Happy New Year! Here’s hoping that everyone improves his or her golf game in 2005. I would like to give you a tip that will help deal with the winter winds that are upon us. Follow the techniques below and you will soon have every tool necessary to combat the brutal winter winds.
1. Choke down on the golf club.
2. Move the ball farther back in your stance. The farther back the lower the trajectory of the ball.
3. Keep your hands in front of the club face at all times as you swing towards and through the golf ball.
4. Finish low and fully extended. Try to point the club head at the target.
If you work on the four simple tips above you will master the winter wind in no time. Good luck and good golfing!
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Monday, November 22, 2004
Sand Play
Playing from the sand is a very traumatic situation for the average golfer. Most golfers almost get the hives going into the sand and their results are predicable. Their results are either a skull across the green or they leave it in the bunker. As in most instances of the golf swing sand play faults are caused by setting up improperly and not practicing the proper techniques. Here are the steps to develop a consistent sand game.
1. Position the ball forward of center in your stance.
2. Position the grip end of the club slightly in front of the clubface.
3. Choke up on the club; make the club shorter.
4. Position 60% of your body weight on your left foot.
5. Fix your eyes on a grain of sand 1 inch behind the ball.
6. Keeping your weight on your left foot; swing back and through keeping the shaft leaning forward.
This technique is very simple and can be done with success by any level of player. Please remember that the first objective is to get the ball out of the sand.
Playing from the sand is a very traumatic situation for the average golfer. Most golfers almost get the hives going into the sand and their results are predicable. Their results are either a skull across the green or they leave it in the bunker. As in most instances of the golf swing sand play faults are caused by setting up improperly and not practicing the proper techniques. Here are the steps to develop a consistent sand game.
1. Position the ball forward of center in your stance.
2. Position the grip end of the club slightly in front of the clubface.
3. Choke up on the club; make the club shorter.
4. Position 60% of your body weight on your left foot.
5. Fix your eyes on a grain of sand 1 inch behind the ball.
6. Keeping your weight on your left foot; swing back and through keeping the shaft leaning forward.
This technique is very simple and can be done with success by any level of player. Please remember that the first objective is to get the ball out of the sand.
Putting
The art of putting is one of the most difficult parts of golf to gain an understanding. First of all, the toughest part of putting has nothing to do actually making a putt. The toughest part of golf is getting your hands to react to what your eyes are seeing. With that being said I have quick drill for you to try.
1. Take your normal setup position.
2. Look at the hole.
3. Continue looking at the hole while making your putting motion.
Remember that I said that putting was an art. You must use your eyes to tell your arms how hard to hit the ball. You must also use your eyes to tell your hands what a square club face looks like and you must 100% committ to these two feelings or you will miss the putt everytime. Committment in putting is 90% of putting; the other 10% is mechanical, but only 10%. Look at your friends who putt well. They all look different. Each one of them grips the putter differently, each one of them stands differently, and each one of them strokes the golf club differently. What they have that is the same is confidence. Pure and simple putting requires two main instruments; Committment and Confidence. If you have those two items you will make your share of putts. Here is the 10% mechanical that you need to succeed after you have committment and confidence.
1. Position the golf ball forward in your stance.
2. Position more weight on your left foot than your right foot.
3. Keep the shaft of the club straight up and down, not leaning forward and never leaning away from the target.
4. Keep your left or lead wrist firm throughout the stroke.
That is it. If you can master those four mechanical positions you will conquer 10% of putting; the other 90%, committment and confidence will only be mastered with practice and patience. Good luck, you will need it!
The art of putting is one of the most difficult parts of golf to gain an understanding. First of all, the toughest part of putting has nothing to do actually making a putt. The toughest part of golf is getting your hands to react to what your eyes are seeing. With that being said I have quick drill for you to try.
1. Take your normal setup position.
2. Look at the hole.
3. Continue looking at the hole while making your putting motion.
Remember that I said that putting was an art. You must use your eyes to tell your arms how hard to hit the ball. You must also use your eyes to tell your hands what a square club face looks like and you must 100% committ to these two feelings or you will miss the putt everytime. Committment in putting is 90% of putting; the other 10% is mechanical, but only 10%. Look at your friends who putt well. They all look different. Each one of them grips the putter differently, each one of them stands differently, and each one of them strokes the golf club differently. What they have that is the same is confidence. Pure and simple putting requires two main instruments; Committment and Confidence. If you have those two items you will make your share of putts. Here is the 10% mechanical that you need to succeed after you have committment and confidence.
1. Position the golf ball forward in your stance.
2. Position more weight on your left foot than your right foot.
3. Keep the shaft of the club straight up and down, not leaning forward and never leaning away from the target.
4. Keep your left or lead wrist firm throughout the stroke.
That is it. If you can master those four mechanical positions you will conquer 10% of putting; the other 90%, committment and confidence will only be mastered with practice and patience. Good luck, you will need it!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
This month’s tip will help you transition from the summer grass to the winter overseeded grass. This transition can be very difficult for many who are used to the summer grasses. Please read and practice the tips for each area.
