Professional Golf Tips

Golf Tips for Today - Hitting it Low for a Single Shot

2008-10-07T08:01:00.001-07:00

There are many times during a round of golf when you need to hit the ball low. Maybe it's a shot into the wind. Maybe there is an opening in front of the green. Maybe the pin is set way back. But it seems that no matter what the reason for the shot, it is usually played the wrong way.

The typical way someone would go about hitting it low is to set up with ball placed way back in stance and take a short, quick, steep, choppy swing to try to keep the ball down.

Unfortunately, this is not the way this shot is to be played. The biggest problem is that when you swing super steep with the ball set way back, this will impart a ton of backspin on the ball, which will shoot it straight up in the air. The idea when hitting it low is to decrease the amount of backspin on the ball.

This can be done from three ways: 1) by hitting a less lofted club, 2) swinging softer, or 3) approaching the ball from a more shallow angle. Or a combination of the three, which I prefer.

Here is a checklist when you need to hit a low punch shot.

Take 1 or 2 more clubs.
Place ball in center of stance.
Choke down on the club a little bit.
Swing nice and smooth, if not soft.

This soft swing will generate much less spin on the ball. Hence, it will have a much flatter trajectory to it. If you have to hit a 5-iron from 140 yards, then do it. The last thing you would want is to try to power surge an 8 or 9 iron and balloon a mile into the air.

Try this sometime and I think you will enjoy playing on windy days.

By Joe Sullivan

Golf Tips: How To Hit A Low Golf Shot and A High Shot

2008-10-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - Consistantly Hitting the Ball Low

2008-10-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

Becoming a low-ball hitter is a great way to improve your accuracy. I don't mean just hitting a knock down into the wind either. I mean having a consistently low trajectory to your shots. Ben Hogan was a low-ball hitter in his day. Hal Sutton is a low-ball hitter today. They also happen to be a couple of the best ball strikers in history.

With the golf courses being set up the way they are, it seems that most amateur players are trying to hit the ball higher and softer. I am not saying that this is a bad thing, because you will often times be faced with shots over hazards and such. However, I think it could benefit the average player if they would learn to incorporate the low shot into their game.

When I go to PGA Tour events and sit on the range, it's amazing how low many of these players hit it. It kind of startles me at first because on TV, it seems as though they are hitting these high, towering, shots. But if you watch a Justin Leonard, or a Nick Faldo, or any of the other really accurate players, you'll see that's anything but the truth.

So what does it take to hit it low? Well, from what I can tell in the great players swings, the way to hit it low is to develop more of a U-shaped swing, as opposed to a V-shaped swing. This will create a much more shallow approach into the ball. Thus, you will essentially just be hitting it as high as the loft of the club allows.

The best way I know how to develop this U-shape is to feel that you "straighten your right arm from the top of your swing".

Here is a checklist to develop a lower shot trajectory:

Perhaps place the ball a little farther back than usual.
From the top, feel the immediate straightening out of your right arm. Don't throw it out and over the top, just straighten it out.

A great feel to help you achieve this is to imagine you are an archer taking an arrow out of your backpack. You have to totally straighten your arm out in order for this to happen. This is a great thought I received from a buddy of mine a couple years ago. It's kind of an exaggerated move, but it gives you the correct sensation.

By Joe Sullivan

Golf Tips: Hitting a low shot

2008-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - Fixing your Slice - Keeping Your Back to Target

2008-10-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

I try to gear most of what I say towards the slicer, but there is only so much that can be said about the slice without making things too complicated.

We already know that there are only two reasons why someone can slice the ball - Over the top or open clubface at impact - That's it! There are no if's, and's, or but's about it!

Having said that, there is not that much more for a slicer to look at other than 'The SELFish Four'. If you can do what is preached in that system, you will become good. Period!

There are, however, hundreds, or even thousands, of different swing feels and thoughts that can pertain to the core fundamentals preached in 'The SELFish Four'. You and I could probably sit around the clubhouse for hours talking about all of these things. Maybe it has to do with your feet, or thighs, or fingers, or toenails, or earlobes, or whatever. There are literally a ton of these thoughts and images that have been used by people over the years to help them strike the ball better.

Because some of these' feels' can be of value, I will occasionally throw out a few of my own that I think will help you achieve a) the correct swing path and plane, or b) a square clubface.

What's especially important to note, however, is that what I say has not only worked for others, but it's also been tried by me and has worked for me. That's why I say them with confidence.

You will most likely never hear me tell you to do anything with your own golf swing that I don't know for sure has worked for others, and that I can also back up myself. If you have seen my video, you will understand what I mean by this.

So this tip has to do with one of those images or 'feels'. As a matter of fact, it is an all-time classic thought that I received from a pro out at the Detroit Golf Club a couple years back. Its essence is as follows?

Keep your back facing the target at the start of the downswing.

What this 'feel' will do is keep your club to the inside on the downswing. If you open your shoulders real quick, and NOT have your back face the target, this will throw your club to the outside, and lead to an over the top swing, and hence a bad golf shot. This is a problem slicers are notorious for having.

So when you reach the top of your swing, do this?

Feel that your hips bump slightly laterally, then begin to turn out of the way.
The key is to keep your back facing the target for a split second longer as you make this initial move with your hips. You should feel that your back resists against your lower body. Your upper body stays still, your lower body begins firing, your golf club is automatically dropped into the slot, your golf ball goes straight and far!

This is a great thought on full shots where it can be controlled by the body, because this thought is essentially just a turning of the shoulders on the back swing, holding them there for a split second, then letting them fire through. So practice this with full shots, and not so much half-shots or short ones which require more arms and hands.

By Joseph K. Sullivan

Golf Tips: A Simple Tip on How to Fix Your Slice

2008-10-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - Fundamentals of The Swing

2008-10-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

You hear a lot of Don't do this" or "don't do that" in learning the golf swing. Let us concentrate on what you should "do".

A sound golf swing is a product of several correct and positive moves.

The "dont's" have no place in the creation of a proper swing.

Our goal is to build a strong repeating swing. To do this, we swing the club with the larger muscles of the body. (You can generate power using the large muscles of the upper torso and the strong muscles of the arms and legs.) A strong repeating swing can not be created if you use the smaller muscles of the hands and wrists.

To start the back swing, simply swing the club away with the triangle created by your arms and a line across your shoulders. This one-piece takeaway will move your "center" with the club. (The center is the middle of your chest.) The knee is starting to break toward the right knee while the weight of your body moves to the back foot.

