Today was a monumental day at the range. All the pieces of the puzzle came together. The beautiful thing about the puzzle coming together is that I know for certain that they are the correct pieces and are all in the correct place.
Before I went to bed last night, I watched video of Ben Hogan's swing. I wanted to know how he moved his club away from the ball. He moved the club away to the inside. I move the club away straight back. He also keeps his left arm perfectly straight and then hinges his wrists near the top of the swing. He starts his downswing by turning his hips towards the ball and uses the strength of his core to bring his shoulders, arms and hands through - creating a tremendous amount of club head speed. Here is a quick little video by him showing how vital the hips are to the swing:
That video and the fact that he brings the club around his body vs. me who takes the club back and outside my body made me think that I need to make a big change.
So today when I got to the range, I made sure that I was good and loose. I stretch out my legs for a long time. I also took 2-club warm up swings for a long time - very slowly, making sure that I was good and loose.
I knew I had to adjust my grip, so I decided to go strong-left, strong-right. I now have my left thumb resting on the right side of the shaft. I place my right two middle fingers under the club and roll my hand over making sure that the 'v' by my thumb and index finger were pointing almost outside my right shoulder. My left thumb is resting comfortable in between the two big pads on the butt of my right palm. Feels good - like a good grip should.
I started with my 8-iron and had a little difficulty keeping my balance at first while bringing the club around my body. I then made sure that I flexed my knees and took what felt like an athletic stance. I also made sure to keep my left arm really straight as I swung the club back around my body. I found good balance after a few balls. The ball flight was from right to left and noticed that the more I lead with my hips on the downswing, the more club head speed I could generate.
With this swing and my irons, I have to make sure that I keep my head completely steady all the way through the swing - especially on the down swing thru impact. It almost feels as if I am staying behind the ball when I make contact. It also allows me to have that club back around from the inside and apply a descending blow to the ball.
With this swing and my driver, I have to focus on staying behind the ball - but when I unleashed my hips and my body, I was absolutely crushing the ball. This lead to pushing it to the limit while trying to maintain my balance. At the end of the session, I was swinging as hard as I could with my driver and the ball was starting to the right and landing right where I was aiming. If my timing was a little late with my arms and hands, I would hook it - and it wasn't even what appeared to be a dangerous hook - that was the worst outcome, even when I was slamming the ball as hard as I could. It felt liberating to whale on the ball like that and watch it go farther than I knew was possible. There is a 200-yard marker and what looks like about 20 or 30 yards past that to a 40 or 50 foot mesh wall. I was hitting the mesh wall on the fly about 20 feet up - amazing. I have no idea how far that would be, but after a roll it's got to be nearing 270 or more - incredible.
The swing coach was watching me hit and told me that I am 'getting it' - that was encouraging. After I was done, he told me how important it is to warm up extremely well prior to hitting my next ball. He stated the importance of being as loose as I was when I finished as I am the next time I start. He even said, if it takes 30 to 50 swings before even hitting a ball, do it.
This swing coupled with this grip are, what I believe, the final pieces to the puzzle. It is this swing that I need to groove in. If I swing the club on Saturday, the way I swung the club tonight, there is no reason I can not break 80. I feel that good and confident about my swing. I think it is all finished. I think I am done tinkering with this, that and the other. It is this swing that I need to groove in. I took 63 days of farting around, but now I am sure that this is the swing I need to use from here on out. Amen.
Here is a video showing Hogan's swing in greater detail:
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Day 62: Bad Range Day
I had a pretty bad day at the range today. I was trying everything to combat my fade. My timing was completely off - a lot of time I was finishing off balance. After a while, I started hitting balls in half. It was bad news. However, I hit my very last ball on the screws with my 7-iron - it felt great. I took my club back pretty flat coupled with a big shoulder turn and snapped my body around and caught the ball perfectly. It felt great.
After hitting balls, I went down to the chipping green and bumped 3 balls around. I am getting used to hinging my wrists on the way back and bringing my arms through the shot. It takes more practice than I gave it today, but I can see where you can get the necessary feel for distance control. I will do this again tomorrow and give it a little more time.
I finished the day with some putts. I ended up putting from one hole to another hole about 20 feet away and then back to the first hole. One way was downhill and coming back was uphill. I just kept going back and forth, back and forth.
It is August 24 and the sun is starting to set a little earlier now. It was dark when I left around 7:45pm. Summer is waning, Fall will be here soon. I need to get on my horse if I am going to break 80 - only 18 days remaining!
After hitting balls, I went down to the chipping green and bumped 3 balls around. I am getting used to hinging my wrists on the way back and bringing my arms through the shot. It takes more practice than I gave it today, but I can see where you can get the necessary feel for distance control. I will do this again tomorrow and give it a little more time.
I finished the day with some putts. I ended up putting from one hole to another hole about 20 feet away and then back to the first hole. One way was downhill and coming back was uphill. I just kept going back and forth, back and forth.
It is August 24 and the sun is starting to set a little earlier now. It was dark when I left around 7:45pm. Summer is waning, Fall will be here soon. I need to get on my horse if I am going to break 80 - only 18 days remaining!
Day 61: Practice - 3 facets
I have found a good routine that takes you through all facets of the game - using all of your clubs.
First - hit a bucket of balls and use all your clubs - rotating after about 5 shots with each club and vary the clubs - go long (Driver, 3-wood, hybrid), then go short (PW, SW, 9-iron), then back to long, then short.
After finishing a bucket of balls, go down to the chipping/sand trap portion and take 3 balls. Chip at different distances and at different hole locations. Hit about 30 balls. Do the same from the sand - hitting about 12-15 shots.
After this, head up to the putting green and spend about 15-20 minutes putting - start short (2~3-ft) and then move it out. I like to vary the length between each round of putts in an effort to assist me with the required touch at each distance.
All of this tends to take me about 1.5 hours - but I feel good afterwards. I feel like I got a good amount of practice in at each facet of the game without having to ever hurry. It's a nice pace and allows you to think about what you are doing.
I think this is going to be my new routine when I go to the range.
First - hit a bucket of balls and use all your clubs - rotating after about 5 shots with each club and vary the clubs - go long (Driver, 3-wood, hybrid), then go short (PW, SW, 9-iron), then back to long, then short.
After finishing a bucket of balls, go down to the chipping/sand trap portion and take 3 balls. Chip at different distances and at different hole locations. Hit about 30 balls. Do the same from the sand - hitting about 12-15 shots.
After this, head up to the putting green and spend about 15-20 minutes putting - start short (2~3-ft) and then move it out. I like to vary the length between each round of putts in an effort to assist me with the required touch at each distance.
All of this tends to take me about 1.5 hours - but I feel good afterwards. I feel like I got a good amount of practice in at each facet of the game without having to ever hurry. It's a nice pace and allows you to think about what you are doing.
I think this is going to be my new routine when I go to the range.
Day 60: Hitting Balls - Back In My Stance
It was Monday which meant back to 'work' on my swing. I am still futzing around with some things and tweaking some other things - some things to my liking, others not so much.
Today, I made sure that the ball was further back in my stance as the clubs got higher (from driver to SW). I do not know how to explain it very well, but certain clubs have you place the ball at a certain point in your stance. The driver is off your front left heal, the 5-iron somewhere between your front left heal and the middle of your stance, the 9-iron is somewhere around the middle of your stance - even a sliver behind middle. My wedges I play all over the place - from front if I want to hit it high, to back if I want to come down steep on it.
I am still trying out different grips which makes for a lot of inconsistency. Half weak, half strong - vice versa - a little weak, a little strong, etc. Every grip brought with it a different result.
I wish I had something earth shattering to tell you, but I don't. It was just a ho-hum day of hitting balls which didn't leave me thinking I have gotten any closer to what I need to be doing. That is a little disheartening, but the one redeeming quality I can take from the session is that I know that I am striking the ball well with more consistently. I am seeing ball marks in the middle of the club face. That is a good thing.
After my bucket, I did the 10-ft / 20-ft PGA putting drill that I included a few posts ago (Day 55). The highest I got up to was 18. I hit the ball a little too hard and about 4 feet past the cup on the 19th putt which was the 10-footer - so upsetting - especially after having holed about 3 of those putts in earlier attempts. Nonetheless, it is a great drill that helps you with your touch.
Today, I made sure that the ball was further back in my stance as the clubs got higher (from driver to SW). I do not know how to explain it very well, but certain clubs have you place the ball at a certain point in your stance. The driver is off your front left heal, the 5-iron somewhere between your front left heal and the middle of your stance, the 9-iron is somewhere around the middle of your stance - even a sliver behind middle. My wedges I play all over the place - from front if I want to hit it high, to back if I want to come down steep on it.
I am still trying out different grips which makes for a lot of inconsistency. Half weak, half strong - vice versa - a little weak, a little strong, etc. Every grip brought with it a different result.
I wish I had something earth shattering to tell you, but I don't. It was just a ho-hum day of hitting balls which didn't leave me thinking I have gotten any closer to what I need to be doing. That is a little disheartening, but the one redeeming quality I can take from the session is that I know that I am striking the ball well with more consistently. I am seeing ball marks in the middle of the club face. That is a good thing.
After my bucket, I did the 10-ft / 20-ft PGA putting drill that I included a few posts ago (Day 55). The highest I got up to was 18. I hit the ball a little too hard and about 4 feet past the cup on the 19th putt which was the 10-footer - so upsetting - especially after having holed about 3 of those putts in earlier attempts. Nonetheless, it is a great drill that helps you with your touch.
Day 59: Los Feliz Par 3
Late in the afternoon, my gal and two friends went and played the Los Feliz Par 3. This was the first time that any of us had been there and the first time that the 3 of them have ever played golf.
It's interesting trying to show someone how to swing the club after 59 days of trying to learn how to do it yourself. I kept it very simple - the grip, the stance and the swing.
It is a great little Par 3 for beginners. I believe the longest hole is 135 yards. The mature trees actually make the course pretty difficult. I was very impressed by how my gal and 2 friends played. They understood the concept and all of them hit the ball pretty straight. I believe that was the first time that I have ever played a course with someone who had never ever played before. It was fun to see the high level of concentration with each shot - you could see all of them really trying to focus on how they needed to coordinate their bodies with the corresponding shots. It really was a lot of fun to see them in action. For people that have played before, most shots are fairly straight forward and require little thinking - you just step up and hit the ball. But for my gal and friends, you could see just how much they were focusing on what they wanted to do - it was a beautiful sight to see.
As for me, I shot a 4 over - 1 birdie, 3 pars and 5 bogeys. I considered this to be pretty good being that the club that is giving me the most control problems right now is my sand wedge. I have a tendency to get a little shank-a-delic with my sand wedge. However, one swing thought that has helped me (from an earlier post - Day 50: Part Two) is to imagine there is a pane of glass sitting in front of the you and the ball. When you hit the ball, you want the clubhead to break the plane of glass, not your hands. The only problem is that when I do this, I hit left of your intended target line. Regardless, hitting a nice ball left (which can be adjusted) is much better than hitting the dreaded shank-o-la.
We finished all 9 holes before it got too dark. After a fun round, we all went to Gingergrass for some great Vietnamese fare.
It's interesting trying to show someone how to swing the club after 59 days of trying to learn how to do it yourself. I kept it very simple - the grip, the stance and the swing.
It is a great little Par 3 for beginners. I believe the longest hole is 135 yards. The mature trees actually make the course pretty difficult. I was very impressed by how my gal and 2 friends played. They understood the concept and all of them hit the ball pretty straight. I believe that was the first time that I have ever played a course with someone who had never ever played before. It was fun to see the high level of concentration with each shot - you could see all of them really trying to focus on how they needed to coordinate their bodies with the corresponding shots. It really was a lot of fun to see them in action. For people that have played before, most shots are fairly straight forward and require little thinking - you just step up and hit the ball. But for my gal and friends, you could see just how much they were focusing on what they wanted to do - it was a beautiful sight to see.