Full Shots from overseeded fairways
1. Position the ball farther forward in your stance.
2. Grip the club more in the fingers of your right hand.
3. Swing completely back and through the golf shot.
Full Shots from non-overseeded fairways
1. Position the ball farther back in you stance.
2. Choke down on your grip, making the club shorter.
3. Swing back ¾ and then swing through ¾ .
Chipping and Pitching
1. Take a less lofted club.
2. Choke down on your grip, making the club shorter.
3. Position the ball farther back in your stance.
4. Run the ball rather than fly the ball all the way to the hole.
Putting
1. Choke down on your putter.
2. Position the ball toward the center of your stance.
3. Use a shorter stroke, pop the ball don’t caress the ball.
If you practice each of the tips individually and completely you will make the transition from summer grass to winter grass a non-event.
Full Shots from overseeded fairways
1. Position the ball farther forward in your stance.
2. Grip the club more in the fingers of your right hand.
3. Swing completely back and through the golf shot.
Full Shots from non-overseeded fairways
1. Position the ball farther back in you stance.
2. Choke down on your grip, making the club shorter.
3. Swing back ¾ and then swing through ¾ .
Chipping and Pitching
1. Take a less lofted club.
2. Choke down on your grip, making the club shorter.
3. Position the ball farther back in your stance.
4. Run the ball rather than fly the ball all the way to the hole.
Putting
1. Choke down on your putter.
2. Position the ball toward the center of your stance.
3. Use a shorter stroke, pop the ball don’t caress the ball.
If you practice each of the tips individually and completely you will make the transition from summer grass to winter grass a non-event.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Last month I gave you a tip to increase your distance. This month’s tip will help you keep the ball in the fairway as well as maintaining the distance you gained last month. The most important factor in creating accuracy is finding the shallowest path to the ball. Most of you approach the ball from an angle that is very steep. This steep angle is the biggest cause of your inconsistency. Practice the drill on the range or the golf course and you will create the angle you need to play better golf.
1. Take your normal stance with the ball positioned off your left big toe.
2. Slowly draw the club back and rest it on the ground opposite your right big toe and stop.
3. Look at the ball and make your normal swing from that point.
4. Continue this procedure for about 20 to 30 swings and then try a couple of normal swings.
If you notice your ball flight flattening you know you are on the right track. If you take a little time to practice this technique on the range you will increase your potential for greater accuracy and therefore an easier way to score better.
1. Take your normal stance with the ball positioned off your left big toe.
2. Slowly draw the club back and rest it on the ground opposite your right big toe and stop.
3. Look at the ball and make your normal swing from that point.
4. Continue this procedure for about 20 to 30 swings and then try a couple of normal swings.
If you notice your ball flight flattening you know you are on the right track. If you take a little time to practice this technique on the range you will increase your potential for greater accuracy and therefore an easier way to score better.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
GOLF TIP OF THE MONTH
Anybody looking for distance! Here is a quick tip to increase your backswing turn. This will in turn allow your body to build torque naturally.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Position the ball forward in your stance opposite your left big toe.
3. Pick the toe of your right foot off the ground and slowly pivot your foot until it points away from the target.
4. Swing a little slower at first, and then gradually increase your swing speed.
If you take a little time to practice this technique on the range you will increase your potential for torque and therefore increase the distance you hit the golf ball. Good luck and good golfing!
Anybody looking for distance! Here is a quick tip to increase your backswing turn. This will in turn allow your body to build torque naturally.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Position the ball forward in your stance opposite your left big toe.
3. Pick the toe of your right foot off the ground and slowly pivot your foot until it points away from the target.
4. Swing a little slower at first, and then gradually increase your swing speed.
If you take a little time to practice this technique on the range you will increase your potential for torque and therefore increase the distance you hit the golf ball. Good luck and good golfing!
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Summer 2004
A number of my customers give me input throughout the day as they finish their round of golf. The number one complaint I here is that they are losing distance because of the wetter ground conditions. Here is a quick drill to help you gain a little distance by shallowing out your downswing.
1. Take your normal stance and position the golf ball opposite your left big toe.
2. Position the club opposite your right big toe and rest it on the ground.
3. Watch the ball and take your normal swing.
This tip is designed to take a swing that is too steep and make it more rounded at the bottom. Remember that your swing should feel like a big wide "U" not a narrow "V". Good luck and remember to visit www.bobschade.com for more in depth swing analysis.
A number of my customers give me input throughout the day as they finish their round of golf. The number one complaint I here is that they are losing distance because of the wetter ground conditions. Here is a quick drill to help you gain a little distance by shallowing out your downswing.