At the top of the back swing you have created power by "winding up" the big muscles in your upper body. Notice that the "center is facing directly away from your target, and weight has shifted to the back foot.

The change from back swing to downswing is a natural release of the power or wind up you have created. The downswing is initiated by the weight transfer from the back foot to the front foot.

There are no tricks to solid contact. Good fundamentals will put you in a position to just "swing the club through the ball and toward the target".

Center alignment Accelerating toward the ball Final position
Same swing, side view Same swing, rear view

By The Original Golf School

Golf Tips: Swing Fundamentals

2008-10-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - Improve your Airtime by Improving Your Brush

2008-09-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

We refer to the club head-ground contact as the brush. The brush has 2 elements: correct depth, high to low, and correct spot, front to back. A specific starting position, or posture, can greatly affect the brush. The correct combination of body bend points, weight distribution in feet (heel to toe), and distance of hands from the body, will help produce a consistent depth of brush. For example, if your brush is usually high (topping and low trajectory shots), try standing with more weight in the balls of your feet, and move your hands closer to your body at address. Then all you have to do is stay level during the swing, which is best felt through slow motion at first, then bringing it up to speed. Now, the right spot is just in front of the ball. The main influence on spot is weight distribution in feet, front to back, at impact. The more weight in the front (target side) foot, the more forward the brush.

By Larry O. Krupp, FeelGoodGolf Learning Centers

Golf Tips: 2008 PGA Show :: Frogger Brush Pro

2008-09-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips - Generating A More Powerful Swing

2008-09-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

Throughout the entire swing you should let your body swing your arms, much like swinging a heavy ball at the end of a chain. If you keep your elbows together and in front of your center (the upper part of your body) in the hitting area centrifugal force will create club head speed.

The faster you can move the body in the forward swing without sacrificing a smooth rhythmic tempo the more club head speed you will develop. The left arm will rotate and the right arm will extend and cross over the left, just as a home run hitter's arms react.

It is imperative that you keep the body moving to the finish. Otherwise the arms and hands will deliver prematurely.

Golf Tips: How to swing a golf club like Tiger Woods

2008-09-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - Tempo: Improving the Swing, and the Putt

2008-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

THE SWING: Tempo for our purpose is the length of time it takes to make a swing from start to finish.

You must establish a smooth, rhythmic tempo to get the most out of your game day in and day out. If you are having a bad day, check your tempo first. Make sure it is smooth and rhythmic.

You will find the longer the club, the wider the arc will be and consequently the faster the club will swing. Maintaining your established tempo will automatically dictate the speed of the club.

The important thing to remember is that every club should be swung at the same tempo.

PUTTING: I like to use the same tempo for every length putt. That is, take the same length of time for every putting stroke.

Two things dictate how far the putt travels:

The length of the back swing
The speed of the club head

Establish your tempo with about a six-foot putt (the length of time the stroke takes from start to finish). Using a metronome is the best way to practice this. However, you still must mentally establish your tempo. You will find with a little practice the length and speed of the putt automatically change using the same tempo.

This is a very positive approach to putting. Try it, you may surprise yourself.

By Roland Stafford

Golf Tips: Best swing this year

2008-09-26T04:58:00.000-07:00

Golf Tipsfor Today - Topping the Ball

2008-09-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

If you are topping the ball, don't follow your friend's advice and " keep your head down."

Keeping your head down could be contributing to the topped shot.

You must keep your knees and head at the same level and your elbows together throughout the swing. To keep your head level you must keep your center (the upper front of your torso) moving in the forward swing, and to keep your center moving through the hitting area and to the finish you must let your head move with the center. Keeping your head down too long stops the center preventing the arms to continue through the shot.

Watch David Duval and Annika Sorenstam on television and you get a perfect picture of what the head should be doing through the hitting area.

By Roland Stafford

Golf Tips: Golf Instruction & Swing Tip - How To Avoid Topping the Ball

2008-09-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - Hooking the Ball

2008-09-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

If you are topping the ball, don't follow your friend's advice and " keep your head down."

The most common causes of hooking (too much right to left curve on the ball) are a closed club face at the top of the back swing or a bad grip or both. Usually a closed face at the top of the swing is when the back of the right hand is facing the ground when you grip the club. You need to cover the thumb of the left hand. That will keep your right hand working with the club face. The left hand turned too far to the right can also close the face. The club can also get closed at the top of the swing by permitting the left wrist to collapse into a reverse cup position.

The good news about people who hook the ball is they have rotation in their swing. This along with a good grip and good center (the upper front of your torso) movement will go a long way toward good shots.

By Rolland Stafford

Golf Tips: Golf Instruction & Swing Tip - How to Stop Hooking

2008-09-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - The Back Swing - Upper Body Position

2008-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

It really doesn't matter how you start your backswing, as long as you are able to get into the following position at the top. For right handers, the checkpoints include 90-degree shoulder turn, extended left arm, 90-degree hand hinge, and high hands (90-degrees between upper right arm and torso, and 90-degrees between upper and lower right arm).

By Larry O. Krupp, FeelGoodGolf Learning Centers

Golf Tips: Proper golf back swing video lesson from Gary Balliet

2008-09-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - The Back Swing - Lower Body Motion

2008-09-10T01:03:00.000-07:00

The key to the back swing is to turn your center (front part of your torso) behind the ball without changing your head position and without losing your balance on the right leg.

Losing your balance to the outside of your right leg and allowing the body, including your head, to move laterally off the ball is known as a sway.

The opposite is just as bad or worse. That is leaving your weight on the left side, never turning your center behind the ball, and creating the position known as a reverse pivot.

By Roland Stafford

Golf Tips: Proper golf back swing video lesson from Gary Balliet

2008-09-10T00:55:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips for Today - Step-Slide-Step Drill - Improving Your Golf Footwork

2008-09-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

As you swing back, bring your left foot to your right instep without allowing it to touch the ground. The forward swing is started when the left foot starts moving back to its original position.

Practice with continuous swings, back and forth, while hitting balls. One thing is certain, you cannot swing fast while doing this drill! The great thing about this drill is that it will help with timing, rhythm, balance, footwork, weight transfer, and the finish - if you go to the correct finish.

By Sharon Miller, LPGA Member

Golf Tips: Wannabe golfers.bring on the tiger

2008-09-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 22 - Reaching Lofty Heights Part III : Making the Swing

2008-09-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

Now that you're set up to create a lofted wedge shot, consider possible swing faults which can prevent a well-stuck shot.

