Spring has finally arrived… well at least in most parts of North America. Many snow bound golfers were itching to get out on the course and kick start their season to be the best yet.
Here are two tips to help you play like a pro this year. Finish your Follow Through
Though this sounds like a very simple tip, it’s shocking how many players leave yards in the bag by not fully completing their swing. Most players will swear up and down they have finished with their weight over the front side, when in fact many players are hanging back on their trail leg. (see image)
This poor move can often lead to a slice as the club face never gets fully rotated and thus is open at impact. It also steals key yardage as the club head slows down at or even before impact losing club head speed and ball speed.
To hit solid shots and add distance to your game, you need to be finishing your swing. A great swing thought is that your club head needs to be moving fastest AFTER impact, which means swing THROUGH the ball, as if it isn’t even there. This move will automatically transfer your weight over your lead leg. Let your arms finish the swing and finish with the weight over your front foot belt buckle towards the target.
Swing Check: An easy check to see if you have finished your follow through is to see if you can lift your back foot off the ground as you hold your finish. If you can’t do that, you have not fully completed your swing and you need to practice accelerating through the ball.
Bunker Etiquette
Golfers can always use a brush up on golf etiquette particularly when it pertains to bunkers. The obvious rule that is often broken is to rake the bunker properly after each use. This would entail ensuring the everywhere the sand was disturbed is spread smoothly and placing the rake in accordance with local rules, which makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
However, my biggest pet peeve is when I see sandy foot prints on a green. Many players are so focused on their next shot when they get out of the bunker they march across the green and prepare for their stroke. Often you can see a tell-tale-trail reminiscent of a Family Circus cartoon with the footprints leading to the hole. (see image)
A simple solution is to take the heel of your club and knock off the sand by gently striking the sole of each foot. It’s shocking to see how much sand is caught in the spikes and sole grooves. Watch a pro golf event. You will see players do this all the time every time they exit a bunker, its common courtesy.
My one warning is to be careful not to hit your club on the inside of your ankle. That oddly causes the type of pain that feels like you just got your fingers slammed in a door. It’s crippling and takes away from the “pro look”.
I hope these tips help and that 2011 is your best season yet!
