.
I noticed that most, and I mean almost ALL the players looked nervous.
While there is nothing I can put my finger on, it looked to me like they, (players), were all a bit nervous.
It's kind of nice to see players at this level suffering from a case of the nerves.
Don't misunderstand. For years, I've told my clients if they were not suffering a case of the butterflies when they step on to the first tee in an event, something is wrong with them, or they have an ego that is too big to play the game.
No, I'm talking about a general sense of timidness that seemed present in their golf swings.
It's one thing to 'get lost' in the field of a 144 man field in an event and quite another to be one of, say, 16 golfers under the microscope of the entire world.
I actually expect this case of the nerves to wane as Saturday's rounds get underway. That said, and again, it is refreshing to see players at this level 'walking on eggshells'. More later.
Enjoy the Ryder Cup!
Who'd of 'thunk' it....rain in Wales! Who knows. It may SNOW today!
The one thing that struck me watching a little of the Cup on Friday was something I don't recall seeing. Maybe it is my 'old age' reflective nature.
I noticed that most, and I mean almost ALL the players looked nervous.
While there is nothing I can put my finger on, it looked to me like they, (players), were all a bit nervous.
It's kind of nice to see players at this level suffering from a case of the nerves.
Don't misunderstand. For years, I've told my clients if they were not suffering a case of the butterflies when they step on to the first tee in an event, something is wrong with them, or they have an ego that is too big to play the game.
No, I'm talking about a general sense of timidness that seemed present in their golf swings.
It's one thing to 'get lost' in the field of a 144 man field in an event and quite another to be one of, say, 16 golfers under the microscope of the entire world.
I actually expect this case of the nerves to wane as Saturday's rounds get underway. That said, and again, it is refreshing to see players at this level 'walking on eggshells'. More later.
Enjoy the Ryder Cup!
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