Closing the Clubface on the Backswing: The clubface does not face the ball at all times during the backswing. Instead, it works like an opening door. At the waist-high position in the backswing, the toe of the club should point upward with the leading edge-perpendicular to the ground. The clubface is closed if it is turned more to face the ground and ball. As noted above, avoid gripping too strongly and aiming with a closed clubface to the target.

Overswinging into Deceleration: Taking too big a backswing in relationship to the distance you hope the ball will travel makes you decelerate in the forward swing. Your body seems to know that you've gone too far in the backswing, so it slows down the forward swing to keep from hitting the ball over the green. Decelerating the club in the forward swing can cause fat or thing shots. Practice following through farther than the distance you take the club back. Reprogramming your brain input eliminates past bad habits.

Inside Swing Plane: If you swing the clubhead too much inside from the target line, the clubhead will return to the ball too shallow, making it difficult to get the clubhead underneath the ball. A steeper angle of approach by the clubhead is necessary to get the ball lofted. The club swinging down makes the ball go up. Never try to lift the ball up or swing up! The wedge has plenty of loft. Let the club do the work; don't try to help it.

Club Laid Off: With any golf shot, the direction in which the butt of the club points during the backswing indicates the club's returning path to the ball. With a less-than-full-swing wedge shot-that is, one using a one-quarter to three-quarter size backswing-the butt should point somewhere between the target line and your toe line in the backswing. When it doesn't, the clubhead cannot naturally return to the ball to produce the desired lofted shot. It would somehow have to be manipulated into the correct path, and this is pot luck. For example, if the but points beyond the target line, the clubhead will return to the ball shallow or in the shank position.

Once you can consistently hit lofted wedge shots, the fun begins. Now, you can have productive practice sessions to a target and start developing feel around the green. Begin with three different size swings, with each size determined by the distance your hands travel in the backswing. Take the club back to knee or thigh-high for a quarter swing; waist-high for a three-quarter swing. Through practice, you'll learn what size backswing to take for various distances.

Experiencing these different size softy-lofty shots on the golf course builds confidence for continued good shots and better scores. Don't berate yourself over a poor shot. Instead, allow the ball's direction, trajectory, and distance to tell you what went wrong so you can make the necessary corrections for the next wedge shot.

By Sharon Miller, LPGA Member

Golf Tips: Swing Vision Tiger Woods

2008-09-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 21 - Reaching Lofty Heights Part II : Preparing to Swing

2008-09-06T00:50:00.000-07:00

If you're having trouble getting loft from your wedge, check your pre-swing fundamentals. Here are the basic setup checkpoints for the less-than-full-swing wedge shot.

Make sure your grip is correct. Especially ensure that your hands are not in too strong of a position. For right-handers, the more the hands are turned to the right from a neutral position on the clubhandle, the stronger the grip (opposite for left-handers). You will see too much of the back of the left hand and the fingers of the right. A strong grip tends to close and deloft the clubface, creating low shots that go to the left. Hands turned more to the left form a weak grip, which tends to open and add loft to the clubface.

Grip down on the clubshaft to make it shorter in length. Although this isn't necessary, it gets you closer to the ball, makes the club lighter, and puts you into a less-than-full-swing frame of mind. You may find this helpful. Play the ball in the center of your stance or where your swing arc bottoms out. Playing the ball too far back in your stance can cause a topped or bladed shot. (Sculled is another term for those across-the-green screamers.) Playing the ball too far forward can cause the notorious chilly dip.

Take a narrower stance than normal. This quiets down your lower body and also puts you in a shorter backswing frame of mind. Open your stance a little to help you follow through more easily-like lobbing a ball underhanded onto the green.

Weight is equally distributed or, preferably, a little more on the forward foot. Minimal weight shift during the swing gives the clubhead a better chance of returning to where it started with a descending blow and getting underneath the ball. A more pronounced weight shift during the swing makes for a longer, flatter bottom of your forward swing arc, which increases your odds for hitting a fat or sculled shot.

Hands are in a forward press position even with or a little ahead of the ball. The hands stay ahead of the clubhead throughout the swing. If the arms and hands decelerate on the forward swing, the clubhead catches up and passes the hands, causing the clubhead to either hit the ground too far behind the ball or blade the ball. These setup guidelines work for many of my students but don't constitute the only correct technique. Experiment to find what works best for you. It's not how, but how many that counts.

By Sharon Miller, LPGA Member

Golf Tips: Golf Instruction & Swing Tip - Preparing for Tournament Play

2008-09-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 20 - Reaching Lofty Heights: Drills for Loft and Consistency

2008-09-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

Place a tee in the hole of the butt end of the grip so you are aware of where the butt points in your backswing (in photos 1 & 2 I am using a shaft extension for clarification). It should point between your target line and your toe line in less-than-full-swing wedge shots. Practice several stop-action swings without a ball so you can see where the tee is pointing; keep correcting yourself until you get it right. Your mind and body will eventually get the idea and swing the club correctly without conscious manipulation. Eventually, you must let go and trust your swing.

# At the finish position, the tee in the grip should point at your bellybutton or thereabouts (photo 3). If your arm and hands decelerate through the ball, the clubhead will pass the hands and probably cause a fat or thin shot. If his is the case, the tee will point more toward the ground at the finish. Practice you swing, and hold the finish position for two counts. Make necessary corrections as go along.
# Place the grip end of your club under your left armpit, and place your hands on the shaft down near the clubhead. Practice swinging back and forth to feel the sensation that the shoulders, arms, hands, and club swing as one. This keeps the shoulders form getting left out of the swing. If the shoulders don't turn toward the target during the finish, the tee cannot point toward your stomach in the drill above.
# Practice half-swing finishes with the clubface facing the sky (photo 3). Pretend there is a glass of water sitting on it at the finish and try not to spill it. On the forward swing, do not allow the toe to pass the heel of the clubhead. The heel leads the toe.
# If you have a proper grip yet tend to close the clubface in the backswing, practice 12 stop-action backswings and make sure the toe of the club points toward the sky and the leading edge is perpendicular to the ground (photo 4). The toe leads the heel going back, and the heel leads the toe going forward and through.

By Sharon Miller, LPGA Member

Golf Tips: Perfect Golf Swing, Tiger Woods Correct Golf swing Fix Swing

2008-09-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 19 - Warming Up Your Golf Muscles

2008-09-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Your hands are the only contact you have with the club, and unfortunately for most golfers, this is where all the problems begin.

Why? Because when we play we all get nervous at times in tense situations like the first tee in front of all your friends or competitors. Under pressure we revert back to squeezing the club tighter than we intended, thus creating an improper chain reaction culminating in less than desired results.