As for me, I shot a 4 over - 1 birdie, 3 pars and 5 bogeys. I considered this to be pretty good being that the club that is giving me the most control problems right now is my sand wedge. I have a tendency to get a little shank-a-delic with my sand wedge. However, one swing thought that has helped me (from an earlier post - Day 50: Part Two) is to imagine there is a pane of glass sitting in front of the you and the ball. When you hit the ball, you want the clubhead to break the plane of glass, not your hands. The only problem is that when I do this, I hit left of your intended target line. Regardless, hitting a nice ball left (which can be adjusted) is much better than hitting the dreaded shank-o-la.
We finished all 9 holes before it got too dark. After a fun round, we all went to Gingergrass for some great Vietnamese fare.
Day 58: San Diego
Today, I let the clubs rest. My gal and I drove down to San Diego for the night. We had a great dinner at Acqua al 2 - try the pasta sampler and the filet in the balsamic sauce. The owner is from Italy and has the same restaurant in Florence that I went to a couple years ago - it's fantastic. We enjoyed a few pints after dinner at The Field just down 5th street before retiring to our hotel (the Sofia Hotel). It was great to get out of town for the evening and great to spend time with my gal.
Day 57: Dropping to the Inside
Today, I went back to the range and tried to continue to focus on dropping the club down from the inside.
I have a practice rod that I am laying down parallel to my feet about 3 inches outside the ball (much like the towel in the 'towel drill'). Everything is starting to fell more cumfy with repetition. However, I am still all over the place with my driver. I need to continue to focus on staying 'behind the ball' as I still have a tendency to slide forward at impact and being 'late' with my hands. This pushes the ball to the right and sometimes slices the balls. I need to rid that motion from my repertoire.
The swing coach saw me take a few cuts with my driver and suggested that I take away the club slower as that seems to allow me to come back to the ball more from the inside. Nonetheless, it was a pretty good day out on the range - I made solid ball contact, just a little erratic.
I have a practice rod that I am laying down parallel to my feet about 3 inches outside the ball (much like the towel in the 'towel drill'). Everything is starting to fell more cumfy with repetition. However, I am still all over the place with my driver. I need to continue to focus on staying 'behind the ball' as I still have a tendency to slide forward at impact and being 'late' with my hands. This pushes the ball to the right and sometimes slices the balls. I need to rid that motion from my repertoire.
The swing coach saw me take a few cuts with my driver and suggested that I take away the club slower as that seems to allow me to come back to the ball more from the inside. Nonetheless, it was a pretty good day out on the range - I made solid ball contact, just a little erratic.
Day 56: The Range - Grip, Ball Position, Swing Plane, Towel Drill
Today, I was back at the range bangin' balls.
I wanted to focus on 4 things: my grip, my ball position, my swing plane and the towel drill
My Grip
I have a pretty neutral grip - neither strong nor weak. Both the 'v' on my left hand (the shape made with your thumb and index finger) and the 'v' on my right hand point towards my chin. I have a stronger right hand than I do a left hand - that is the 'v' made with my right hand points closer towards my right shoulder.
The logic behind a weak and strong grip is this: a weak grip (hands turned more over to the left of the club) tends to keep the club face open at impact; whereas, a strong grip (hands turned more over to the right of the club) tends to keep the club face more closed at impact.
Today I am trying something new, I am weakening my left hand grip (pointing the v towards my left shoulder) and strengthening my right hand grip (pointing the v towards my right shoulder). I am doing this in an effort to see if I can hit the ball more straight.
My Ball Position
I am going back to the standard ball position - keeping the ball off of my left heal with my Driver and moving it further back with each club so that it is a little bit behind the center of my stance with my sand wedge and my 60-degree.
My Swing Plane
I am focusing on keeping my hands and arms in front of me during my take away and coming back through to the ball from the inside.
The Towel Drill
The Towel Drill is a good drill to force you to come at the ball from the inside and to make sure that you are not coming over the top. Here is a good video from Dave Wesley demonstrating the towel drill (by the way, if you slice the ball, it is helpful to check out all 7 videos):
The result of all these things was that I hit the ball pretty darn well. The grip felt a little weird, but any change feels weird at first. Now if I could just remember these things on the course, I would be in pretty good shape.
I wanted to focus on 4 things: my grip, my ball position, my swing plane and the towel drill
My Grip
I have a pretty neutral grip - neither strong nor weak. Both the 'v' on my left hand (the shape made with your thumb and index finger) and the 'v' on my right hand point towards my chin. I have a stronger right hand than I do a left hand - that is the 'v' made with my right hand points closer towards my right shoulder.
The logic behind a weak and strong grip is this: a weak grip (hands turned more over to the left of the club) tends to keep the club face open at impact; whereas, a strong grip (hands turned more over to the right of the club) tends to keep the club face more closed at impact.
Today I am trying something new, I am weakening my left hand grip (pointing the v towards my left shoulder) and strengthening my right hand grip (pointing the v towards my right shoulder). I am doing this in an effort to see if I can hit the ball more straight.
My Ball Position
I am going back to the standard ball position - keeping the ball off of my left heal with my Driver and moving it further back with each club so that it is a little bit behind the center of my stance with my sand wedge and my 60-degree.
My Swing Plane
I am focusing on keeping my hands and arms in front of me during my take away and coming back through to the ball from the inside.
The Towel Drill
The Towel Drill is a good drill to force you to come at the ball from the inside and to make sure that you are not coming over the top. Here is a good video from Dave Wesley demonstrating the towel drill (by the way, if you slice the ball, it is helpful to check out all 7 videos):
The result of all these things was that I hit the ball pretty darn well. The grip felt a little weird, but any change feels weird at first. Now if I could just remember these things on the course, I would be in pretty good shape.
Day 54: Brookside
Garbage.
That's how I hit balls on the range and that's how I hit balls on the course.
I tried to use that swing that I was using yesterday - ball up in the stance (off the left heal), attack from the inside and level shoulder turn - it turned out to be a bunch of hooey. That's right - hooey.
However, I did birdie a Par 5 to win about $15, so that was cool. I also putted very well having only 12 putts on the front 9 (6 1-putts and 3 2-putts). I had 1 birdie and 3 pars, the rest of the afternoon stunk. I have never been more inconsistent on a golf course in my life. I can not play golf with the ball that forward in my stance. I am going back to working with the old swing and just making sure that I bring the club around my body more and not too steeply.
The worst part about the round was that it was over 100 degrees out. In that kind of weather, I am good for about 12 to 14 holes, then I become jelly.
We also played a pretty fun game. Everybody throws in $25 ($25 x 4 guys = $100). Whoever has the lowest score on a hole wins $5 instantly - cash back in your pocket. Maximum 3-hole carry over ($15). With the $10 left over, you do a closest to the pin on the 1st 2 par-3's for $5. This game allows for almost everyone to get in on the action - regardless of your handicap. I ended up winning $10 ($35 back in my pocket).
That's how I hit balls on the range and that's how I hit balls on the course.
I tried to use that swing that I was using yesterday - ball up in the stance (off the left heal), attack from the inside and level shoulder turn - it turned out to be a bunch of hooey. That's right - hooey.
However, I did birdie a Par 5 to win about $15, so that was cool. I also putted very well having only 12 putts on the front 9 (6 1-putts and 3 2-putts). I had 1 birdie and 3 pars, the rest of the afternoon stunk. I have never been more inconsistent on a golf course in my life. I can not play golf with the ball that forward in my stance. I am going back to working with the old swing and just making sure that I bring the club around my body more and not too steeply.
The worst part about the round was that it was over 100 degrees out. In that kind of weather, I am good for about 12 to 14 holes, then I become jelly.
We also played a pretty fun game. Everybody throws in $25 ($25 x 4 guys = $100). Whoever has the lowest score on a hole wins $5 instantly - cash back in your pocket. Maximum 3-hole carry over ($15). With the $10 left over, you do a closest to the pin on the 1st 2 par-3's for $5. This game allows for almost everyone to get in on the action - regardless of your handicap. I ended up winning $10 ($35 back in my pocket).
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 53: Bangin' Balls - Swinging from the inside
I hit balls today with one focus - use the new swing (level shoulder turn) and hit the ball from the inside while turning your hands over.
The only problem was that I continued to hit behind the ball. This is also called hitting it fat. I thought that by taking a level shoulder turn, I was going to minimize that. What I did to compensate for that was to move the ball more forward in my stance - off of my left heel. I also focused on taking away the club on an outside path (with a level shoulder turn) and coming thru on the inside while striking the ball from the inside while really turning my hands over. Well, this works when your timing is perfect. I was about half and half - when I was late with turning my hands over, I would push the ball out to the right; when I was early turning my hands over, I would hook the ball; but when my timing was perfect, it was a thing of beauty - a nice, high, lazy draw.
There was one bigger problem than just hitting 50% of the ball well - I was thinking too much. The focus on my level shoulder turn at the take away had me thinking too much and not just 'swinging' - I think this promotes the chance of hitting the ball fat. I feel like I was a bit too mechanical, but perhaps it was just because of a new swing plane and would take time to get used to - not sure.
Nonetheless, I would continue to try and use this set-up (ball position) and swing and see what happens. The one thing I did know was that I was not comfortable and not striking the ball as consistently as I should be. I will hit a bucket of balls before the round tomorrow and see if I feel any more comfortable.
The only problem was that I continued to hit behind the ball. This is also called hitting it fat. I thought that by taking a level shoulder turn, I was going to minimize that. What I did to compensate for that was to move the ball more forward in my stance - off of my left heel. I also focused on taking away the club on an outside path (with a level shoulder turn) and coming thru on the inside while striking the ball from the inside while really turning my hands over. Well, this works when your timing is perfect. I was about half and half - when I was late with turning my hands over, I would push the ball out to the right; when I was early turning my hands over, I would hook the ball; but when my timing was perfect, it was a thing of beauty - a nice, high, lazy draw.
There was one bigger problem than just hitting 50% of the ball well - I was thinking too much. The focus on my level shoulder turn at the take away had me thinking too much and not just 'swinging' - I think this promotes the chance of hitting the ball fat. I feel like I was a bit too mechanical, but perhaps it was just because of a new swing plane and would take time to get used to - not sure.
Nonetheless, I would continue to try and use this set-up (ball position) and swing and see what happens. The one thing I did know was that I was not comfortable and not striking the ball as consistently as I should be. I will hit a bucket of balls before the round tomorrow and see if I feel any more comfortable.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Day 52: Tierra Part Deux
So here we are again: Tierra Rejada. As if last week didn't beat me up enough...we meet again.
Prior to leaving, my gal asked me how I felt and I told her that I was uncertain - not a good way to approach a round. I was uncertain with my swing and I was uncertain about putting with my awesome new putter.
I was not used to swinging using a level shoulder turn, but wanted to pay attention to it today. I was obviously not used to my new putter, but looked forward to using it. I feel like if I practice for 15 minutes on the practice green, I should be able to get a good feel as to how the ball is going to roll.
The long and the short of it - I was +9 after the first 6 holes (2 lost balls - 3rd shot on #1 and 2nd shot on #3) and did not par a hole until the Par 3 Hole# 7. I actually made par on the next hole, too, but still did not feel comfortable. I finished the front 9 with a 47 (Par 37) - and it felt worse. I was a mess - mentally and physically. I could not find my swing and my timing was off. Every shot, I would swing differently and would see a different result. However, I did drop some putts and I really liked my new putter.
The back 9 was about the same - ugly - culminating with a shank on the short downhill Par 3 Hole# 17.
All told, the 18th hole was one of the most remarkable moments I have had on a golf course. We were playing a game called 'Wolf' - because I was the person with the least amount of skins, I got to be the Wolf and tee off first. There were a number of carry-overs making the 18th hole worth 19 skins.
The tee shot on 18 is blind and on a down slope. So if you keep your tee shot to the right, you will be safe and get a lot of roll. I hit my hybrid well, but had no idea where my second shot would be. My pal hit his shot OB right, so I did not pick him to be my partner. My other pal hit a less than optimal shot left which would leave him with an awkward 2nd shot, so I did not pick him to be my partner either. The last guy in our foresome went OB left so I went 'Lone Wolf' - which doubled the skins making bringing the total up to 38.
