Creating speed with your golf club is not a strength issue--it is an angle issue. The first thing I make beginning golfers become aware of is the whoosh of the club. I will have them swing the club back and forth horizontally listening for the whoosh (club head) and will gradually ask them to increase the sound of the whoosh (increasing their club head speed) . I rarely have to tell them how to do it because when it is done horizontally it is athletic and natural. The things that happen horizontally are the things that you want to translate into your golf swing. You will notice horizontally that your hands are just holding the club and your arms are relaxed. You will notice that creating lag and a deep angle on the downswing is natural and easy. You will notice that your hands rotate over one another where the golf ball would be if it were a four foot tee. A release is not something you force to happen. A release happens in response to good angles and good action on the down swing.
One of my favorite sayings is: If golf were played with 4 foot tees than I would not have a job because everyone would instinctively know how to swing a golf club. The action of the golf swing is exactly the same as the horizontal swing but it is a little more difficult to do on the golf plane which is more vertical due to the ball being on the ground.
I only said a little more difficult--not a lot more difficult. The main reason people don't create much club head speed in a golf swing is because they are thinking about anything but creating speed. Thoughts like 'keep your head still' or 'left arm straight' or some extraneous swing thought like pause at the top tend to take one away from creating club head speed.
Once you get over the concept that you can control the club and that you can guide the ball than you can start to just let the ball get in the way of good motion.
The problem with most golfers is not that they cannot do it. It is mostly that they are not trying to do it and are wrapped up in some swing thought that is control based and they are not getting any whoosh. Motion is inhibited. Trust me--control is an illusion. To hit it straight the club has to swing in a circle and the club head is only square for an instant.
It is easy to lose sight of the Forrest through the trees. There is so much golf talk and swing analysis out there today with your golf buddies and golf magazines and the Internet but I believe anyone can create good motion and good action by just becoming aware of it and sticking with it long enough to develop the skill.
Here is the drill to let what you already know how to do athletically get into your golf swing.
Stand at a teed up ball with your driver. Lift the club up horizontal to the ground and swing it back and forth creating your natural action and motion. Increase your whoosh each swing. Without thought or more than 3 seconds elapsing set the club down and hit it with the goal of translating the horizontal feel into the golf swing.
It is important to remember that their are things that are really important in the golf swing and things that are less important. This is just a guess but creating motion might be one of those things that is really important and deserves your athletic attention.
Nov 24, 2009
Nov 13, 2009
Golf Swing simplified
Remember that the goal of golf club manufacturers and golf magazines is to sell you their product. Try not to be confused by all the rhetoric.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine how many words are used by the 10,000 experts in the world of golf and how they would describe what happens in a golf swing. Next, imagine all the rest of the golf world trying to explain to their buddy's what they do and what they just read in "x" publication. Its important in today's world to be able to filter information.
I believe that it is more important to get good at a few things and develop them rather than fish for a swing thought that fixes everything.
The first thing is to look at your golf club as a tool, like a hammer or screw driver, and figure out what the tool is designed to do. The second thing you have to do is recognize that golf is a skill and it needs to be developed and practiced so that you can have a level of consistency when playing.
This is what I do...
I swing right handed and hit little 10 yard chips. I let they club do its job and I pay attention to the ball flight and the solidness of the shot. When the shot starts going like I want: I pay attention to the feel of the shot. After doing this right handed for a while I then use both hands and then try to get the same solidness and feel as I had achieved with only the right hand. All action is the same in solidly hit golf balls whether it be a little swing or a big swing. The feel of the action through the ball just happens more quickly on bigger swings.
Repeat as necessary.... until you can shoot the score that you desire anywhere.
Caution:
Of the 500 or so lessons I have given in my life about 95% of he people have "flipped it" to some degree ranging from extreme to a little. Flipping it is the overuse of the right hand in an effort to help the ball get up in the air or to get the club back to the ball. The evidence of a flip is either a fat or thin shot. The hands are on the club and are used in the golf swing. Most people tend to over use them unfortunately. The hands in the golf swing are more passive than active. A properly hit golf ball requires the club to be moving slightly downward through the ball, leaving a divot forward of the ball. If you cannot make a divot forward of the ball: you probably flip it. The palm of the right hand should feel like it is facing the ground on the downswing before impact.
Skills that are required to hit a solid right hand little shot are:
1) Learn that the golf club has to be working downward through the shot.
1.5) Learn that in the race back to the ball (on the downswing the ball is a finish line) between the club head and the handle. The handle wins every time.--Eddie Merrins
2) Learn to just hold the club--not squeeze it
2.5) Learn to let the loft of the club get the ball up in the air--not your right hand helping it up.