Here's an excellent way to warm up those particular muscles groups before and during your round to counteract our tendencies to "hit, "and instead will allow you to train your golf muscles not just your golf mind-to make the swings you've imagined in your practice sessions. First, grab one of your clubs with your left arm only and lift the club to about chest level high. You can use your right arm as support if you wish, as this will help isolate the amount of movement in your left elbow. Just put your right hand underneath your left elbow as you do the drill. Next, gently allow the clubhead to be lowered by turning your left forearm to almost a horizonal position. The key is to keep your left elbow maintained in the same position that you had when you started. This is essential in order to maximize the resistance, and really work this particular muscle group which is vital in your golf swing.

Then slowly bring the clubhead back to its original starting position. Now allow the forearm to rotate in the other direction and hold for a second once you reach the desired horizonal angle. You'll find that doing a series of reps like15/12/10 and alternating to the other arm, will more than suffice in the beginning to get a good workout for your forearms, hands and wrists. The purpose of this drill is to increase flexibilty in your wrists and forearms which, in turn will prevent injury due to the jarring downward blows that occasionally occur in a golfer hitting down too much on the ball with their iron shots. This exercise will also teach you the feeling of how your forearms(bigger muscles)need to control the smaller muscles, which are your hands and wrists. Most golfers are under the impression that the hands/wrists control the arms, when in reality it's the other way around. Doing this type of specifically designed program daily will help you reap benefits quickly by preventing injuries and increasing your clubhead speed in your swing-which means longer, and straighter shots. Remember most of your bad shots are caused when you use you"hands" to hit the ball. Any attempt to hit the ball using your hands will ultimately lead you to break down your wrists, thus causing you loss of power and control. The best part of this drill is you can practice it in the privacy of your home, office and on the links. You'll be training yourself how your arms move in the swing without having to pound thousands of golf balls daily stressing your joints. Having a good understanding of how your muscles work in your golf swing will be critical to your success.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips: Pre-Golf Warm Up Exercises For Golf Swing

2008-09-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 18 - Golf Lessons are a Worthwhile Investment

2008-08-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Baseball legend Hank Aaron once described the frustration he experienced playing the game of golf. He said, "It took him 17 years to get 3, 000 hits in baseball, but he did it in one afternoon on the golf course. "I'm sure Mr. Aaron was exaggerating his score, but he was on target in identifying golf as a game that can humble even the greatest athletes. I've been fortunate in my career to work with some of the greatest professional athletes in the world from a variety of sports. As good as they were in their particular sport when they took up golf initially they were in for a real dose of reality. Thinking that your good at one sport and transfering those athletic skills as they applied to golf was wishful thinking. However, with the proper understanding of the fundamentals, constant practice, and a commitment to learn, its possible to develop a skill level that will allow you to feel comfortable playing with anyone.

First, learn the game. Notice I didn't say, "Take lessons immediately. "There are many ways to learn golf. Some halfway decent players have never taken lessons. Many start at the driving range hitting balls with their friends or on their own. They read books, watch videos, subscribe to golf publications, internet searches, or watch the pros on television. Use whatever method you like. But be aware that there is a lot of conflicting information out there and it can get pretty confusing to say the least. It can take a lot longer with this trial and error method. Books and videos as good as some can be with information can't give you the one-on-one attention and feedback necessary that you get when you take a lesson from a qualified professional. Learning to feel what is the correct motion in your golf swing is much more important than having pure knowledge of what to do.

Before you decide to take some lessons try to give some thought to the type of golf experience you are looking for, and the level of commitment(money and time)you are willing to make. Let me give you some examples:Group lessons versus Private lessons. If your just starting out and haven't really made a commitment to the game yet you want to learn more, you'll probably want to consider group lessons. Here are some of the advantages, including:

First, the cost is lower. Sharing time with your instructor with other people in the same boat as you will keep financial investment lower.
A more relaxed atmosphere. Because your teacher's time is divided among several students, there is a lot less pressure on you to perform. The added benefit is this gives you time to practice on what your learning while the teacher is helping other students.
Meeting new golfers. Taking group lessons allow you to spend time with people on the same skill level like yourself. A lot of new golfers don't stay with the game because they don't have someone to play with. Unfortunately, many times better golfers don't like to play with beginners.

Group lessons are a great way to test the waters of your interest in the game without making a big commitment. My experience over the years tells me that many people enjoy the camaraderie learning with others in group lessons. As golfers begin to improve they move onto private lessons to get more focused on their own individual needs. Private lessons do cost more, however there are many advantages once you've decided to move forward learning the game. They Include:

Having individualized attention. Your instructor works one-on-one with you and only you. This scenario alone caters to your needs and helps to eliminate any bad habits you might be creating. There is no substitute for having this type of situation where someone is totally focused on you and your golfing needs.
Lessons are tailored to your needs and abilities. You can work on a particular skill area that you desire. Many good players I work with take lessons to work on correcting a problem they might be having with a particular shot. A good instructor learns how to deliver information in a way that the person they are working with can best comprehend.
Private lessons are often videotaped. Watching your swing and having it correctly dissected by a skilled professional can be an extremely valuable experience. Also, you and your instructor create a unique dialouge of trust and respect building your game.

Whatever route you decide to take in your journey to playing good respectable golf just remember to have fun along the way!

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips: Club Face Release

2008-08-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 17d - Golf for Beginners Lesson 4: Hip & Shoulder Action

2008-08-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

"5 Basic Body Actions"

Foot Action
Leg & Knee Action
Hip & Shoulder Action
Arm Action
Hand & Wrist Action

After successfully creating the prior motions mentioned in this series (#'s 1 and 2 above) you're now in position to take the club head to the top of your back swing, loading up like a human spring. Your momentum is moving full steam ahead.

However, the key point here that is crucial: Right hip/leg has turned very little, thus assuring that you're building up a rubber band effect whereby the more the Shoulders can turn comfortably against your right hip, the more power you're storing up in your back swing. Everybody's degree of flexibility is different, yet each person can maintain this position - and daily stretch to elongate your muscles to become stronger which in turn will mean more distance. The left shoulder should turn down and under your chin against your right hip/leg.

To summarize: The turning of the shoulders on the back swing sets up the plane of your swing, and with the hips restricted slightly they are preparing you for the downswing.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips: The All Important Left Hip

2008-08-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 17c - Golf for Beginners Lesson 3: Connecting Foot Action to Leg/Knee Action

2008-08-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

"5 Basic Body Actions"

Foot Action
Leg & Knee Action
Hip & Shoulder Action
Arm Action
Hand & Wrist Action

In Lesson #1 I demonstrated the "5 Basic Body Actions" necessary to achieve maximum results in attaining your golfing goals of playing well in a relatively short period of time and which require minimum amounts of maintenance. In Lesson #2 I expanded on the first basic action, 'Foot Action'. This lesson concentrates on connecting the learned foot action to Leg and Knee action.

