GOLF TIPS
Golf Tips Provided By GOLFonline
Strong Legs for Power
Gary Player suggests an excellent way to increase leg strength for longer
shots. Simply simulate a sitting position against a wall (flat against it),
your arms dangling at your sides and your feet spread wide apart. Hold this
position for as long as you can working up to a full two minutes.
Handling "Fliers"
If you're faced with a lie in the rough and the grass is long and growing
toward the target, expect the shot to fly longer than normal because grass
will get between the clubface and the ball and reduce backspin. Take one
club less and expect the ball to roll farther than normal after landing.
Key on the Left Knee
A key to relieving tension on iron shots, ensuring a proper weight shift,
and hitting accurate shots, lies in starting the backswing by moving the
left knee in toward the ball while starting the clubhead back at the same
time.
Ride the Wind
On crosswinds off the tee, try to "ride" the wind for extra distance. On a
right-to-left wind, start the ball to the right then draw it back. On a
left-to-right wind, start the ball left and fade it to the right. Riding
the wind can add 30 yards to your tee shots in cross winds. Also, expect
the ball to roll more than usual after landing.
Let the Arms Lead
For a freer swing and more solid shots, it's important to swing the arms
and let the shoulders follow. The emphasis naturally belongs in the arms
because they move faster than the shoulders. Swing your arms freely from
the shoulders and you'll hit more accurate shots.
Pitching Set-up
When playing a wedge shot from the fairway, position the ball in the middle
of your stance so the club contacts the ball with a descending blow. Stand
tall and narrow your stance to promote more lower body turn. Open your
stance slightly to the target.
Eliminate the Fats
Fat pitch shots generally occur when the body weight remains on the back
foot at impact. This is an indication that the hips haven't rotated back
and through. Turn the lower body smoothly and your chances for solid
contact are greatly improved.
Stand Tall on Long Putts
When setting up for a long putt--outside 30 feet--stand taller than for
shorter putts. The more upright posture makes it easier to see the line the
putt will travel along and it will make it easier to use a longer, fluid
stroke.
Chip with a Quiet Lower Body
In contrast to the pitch--which is controlled by the lower body--the chip
is an upper-body swing. You should feel your weight shifting below the hips
only through impact and never on the backswing.
Handling Uphill Lies
When challenged with an uphill lie, set up with the ball an inch or so
forward of its normal position and take one less club to reach the target.
Use the Whole Club when Pitching
When pitching grip near the end of the club. Choking down shortens the club
so it feels lighter and makes it harder to sense the clubhead. This
encourages an unwanted fast swing. Make sure you can feel the clubhead when
you waggle and swing.
Snead Says "Hold a Bird"
It's important to grip the club tight enough to feel the clubhead, but not
so firmly that it causes tension in your wrists and forearms. To achieve
the correct pressure, keep in mind Sam Snead's famous image: Hold the club
as if you're holding a baby bird.
Serve up Better Posture
Many swings are ruined by poor posture. If you're unable to remember all of
the points mentioned above, assume the proper posture by imagining you are
a tennis player waiting to return a serve. Your body is loose, in balance,
and ready to swing.
A Barrel of Fun
To avoid swaying on the backswing, remember this advice from the late
instructor Percy Boomer: Imagine you are standing in a barrel with just a
few inches between its sides and your hips. Turn in the barrel without
touching the sides. Use this image to make a full coil while keeping the
weight on the inside of the right foot--without swaying.
Keep it Smooth in Wind
All of us--from Tiger Woods on down--subliminally try to hit the ball
harder in the wind. On breezy days continually remind yourself to swing
smoothly, take one extra club and swing a little slower instead of going
after it full bore.
Getting Physical
Gary Player, a long time fitness fanatic, says the best way to improve your
grip strength is to take a rubber ball and squeeze it tightly. Hold it
closed for seven seconds, release, and squeeze again. Alternate hands and
do this as many times as you can during the day. Your control of the club
will soon increase.