3) Learn to feel comfortable with your right palm facing he ground on the downswing.
4) Learn to allow the club to swing. This includes the right wrist being relaxed and the right arm free to rotate.
5) Learn to hit through the shot and let the right arm follow through.
This is only an attempt to share what I do and how I look at a golf swing after playing for 30 years. I caution myself not to become paternally righteous about this concept. (If you do what I do you can hit it like me) Maybe you can or maybe you cannot. I don't know...
This is just a simple concept I wish to share. Start small and build up.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine how many words are used by the 10,000 experts in the world of golf and how they would describe what happens in a golf swing. Next, imagine all the rest of the golf world trying to explain to their buddy's what they do and what they just read in "x" publication. Its important in today's world to be able to filter information.
I believe that it is more important to get good at a few things and develop them rather than fish for a swing thought that fixes everything.
The first thing is to look at your golf club as a tool, like a hammer or screw driver, and figure out what the tool is designed to do. The second thing you have to do is recognize that golf is a skill and it needs to be developed and practiced so that you can have a level of consistency when playing.
This is what I do...
I swing right handed and hit little 10 yard chips. I let they club do its job and I pay attention to the ball flight and the solidness of the shot. When the shot starts going like I want: I pay attention to the feel of the shot. After doing this right handed for a while I then use both hands and then try to get the same solidness and feel as I had achieved with only the right hand. All action is the same in solidly hit golf balls whether it be a little swing or a big swing. The feel of the action through the ball just happens more quickly on bigger swings.
Repeat as necessary.... until you can shoot the score that you desire anywhere.
Caution:
Of the 500 or so lessons I have given in my life about 95% of he people have "flipped it" to some degree ranging from extreme to a little. Flipping it is the overuse of the right hand in an effort to help the ball get up in the air or to get the club back to the ball. The evidence of a flip is either a fat or thin shot. The hands are on the club and are used in the golf swing. Most people tend to over use them unfortunately. The hands in the golf swing are more passive than active. A properly hit golf ball requires the club to be moving slightly downward through the ball, leaving a divot forward of the ball. If you cannot make a divot forward of the ball: you probably flip it. The palm of the right hand should feel like it is facing the ground on the downswing before impact.
Skills that are required to hit a solid right hand little shot are:
1) Learn that the golf club has to be working downward through the shot.
1.5) Learn that in the race back to the ball (on the downswing the ball is a finish line) between the club head and the handle. The handle wins every time.--Eddie Merrins
2) Learn to just hold the club--not squeeze it
2.5) Learn to let the loft of the club get the ball up in the air--not your right hand helping it up.
3) Learn to feel comfortable with your right palm facing he ground on the downswing.
4) Learn to allow the club to swing. This includes the right wrist being relaxed and the right arm free to rotate.
5) Learn to hit through the shot and let the right arm follow through.
This is only an attempt to share what I do and how I look at a golf swing after playing for 30 years. I caution myself not to become paternally righteous about this concept. (If you do what I do you can hit it like me) Maybe you can or maybe you cannot. I don't know...
This is just a simple concept I wish to share. Start small and build up.
Oct 22, 2009
Communication does not always have to be a competition
It truly is a practiced art to listen more than you speak. In Japan, they say that speech is silver but silence is golden. I have heard somewhere that you have two ears and one mouth and conversation should be kept in that proportion.
The more valued results of communication are connection and sharing. As far as men and women go: men want to solve problems and women just want us to listen. I have recently learned from a friend the value of dialoging. A good dialog is like a good volley in Tennis. Thoughts bounce back and forth and one is in response to the other. The result being much greater than if you are just dumping on someone. Often, what develops is something greater than you could do alone.
A BLOG is so much more when there is dialog so I hope that site we can achieve this.
This is not a news letter--even though the current 6 followers do not necessarily know one another, you will be surprised with the things you have in common other than me.
My golf thought of the day is that it is more important to get really good at a few really important things than to be confused by a lot of things that you will undoubtedly hear or read about. I am still working on my balance and hitting down and through the ball.
The more valued results of communication are connection and sharing. As far as men and women go: men want to solve problems and women just want us to listen. I have recently learned from a friend the value of dialoging. A good dialog is like a good volley in Tennis. Thoughts bounce back and forth and one is in response to the other. The result being much greater than if you are just dumping on someone. Often, what develops is something greater than you could do alone.
A BLOG is so much more when there is dialog so I hope that site we can achieve this.