After you've established your setup as mentioned in the previous lesson, we now connect the leg/knees to act together to support the foot action.

At your address position, your legs are firmly planted and knees are slightly flexed. The beauty of this stage of your swing is that it's what I call a "bonus move" - because as you roll your left foot to start back against a braced right leg, your left leg will naturally have to go with the foot action you have already created, thus giving you a "2 for 1" move.

The movement, when done properly, will show your legs spelling the letter K in the alphabet on your takeaway. Foot action and Leg & Knee action are in sync - almost like your staging a little dance with excellent balance. Remember... the knees must remained flexed throughout the swing!

The movement for the Foot Action/Leg & Knee action is minimal as you will see with some practice; however, it's essential that you understand its overall importance in maintaining a great foundation and sequence that, once learned, will never let you down.

One note I would like to mention here is that you never want your weight to get to the outside of your right leg, or let your right leg straighten up or buckle. Your right leg is the fulcrum, or key, to storing up power in your swing.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf TIps: Ivan learning leg action for Dan Shauger/Mike Austin

2008-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 17b- Golf for Beginners Lesson 2: Foot Action

2008-08-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

"5 Basic Body Actions"

Foot Action
Leg & Knee Action
Hip & Shoulder Action
Arm Action
Hand & Wrist Action

The first action we will talk about - Foot Action - is instrumental because even though your hands are the only connection with the club, your feet are the only contact with the ground. When you build a house you need a solid foundation. Not to diminish the overall importance of the hands which we will talk about later, but the feet don't feel the anxiety or nervousness that we apply to the hands by gripping tighter under pressure.

In addressing the ball, there is a best stance for every shot in golf, and the stance may vary for different players. There are three types of stances in golf: Square, Closed, and Open.

The Square stance is that in which both feet are equally distanced from the line of flight which is the imaginary line between the ball and the target. This is your basic standard stance which is recommended for overall compactness and control

The Closed stance has left foot nearer than the right foot to the line of flight. This stance is assumed when desiring to draw or hook the ball.

The Open stance has the left foot drawn back farther away from the line of flight than the right foot. This stance is best utilized to fade or slice the ball to the right of your intended target.

In addressing the ball, the heels should be placed at approximately the width of the shoulders. The weight should be distributed evenly from the ball to the heel of the feet. Now as we begin to start your swing, the feeling we want you to achieve is by rolling the inside of your left foot over to the inside of your right foot which is braced. This movement is minimal, yet very important as it will initiate the cycle of establishing the proper reaction in your swing in the correct sequences as you will see.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf TIps: The Perfect Golf Swing - A Round With Foot

2008-08-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 17a - Golf for Beginners Lesson 1: The 5 Basic Body Actions of Golf

2008-08-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Almost anyone can learn to play an enjoyable game of golf, regardless of age or natural abilities. I have worked over the years with many golfers with Physical Disabilities. However many have not allowed this unfortunate handicap to limit them in continuing to enjoy golf. In fact, many are fundamentally better than their healthy counterparts because they are forced to utilize sound mechanics which prove that Golf can make the playing field more equal for everyone.

Through these articles you will see how I am going to dispel many myths that are prevalent in the world wide golfing community, such as "Keep your eye on the ball". I teach blind golfers to play, so that throws this theory out the window. Golf is a Billion Dollar Industry of Misinformation! I am not going to try to re-invent the wheel for you - only act as a guide to help you sort out fact versus fiction when it comes to what really goes on in the golf swing and the game. So if you want to learn to play golf, you CAN. Now let's move on to "lesson one", and how I approach golfers who are new to the sport.

My first lesson with a pupil: they show me, I show them.
Without showing or telling a new pupil anything at all, I have them swing the club the best they can. Then I briefly have them explain to me what they think it takes to hit the ball. This gives me an idea of what natural ability they possess, as well as how to approach them mentally based on their verbal descriptions.

After the new golfer has made some swings for me and we have talked briefly about whatever they have been exposed to up to this point in learning, I have them sit back and watch, and listen, as I fully explain and demonstrate the 5 basic body actions necessary to achieve maximum results in attaining their golfing goals of "playing well in a relatively short period of time which will require minimum amounts of maintenance".

The "5 Basic Actions" are:

Foot Action
Leg & Knee Action
Hip & Shoulder Action
Arm Action
Hand & Wrist Action

Other than your head, this incorporates your entire body. In the next lesson we will start the process of how to start your swing from the "Ground Up instead of the Hands Down" using this "5 basic actions dynamic domino effect" - which creates the proper chain reaction necessary to becoming a solid golfer for a lifetime.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf TIps: Basic Golf Swing Setup and Posture

2008-08-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 17 - Golf for Beginners

2008-08-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

"The following article, the first in my series "Golf for Beginners", is an introduction to learning to play for beginners and those with limited experience. Future articles will concentrate on the techniques I use in actual beginner instruction, starting with "Lesson 1" and continue through the complete game. I once taught a lady who had never played golf - after only six lessons she shot an 80 on 18 holes. I can't promise you'll do as well, but hope this series will help to get you started on the right foot. Be sure to check back for the lessons, which will be provided as my schedule permits."
TOM WARD

Through the years of golf development there have been some differences of opinions among golf professionals regarding various details of mechanics and playing techniques - the stance, pivot, or swing most suitable for one player not being the best or most suitable for another. The theory and practice of almost every golf professional varied from that of others in some respect, and each would teach their own theory, or own method, and his own game to their respective students.

Many things have contributed to the elimination of most of these differences; and basic fundamentals are agreed upon. As a result, standard golf instruction is now available to golfers desiring to play better golf.

The quickest and most effective way to playing good golf is through study and practice. From these golf "lessons" you will gain the necessary knowledge of what to do and how to do it. Practice will develop your skill and playing technique; experience will develop your judgment. Knowledge of what to do and practice of how to do it is the shortest route to accomplishing your goal of playing good golf.