It turned out that I was sitting in the middle of the fairway 145 yards out. The only problem was that the pin was tucked back left over a pond with only a sliver of green to work with. It was a daunting shot not to mention the wind was blowing dead at us. I could have taken a more conservative approach and aimed to the right which would have not put me on the green, but would avoid the water. However, I thought that if I was going to make a great shot today - now was the time to do it - so I went for it.
Because of the wind, I figured that the hole was playing about 155-160. This distance is what I hit my 7-iron. I also figured that if I hit my 7-iron high up in the air and stiff, then the wind would just beat it down on the green, hopefully near the hole.
I stepped up to the ball and hit my most pure shot of the day. I hit it high and on the screws and was repeating to myself, 'beat it down, wind, beat it down'. The wind definitely beat it down and left me on the green about 20 feet from hole. My first putt went about 2 feet long and I made the come-backer to take the 38 skins.
After a long day on the course, the 18th hole left me feeling good. I had full confidence in my ability to hit that second shot and had full confidence in making the second putt for par (with my new putter). I actually thought that my third putt might drop for a birdie and would win the hole in incredible fashion - nonetheless, I took home all the money and learned a valuable lesson.
The lesson I learned was that you have to 'see' the shot and know 100% that you can hit it. I did that on Hole 18 and it resulted in a well-played hole. I need to do that before every shot.
As for the round, I shot a 94 - 47 on the front and 47 on the back. Other than the 18th hole, there was really not much to talk about. I hit 7 of 13 fairways (54%) and was on in regulation on only 5 of 18 holes (28%). I took 35 putts (1.96 average) but made some beauties.
I have a long way to go - especially after all of my indecision standing over the ball today.
Prior to leaving, my gal asked me how I felt and I told her that I was uncertain - not a good way to approach a round. I was uncertain with my swing and I was uncertain about putting with my awesome new putter.
I was not used to swinging using a level shoulder turn, but wanted to pay attention to it today. I was obviously not used to my new putter, but looked forward to using it. I feel like if I practice for 15 minutes on the practice green, I should be able to get a good feel as to how the ball is going to roll.
The long and the short of it - I was +9 after the first 6 holes (2 lost balls - 3rd shot on #1 and 2nd shot on #3) and did not par a hole until the Par 3 Hole# 7. I actually made par on the next hole, too, but still did not feel comfortable. I finished the front 9 with a 47 (Par 37) - and it felt worse. I was a mess - mentally and physically. I could not find my swing and my timing was off. Every shot, I would swing differently and would see a different result. However, I did drop some putts and I really liked my new putter.
The back 9 was about the same - ugly - culminating with a shank on the short downhill Par 3 Hole# 17.
All told, the 18th hole was one of the most remarkable moments I have had on a golf course. We were playing a game called 'Wolf' - because I was the person with the least amount of skins, I got to be the Wolf and tee off first. There were a number of carry-overs making the 18th hole worth 19 skins.
The tee shot on 18 is blind and on a down slope. So if you keep your tee shot to the right, you will be safe and get a lot of roll. I hit my hybrid well, but had no idea where my second shot would be. My pal hit his shot OB right, so I did not pick him to be my partner. My other pal hit a less than optimal shot left which would leave him with an awkward 2nd shot, so I did not pick him to be my partner either. The last guy in our foresome went OB left so I went 'Lone Wolf' - which doubled the skins making bringing the total up to 38.
It turned out that I was sitting in the middle of the fairway 145 yards out. The only problem was that the pin was tucked back left over a pond with only a sliver of green to work with. It was a daunting shot not to mention the wind was blowing dead at us. I could have taken a more conservative approach and aimed to the right which would have not put me on the green, but would avoid the water. However, I thought that if I was going to make a great shot today - now was the time to do it - so I went for it.
Because of the wind, I figured that the hole was playing about 155-160. This distance is what I hit my 7-iron. I also figured that if I hit my 7-iron high up in the air and stiff, then the wind would just beat it down on the green, hopefully near the hole.
I stepped up to the ball and hit my most pure shot of the day. I hit it high and on the screws and was repeating to myself, 'beat it down, wind, beat it down'. The wind definitely beat it down and left me on the green about 20 feet from hole. My first putt went about 2 feet long and I made the come-backer to take the 38 skins.
After a long day on the course, the 18th hole left me feeling good. I had full confidence in my ability to hit that second shot and had full confidence in making the second putt for par (with my new putter). I actually thought that my third putt might drop for a birdie and would win the hole in incredible fashion - nonetheless, I took home all the money and learned a valuable lesson.
The lesson I learned was that you have to 'see' the shot and know 100% that you can hit it. I did that on Hole 18 and it resulted in a well-played hole. I need to do that before every shot.
As for the round, I shot a 94 - 47 on the front and 47 on the back. Other than the 18th hole, there was really not much to talk about. I hit 7 of 13 fairways (54%) and was on in regulation on only 5 of 18 holes (28%). I took 35 putts (1.96 average) but made some beauties.
I have a long way to go - especially after all of my indecision standing over the ball today.
Day 51: New Putter
So I needed to stop by the golf store today prior to my round tomorrow. I brought my gal with me. I needed to get a dozen balls and a new golf glove. While we were in there I showed her the putter that I wanted (Odyssey black series i #9). They had a used one in mint condition that was cut down to 33 inches and fit my putting stance perfectly. It had an original sticker price of $249 marked down to $179 - I felt that $179 is still too expensive for a putter, but man was it a beauty. I rolled a couple of putts and could not believe it - I felt as if this putter was made for me.
My gal asked me if I loved it. I told her that I loved it. She asked, 'but do you really, really love it?' I said that I really, really loved it. She then told me, 'Happy Birthday, baby'. I was in awe with mouth agape. I initially told her that it was too expensive and could not possible accept such a gift, but she refused and snatched the putter from my hands and brought it up to the cashier. Amazing. She said that she eagerly wanted to get me something that would help me on my journey. Well, she got me something - and that something might be one of the best birthday gifts of all time.
I can not wait to use my new putter! We headed off to Rancho Park to hit balls - you better believe we are going to take a few putts, too!
I am playing Tierra tomorrow and can not wait to play with my new putter. I was starting to get pretty good with my old putter, but know that I will be even better with my new putter. It fits me perfectly, so my putting game can only get better from here.
Thank you for the amazing birthday present, babe!
My gal asked me if I loved it. I told her that I loved it. She asked, 'but do you really, really love it?' I said that I really, really loved it. She then told me, 'Happy Birthday, baby'. I was in awe with mouth agape. I initially told her that it was too expensive and could not possible accept such a gift, but she refused and snatched the putter from my hands and brought it up to the cashier. Amazing. She said that she eagerly wanted to get me something that would help me on my journey. Well, she got me something - and that something might be one of the best birthday gifts of all time.
I can not wait to use my new putter! We headed off to Rancho Park to hit balls - you better believe we are going to take a few putts, too!
I am playing Tierra tomorrow and can not wait to play with my new putter. I was starting to get pretty good with my old putter, but know that I will be even better with my new putter. It fits me perfectly, so my putting game can only get better from here.
Thank you for the amazing birthday present, babe!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Day 55: Putting - the 4-footer
I understand the notion of making all 3-foot putts.
However, what happens to you when faced with a 4-foot putt?
Many things come into play with a 4-foot putt - you now need to think about your line, the break and the speed - which don't really come into play with the 3-foot putt. Most 3-foot putts you can jam right into the hole without putting too much thought into the line, break or speed. The 4-footer becomes an entirely different beast and I have found myself in this range a lot over the past couple of weeks as my chipping gets better. I am still not the best chipper in town. I wish I could say that I leave every chip within the 3-foot circle, but I don't. Many times I leave my chips within 4 feet or even more. However, I have found a big difference between a 3 foot putt and a 4 foot putt - especially a downhill putt with a little break.
However, what happens to you when faced with a 4-foot putt?
Many things come into play with a 4-foot putt - you now need to think about your line, the break and the speed - which don't really come into play with the 3-foot putt. Most 3-foot putts you can jam right into the hole without putting too much thought into the line, break or speed. The 4-footer becomes an entirely different beast and I have found myself in this range a lot over the past couple of weeks as my chipping gets better. I am still not the best chipper in town. I wish I could say that I leave every chip within the 3-foot circle, but I don't. Many times I leave my chips within 4 feet or even more. However, I have found a big difference between a 3 foot putt and a 4 foot putt - especially a downhill putt with a little break.
So this is what I focused on today. I took 25 putts downhill, 25 putts uphill and 50 sidehill putts (25 from each side - 1 breaking right to left and 1 breaking left to right). After taking 100 putts, I felt pretty good at the speed and the stroke needed to jar the majority of the putts.
As I got home later in the evening, I looked up different putting drills and came across this one which focuses on the 10 footer and the 20 footer and the speed needed to get each one in the 'safe 2-putt zone'. I have never practiced this drill before but the next time I go out, I definitely will - both from an uphill lie and a downhill lie.
I hope you enjoy and happy putting to all!
PGA Pro Putting Drill -- powered by GolfLink
As I got home later in the evening, I looked up different putting drills and came across this one which focuses on the 10 footer and the 20 footer and the speed needed to get each one in the 'safe 2-putt zone'. I have never practiced this drill before but the next time I go out, I definitely will - both from an uphill lie and a downhill lie.
I hope you enjoy and happy putting to all!
PGA Pro Putting Drill -- powered by GolfLink
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Day 51: The 4 Categories of Golfers and Identifying your Problem
I have learned a great deal over the past 50 days pertaining to the mechanics of the golf swing, but more importantly the mechanics (or problems thereof) of my own golf swing. I also know that I have a ways to go in order to break 80, but I am travelling down a good path. I do know that I will break 80 in the next 30 days.
I feel like you can separate golfers into 4 categories:
The first category are golfers who swing correctly (the smallest amount of golfers). These people are blessed with the proper mechanics. For some, it just comes naturally. For the larger group in this category, it comes with practice, training and then execution. Golfers in this category regularly shoot in the 70's and can do so from the Black (or Blue) tees.
The second category of golfers consists of those who swing incorrectly, but taking the necessary steps to learn what the mechanics are in an attempt to move into the first category. Over the past 50 days, I now know that I fit into this category. I will elaborate more later on in this post. Most people don't want to move into this category because it would mean that they have to come to grips with the notion and admit to the fact that what they are doing (how they are swinging) is incorrect. In the words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 'Give up all bad qualities in you, banish the ego and develop the spirit of surrender. You will then experience bliss.'
The third category of golfers are those who swing incorrectly, but do not take the necessary steps needed to learn the proper mechanics (the largest amount of golfers). These are most of the guys we play golf with on the weekends. They have definite hitches in their swings, but have learned how to play those swings to the best of their ability. Most of these guys want to get better at their game. These guys can go out and shoot a low round from time to time - they can also have a terrible day on the course riddled with inconsistencies and frustrations. They go to the range and try and 'figure it out', but add on another bad technique to compensate for their other bad techniques in an effort to create a more consistent ball flight. Without having a proper foundation or the proper knowledge, there is only so much that these golfers can achieve. I think it is safe to say that this group will rarely, if ever, shoot in the 70's - and never on a consistent basis. Keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with being a golfer in this category - as after all, golf is a game and the game should be enjoyed. However, if you want to become a golfer in the first category above, you will need to make some changes. You can't build your house on a shaky foundation. I was firmly planted in this third category before taking on this exercise of Breakin' 80 in 80. I didn't like being here - I was too inconsistent. I knew what I wanted to do and some days everything would click - but most the time, it didn't and I would be all over the place. Sure I could score in the high 80's (rare), but I was more often in the mid-to-high-90's and even sometimes I would venture into the low triple digits. I realized that this is not where I wanted to be. I will also say it again, I know that you can't build your house on a shaky foundation. So in order to get more enjoyment out of the game, I needed to move into the second category. And it is not an easy thing to do. You have to let go of what it is you know (which is incorrect) - toss it by the wayside - and allow for learning the proper mechanics on how to swing correctly. This will lead to greater consistency, better shots, greater enjoyment out of the game and ultimately, lower scores. I figured if I am going to play and enjoy this game well into my twilight years, I should take this time in my life to learn how to swing correctly.