1. Take your normal stance and position the golf ball opposite your left big toe.
2. Position the club opposite your right big toe and rest it on the ground.
3. Watch the ball and take your normal swing.
This tip is designed to take a swing that is too steep and make it more rounded at the bottom. Remember that your swing should feel like a big wide "U" not a narrow "V". Good luck and remember to visit www.bobschade.com for more in depth swing analysis.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
The summer season brings a variety of problems to the golfers here at Cypresswood. The greens are tricky, because of the change in speed. The fairways are longer and slower. The rough is tough and menacing. This month 3 little tips to tide you over until September.
Putting
1. Grip the putter a little tighter in your top hand.
2. Put a little more weight on your front foot.
3. Stroke the putter with a smaller, firmer motion.
Fairway
1. Position the ball farther forward in your stance.
2. Cut your stance width in half.
3. Choke down to maximize accuracy.
Rough
1. First things first get out!!! Take the easiest route back to the fairway.
2. Grip the club as firm as possible with both hands.
3. Follow through as fast as possible while maintaining your balance.
Try these tips as you make your way through another Cypresswood summer and you may be pleasantly surprised at how well you maintain your game.
Putting
1. Grip the putter a little tighter in your top hand.
2. Put a little more weight on your front foot.
3. Stroke the putter with a smaller, firmer motion.
Fairway
1. Position the ball farther forward in your stance.
2. Cut your stance width in half.
3. Choke down to maximize accuracy.
Rough
1. First things first get out!!! Take the easiest route back to the fairway.
2. Grip the club as firm as possible with both hands.
3. Follow through as fast as possible while maintaining your balance.
Try these tips as you make your way through another Cypresswood summer and you may be pleasantly surprised at how well you maintain your game.
Sunday, March 07, 2004
The month of April brings Cypresswood to the brink of another summer transition. The grass gets longer and stronger. The greens become a little inconsistent because of the added moisture and heating during the night. All levels of golfer must make adjustments in their game in order to continue to lower their handicap. Here are a few tips to get you through the transition.
1. Grip the club firmer with your left hand.
2. Swing the club more up rather than around your body.
3. Work on accuracy and not distance.
4. Take your medicine; get out of the rough and back into the fairway.
5. Practice your short game more now than ever.
6. Be firmer with your putting stroke. If you miss it should go by the hole a foot or two.
If you think about the above tips as you play and practice you will endure the beginning of the transition to the summer grass.
1. Grip the club firmer with your left hand.
2. Swing the club more up rather than around your body.
3. Work on accuracy and not distance.
4. Take your medicine; get out of the rough and back into the fairway.
5. Practice your short game more now than ever.
6. Be firmer with your putting stroke. If you miss it should go by the hole a foot or two.
If you think about the above tips as you play and practice you will endure the beginning of the transition to the summer grass.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
March 2004
The month of March brings many interesting challenges to the golf course here at Cypresswood. The wind is usually very strong, but inconsistent. The golf course is usually fast and generally most players get a lot of roll for their golf ball. The best shot for these conditions is a knock down shot. This shot flies low and takes advantage of the fast conditions to give you a positive result. Follow the procedure outlined below and you will gain another weapon in quest to become the best golfer you can be.
1. Position the ball just behind the center of your body.
2. Position the grip end of the club slightly in front of the ball.
3. Position your weight 75% on your left foot.
4. Choke down to the steel on your desired club.
5. Swing the club at about 70% power.
6. Point the club at the target at the finish of the swing.
Please remember that old saying “Swing easy when it is breezy” it still applies. Follow the procedure outlined above and practice it a little on the driving range and I know you will be better equipped to handle the nasty March winds. Good luck and good golfing!
The month of March brings many interesting challenges to the golf course here at Cypresswood. The wind is usually very strong, but inconsistent. The golf course is usually fast and generally most players get a lot of roll for their golf ball. The best shot for these conditions is a knock down shot. This shot flies low and takes advantage of the fast conditions to give you a positive result. Follow the procedure outlined below and you will gain another weapon in quest to become the best golfer you can be.
1. Position the ball just behind the center of your body.
2. Position the grip end of the club slightly in front of the ball.
3. Position your weight 75% on your left foot.
4. Choke down to the steel on your desired club.
5. Swing the club at about 70% power.
6. Point the club at the target at the finish of the swing.
Please remember that old saying “Swing easy when it is breezy” it still applies. Follow the procedure outlined above and practice it a little on the driving range and I know you will be better equipped to handle the nasty March winds. Good luck and good golfing!