The first thing a beginner or high handicap golfer must learn is motion. Whether it is in golf or any other sport, the correct motion is vitally important in your basic foundation for creating a good golf swing. In order to teach the correct motion, I will break down the whole movement into 5 basic body actions. When my pupils train themselves to make these actions reasonably well in a short period of time they have no trouble playing an enjoyable game of golf.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips: Golf for beginners

2008-08-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 16 - The Coach Is Always Right

2008-08-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

There are so many opinions about how to play the game because a lot of it is personal preference. When you're first learning, you'll get a lot of information about a lot of preferences from many sources. This can be very confusing, especially if you still don't have a solid understanding of the laws and principles pertaining to the game of golf. The Golf Business is a billion dollar industry of misinformation!

To avoid this confusion, make a commitment to follow your instructor's recommendations until you feel you are well grounded in the basics which takes very little time. I have two rules regarding coaching golfers:

Rule Number 1: The coach is always right.
Rule Number 2: If the coach is wrong, reread rule Number 1.

"He was never defeated by the vicissitudes of the game."

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips: Pro golf coach analyzes Tiger Woods' golf swing

2008-08-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 15 - Proper Golf Equipment Plays a Large Role

2008-08-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

As a golfer today, you are besieged by advertising campaigns to buy the newest golf equipment. Longer distance golf balls, massive driver heads, and longer shafts all create mass confusion as to what is best for you. The shaft is the heart of the golf club and is one of the six important club specifications. Each golfer has his or her own swing characteristics. You may have a favorite club in your set, a club that you hit really well and it just FEELS GOOD! The chances are excellent that you are dealing with a club that is close to your frequency. During a custom club fitting session, you will swing several clubs with different shaft frequencies, lengths, lie angles, materials, grip sizes, and grip materials. Proper club fitting can give you the consistency and distance you've been looking for. Once these club specifications are matched to your swing, you will experience maximum performance. With the right equipment, your game will improve dramatically, your handicap will be driven down, and you will enjoy the game more.

By Larry O. Krupp, FeelGoodGolf Learning Centers

Golf Tips: 2008 Golf Equipment Review

2008-08-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 14 - Ladies Only: More Distance!

2008-08-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for more distance, look no further! A majority of LPGA players (and some PGA players) do something at impact that helps generate more distance. The secret is in the footwork. The more you are up in the front of your feet at impact, the further you will hit the ball. Some players exaggerate this to the point that both heels are off the ground at impact. So, give this "Toe dance" a try and see if it doesn't get you into the "Ball" game.

By Larry O. Krupp, FeelGoodGolf Learning Centers

GOlf Tips: Nicole Tucker 2009 Golf Swing Video

2008-08-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 13 - Thoughts on Some Common Trouble Shots

2008-08-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Trouble Shots

There are many types of trouble shots.
Here are a few suggestions to cover the most common ones.

Deep Rough

Long grass has the effect of closing the face of the club and decreasing the loft of the club. For this reason, the player should use a more lofted club than if the ball were in the fairway. If a player has a long distance left, the first consideration should be getting the ball out of the rough. Use of lofted fairway woods #5, #6, #7 is advisable in this situation. The long grass will decrease the loft of these clubs and the ball will actually go the distance of the less lofted fairway woods. Around the green, the player must again use a more lofted club. These types of shots are custom made for a wedge or a 9-iron. The effect of the long green will once again decrease the loft of the club. The ball will therefore fly lower and run more than if it were in the fairway. Remember, allow the loft of the club to lift the ball out of the rough!

Sidehill, Downhill & Uphill Lies

Of course, few golf courses are flat. Here are some suggestions for playing hilly lies.

Take a practice swing and note where the club is striking the ground. If the club is striking the ground nearer the back foot, move the ball back in your stance; if the club is striking the ground nearer the front foot, move the ball forward in your stance. This system is the most accurate system to determine where the ball should be placed in the stance. Seldom does a player have a purely sidehill or uphill lie. This system takes all the factors into account as the practice swing is the forerunner to the actual shot.

The general of thumb is to position the ball in the stance nearer the higher foot on the downhill lies, and about center on the uphill lies. On sidehill lies, position the ball left center (as you normally would). If the ball is above your feet on the sidehill lie, you will normally hit the ball straight or pull it to the left. If the ball is below your feet, most players will actually pull the ball to the left because their leg action will slow down as they try to maintain their balance.

The best system for determining which way the ball will travel for you on sidehill lies is to try ten practice balls from each sidehill position and see what really happens.

How to Get Out of Trouble

So often we get into trouble and compound our difficulties by trying to play a miracle shot to get out. The best approach is to play the shot you know you can play, not the shot Arnold Palmer would be dubious about. When hitting over a tree, take one club extra. If you think you can clear the tree with a 7-iron, take an 8 or 9 iron. If you think a 5-iron will just stay under those branches, hit a 4 or 3 iron. This approach simply gives the player the benefit of the doubt and will take pressure off your shot. It also puts the percentages on your side. This is the chess side of golf that is as important to master as hitting the ball well.

Some Thoughts on Putting

Putting is a matter of combining the distance of the putt and the direction of the putt. For the most part, the direction will be fairly automatic. Rolling the ball approximately on line is fairly automatic for even the newest golfers, bur hitting the ball the right distance is an acquired talent that takes time and practice. When making a practice stroke, the player should concentrate on how hard the putt must be hit and then duplicate that stroke when making the actual putt. "Concentration" on distance rather than direction will result in rolling those long ones up for a "gimme".

When you have a short putt of a few feet that you certainly expect to make, roll the ball firmly enough to reach the back of the cup. Nothing is more frustrating than leaving a 3 or 4-foot putt short. Making the putt to the back of the hole will do three things:

Eliminate or lessen the amount of "break".
Putting greens are not perfect. If the putt has speed, little imperfection such as pebbles or sand will have less influence on the roll of the putt.
Reduce the chances of leaving the putt short.

Practice

For practice to be productive we must first analyze what aspects of our game need the most work. This can be done best by counting how many drives hit the fairway, how many fairway wood shots reach their target, how many iron shots hit the green, how many putts we use per round, etc... After realistically determining what should be worked on, seek a Golf Professional to make necessary corrections. The watchful eye of a trained Pro can save time, and more importantly, strokes.

All practice should have a goal, weather it is trying to make a larger percentage of 10-foot putt or straightening out an erratic diver. Chart your progress on a notepad. This type of organization will prevent you from following the wrong path.

A good practice drill is the "Toe-up Toe-up Drill". Using a lofted short iron, make half swings with the hands swinging about waist high. On this length back swing, the toe of the club should also point up, and on the forward swing the toe of the club should also point up. A normal weight transfer will allow you to release your back foot so the heel is off the ground and you're balancing on your toe. If the toe of the club is not "up" on the back swing and follow through, look for corrections starting with the grip and then alignment.