The fourth category belongs to those golfers who don't know the proper mechanics of the golf swing and don't care. These people play a few times a summer (if that) and do not really care about getting any better (probably the same amount of people in this category as in the first category).
Brandel Chamblee said something on the Golf Channel a couple days ago that really struck a chord with me. The commentators were talking about Sean Foley and Tiger Woods. Mr. Chamblee said something akin to that there was too much emphasis put on technology in learning the golf swing in today's teachings. He said that all you need to do is look at the flight of the ball to learn what it is you are doing wrong (or right). He referenced the true ball-strikers like Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan (self taught / never had a lesson), Jack Nicklaus and how they did not have the benefit of video sequencing of their golf swing. I thought about what Chamblee said and tried to apply it to my own swing.
What is the consistent ball flight created by my swing?
Most of my shots have a fade. I still have a tendency to slice the ball. Moreover, the slice usually comes out at the worst times (i.e. Hole #16 last Saturday at Tierra on my second shot on the Par 5 that I sliced out of bounds). I do not like this ball flight. So I asked myself 'what do I continue to do incorrectly that produces this type of ball flight?' This can be easily identified by a swing coach, but not so easy to identify by yourself as you can't see yourself. This is the main problem facing people in the third category mentioned above.
After some digging, I found that I am attacking the ball too steeply. This is the most common problem with all slicers. It can all be attributed to an improper shoulder turn. Instead of turning my shoulders on an even plane, I am tilting my shoulders (dipping my left shoulder and raising my right shoulder). This makes you come down too steeply and attack the ball from outside-in. This is most commonly referred to as 'coming over the top'. Have you ever popped up a drive (do you have scars on the top of your driver)? Do you ever hit fat shots? Do you slice the ball? Do you have an issue with balance from time to time in your finish? If you can answer yes to these questions, it is almost 100% certain that you attack the ball from too steep of an angle.
Thanks to the teaching videos of Hank Haney, I was able to identify (1) my problem and (2) the solution.
Eliminate the fat shot with a level shoulder turn:
Keep your shoulders back in order to let your arms and hands catch up to allow for the club face to be squared up at impact:
Level out that shoulder turn for the proper trajectory and greater distance:
And finally, a good drill from Steve Bann (great instructor) to see if your swing is on plane or not (should be done with a buddy watching):
Day 50 - Part Two: The Shank
So about half-way through my practice sessions - either at the driving range or chipping (after hitting about 75 balls), I will develop a shanky swing. I will literally start hitting balls well and then out of nowhere, I will shank a shot. Then I will take my address my next shot and shank that, too. The coach taught me a drill to get rid of them (mentioned in a previous post) and I will work it out. He told me that I had to get my swing on a more outside-in swing path. However, I never really knew what was happening in the middle of my practice. So tonight I searched the web and found a great explanation that I will paste below. Thanks to Pat Dolan I now know why I shank the ball (http://www.topendsports.com/sport/golf/shank.htm).
So what is a shank?
Well technically it is NOT a "golf shot." A golf shot is something a player tries to hit. As far as I know, nobody has ever tried to intentionally hit a shank on the course while competing.
The shank is the portion or part of an iron where the clubface and hosel meet. When a golfer hits the ball in that area of the clubhead it produces a unwanted ball reaction which is called and widely accepted as a "shank."
The shank is the portion or part of an iron where the clubface and hosel meet. When a golfer hits the ball in that area of the clubhead it produces a unwanted ball reaction which is called and widely accepted as a "shank."
(Oddly, due to it's recessed position the shank rarely makes contact with the ball.)
The reason a shank happens is because the golfer is trying to play a safe shot. They are trying to "push" the golf ball rather than hit it. In other sports or games when we play a safety we "push" rather than hit. In baseball for example a "bunt" is a safety of sorts and we "push" or hold the bat rather than "swing it."
In golf when we "push," we "push" only the grip portion of the club forward and the clubhead lags behind. When that happens the face twists open allowing the hosel area of the iron clubhead to enter the impact area first. So in a shank the hands are in front of the ball (as much as 6 to 8 inches) when the clubhead contacts the ball.
Now for the second important part, "What do I have to do to get rid of them?"
I'm sorry but as far as I know NO ONE has ever gotten rid of "the shank." We may control it and do our best to prevent it but that's the best we can expect.
So, how do you prevent or avoid them. Well you need to do, "the opposite."
To correct it, you "must" reverse the clubs overall position at impact. In this case the clubhead "must" now come into the ball (impact area) before the grip portion of the club. In a properly hit golf shot the "grip" portion of the club and the "clubhead" should be in a relatively straight line at impact. Indeed that is our goal but at this time we need to overcome and reverse our present bad habit.
So to do the opposite you must get "the clubhead" into the impact area ahead the hands. Picture a pane of glass so big as to cover an area from the back of the ball up to your hands. In a shank your hands or the grip portion of the club make the initial contact with the glass breakng the top of the glass first. Now to correct it, you want the clubhead to break the bottom of the glass first.
To do it properly: first --- relax your grip (this is necessary because the wrists must be able to act like hinges and allow the clubhead to pass in front of them) second --- mentally picture the clubhead hitting the bottom of the glass before the hands, third --- just let it happen.
Once a golfer knows what they need to do, then the best way to do it is to simply let the body do it for them. I tell my students, "What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve --- "if" you let it."
The next thing I had my students do was to shank the ball on purpose. That's right, In order to correct anything you must completely understand why it happens. What better way to understand a shank then by intentionally hitting it.
So for your drill, I want you to intentionally hit three shanks in a row. When you do, you will know everything you need in order to avoid or prevent it in the future.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 50: Practice at Tierra
After work, I went to Tierra Rejada to practice. I am playing there on Sunday, so I thought it would be good to go roll some putts and chips on those greens. They are much faster than Encino, Balboa or Penmar and I was having some trouble putting downhill last time we played there.
There was only a few people at the course when I got there around 6pm. It was quiet and fantastic. I was the only guy on the two-tiered putting green.
I took putts from all lengths - both uphill and downhill. On the downhill putts, I need to remember that all you really need to do is get the ball started on the correct line and watch it go to the hole. If I miss, I only want that ball rolling 2 feet past the cup - maximum. On the uphill putts, you still need to put a good stroke on the ball because it stops fast.
I putted for about a half hour before going to the chipping green. The rough off the fringe was deep and thick. It was nice to pop the ball up and out of that and have it land softly on the green. If you do not get enough height on the ball, it comes out low and rolls for a long time. I found out that if I leaned forward with my lower body but kept my upper body behind the ball, I would be able to attack the ball from a good angle and hit the ball squarely in the middle of the club face (By the way, I was using my 57-degree SW).
After chipping for awhile, I headed down to the range. I tried putting my butt and back in to my irons as per Day 49, but found that I would hit far behind the ball. I tried to focus on hitting closer to the ball and was able to rip off a few good 8-iron, 5-iron and hybrid shots. I probably hit 50% of them well. The other 50% was all over the place - some I pushed, some I hit fat and some I pulled. However, this is exactly what I need to work on. I need raise the percentage of good shots to 80-90%. I think this will come in the next 30 days if I keep at it.
I hit driver fairly well. I hit 75% of my drives with a fade and I hit the other 25% straight. I need to get this percentage up, too.
I think I know what I need to do - I need to get over the fear of coming across the ball. I need to have that club come from the inside, make contact from the inside and have my release carry the clubface around. I will practice that next time I hit balls.
After hitting balls, I went into one of the two deep practice bunkers. I used my 60-degree wedge and actually hit balls out of the bunker pretty well. I know that the old adage states to keep your lower body quiet, but i found that if I rotated my hips just a bit, I was able to get the ball up and out and roll to the hole. Using the same stance as I took above with the chips, I was able to hit the sand on the upswing and plop the ball out pretty nicely. I still need to work a lot on my distance control, but know that will come after I can successfully get the ball out of the bunker 100% of the time. Tonight, I got probably 75% out of the bunker, but still did not feel 100% comfortable. I know it will come with time.
I really enjoyed practicing at Tierra. It was quiet with only but a few other blokes and me working on our game.
I took the 23 to the 118 to the 405-S on the way home and I was door-to-door in 40 minutes, so it was not too much longer if I would have taken the 23 to the 101 to the 405-S. There is not a great deal of traffic on the 118 at 7:30~8:00pm.
I have 30 days left to break 80. I feel like I have come a long way, but still have a ways to go. I am learning something about my swing every time I pick up a club, so I enjoy that. I just need to keep honing in my game.
There was only a few people at the course when I got there around 6pm. It was quiet and fantastic. I was the only guy on the two-tiered putting green.
I took putts from all lengths - both uphill and downhill. On the downhill putts, I need to remember that all you really need to do is get the ball started on the correct line and watch it go to the hole. If I miss, I only want that ball rolling 2 feet past the cup - maximum. On the uphill putts, you still need to put a good stroke on the ball because it stops fast.
I putted for about a half hour before going to the chipping green. The rough off the fringe was deep and thick. It was nice to pop the ball up and out of that and have it land softly on the green. If you do not get enough height on the ball, it comes out low and rolls for a long time. I found out that if I leaned forward with my lower body but kept my upper body behind the ball, I would be able to attack the ball from a good angle and hit the ball squarely in the middle of the club face (By the way, I was using my 57-degree SW).
After chipping for awhile, I headed down to the range. I tried putting my butt and back in to my irons as per Day 49, but found that I would hit far behind the ball. I tried to focus on hitting closer to the ball and was able to rip off a few good 8-iron, 5-iron and hybrid shots. I probably hit 50% of them well. The other 50% was all over the place - some I pushed, some I hit fat and some I pulled. However, this is exactly what I need to work on. I need raise the percentage of good shots to 80-90%. I think this will come in the next 30 days if I keep at it.
I hit driver fairly well. I hit 75% of my drives with a fade and I hit the other 25% straight. I need to get this percentage up, too.
I think I know what I need to do - I need to get over the fear of coming across the ball. I need to have that club come from the inside, make contact from the inside and have my release carry the clubface around. I will practice that next time I hit balls.
After hitting balls, I went into one of the two deep practice bunkers. I used my 60-degree wedge and actually hit balls out of the bunker pretty well. I know that the old adage states to keep your lower body quiet, but i found that if I rotated my hips just a bit, I was able to get the ball up and out and roll to the hole. Using the same stance as I took above with the chips, I was able to hit the sand on the upswing and plop the ball out pretty nicely. I still need to work a lot on my distance control, but know that will come after I can successfully get the ball out of the bunker 100% of the time. Tonight, I got probably 75% out of the bunker, but still did not feel 100% comfortable. I know it will come with time.
I really enjoyed practicing at Tierra. It was quiet with only but a few other blokes and me working on our game.
I took the 23 to the 118 to the 405-S on the way home and I was door-to-door in 40 minutes, so it was not too much longer if I would have taken the 23 to the 101 to the 405-S. There is not a great deal of traffic on the 118 at 7:30~8:00pm.
I have 30 days left to break 80. I feel like I have come a long way, but still have a ways to go. I am learning something about my swing every time I pick up a club, so I enjoy that. I just need to keep honing in my game.
Day 49: Put Your Back In To It
Today I went back to the range to see if I could pick up where I left off yesterday.
I hit balls pretty well - not great, but not poorly.
Nearing the end of my bucket with my hybrid, I noticed that when I played the ball off my front heal coupled with bending my knees a little more (pooching out my butt a la Ernie Els), I could really make solid contact creating a straight flight path with a hint of a draw. I hit the last 5 or so balls on a rope while taking, what I consider to be, a more athletic stance. The balls were flying about 210 yards with about a 2-yard draw.
When I was done with the bucket, I thought about this for a moment and realized that I was probably standing too upright with all my clubs. I also thought that I was playing the ball too far back in my stance. When I play the ball off my front left heal, I think the club head has enough time to square itself up at impact creating a well-struck shot. When I play the ball further back in my stance, I think my timing is late on squaring up that club head, so I hit the ball with a more open club face which can push or slice the ball.
