GOLF TIP OF THE MONTH

August’s tips will help you make the summer golf season one of your best yet. Follow the tips outlined below and you will enjoy summer golf and possibly lower your handicap.

Tip #1 - Getting out of the sand can be a challenge. Especially, when the sand here is inconsistent with some bunkers hard and wet while others are soft and dry. The key is developing a method for each circumstance.

Wet Sand – Position the ball in the center of your stance. Do not open the face of your desired club. The club choice should be a sand wedge or pitching wedge. Position and keep your weight on your left foot throughout the entire swing. Choke up on the club and make a decisive blow about ½ inch behind the golf ball.

Dry Sand – Position the ball in the front of your stance. Open the face as much as you want to. You should be using either a lob or sand wedge for this shot. Position and keep your weight on your left foot throughout the entire swing. Choke up on the club and hit approximately 1 inch behind the ball. The key to getting out of dry sand is to accelerate through the sand and ball keeping the club face at the same angle is was at address.

Practice these two tips at our short game practice area and you will be successful at both of these, sometimes, stressful shots.

Tip #2 – Chipping and pitching from the around the green can be very difficult this time of the year. Even though the rough around the greens is mowed at least twice a week the grass is very thick during the summer months. Here are a few suggestions to make it easier to hit quality shots.

Chipping – Position the ball back in your stance. This will promote solid contact and therefore more consistent shots. The key to solid contact is to keep the grip end of the club in front of the club face throughout the entire swing. This action is short and crisp both back and through.

Pitching – The positioning of the ball in your stance varies depending on the desired trajectory. Back in your stance will produce a lower flying trajectory, the ball in the middle of your stance will produce a medium shaped shot, and a ball placed adjacent to your front big toe will produce a higher shot. You must keep the grip end of the club in front of the club face throughout the entire swing. This action is long, slow, and flowing. Think of a slow motion replay in your favorite sports programming.

Drill of the Month

Feet Together Drill

1. Put the golf ball on a tee using a middle iron.

2. Take your normal stance.

3. Slide your feet together keeping just an inch or two of separation.

Start this drill by swinging half way back to half way through. Swing very slowly just trying to make contact with the golf ball. Gradually build up your speed until you reach your maximum desired speed. You will know when you are swinging too fast when you lose your balance. If you are losing your balance, slow down your swing until you regain your balance. Then try to again gradually increase your swing speed. This drill can be done as much as you want, with and without a club. Be consistent and your results will be positive.