This is not a news letter--even though the current 6 followers do not necessarily know one another, you will be surprised with the things you have in common other than me.
My golf thought of the day is that it is more important to get really good at a few really important things than to be confused by a lot of things that you will undoubtedly hear or read about. I am still working on my balance and hitting down and through the ball.
Oct 1, 2009
Favorite Sayings/Quotes
"Hood it, Trust it" ---Buddy 'Love' Surette
"Friends are people who know you and still like you". ---Bob Green, Tedesco Country Club Golf Head Professional
It took you that long to that bad of a shot.
Golf is a game of opposites, to hit the ball up in the air the club has to be working downwards through the ball.
When the body stops moving the hands take over so keep your body moving.
Golf is played on one foot.
"In the race between the club head and the club face to the ball the handle wins the race every time." ---Eddie Merrins, Bel-Air Country Club
If you are paying someone for their opinion, shut up and listen.
Never hit a shot trying not to do something.
"I'll never do that again." ---Margaret Costa
"I finally got it - again." ---Anonymous
Hitters hit, swingers swing,
Its much more fun to be a swinger.
There is no such thing as a one fix wonder. You just hope there is.
A big back swing does not necessarily create power.
Trying to keep your head down and left arm straight is a good way to make an awkward looking golf swing.
Believe it, the club marketers are correct. A new driver will make you hit it better.
The last thoughts you should have on any putt should be about distance or weight, not the line.
Don't worry about the grass, it will grow back. A solid shot and a divot ahead of the golf ball go hand in hand.
When in a bunker if all else fails just hit it fat and hard and get it out.
"Friends are people who know you and still like you". ---Bob Green, Tedesco Country Club Golf Head Professional
It took you that long to that bad of a shot.
Golf is a game of opposites, to hit the ball up in the air the club has to be working downwards through the ball.
When the body stops moving the hands take over so keep your body moving.
Golf is played on one foot.
"In the race between the club head and the club face to the ball the handle wins the race every time." ---Eddie Merrins, Bel-Air Country Club
If you are paying someone for their opinion, shut up and listen.
Never hit a shot trying not to do something.
"I'll never do that again." ---Margaret Costa
"I finally got it - again." ---Anonymous
Hitters hit, swingers swing,
Its much more fun to be a swinger.
There is no such thing as a one fix wonder. You just hope there is.
A big back swing does not necessarily create power.
Trying to keep your head down and left arm straight is a good way to make an awkward looking golf swing.
Believe it, the club marketers are correct. A new driver will make you hit it better.
The last thoughts you should have on any putt should be about distance or weight, not the line.
Don't worry about the grass, it will grow back. A solid shot and a divot ahead of the golf ball go hand in hand.
When in a bunker if all else fails just hit it fat and hard and get it out.
Bear Hill Reference Letter BLOG
A private golf club is like a big family. I would like to thank the members of Bear Hill for making me feel welcome and allowing me to be a part of your family as an Assistant Professional.
In a relatively short period of time we created a culture of learning that was fun and rewarding. I enjoyed my time at BHGC and learned much from you all. I look at each of you who asked for advice on how to play better golf as a compliment and was honored to help. I take these requests very seriously. Thank you for showing me the rewards of helping others and making me feel valued.
If you have any comments or stories to share about your experience with me as an Assistant Professional at BHGC than please share as I will print this Blog and use it as a reference letter.
Please click on the green "Bear Hill Reference Letter Blog" (an underline will pop out as you move the cursor over it) and type in the box and hit post comment if you feel moved to do so.
Best of luck with your on-going relationship with your golf game and thanks for letting me be a part of your BH experience. I look forward to receiving your comments.
Fairways and Greens,
Doug Comstock
In a relatively short period of time we created a culture of learning that was fun and rewarding. I enjoyed my time at BHGC and learned much from you all. I look at each of you who asked for advice on how to play better golf as a compliment and was honored to help. I take these requests very seriously. Thank you for showing me the rewards of helping others and making me feel valued.
If you have any comments or stories to share about your experience with me as an Assistant Professional at BHGC than please share as I will print this Blog and use it as a reference letter.
Please click on the green "Bear Hill Reference Letter Blog" (an underline will pop out as you move the cursor over it) and type in the box and hit post comment if you feel moved to do so.
Best of luck with your on-going relationship with your golf game and thanks for letting me be a part of your BH experience. I look forward to receiving your comments.
Fairways and Greens,
Doug Comstock
Sep 30, 2009
Driving Range vs. Golf Course
Why do I always hit it better on the driving range than on the course?