Instead of having this sit in my mind all night, I got another bucket of balls (something I rarely do) and tried to apply this same set-up and stance to my irons. Lo and behold, it worked. I was hitting my 8-iron and 5-iron on the screws with a great, consistent ball flight. I went back to the hybrid and hit that well, too. However, when I tried to have this same swing transfer over to my Driver, I had some difficulties. Nonetheless, if I can get to the point where I can hit 12 clubs in my bag with consistency and accuracy, then my big worries are over.
As I continued to hit balls, I kept thinking about the Ice Cube song 'You Can Do It (Put Your Back In To It).
This got me all jazzed up to return to the range tomorrow and pick up on where I left off. I will also continue to hit my Driver and find out what kind of swing is needed with that same athletic stance and that same ball positioning and get that all squared away.
It was just 3 days ago, when I thought all was lost. Fast forward 3 days and I feel like I am back on the right track. More than ever, I think I have made great progress. In the wise words of Ice Cube, 'You can do...put your back in to it.' Thank you, Ice Cube.
I hit balls pretty well - not great, but not poorly.
Nearing the end of my bucket with my hybrid, I noticed that when I played the ball off my front heal coupled with bending my knees a little more (pooching out my butt a la Ernie Els), I could really make solid contact creating a straight flight path with a hint of a draw. I hit the last 5 or so balls on a rope while taking, what I consider to be, a more athletic stance. The balls were flying about 210 yards with about a 2-yard draw.
When I was done with the bucket, I thought about this for a moment and realized that I was probably standing too upright with all my clubs. I also thought that I was playing the ball too far back in my stance. When I play the ball off my front left heal, I think the club head has enough time to square itself up at impact creating a well-struck shot. When I play the ball further back in my stance, I think my timing is late on squaring up that club head, so I hit the ball with a more open club face which can push or slice the ball.
Instead of having this sit in my mind all night, I got another bucket of balls (something I rarely do) and tried to apply this same set-up and stance to my irons. Lo and behold, it worked. I was hitting my 8-iron and 5-iron on the screws with a great, consistent ball flight. I went back to the hybrid and hit that well, too. However, when I tried to have this same swing transfer over to my Driver, I had some difficulties. Nonetheless, if I can get to the point where I can hit 12 clubs in my bag with consistency and accuracy, then my big worries are over.
As I continued to hit balls, I kept thinking about the Ice Cube song 'You Can Do It (Put Your Back In To It).
This got me all jazzed up to return to the range tomorrow and pick up on where I left off. I will also continue to hit my Driver and find out what kind of swing is needed with that same athletic stance and that same ball positioning and get that all squared away.
It was just 3 days ago, when I thought all was lost. Fast forward 3 days and I feel like I am back on the right track. More than ever, I think I have made great progress. In the wise words of Ice Cube, 'You can do...put your back in to it.' Thank you, Ice Cube.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Day 48: Swing like a Champion
I went to the range with the Ben Hogan video and this video from Golf Digest with Stina Sternberg below which I think is a great drill to do every time you hit at the range:
Take your address, grab you left wrist, take the club away with your arms in front of you - once you do that, I think you are almost 90% of the way to hitting a great golf shot. This motion sets the club and your left hand and arm on the correct plane. It also keeps your right elbow in and forces your right hip back. At the top of the swing, everything is perfect. Your right knee is pointing towards the ground, your right hip is fully torqued, your back is to the target - all the things you have heard time and time again. All you have to do from there is start turning your hips to the front and your shoulders, arms, hands and club start darting towards the ball. The one thing I think about before hitting the ball is to strike down on the ball and then ka-boom! A beautiful shot. I hit great shot after great shot today - from the driver down to the 60-degree wedge. This is the swing I need to groove in. I need to do the practice in the video before I hit balls and before I play around.
The round at Penmar yesterday got me down. I started to wonder if I was making any progress at all. The old swings and chips started to rear their ugly head and I didn't know how to get out of that bad place. But after I hit balls today, I saw that their has been progress. I just need to find the right swing when it breaks down and get back on track.
I heard a great quote from Tiger in his press conference today before tomorrow's opening round at Whistling Straights: He said, 'We've all been through periods where, I've been through periods where I've hit it bad. And, yeah, is your confidence not where it needs to be? Of course not. I've been there. We all have been there. But the whole idea is to keep making progress each and every day.'
I need to rely on my confidence and continue to learn and practice. If I could have this swing every day, I would be a pretty darn good golfer. This is the swing I need to find tomorrow and the next day and the next day.
Take your address, grab you left wrist, take the club away with your arms in front of you - once you do that, I think you are almost 90% of the way to hitting a great golf shot. This motion sets the club and your left hand and arm on the correct plane. It also keeps your right elbow in and forces your right hip back. At the top of the swing, everything is perfect. Your right knee is pointing towards the ground, your right hip is fully torqued, your back is to the target - all the things you have heard time and time again. All you have to do from there is start turning your hips to the front and your shoulders, arms, hands and club start darting towards the ball. The one thing I think about before hitting the ball is to strike down on the ball and then ka-boom! A beautiful shot. I hit great shot after great shot today - from the driver down to the 60-degree wedge. This is the swing I need to groove in. I need to do the practice in the video before I hit balls and before I play around.
The round at Penmar yesterday got me down. I started to wonder if I was making any progress at all. The old swings and chips started to rear their ugly head and I didn't know how to get out of that bad place. But after I hit balls today, I saw that their has been progress. I just need to find the right swing when it breaks down and get back on track.
I heard a great quote from Tiger in his press conference today before tomorrow's opening round at Whistling Straights: He said, 'We've all been through periods where, I've been through periods where I've hit it bad. And, yeah, is your confidence not where it needs to be? Of course not. I've been there. We all have been there. But the whole idea is to keep making progress each and every day.'
I need to rely on my confidence and continue to learn and practice. If I could have this swing every day, I would be a pretty darn good golfer. This is the swing I need to find tomorrow and the next day and the next day.
Day 47: Penmar
Today, my pal and I played a twilight round at Penmar. I felt weird as we were practicing our putting - like when you drink too much coffee on an empty stomach.
On Hole #1 (270 yards), I hit my hybrid about 210 yards to the middle of the fairway. I had about 70 yards in and hit it just over the green with my SW. I left my chip about 15 feet away and proceeded to 3-putt for a double bogey. Great way to start the round.
On Hole #2 (330 yards), I used my 3-wood to tee off and ended up hooking the ball dramatically out of play. I re-teed and hit the ball in half with a slice to the right of the fairway - awful. I hit my hybrid to the left of the green pin-high. I chipped on and 1-putted for another double.
On Hole #3 (125 yards), I used my PW and pushed the ball a bit right just off the green. I was up against the lip of the bunker and had a bad chip that passed the cup and rolled onto the opposite fringe. I ended up 2 putting for another double - 3 holes, 3 double bogeys. Have I not learned anything in these 47 days?!? It sure does not seem so...
So on Hole #4, I collected myself and hit an iron to the right side of the fairway, just off the fairway. It left me about 120 away and I hit my PW that bounced near the stick and landed about 15 feet past the cup. I ended up 2-putt for par - phew. Thank goodness.
There was a big back-up on the tee on Hole #5, so we decided to loop around and play Hole #2 again. That lasted only until we completed our tee shots when the only mean guy at Penmar hurried out in his 'Marshall' cart and berated us for looping back. Out of all the people that work at Penmar, he is the only stick in the mud. This is probably my 5th encounter with this fella and I can truly say that he is a mean-spirited person. I feel bad for him.
So back at Hole #5 (185 yards) we were...waiting...as the sun was coming down... when it was my time to hit, I hit a 5-iron that got pushed down by the wind. I landed in the bunker just short of the green. As I walked up to my ball, I noticed that it was sitting in a large crater of a footprint that was left by someone who was too lazy to rake the bunker. However, based on my Day 45 post, I was not going to bitch and complain for my bad luck. I was going to try and hit the ball where it laid. Bad idea. I ended up skulling the ball into the face of the bunker. However, as the ball fell back down, it settled in a nice fluffy spot and I was able to get out just fine. I ended up having to chip on and 1 putt for yet another double bogey.
I sliced my drive on Hole 6 (420 yards) and it was swallowed by some deep clover rough. I was about 180 out and I tried using my hybrid to get it out of that junk only to popped the ball out about 30 yards. I was still in the deep rough and hit a 7 iron as hard as I possibly could - the ball ended up in the fairway about 30 yards short. I flopped a shot that went passed the cup and ended up 2-puting for what? Another double bogey.
Man, it just wasn't my day.
After that hole, my pal and I decided to call it a night as the sun was almost nearing its descent. We would go grab a steak at Billingsley's - a restaurant neither of us had been to but have driven past a million times.
On Hole #1 (270 yards), I hit my hybrid about 210 yards to the middle of the fairway. I had about 70 yards in and hit it just over the green with my SW. I left my chip about 15 feet away and proceeded to 3-putt for a double bogey. Great way to start the round.
On Hole #2 (330 yards), I used my 3-wood to tee off and ended up hooking the ball dramatically out of play. I re-teed and hit the ball in half with a slice to the right of the fairway - awful. I hit my hybrid to the left of the green pin-high. I chipped on and 1-putted for another double.
On Hole #3 (125 yards), I used my PW and pushed the ball a bit right just off the green. I was up against the lip of the bunker and had a bad chip that passed the cup and rolled onto the opposite fringe. I ended up 2 putting for another double - 3 holes, 3 double bogeys. Have I not learned anything in these 47 days?!? It sure does not seem so...
So on Hole #4, I collected myself and hit an iron to the right side of the fairway, just off the fairway. It left me about 120 away and I hit my PW that bounced near the stick and landed about 15 feet past the cup. I ended up 2-putt for par - phew. Thank goodness.
There was a big back-up on the tee on Hole #5, so we decided to loop around and play Hole #2 again. That lasted only until we completed our tee shots when the only mean guy at Penmar hurried out in his 'Marshall' cart and berated us for looping back. Out of all the people that work at Penmar, he is the only stick in the mud. This is probably my 5th encounter with this fella and I can truly say that he is a mean-spirited person. I feel bad for him.
So back at Hole #5 (185 yards) we were...waiting...as the sun was coming down... when it was my time to hit, I hit a 5-iron that got pushed down by the wind. I landed in the bunker just short of the green. As I walked up to my ball, I noticed that it was sitting in a large crater of a footprint that was left by someone who was too lazy to rake the bunker. However, based on my Day 45 post, I was not going to bitch and complain for my bad luck. I was going to try and hit the ball where it laid. Bad idea. I ended up skulling the ball into the face of the bunker. However, as the ball fell back down, it settled in a nice fluffy spot and I was able to get out just fine. I ended up having to chip on and 1 putt for yet another double bogey.
I sliced my drive on Hole 6 (420 yards) and it was swallowed by some deep clover rough. I was about 180 out and I tried using my hybrid to get it out of that junk only to popped the ball out about 30 yards. I was still in the deep rough and hit a 7 iron as hard as I possibly could - the ball ended up in the fairway about 30 yards short. I flopped a shot that went passed the cup and ended up 2-puting for what? Another double bogey.
Man, it just wasn't my day.
After that hole, my pal and I decided to call it a night as the sun was almost nearing its descent. We would go grab a steak at Billingsley's - a restaurant neither of us had been to but have driven past a million times.
Day 46: Range - Playing Tierra in My Head
Today I went back to the range with a mission to play Tierra in my head.
After I warmed up and felt good, I pretended like I was stepping up to the first tee at Tierra. I hit my drive well - probably about 260. I then pulled out my hybrid and hit that well, too - probably about 210. You have to make sure that you do not pull your second shot as this could get you all wet with the pond on the left side. I hit my hybrid straight, so I would have been safe. This would leave me about 90 to 100 yards out with the wind coming straight at you. We have played Tierra no less than 20 times over the years and never once has the wind been blowing in any other direction than dead at you on this shot. I grabbed my PW and focused on taking a nice, smooth, crisp swing and keeping my head down well through the shot. The result was a nice straight shot that landed softly. I am assuming in this drill that I am going to 2-putt, so being on in regulation is all that is needed.
The 2nd hole is an uphill Par 3 that has a cross wind blowing from left to right. This is a hole that calls for a relatively full PW - a swing that is crisp, but you don't have to swing 'out of your shoes'. I used my PW and hit another shot just like my 3rd shot on Hole #1. Again, it was nice, high and straight - perfect for landing in the middle of the green and a 2-putt.