We practice to improve both our score and our enjoyment. This acquires the ability to change, and most importantly, "to think". Limit the time of your practice sessions to the time you can be strong mentally and physically. Many good practice sessions do not produce the result they should because the player hit too many practice balls, got tired, and fell back into old bad habits.

Instruction and information combined with intelligent practice are the ingredients to a better golf game!

By The Original Golf School

Golf Tips: Trouble Shot Tips Video

2008-08-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 12 - Hip Movement During the Swing

2008-08-04T08:59:00.001-07:00

The hips play a very important role in the golf swing. The problem is that most people do not understand the correct motion that they must make. The correct move is NOT a simple turn of the hips from the top of the swing, as many would believe.

In fact, the correct move is a slight lateral shift, or "bump", and then a turn. If you look at players like Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo, you will see a perfect example of this. These guys don't just turn their hips away from the top. Instead, their weight shifts laterally to the left side, which drops everything (arms and shoulders) into the slot. From there, they can just turn and fire through the ball as hard as they want.

Most over the top slicers do just the opposite of what Tiger and Nick do. They turn, instead of shifting, then turning. When they turn, their right arm and shoulder throw over the top of the plane.

Here is a checklist for you to develop the correct hip movement:

From the top, feel that you "bump" your hips laterally and slightly out to the right (out to right field). This will drop your arms into the inside slot, from where you can attack the ball.
Once you achieve that nice inside position, you are home free! It's now just a matter of turning your hips and firing through the ball aggressively.

Keep in mind not to shift your upper body along with your hips. It's simply a lower body shift.

Golf Tips: The All Important Left Hip - What does it do?

2008-08-04T08:57:00.001-07:00

Golf Tips 11 - Vary Your Practice Shots

2008-07-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Whenever you practice, you should spend some time playing with your ball flight. Experiment with all the possibilities. Spin the ball left and right, a little and a lot.

Then make the ball go high and low, a little and a lot. Practice this routine with all of your clubs. As you are able to do more with your ball flight, you will lower your score and have more fun.

By Larry O. Krupp, FeelGoodGolf Learning Centers

Golf Tips: Practice golf shots to get the most from your game

2008-07-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 10 - Where Should You Position The Golf Ball?

2008-07-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

This is a personal preference area. Acceptable ball position is somewhere between the middle of your stance and heel of target side foot, with your hands slightly touching your target side leg to a hand-thumb out from your leg at address. To find your best spot, hit a ball from all 4 corners of the ball box and gradually adjust until you optimize ball contact and initial direction. Some players find this spot with every club. I think it's more consistent to have one spot for all clubs and change your spine angle and width of stance to accommodate the club you are swinging. Obviously, you can affect direction and trajectory by adjusting the front to back parameter. Front is higher trajectory and possibly in the direction of the front foot. Back is lower trajectory and possibly in the direction of the back foot. I say possibly because you could change your swing path if you wanted to. After all, you can do whatever you want. Understand that a slight realigning (positioning) of your body or clubface may be easier to do.

By Larry O. Krupp, FeelGoodGolf Learning Centers

Golf Tips: Stance Width Ball Position

2008-07-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 9 - Choosing the Right Golf Balls

2008-07-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

There is nothing worse for golfers than wasting a good swing. Maybe it was a perfect drive on the range right before tee off. Maybe it was that perfect practice swing. Or maybe, just maybe, you wasted a good swing because your golf ball was not suited for the situation, or was piece of junk altogether.

I see far too many instances where a player uses the wrong type of ball. They might have the Great Big Bertha, some space age composite irons, or even the fancy wing-tipped shoes, but if the golf ball does not suit the player or the circumstance, then the overall outcome of the shot will be adversely affected.

There are essentially three types of balls: balata, two-piece, or a combination of both. Basically, there are two things to consider when choosing the correct ball:

1. What are you looking for?
Are you a low handicap looking for ultimate spin and control? If so, choose a balata. This is essentially just a softer ball, which has a softer cover and allows for more spin. This is what Tiger and a lot of the big boys play (They are also quite a bit more expensive). If you are a higher handicap, you will be looking more for distance and durability. This is where a good two-piece ball will be best. This ball has a harder cover, and hence creates less backspin, which allows for you to hit it farther.
2. The elements?
It's important to look at things like the weather and the course conditions when choosing a ball. If, say, the course has been deluged with rain, then you will need a ball that will travel farther and produces less spin. If you are playing on a rock hard, sun-scorched track, choose something softer that will land soft and spin.

Also, keep in mind things like the temperature. If it's cold out, the ball will not compress as much, so you would want to play a 90-compression. (there are two compressions for men, 90 and 100.) Vice-versa if it's hot out.

Here are my recommendations for golf balls:

* Balata - Maxfli HT or Titleist Professional
* Half balata, half two piece - Precept EV Extra Spin or Titleist HP2 Tour
* Two-piece - Maxfli MD or Wilson Staff TC2

There are more and more pros nowadays going from the pure balata to the half-and-half ball. It's a great type of ball and something I recommend for any playing ability.

Remember, you can cut off a few strokes per round by doing nothing more than choosing the correct ball. It's a good idea to keep a few of each in your bag and practice with them. Learn how they feel. See how you like them. Figure out which one to use so you can get an edge on your playing partners even before you tee off. *

Columns ©1999 Joseph K. Sullivan and GolfLink Inc. All rights reserved.

Golf Tips: Captain Cock attacks golf ball

2008-07-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 8 - Head Movement During the Golf Swing

2008-07-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Does the head stay down and still? NO. If you look at the great players in the game, most have a slight movement of their head going back. It certainly varies from player to player, but it's still present in one form or another. Players like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have quite a noticeable head movement on the back swing (especially with their drivers). Other players, like Steve Elkington and Tom Purtzer, hold theirs a bit more stationary.

What's important to note with head movement, just as in the weight shift, is that it's not something you should think of. It is simply just a reaction to what you do with the golf club. When a golfer starts thinking of shifting their head a little bit here, and a little bit there, there is big time trouble awaiting.

Here is the proper head sequence?

On the back swing you have a little natural weight shift. Consequently, you have a little natural head move. This is perfectly O.K. This is the same move that you would make if you were to throw a rock into a lake. You would never think of anything other than the rock and the lake, but your weight and head would shift automatically. If you throw it 2 feet, you don't have any movement. But if you throw it 200 feet, there will be a more noticeable move.