Do you mean beyond the obvious fact that you are hitting the same club over and over rapidly from a perfect lie on level ground?
Yes..
OK
Maybe you just feel like you are hitting it better on the range because you don't have a target in mind and are just hitting it solidly and this is what you are remembering.
Maybe you do have a target but are not as hard on yourself on the range. Seven yards to the right is an ok miss on a range as there is no lake or OB or "oh shit" you just short sided yourself result.
Maybe the driving range focuses you on line and the distance you hit the ball gets pushed to the back seat. (Distance control takes a front seat on the course) It is hard to focus on your distance on a range for many reasons.
Maybe it is related to relaxation as there are no consequences on a driving range. You are not required to go hit it again on the driving range.
Maybe it is because you are by yourself and not in a playing group or competition.
Maybe it is a combination of any and all of the above mentioned or something I have not thought of in the above mentioned "Maybe's".
On a golf course, we hit the ball once every 5 minutes or so and always with a different club from different lies and stances. On the course there are real targets and consequences and real emphasis is placed on line and distance. Then, we have to go hit it again which brings emotion and self evaluation into play.
Bottom line:
They are two completely different things and to compare the two is not apple to apple. The driving range is a great place to practice and see what you are capable of and work on drills but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can "take it to the course". Let me give you an example of the "I got it" mentality that is prevalent in golfing circles. A typical tour pro will hit one shot like he wants and will devote countless hours and 1000's of balls to be able to "take it to the course" and then maybe hit the shot he wants on the course. A typical amateur golfer will hit one shot or a group of shots on the range like he wants and thinks "I got it" then rarely practices and expects it to happen on the course all the time. Who has the correct perspective on how to "take it to the course"?
Do you mean beyond the obvious fact that you are hitting the same club over and over rapidly from a perfect lie on level ground?
Yes..
OK
Maybe you just feel like you are hitting it better on the range because you don't have a target in mind and are just hitting it solidly and this is what you are remembering.
Maybe you do have a target but are not as hard on yourself on the range. Seven yards to the right is an ok miss on a range as there is no lake or OB or "oh shit" you just short sided yourself result.
Maybe the driving range focuses you on line and the distance you hit the ball gets pushed to the back seat. (Distance control takes a front seat on the course) It is hard to focus on your distance on a range for many reasons.
Maybe it is related to relaxation as there are no consequences on a driving range. You are not required to go hit it again on the driving range.
Maybe it is because you are by yourself and not in a playing group or competition.
Maybe it is a combination of any and all of the above mentioned or something I have not thought of in the above mentioned "Maybe's".
On a golf course, we hit the ball once every 5 minutes or so and always with a different club from different lies and stances. On the course there are real targets and consequences and real emphasis is placed on line and distance. Then, we have to go hit it again which brings emotion and self evaluation into play.
Bottom line:
They are two completely different things and to compare the two is not apple to apple. The driving range is a great place to practice and see what you are capable of and work on drills but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can "take it to the course". Let me give you an example of the "I got it" mentality that is prevalent in golfing circles. A typical tour pro will hit one shot like he wants and will devote countless hours and 1000's of balls to be able to "take it to the course" and then maybe hit the shot he wants on the course. A typical amateur golfer will hit one shot or a group of shots on the range like he wants and thinks "I got it" then rarely practices and expects it to happen on the course all the time. Who has the correct perspective on how to "take it to the course"?
Swingers vs. Hitters
As far as golf goes, it is much more fun to be a swinger. Swingers swing and hitters hit. To embrace and feel the golf ball just getting in the way of the club is the feel for which we should be searching. You cannot guide a golf ball with manipulations of your hands at impact. This sucks energy away from the club head as the very act of using your hands in the downswing takes away from your centrifical force.
I love to watch people swing the golf club as a baseball batter would. There is rarely tension in the hands as we instinctively/athletically know how to create good angles, lag and a system of the body moving first to create club-head speed.
When the body stops moving the hands take over so keep your body moving. We don't hit at a ball we hit through the ball.
If golf were played with 4 foot tees, I wouldnt have a job. the problem is it is just more difficult to swing like a baseball player in a good golf posture/position.
I love to watch people swing the golf club as a baseball batter would. There is rarely tension in the hands as we instinctively/athletically know how to create good angles, lag and a system of the body moving first to create club-head speed.
When the body stops moving the hands take over so keep your body moving. We don't hit at a ball we hit through the ball.
If golf were played with 4 foot tees, I wouldnt have a job. the problem is it is just more difficult to swing like a baseball player in a good golf posture/position.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)