The 3rd hole is one of the toughest Par 4's I have ever played. There is a narrow landing area which is a blind landing from the tee box. Is there anything in golf more unsettling than hitting to a blind spot? Nonetheless, I smoked my hybrid again about 210 yards - so if I am able to do this the next time I play Tierra, I know I will be safe. The second shot is none the easier - a 210 tee shot leaves you about 210-215 downhill to the green which has all sorts of trouble surrounding the green. A shot too far left or right of the green has you OB. A shot too short has bunkers all around - it's a mess of a shot from more than likely an uneven, hilly lie. Nonetheless, I hit a 5-iron on the screws. I figure that if I can stay straight, I would much rather be short than OB. This is a monster of a two-tiered green, so depending on the pin placement being short could easily result in a 3-putt. Making Par on this hole is an incredible score.
With the rest of my balls, I went through every hole and every shot. Approach shots that I mis-hit, I would take the necessary shot to get me to the hole. This was a great way to visualize the round and had me hitting a different club almost every single time - rotating me through the bag nicely.
As stated in the post from Day 44, I had 6 penalties in my round on Saturday, so I need to do everything I can to reduce that to 0 - and that is going to take a tremendous amount of sound course management. I need to focus on shots that I know that I can make. Not like my approach on Saturday on Hole 16 trying to reach the green in 2 with about a 2-club wind helping to push my pushed ball OB - stupid decision on my part. I will not make that same decision on Sunday when we play Tierra again. I will do everything I can to shoot under 90. I can do it. I know I can. As we were discussing on Saturday, if I can shoot in the 80's at Tierra, I should be able to shoot in the 70's at Balboa.
After I warmed up and felt good, I pretended like I was stepping up to the first tee at Tierra. I hit my drive well - probably about 260. I then pulled out my hybrid and hit that well, too - probably about 210. You have to make sure that you do not pull your second shot as this could get you all wet with the pond on the left side. I hit my hybrid straight, so I would have been safe. This would leave me about 90 to 100 yards out with the wind coming straight at you. We have played Tierra no less than 20 times over the years and never once has the wind been blowing in any other direction than dead at you on this shot. I grabbed my PW and focused on taking a nice, smooth, crisp swing and keeping my head down well through the shot. The result was a nice straight shot that landed softly. I am assuming in this drill that I am going to 2-putt, so being on in regulation is all that is needed.
The 2nd hole is an uphill Par 3 that has a cross wind blowing from left to right. This is a hole that calls for a relatively full PW - a swing that is crisp, but you don't have to swing 'out of your shoes'. I used my PW and hit another shot just like my 3rd shot on Hole #1. Again, it was nice, high and straight - perfect for landing in the middle of the green and a 2-putt.
The 3rd hole is one of the toughest Par 4's I have ever played. There is a narrow landing area which is a blind landing from the tee box. Is there anything in golf more unsettling than hitting to a blind spot? Nonetheless, I smoked my hybrid again about 210 yards - so if I am able to do this the next time I play Tierra, I know I will be safe. The second shot is none the easier - a 210 tee shot leaves you about 210-215 downhill to the green which has all sorts of trouble surrounding the green. A shot too far left or right of the green has you OB. A shot too short has bunkers all around - it's a mess of a shot from more than likely an uneven, hilly lie. Nonetheless, I hit a 5-iron on the screws. I figure that if I can stay straight, I would much rather be short than OB. This is a monster of a two-tiered green, so depending on the pin placement being short could easily result in a 3-putt. Making Par on this hole is an incredible score.
With the rest of my balls, I went through every hole and every shot. Approach shots that I mis-hit, I would take the necessary shot to get me to the hole. This was a great way to visualize the round and had me hitting a different club almost every single time - rotating me through the bag nicely.
As stated in the post from Day 44, I had 6 penalties in my round on Saturday, so I need to do everything I can to reduce that to 0 - and that is going to take a tremendous amount of sound course management. I need to focus on shots that I know that I can make. Not like my approach on Saturday on Hole 16 trying to reach the green in 2 with about a 2-club wind helping to push my pushed ball OB - stupid decision on my part. I will not make that same decision on Sunday when we play Tierra again. I will do everything I can to shoot under 90. I can do it. I know I can. As we were discussing on Saturday, if I can shoot in the 80's at Tierra, I should be able to shoot in the 70's at Balboa.
Day 45: Valuable Life Lessons Taught on the Golf Course
I took a physical break from golf today, but not a mental break.
I watched some of the final round of the Firestone tourney on TV.
It was sad to see Phil have such a tough day on the course.
It was also wild to see Tiger finish in last place.
Watching both guys struggle was good for me to see - it showed me that even those guys have bad days on the course.
I still need to get stronger mentally - I can not get upset when I am subject to a bad bounce. I do not want to ever be a 'Jeff Overton' when something bad happens that is out of my control. I just read an article about how pros deal with pressure - Lee Trevino dealt with pressure by talking more; whereas Ben Hogan dealt with pressure by not talking at all. I feel like I fall more in the latter category. When a ball takes a bad bounce or lands in an unraked footprint in the bunker, I will just smile and make the best of it.
You can chalk this post up to another 'valuable life lesson taught on the golf course'.
How do you deal with adversity? Do you bitch and complain as to why things don't go your way in life? Or do you handle it with grace and dignity and make the most out of the situation that you are now faced with?
I prefer to handle adversity the second way - bad things happen. Some things you can control and some you can't. The one thing that is true about all bad things that happen is just that - they happened - past tense. It's over and you can't change what happened. The only thing you can do from there on out is make the best of the situation you are currently faced with.
Starting now (on the golf course and in life), that is going to be my philosophy with dealing with adversity - you can't change the past, but you can help steer the future.
I watched some of the final round of the Firestone tourney on TV.
It was sad to see Phil have such a tough day on the course.
It was also wild to see Tiger finish in last place.
Watching both guys struggle was good for me to see - it showed me that even those guys have bad days on the course.
I still need to get stronger mentally - I can not get upset when I am subject to a bad bounce. I do not want to ever be a 'Jeff Overton' when something bad happens that is out of my control. I just read an article about how pros deal with pressure - Lee Trevino dealt with pressure by talking more; whereas Ben Hogan dealt with pressure by not talking at all. I feel like I fall more in the latter category. When a ball takes a bad bounce or lands in an unraked footprint in the bunker, I will just smile and make the best of it.
You can chalk this post up to another 'valuable life lesson taught on the golf course'.
How do you deal with adversity? Do you bitch and complain as to why things don't go your way in life? Or do you handle it with grace and dignity and make the most out of the situation that you are now faced with?
I prefer to handle adversity the second way - bad things happen. Some things you can control and some you can't. The one thing that is true about all bad things that happen is just that - they happened - past tense. It's over and you can't change what happened. The only thing you can do from there on out is make the best of the situation you are currently faced with.
Starting now (on the golf course and in life), that is going to be my philosophy with dealing with adversity - you can't change the past, but you can help steer the future.
Day 44: Tierra Rejada
Today we played Tierra Rejada - a beast of a course (to see the course web site click here).
Here is the scorecard - Par 37 going out and Par 35 coming back in:
We have often discussed that Tierra has the nastiest 3 holes to start off a round - trouble looms all around and if you can not place your shots, you are bound to write down some pretty high scores. Really, 6 holes on the front 9 can be really nasty if you are not hitting the ball well (Holes 1,3,4,6,7 and 8). This is the only course that we play from the white tees and some of my pals that shoot in the 70's have been known to chalk up some scores in the 90's.
I started 5 over after the first 3 holes - doubled Hole 1, par on Hole 2 and tripled Hole 3 (2 lost balls). I regrouped after the rough start and made par on the next 3 holes. I ended up shooting a 46 (Par 37) on the front which felt more like a 56. I was rattled - I was over-hitting approach shots and finally found out that our cart GPS was 15 yards short of the actual distance. However, I was chipping and putting well. I took 15 putts on the front with 3 1-putts and no 3-putts. I had to regroup mentally on the back 9 if I was going to salvage anything positive from this round.
I made par on Hole 10 followed by a triple on the long Par 3 Hole 11. The hole was playing about 185-190 and I hit a 5-iron that sailed right and into the bunker. I hit out of the bunker and ran it through the green, chipped on and proceeded to 3-putt. I will have to take a look, but I believe that was my first 3-putt in almost 40 holes. I followed up the triple with a birdie 4 on the Par 5 Hole 12. And that was the last time good golf would come out for the day. On the next 6 holes, I had 2 pars, 1 bogey, 2 doubles and 1 triple for a back 9 total of 45.
I finished with a 91 and 6 penalties. 6 PENALTIES!!! I was upset about the way I played and about the way the course played. I rarely had an even lie after hitting a good shot and was punished several times for hitting a good shot. When you are not scoring well, there is nothing more frustrating than hitting a good shot and having something happen that puts you at a severe disadvantage. I will be the first guy to tell you 'that's golf' - however, when you are all ready in a bad head space, those types of things seem to irk you even more. I putted well on the front 9 - draining 6 putts greater than 8 feet. The reason for this was because I was below the hole. On the back 9, I found myself putting from above the hole and ended up with three 3-putts - ouch.
I found it odd when checking my stats after the round that I hit 10 of 13 fairways (76.9%) - however, almost all of them had a real 'slicey' feel to them. I firmly believe that my score of 91 at this course might have been an all-time low, however it felt ugly. I know I have a better and smarter game in me. I look forward to going back to Tierra and shooting in the 80's.
Here are the round stats:
Score: 91 (46-45)
1 Birdie, 7 Pars, 3 Bogeys, 4 Doubles, 3 Triples
Fairways Hit: 10 of 13 (76.9%)
G.I.R.: 6 of 18 (33.3%)
Putts: 34 (1.89 average)
Here is the scorecard - Par 37 going out and Par 35 coming back in:
We have often discussed that Tierra has the nastiest 3 holes to start off a round - trouble looms all around and if you can not place your shots, you are bound to write down some pretty high scores. Really, 6 holes on the front 9 can be really nasty if you are not hitting the ball well (Holes 1,3,4,6,7 and 8). This is the only course that we play from the white tees and some of my pals that shoot in the 70's have been known to chalk up some scores in the 90's.
I started 5 over after the first 3 holes - doubled Hole 1, par on Hole 2 and tripled Hole 3 (2 lost balls). I regrouped after the rough start and made par on the next 3 holes. I ended up shooting a 46 (Par 37) on the front which felt more like a 56. I was rattled - I was over-hitting approach shots and finally found out that our cart GPS was 15 yards short of the actual distance. However, I was chipping and putting well. I took 15 putts on the front with 3 1-putts and no 3-putts. I had to regroup mentally on the back 9 if I was going to salvage anything positive from this round.
I made par on Hole 10 followed by a triple on the long Par 3 Hole 11. The hole was playing about 185-190 and I hit a 5-iron that sailed right and into the bunker. I hit out of the bunker and ran it through the green, chipped on and proceeded to 3-putt. I will have to take a look, but I believe that was my first 3-putt in almost 40 holes. I followed up the triple with a birdie 4 on the Par 5 Hole 12. And that was the last time good golf would come out for the day. On the next 6 holes, I had 2 pars, 1 bogey, 2 doubles and 1 triple for a back 9 total of 45.
I finished with a 91 and 6 penalties. 6 PENALTIES!!! I was upset about the way I played and about the way the course played. I rarely had an even lie after hitting a good shot and was punished several times for hitting a good shot. When you are not scoring well, there is nothing more frustrating than hitting a good shot and having something happen that puts you at a severe disadvantage. I will be the first guy to tell you 'that's golf' - however, when you are all ready in a bad head space, those types of things seem to irk you even more. I putted well on the front 9 - draining 6 putts greater than 8 feet. The reason for this was because I was below the hole. On the back 9, I found myself putting from above the hole and ended up with three 3-putts - ouch.
I found it odd when checking my stats after the round that I hit 10 of 13 fairways (76.9%) - however, almost all of them had a real 'slicey' feel to them. I firmly believe that my score of 91 at this course might have been an all-time low, however it felt ugly. I know I have a better and smarter game in me. I look forward to going back to Tierra and shooting in the 80's.