On the downswing is where the key is. YOUR HEAD MUST REMAIN BEHIND THE BALL AT IMPACT. If you look at a face-on picture of any good player in the history of the game, they all have their head behind the ball at impact. You can even see in players like Nick Faldo and Greg Norman, that they actually move their head to the right to start the downswing. This just creates a more powerful, underneath, impact position. If you get your head moving laterally left BEFORE you strike the ball, you basically have no chance. You will be way steep, way over the top, and way far from hitting a good shot!

Post impact, your head will follow the rest of your weight to the left side. You don't want to hang back through the entire shot and snap your spine in half, or at least finish in a reverse-C.

Just remember that a good impact position will make it easier for this natural head movement to happen.

The Bottom Line? With regards to head movement, the idea is to hardly ever think about it (maybe to hold it still to start your downswing is okay). Just try to let it take its natural course.

Also, keep in mind to not freak out if you see it move slightly on the back swing, because Tiger Woods does it also. As I've said, if it's good enough for Tiger, chances are that it will be good enough for you, too.

Golf Tips - Head Movement

2008-07-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 7 - The 50/50 Feeling to Good Balance

2008-07-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

The title of this teaching tip may sound somewhat contradictory, so allow me to explain.

Canadian golf legend George Knudson dedicated an entire instructional booklet on the importance of good balance. All good players and top instructors agree that without balance throughout the swing (both physical and emotional) you have no chance of producing good shots consistently.

For good static balance, I suggest feeling your body weight is 50/50 back to front (heel to toe), and 50/50 side to side (front foot to back foot). Assuming you have a correct spine angle at address, your weight back to front will tend to favor the balls of your feet - which is why you need not over emphasize this sensation. Conversely, if you over emphasize weight on your heels, you may lose your spine angle, and this will throw you out of balance to the rear.

The 50/50 feeling side to side is very easy to achieve, because it is, indeed, "just a feeling." In reality, if you have your upper body positioned properly behind the ball, your body weight will naturally follow, meaning your weight will favor your back foot.

By Bob Wyatt, United States Golf Teachers Federation

Golf Tips Pro Lesson: Posture and Balance

2008-07-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 6 - Understanding Golf Swing Alignment

2008-07-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Poor alignment is the single most destructive area for players of all levels, when it comes to taking the game from the practice range to the golf course. This means alignment is extremely important for you as a beginner - so don't put it on "the back burner" of your learning priorities.

There are two main elements to be considered when lining up a golf shot. First and foremost is the target line (the line that the golf club is actually on). Secondly - the stance line, also known as the body line.

Both are important, but the stance line must always be determined first by the target line if the stance line is to have any true meaning.

By America's Favorite Golf Schools

Golf Tips: Golf Pro Gary Balliet shows proper golf alignment

2008-07-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 5 - Check the size of the grip on your clubs

2008-07-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

In my 28 years of teaching students of all levels, I have found that making the needed adjustments concerning grip type and grip size gives you the best chance of realizing improvement very quickly. If the grip is too small and slippery, you will tend to hold on much too tight, creating a host of swing problems.

If using what are considered standard size grips by most manufacturers, chances are their grips are too small.

Be on the lookout for this ongoing potential for trouble.

By America's Favorite Golf Schools

Golf Tips: A Game Golf Instruction HowTo Grip the Club like Tiger Woods

2008-07-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 4 - Perfecting Your Swing Through

2008-07-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

One very effective drill in perfecting your swing is to let the ball 'get in your way' as you swing toward the target. In other words, you let the ball get hit because it was sitting there in the way of your swing, not because you were swinging at it.

This drill shows why many people have better practice swings than actual swings where a ball is involved. Without a ball it is easier to swing through, yet this is the very motion that is needed when perfecting your swing.

A key in helping correct this tendency is to learn how to separate the optical eye from the 'mind's eye'. The optical eye sees where the ball is sitting, while the mind's eye sees the ball sailing toward its target. Remember, the ball is not the target, so the key is to avoid being tricked by your optical eye. Instead, let your mind's eye swing to your target, which is the fairway or the green. This is not to say that you don't look at the ball at all, but rather to stress that there is a great difference between looking at the ball and concentrating on it.

Golf Tips by Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips: Perfect Golf Swing, Tiger Woods Correct Golf swing Fix Swing

2008-07-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 3 - Learn To Read To Improve Your Golf GamGolf Tips 3 - Learn To Read To Improve Your Golf Game

2008-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Now, after hitting the shot, you must read it correctly. You must be in a balanced finish to read it properly, so you can check your alignment in case the shot is off line. As you stand in a perfectly balanced finish and watch your ball, ask yourself: how does my balance feel, how was the brush, how was the path, was the clubface in the correct position, and did I hit it in the center of the clubface? Then, either focus more on what is missing, or play it and go fix it after the round. You will only be able to accomplish 8 to 10 perfect shots per round, so be mentally prepared!

By Larry O. Krupp, FeelGoodGolf Learning Centers

Golf Tips: Learn the basics of putting and improve your golf

2008-07-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Basic Golf Swing Setup and Posture

2008-07-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

Golf Tips 2 - Stroke the Ball, Don't Hit It

2008-07-13T01:19:00.000-07:00

Often the difference between a strong, powerful swing and a misguided hack is the tendency to hit, rather than stroke, the ball. The difference can be seen when examining a short putt, when it is easy to stroke the ball. Hitting is not an option for a short putt, which makes it the easiest shot in golf. No desire to hit the ball allows a stroking, swinging motion. Perfect this technique for short-distance shots and you will find increasing accuracy and distance with your long shots as well.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips 1 - Build Your Accuracy First, Then Your Distance

2008-07-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

What is the easiest shot in golf that all beginners can properly execute? It's the "gimme" putt. As the distance between the cup and the ball becomes greater, the tougher it is to make a shot.

Start Small.

Beginning with this idea in mind, you will see that when honing your golf skills it makes sense to start with smaller swings, then build up to the full swing. This is the reason why a person just learning the sport will learn and teach the body the correct motions iin developing an accurate and powerful swing by starting with the short swing. Trying to learn the full swing first makes it much more difficult to learn the correct muscle coordination that the full swing requires.

Learning to hit for distance and then accuracy is putting the cart before the horse. It works the other way around. Ultimately, accuracy will create distance.

By Tom Ward, PGA Tour Instructor

Golf Tips - Hit The Driver 300+ Yards!!!

2008-07-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

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2008-07-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Privacy Policy for www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com

If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at muhammad.surya@gmail.com.

At www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com and how it is used.

Log Files
Like many other Web sites, www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies and Web Beacons
www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com does not use cookies.

Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include Google Adsense, Amazon, .

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. www.professionalgolftips.blogspot.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.