DRILL OF THE MONTH

By: Bob Schade

Those of you who have taken a lesson from me know that I am not a big believer in teaching aids. I think that your own body can be manipulated under most circumstances to take care of golf’s most devastating problems. Here is a drill that will help you hit more shots with a draw.

1. Take your normal address position with a driver.

2. Tee the ball up.

3. Lift your left toe up in the air.

4. Pivot your left toe to the right, pointing at the ball.

5. Take a complete swing.

This drill stabilizes the left hip. This drill also slows the rotation of your body. Remember that in order to hit the ball with a draw your arms must be swinging faster than your body is turning. Practice this drill and you will be amazed at how quickly your ball shape will change. Remember that you should do 5 of the drill and then 5 normal swings. Good luck and good golfing! I have assembled an archive of tips on my blog www.bobschade.blogspot.com and of course my website www.bobschade.com is a great resource to help you play better golf.

GOLF TIP OF THE MONTH

By: Bob Schade

The shifting of the bodies’ weight is one of the most confusing parts of the golf swing to learn. Most students make the mistake of assuming that the body shifts regardless of the arms. This is not true. The length of the arm swing determines the amount of weight shift on the backswing.

A good example is that of Tiger Woods and John Daly. John Daly’s swing is incredibly long and there is a lot of shifting side to side. On the other hand, Tiger’s swing is much shorter and there isn’t nearly the same amount of weight shift. How does this relate to the common player? The common player would be better served to let the length of the arm swing determine the amount of weight shift. On a putt; no weight shift, on a chip; no weight shift, on a pitch; minimal weight shift, and iron and wood play; the longer the club the more weight shifts onto the right foot. That is the first part of the weight shift equation.

The second part of the weight shift equation is this question: When do I shift my weight forward? Most of my students make the mistake of moving their bodies before you move your arms. This is incorrect and makes no sense. The arms travel during the backswing about 4 to 5 feet, the body moves about 12 to 18 inches. When the backswing is complete and the downswing begins the arms have to be given the time to catch up. My swing thought has always been to start my arms first. That allows my arms to catch up with my body.

Remember one of the most important definitions in golf instruction. If your arms move faster than your body turns, you will hit a draw or hook. If your body moves faster than your arms swing, you will hit a fade or slice. Which one do you want to hit? Which one will give you more distance? The answer in almost every case is the draw or hook. Check out the drill outlined below to help you feel the proper way to shift your weight.

1. Take your normal address position with your driver.

2. Position the majority of your body’s weight on your right foot.

3. Take your normal backswing.

4. On the downswing do not let your weight move forward onto your left foot until you feel the club contact the ball.

5. After striking the golf ball, follow through to your left foot.

6. Hold your finish for 5 seconds.

Now that winter is upon us here at Cypresswood. There are many things that you can do to improve your chances of shooting a good score. Try these tips while practicing and you might lower your handicap.

1. Dress in layers. Put rain or wind pants over your shorts or pants. Put a shirt over your undershirt, a light sweater or sweatshirt over your shirt, and a wind breaker or jacket over your sweater or sweatshirt.

2. Keep your hands warm by putting them under your armpits or under your thighs while seated on the golf cart.

3. Take more club than you think; the ball does not fly as far in colder weather.

4. Keep an extra ball in your pocket and change after each hole. Warm balls are a golfer’s best friend.

5. When in doubt keep the ball low instead of picking a high route around the golf course.

If you work with these five tips you will overcome the cold weather and bring the handicap down. If none of these tips work; a nip of brandy from the lounge works just fine a very happy member told me once. Ha! Ha!

Good luck and I hope that you will work to improve your game this winter. I have assembled an archive of tips on my blog www.bobschade.blogspot.com and of course my website www.bobschade.com is a great resource to help you play better golf. Again good luck and good golfing!