Here are the round stats:
Score: 91 (46-45)
1 Birdie, 7 Pars, 3 Bogeys, 4 Doubles, 3 Triples
Fairways Hit: 10 of 13 (76.9%)
G.I.R.: 6 of 18 (33.3%)
Putts: 34 (1.89 average)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Day 43: Balls and Bunkers
I went to hit balls this evening with my buddy at Westchester Golf Course.
This is a fairly nice range in that you can hit balls from the grass - only irons though.
I started out hitting the ball great - great ball flight.
However, as time went on, I started to get a bit leaky to the right. I am not sure why my swing breaks down over time. It must be that I resort to old habits as I get tired.
However, I am making good contact with every shot, so I know that I am getting closer and closer to finding the right swing to 'groove' in. I understand that it will take some time to groove that swing in - I also know that I am getting closer and closer to that magical place.
I found that there is a certain place in the down swing where you just let your hands and wrists 'go' - it is a split second before impact. This is the 'release' point and I know fully understand what instructors are talking about. It is the point where you release your hands and wrists and let the momentum of the club head travel through the ball. Sam Snead calls it the hand snap as demonstrated in this video. It's the same wrist action as throwing a baseball. You would not throw a baseball without breaking your wrists - the same goes with swinging a golf club:
The only issue I have now is the timing of that release point. When the timing is correct, the ball goes for 'miles' on a straight flight path. When the timing is incorrect, all sorts of bad things can happen - slice, hook, shank, etc. So the timing of the release point must be the same on all shots in order to get the desired effect - I also understand that this will come with more and more repetition. There is nothing more gratifying than figuring out how to do something the right way and then executing it to perfection. I would say that I now do that about 50% of the time. This is a far cry from where I started 43 days ago when I did not even know how to swing the club correctly. The other element of improvement that I have seen over the past 43 days is that my 'misses' are far less disastrous as they used to be. Before I started, I was just happy when the ball traveled further than 150 yards - meaning I did not hit it fat, pop it up, shank it, etc. - now I find that if I 'miss' it might mean that I pushed my approach 15 yards right of my intended target line, but the distance was good. I know that this is the 'name of the game' - to increase your successful shot percentage and to minimize the degree of your 'misses'.
I ended the session by spending almost 1.5 hours hitting out of the bunker. It was a good session. There is a bunker with about a 5 foot tall lip. I started hitting my 57 degree SW out of the bunker and focused on good rhythm and a long finish. I had some trouble at the start by hitting too far behind the ball coupled with a swing speed that was too fast. As I got the rhythm down, I noticed that I did not need to bring my arms back very far at all, but needed to make a full hinge with my wrists and then carry my arms through the shot. After I discovered the necessary tempo needed, I changed to my 60-degree wedge and the ball popped out a lot easier and fluffier. However, the weight of the club head is much heavier with my 60-degree so it really wants to demolish the sand as it enters. After realizing this, I had to take sand much closer to the ball which requires a lot of concentration. The good part about that is that you really swing the club pretty slow, so it is easier to focus on making a more consistent entry point into the sand.
As I got home, I found this video from Phil Mickelson which dispels some myths about the bunker and he shows demonstrates some good technique on bunker play. He emphasizes a long, high finish as the most important element to good bunker play. Enjoy!
This is a fairly nice range in that you can hit balls from the grass - only irons though.
I started out hitting the ball great - great ball flight.
However, as time went on, I started to get a bit leaky to the right. I am not sure why my swing breaks down over time. It must be that I resort to old habits as I get tired.
However, I am making good contact with every shot, so I know that I am getting closer and closer to finding the right swing to 'groove' in. I understand that it will take some time to groove that swing in - I also know that I am getting closer and closer to that magical place.
I found that there is a certain place in the down swing where you just let your hands and wrists 'go' - it is a split second before impact. This is the 'release' point and I know fully understand what instructors are talking about. It is the point where you release your hands and wrists and let the momentum of the club head travel through the ball. Sam Snead calls it the hand snap as demonstrated in this video. It's the same wrist action as throwing a baseball. You would not throw a baseball without breaking your wrists - the same goes with swinging a golf club:
The only issue I have now is the timing of that release point. When the timing is correct, the ball goes for 'miles' on a straight flight path. When the timing is incorrect, all sorts of bad things can happen - slice, hook, shank, etc. So the timing of the release point must be the same on all shots in order to get the desired effect - I also understand that this will come with more and more repetition. There is nothing more gratifying than figuring out how to do something the right way and then executing it to perfection. I would say that I now do that about 50% of the time. This is a far cry from where I started 43 days ago when I did not even know how to swing the club correctly. The other element of improvement that I have seen over the past 43 days is that my 'misses' are far less disastrous as they used to be. Before I started, I was just happy when the ball traveled further than 150 yards - meaning I did not hit it fat, pop it up, shank it, etc. - now I find that if I 'miss' it might mean that I pushed my approach 15 yards right of my intended target line, but the distance was good. I know that this is the 'name of the game' - to increase your successful shot percentage and to minimize the degree of your 'misses'.
I ended the session by spending almost 1.5 hours hitting out of the bunker. It was a good session. There is a bunker with about a 5 foot tall lip. I started hitting my 57 degree SW out of the bunker and focused on good rhythm and a long finish. I had some trouble at the start by hitting too far behind the ball coupled with a swing speed that was too fast. As I got the rhythm down, I noticed that I did not need to bring my arms back very far at all, but needed to make a full hinge with my wrists and then carry my arms through the shot. After I discovered the necessary tempo needed, I changed to my 60-degree wedge and the ball popped out a lot easier and fluffier. However, the weight of the club head is much heavier with my 60-degree so it really wants to demolish the sand as it enters. After realizing this, I had to take sand much closer to the ball which requires a lot of concentration. The good part about that is that you really swing the club pretty slow, so it is easier to focus on making a more consistent entry point into the sand.
As I got home, I found this video from Phil Mickelson which dispels some myths about the bunker and he shows demonstrates some good technique on bunker play. He emphasizes a long, high finish as the most important element to good bunker play. Enjoy!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Day 42: Home on the Range
It felt good to get back to the range and take some full cuts.
At this point, I need to sharpen my iron skills and bunker play.
While looking for some tips at fine-tuning my ball striking, I came across this video showing the tee drill:
I did this drill for a half-dozen shots and noticed that I hit the tee on 4 out of 6 shots - not too bad for not knowing what the outcome was going to be. I stopped doing this drill because I ended up losing 4 tees.
After I hit balls, I shared this drill with my pal and he told me about an extension to this drill and that is to put another tee a couple inches behind the ball to make sure that you are not coming down too steeply on top of the ball. The goal then is to clip both tees while firmly striking the ball.
I also came across this Jack Nicklaus video that shows how you should not alter your swing for different clubs. You should alter the width of your stance and the length of your backswing, but not necessarily change your swing:
I went all through my bag, hitting every club. I am striking the ball better, but still pushing the ball out to the right a little bit. However, I will say that my rhythm, timing and tempo have improved greatly and it is starting to seem like I am putting very little effort into hitting the ball. I use the same amount of effort with my 3-wood as I do using my 8-iron and the balls are launching off the club face. I have a feeling that as I continue to hit more and more balls, I will become more and more accurate with a beautiful tempo and good mechanics. Some day I might even become as smooth as the Hawk (aka Ben Hogan). Check out this masterful video that someone put together showing how dialed in Mr. Hogan's swing is:
I could watch this video 1 million times and never get sick of it. After reading more about Ben Hogan and his approach to golf, he has become an inspiration to me. He was the first person to invent the idea of 'golf practice' and according to sources close to him, no one practiced harder. He had an indefatigable work ethic. That's me! He truly believed that anyone, if true to the fundamentals and mechanics of the swing, could play par golf. I read a fun quote somewhere from Mr. Hogan stating that he could not wait to wake up in the morning and hit balls. Again, that's me!
In closing and as I stated earlier, I went through my entire bag at the range. I jumped around and hit every single club. Some balls go straight, some I push to the right, some I hook to the left - all in an effort to find that perfect 'groove'. It is not frustrating when I don't hit my target. I know that I will find that groove and be able to call on it over and over. I am just happy to have found my rhythm, timing and tempo that creates a well-struck ball every time. I know that with more and more practice, I will find the right mechanics that will produce the desired result.
At this point, I need to sharpen my iron skills and bunker play.
While looking for some tips at fine-tuning my ball striking, I came across this video showing the tee drill:
I did this drill for a half-dozen shots and noticed that I hit the tee on 4 out of 6 shots - not too bad for not knowing what the outcome was going to be. I stopped doing this drill because I ended up losing 4 tees.
After I hit balls, I shared this drill with my pal and he told me about an extension to this drill and that is to put another tee a couple inches behind the ball to make sure that you are not coming down too steeply on top of the ball. The goal then is to clip both tees while firmly striking the ball.
I also came across this Jack Nicklaus video that shows how you should not alter your swing for different clubs. You should alter the width of your stance and the length of your backswing, but not necessarily change your swing:
I went all through my bag, hitting every club. I am striking the ball better, but still pushing the ball out to the right a little bit. However, I will say that my rhythm, timing and tempo have improved greatly and it is starting to seem like I am putting very little effort into hitting the ball. I use the same amount of effort with my 3-wood as I do using my 8-iron and the balls are launching off the club face. I have a feeling that as I continue to hit more and more balls, I will become more and more accurate with a beautiful tempo and good mechanics. Some day I might even become as smooth as the Hawk (aka Ben Hogan). Check out this masterful video that someone put together showing how dialed in Mr. Hogan's swing is:
I could watch this video 1 million times and never get sick of it. After reading more about Ben Hogan and his approach to golf, he has become an inspiration to me. He was the first person to invent the idea of 'golf practice' and according to sources close to him, no one practiced harder. He had an indefatigable work ethic. That's me! He truly believed that anyone, if true to the fundamentals and mechanics of the swing, could play par golf. I read a fun quote somewhere from Mr. Hogan stating that he could not wait to wake up in the morning and hit balls. Again, that's me!
In closing and as I stated earlier, I went through my entire bag at the range. I jumped around and hit every single club. Some balls go straight, some I push to the right, some I hook to the left - all in an effort to find that perfect 'groove'. It is not frustrating when I don't hit my target. I know that I will find that groove and be able to call on it over and over. I am just happy to have found my rhythm, timing and tempo that creates a well-struck ball every time. I know that with more and more practice, I will find the right mechanics that will produce the desired result.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 41: Hybrid Time
Today I went to the range and hit a lot of 8 irons and a lot of hybrid shots.
I was pushing my hybrid to the right and then the swing coach came over and asked me if 'staying behind the ball means anything to me'?
I said yes.
The next ball I hit - while staying behind the ball - I ripped down the middle.
He walked away saying, 'that should do it.'
Once he walked away, I butched my next shot.
However, I know what I need to do with this club - it's just a matter of doing it over and over again.
With my last 10 balls, I hit my driver and was hitting it pretty well.
I just need to find that consistent tempo - it's a magical place - and when you find it, you ride it for as long as you can.
After I hit the bucket of balls, I went over to the chipping green and chipped 3 balls from all around the green - at different lengths and from different lies. I am making pretty solid impact 95% of the time now - I still have to dial in the touch - thank goodness for 39 more days.
Staying consistent with my new regiment, I finished with 3 chips from about 20 feet. I holed my first and my third chip, so I decided to call it a day. Prior to those chips, I did not think that they would be my last 3 chips of the day, but after I holed the second chip I figured it was a good time to throw in the towel and finish on a high note.
I was pushing my hybrid to the right and then the swing coach came over and asked me if 'staying behind the ball means anything to me'?
I said yes.
The next ball I hit - while staying behind the ball - I ripped down the middle.
He walked away saying, 'that should do it.'
Once he walked away, I butched my next shot.
However, I know what I need to do with this club - it's just a matter of doing it over and over again.
With my last 10 balls, I hit my driver and was hitting it pretty well.
I just need to find that consistent tempo - it's a magical place - and when you find it, you ride it for as long as you can.