Friday, January 23, 2004
February 2004
This month’s tip is designed to change your focus when putting. Most of us obsess over the golf ball, which leads to tension. Tension makes us feel insecure, which leads to indecision. Indecision is the number one reason why golfers miss putts. Want some proof! Watch people who you think putt well and you will find that each of them uses a different technique or style. To help you find the best style for you it is important to experiment with different methods and tools. To help you find your best stroke try this tip.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Grip the putter very lightly.
3. Instead of looking at the ball, look at the hole.
4. Follow through to the target.
As you can read, this is a very unorthodox way of putting. This method changes your perspective and helps you focus on what is important, getting the ball into the hole.
This month’s tip is designed to change your focus when putting. Most of us obsess over the golf ball, which leads to tension. Tension makes us feel insecure, which leads to indecision. Indecision is the number one reason why golfers miss putts. Want some proof! Watch people who you think putt well and you will find that each of them uses a different technique or style. To help you find the best style for you it is important to experiment with different methods and tools. To help you find your best stroke try this tip.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Grip the putter very lightly.
3. Instead of looking at the ball, look at the hole.
4. Follow through to the target.
As you can read, this is a very unorthodox way of putting. This method changes your perspective and helps you focus on what is important, getting the ball into the hole.
January 2004
The month of January is the beginning of the best stretch of course conditions here at Cypresswood. the greens are fast and true, the fairways are firm and get a lot of roll, and the rough is not too high. The most important thing you can do is play often and practice when you are not playing. Playing well is centered on being consistent and more practice makes your game steadier. Here is a drill that will train you to have a more dependable golf swing.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Position the golf ball opposite your left big toe.
3. Move your right foot next to your left foot.
4. Swing back at half speed. Swing through at half speed.
This feet together drill is the best drill I know for curing an inconsistent golf game. Start by swinging extra slow and then build up your swing speed. Begin by not hitting balls and then hit some balls with your feet together. I think you will be amazed at how good you hit the ball when your feet are together. Increase the speed of your swing as your balance improves. Good Luck!
The month of January is the beginning of the best stretch of course conditions here at Cypresswood. the greens are fast and true, the fairways are firm and get a lot of roll, and the rough is not too high. The most important thing you can do is play often and practice when you are not playing. Playing well is centered on being consistent and more practice makes your game steadier. Here is a drill that will train you to have a more dependable golf swing.
1. Take your normal stance.
2. Position the golf ball opposite your left big toe.
3. Move your right foot next to your left foot.
4. Swing back at half speed. Swing through at half speed.
This feet together drill is the best drill I know for curing an inconsistent golf game. Start by swinging extra slow and then build up your swing speed. Begin by not hitting balls and then hit some balls with your feet together. I think you will be amazed at how good you hit the ball when your feet are together. Increase the speed of your swing as your balance improves. Good Luck!
December 2003
Now that the transition month of november is behind us, golfers can look forward to great golf course conditions the rest of the winter season. This month's tip will help you hit your driver more solid, gain distance, and enjoy the experience golf has to offer. Follow the guidelines outlined below and you will improve!
1. Begin by positioning the ball of your left big toe.
2. Grip the club with extra light pressure.
3. Take the club back a little slower and smoother.
4. Turn your back to the target.
5. Start the swing down to the ball slowly.
6. Swing through the ball to a full relaxed finish.
If you follow the keys listed above I know you will be knocking it by your playing companions.
Now that the transition month of november is behind us, golfers can look forward to great golf course conditions the rest of the winter season. This month's tip will help you hit your driver more solid, gain distance, and enjoy the experience golf has to offer. Follow the guidelines outlined below and you will improve!
1. Begin by positioning the ball of your left big toe.
2. Grip the club with extra light pressure.
3. Take the club back a little slower and smoother.
4. Turn your back to the target.
5. Start the swing down to the ball slowly.
6. Swing through the ball to a full relaxed finish.
If you follow the keys listed above I know you will be knocking it by your playing companions.
November 2003
November is a month of transition here at Cypresswood. The winter overseeding is germinating and the grass is still sticky. Follow the tips below and you can improve your score while the course is going through this transition.
Putting
Position the ball in the center of your stance and make a more descending stroke to the golf ball.
Chipping
Choke down on your club of choice, use a more lofted club than normal, and hit the ball a little harder.
Full Swing
Take more club than usual, swing longer and slower than normal, and grip the club lighter than standard. If you follow the guidelines above you will find the transition from summer grass to winter grass painless.
November is a month of transition here at Cypresswood. The winter overseeding is germinating and the grass is still sticky. Follow the tips below and you can improve your score while the course is going through this transition.
Putting
Position the ball in the center of your stance and make a more descending stroke to the golf ball.
Chipping
Choke down on your club of choice, use a more lofted club than normal, and hit the ball a little harder.
Full Swing
Take more club than usual, swing longer and slower than normal, and grip the club lighter than standard. If you follow the guidelines above you will find the transition from summer grass to winter grass painless.
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