After I hit the bucket of balls, I went over to the chipping green and chipped 3 balls from all around the green - at different lengths and from different lies. I am making pretty solid impact 95% of the time now - I still have to dial in the touch - thank goodness for 39 more days.
Staying consistent with my new regiment, I finished with 3 chips from about 20 feet. I holed my first and my third chip, so I decided to call it a day. Prior to those chips, I did not think that they would be my last 3 chips of the day, but after I holed the second chip I figured it was a good time to throw in the towel and finish on a high note.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day 40: The Halfway Point Analysis / My GGPA
Today, I am at the exact halfway point of my goal. Below is my report card (that I gave myself) thru the first 40 days. These grades are what I believe to be true about my own game as it stands today (Day 40):
1) Driving - B+ (3.3)
Prior to these past 40 days, I would have put my driving somewhere in the D range (2.0), so I am showing great improvement. I am still hitting a high fade, which I don't love, but is pretty predicable. The ball ends up about 5 to 8 yards to the right of where I am aiming. Based on my past couple rounds, I seem to average about 250 to 270 off the tee without a grunt or a groan. I would like to see this shot become a lower draw. I have found out that I can hit a low screamer dead ahead if I really square up my left shoulder at address. From where I started 40 days ago to where I am today, I know that I will be able to dial in this club. If the only change I have to make at address is the way I position my shoulder alignment, then it should be easier to start shaping shots of the tee box - square my left shoulder at address for a draw and open up my left shoulder a bit for a fade. Whatever I find out to be the case, I know that I will have a fun time in the next 40 days with this club. By day 80, I want this grade to become an A+ (4.0).
2) Iron Play / Approach Shots - B- (2.7)
I am still rather inconsistent with my irons. I have shown improvement in this area, but not as much improvement as the other facets of the game. 40 days ago, I would have graded this part of my game as a C- (1.7). I need to continue to practice this part of the game on a regular basis for greater accuracy. I have a tendency to either hit the ball fat (too far behind the ball) or hit balls about 6 to 10 yards right of my intended target. In order to score effectively, I need to get this in the B+/A- range (3.3 to 3.67).
3) Chipping - C (2.0)
This was, by far, the worst element of my game 40 days ago. At the time this exercise began, I would have given myself a flat-out F. Based on my round the other day at Balboa, I would have given that single round a B+ for my chipping efforts. However, I can not say for certain that every time I go out, I will chip at a B+ rate. The reason I give myself a C is because of that uncertainty. I feel confident about the stroke, so now I have to focus in on the touch at different yardages. I am going to continue to focus on this aspect of the game and by the time Day 80 comes along, I have full confidence in myself that I can bring this up to the B+ range or better.
4) Bunker Play - F (0.0)
My bunker play has now become the weakest part of my game. It has always been average (grade of C), but now has taken the pole position as my weakest link. I will continue to focus on this element and need to focus on this soon. Because of this low grade, I am immediately putting myself on 'golfing probation'. I have 20 days to pull this grade up to a C or better. I know that as I dial in my chipping game, my bunker play will improve. I know that by Day 80, I will not have trouble with the bunker. For now, I need to study, practice and execute with great diligence, patience and consistency.
5) Putting - B+ (3.3)
40 days ago, my putting was in the average to below average range (C to C-). Now, I am happy to report that with the new putting stroke and a good deal of practice, my putting has risen to the grade of B+. I have not 3-putted in over 36 straight holes, so that is great improvement. My overall putting average per hole continues to decrease dramatically with the rise in 1-putts. I feel comfortable from any distance within 25 feet. I am reading putts much better and getting that ball on the proper target line on a consistent basis. I used to get nervous when standing over a 3 foot putt - now I knock in the back of the cup with a confident stroke. I have full confidence in my ability to raise my putting grade to an A (4.0) in the next 40 days.
Starting GGPA (Golfing Grade Point Average) 40 days ago: 1.54 - somewhere between a D+ and C-
Current GGPA after 40 days: 2.26 - somewhere between a C and a C+
Desired GGPA after 80 days: 3.7+ - B+ or better
I have raised my GGPA 0.72 in the first 40 days. I am asking myself to raise my GGPA by 1.44 points in the next 40 days - which is to essentially 'double' my improvement. In order to score under 80, I figure that I need to become a B+ or better overall golfer (3.7+). But all stats and analysis aside, I know for a fact that I am a better golfer today than I was when I started 40 days ago - and that makes me happy.
I know I can break 80 sometime in the next 40 days..I can feel it, see it and smell it. So bring on the next 40 days and let's see what I can do.
1) Driving - B+ (3.3)
Prior to these past 40 days, I would have put my driving somewhere in the D range (2.0), so I am showing great improvement. I am still hitting a high fade, which I don't love, but is pretty predicable. The ball ends up about 5 to 8 yards to the right of where I am aiming. Based on my past couple rounds, I seem to average about 250 to 270 off the tee without a grunt or a groan. I would like to see this shot become a lower draw. I have found out that I can hit a low screamer dead ahead if I really square up my left shoulder at address. From where I started 40 days ago to where I am today, I know that I will be able to dial in this club. If the only change I have to make at address is the way I position my shoulder alignment, then it should be easier to start shaping shots of the tee box - square my left shoulder at address for a draw and open up my left shoulder a bit for a fade. Whatever I find out to be the case, I know that I will have a fun time in the next 40 days with this club. By day 80, I want this grade to become an A+ (4.0).
2) Iron Play / Approach Shots - B- (2.7)
I am still rather inconsistent with my irons. I have shown improvement in this area, but not as much improvement as the other facets of the game. 40 days ago, I would have graded this part of my game as a C- (1.7). I need to continue to practice this part of the game on a regular basis for greater accuracy. I have a tendency to either hit the ball fat (too far behind the ball) or hit balls about 6 to 10 yards right of my intended target. In order to score effectively, I need to get this in the B+/A- range (3.3 to 3.67).
3) Chipping - C (2.0)
This was, by far, the worst element of my game 40 days ago. At the time this exercise began, I would have given myself a flat-out F. Based on my round the other day at Balboa, I would have given that single round a B+ for my chipping efforts. However, I can not say for certain that every time I go out, I will chip at a B+ rate. The reason I give myself a C is because of that uncertainty. I feel confident about the stroke, so now I have to focus in on the touch at different yardages. I am going to continue to focus on this aspect of the game and by the time Day 80 comes along, I have full confidence in myself that I can bring this up to the B+ range or better.
4) Bunker Play - F (0.0)
My bunker play has now become the weakest part of my game. It has always been average (grade of C), but now has taken the pole position as my weakest link. I will continue to focus on this element and need to focus on this soon. Because of this low grade, I am immediately putting myself on 'golfing probation'. I have 20 days to pull this grade up to a C or better. I know that as I dial in my chipping game, my bunker play will improve. I know that by Day 80, I will not have trouble with the bunker. For now, I need to study, practice and execute with great diligence, patience and consistency.
5) Putting - B+ (3.3)
40 days ago, my putting was in the average to below average range (C to C-). Now, I am happy to report that with the new putting stroke and a good deal of practice, my putting has risen to the grade of B+. I have not 3-putted in over 36 straight holes, so that is great improvement. My overall putting average per hole continues to decrease dramatically with the rise in 1-putts. I feel comfortable from any distance within 25 feet. I am reading putts much better and getting that ball on the proper target line on a consistent basis. I used to get nervous when standing over a 3 foot putt - now I knock in the back of the cup with a confident stroke. I have full confidence in my ability to raise my putting grade to an A (4.0) in the next 40 days.
Starting GGPA (Golfing Grade Point Average) 40 days ago: 1.54 - somewhere between a D+ and C-
Current GGPA after 40 days: 2.26 - somewhere between a C and a C+
Desired GGPA after 80 days: 3.7+ - B+ or better
I have raised my GGPA 0.72 in the first 40 days. I am asking myself to raise my GGPA by 1.44 points in the next 40 days - which is to essentially 'double' my improvement. In order to score under 80, I figure that I need to become a B+ or better overall golfer (3.7+). But all stats and analysis aside, I know for a fact that I am a better golfer today than I was when I started 40 days ago - and that makes me happy.
I know I can break 80 sometime in the next 40 days..I can feel it, see it and smell it. So bring on the next 40 days and let's see what I can do.
Day 39: Chipping, Chipping and More Chipping
Today I went to Balboa after work and worked on chipping.
I am not a big fan of chipping at Balboa as the grass around the green is thick and the ball sits down most of the time and when it isn't sitting down, there is a big cushion of grass under the ball making it easier to pop up and out.
I want to find a place with tight lies which more closely mimics the actual golf course.
All in all, I believe I have gotten the 'yips' out of me with chipping and my sand wedge - however, now I need to practice on my accuracy and getting all my chips close to the hole.
I practiced for about 45 minutes chipping - every now and again a shank would come out, but all I did was stop and take a couple inside-to-out swings to get my swing plane back on its correct path. It's funny - last week when that came out, I would go into an utter panic. Now, a week later, I understand the problem and address it calmly. Funny how much different you approach something when you know the root of it and the remedy for it.
Here is a fun video taken that shows a fella with a case of the shanks.
If you take a look in the comments section, you will see a comment by me showing the drill I learned to get rid of the dreaded shank.
I am not a big fan of chipping at Balboa as the grass around the green is thick and the ball sits down most of the time and when it isn't sitting down, there is a big cushion of grass under the ball making it easier to pop up and out.
I want to find a place with tight lies which more closely mimics the actual golf course.
All in all, I believe I have gotten the 'yips' out of me with chipping and my sand wedge - however, now I need to practice on my accuracy and getting all my chips close to the hole.
I practiced for about 45 minutes chipping - every now and again a shank would come out, but all I did was stop and take a couple inside-to-out swings to get my swing plane back on its correct path. It's funny - last week when that came out, I would go into an utter panic. Now, a week later, I understand the problem and address it calmly. Funny how much different you approach something when you know the root of it and the remedy for it.
Here is a fun video taken that shows a fella with a case of the shanks.
If you take a look in the comments section, you will see a comment by me showing the drill I learned to get rid of the dreaded shank.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Day 38: New Game - 3 Ball Scramble
I went to Penmar this evening and played my newest game invention called '3 ball scramble'.
Here are the rules - toss down 3 balls in the rough off the green, chip all 3 balls to the hole. If you hole out the chip, it's a birdie. If you chip and 1-putt, then you save par. If you chip and 2-putt, you bogey. Whatever ball you make first is the result of Hole 1, the next ball is Hole 2 and so on. Do this 6 times to play a round of 18 and see how you score. After I would make all 3 balls, I would putt them back into the rough and play the balls where they laid.
I played 3 rounds of 18 holes.
My score after the first round: +5 (5 bogeys)
My score after the second round: +3 (4 bogeys, 1 birdie)
My score after the third round: E (2 bogeys, 2 birdies)
It's a really fun game that helps you with your chipping and putting. It would be really fun to play with a friend. It is really, really fun to chip in for birdie!
Here are the rules - toss down 3 balls in the rough off the green, chip all 3 balls to the hole. If you hole out the chip, it's a birdie. If you chip and 1-putt, then you save par. If you chip and 2-putt, you bogey. Whatever ball you make first is the result of Hole 1, the next ball is Hole 2 and so on. Do this 6 times to play a round of 18 and see how you score. After I would make all 3 balls, I would putt them back into the rough and play the balls where they laid.
I played 3 rounds of 18 holes.
My score after the first round: +5 (5 bogeys)
My score after the second round: +3 (4 bogeys, 1 birdie)
My score after the third round: E (2 bogeys, 2 birdies)
It's a really fun game that helps you with your chipping and putting. It would be really fun to play with a friend. It is really, really fun to chip in for birdie!
Day 37: Round at Balboa - Golf Ball
I mentioned in one of the very first posts that I would probably be changing balls at some time during these 80 days. Today was the day. I finally broke down and used the Titleist Pro V1 and absolutely loved it. I hit the ball long off the tee and my balls were checking up nicely on the green. I also liked the feel of the ball when I putted. The price tag is daunting, but I did not lose a ball yesterday. I am totally sold! I love the ball.
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