3: Key Objectives
Course management
Know what you want to do before you take the shot. Always go through your Pre-shot routine. Take a practice swing push back low to the ground, take away in line with the target until pasted the outside of your right foot, allow your wrists to cock naturally keep your head still eyes fixed on the back of the ball left arm straight full turn, weight transferring from left to right, DO NOT LEAN your upper body turns square, start your down swing upper turn back pull down with the left arm, club returning on the same line reaching the point of impact exactly the same as it was at address.
With your practice swing check the divot, it should be 90% on the target side of the ball position; your club should not touch the ground before impact with the ball.
To achieve consistent solid contact with the ball you must ensure the ball is placed in the correct position related to your stance. That applies to all shots.
You need a high level of concentration as you prepare to take your shot. But just for a few seconds.
DO NOT freeze over the ball
When you start your back swing relax and switch into relaxed happy mode try to move with the balance timing and rhythm of a good dancer. One -piece takeaway, push back with your left hand low and smooth in line with the target, turn fully, coil your upper body against the resistance of the lower body, keep the right knee flexed, left arm straight, complete the back swing, make a smooth transition, pull down with the left hand, butt pointing to the ball, open up your hips to the target on the down swing, keep your head still and behind the ball, hit through the ball, rotate your wrists, extend your arms towards the target, good transfer of weight and balance.
Develop feel; the club needs to feel just like an extension to your arms, Swing with rhythm- timing.
Important
Throughout the swing your left hand remains in control push back with the left hand pull down with the left hand.
Do not allow your strong right hand to take control if you do you will never keep the ball straight NEVER underestimate the importance of set up and pre-shot routine. Sure we would all like to emulate the pro swing. However Set-up first ---- swing later.
Commitment, it takes self-discipline, time and determination to get it right.
Practice set up in front of a large mirror, or the reflection in the patio glass. In front of a mirror there will no be hazards or wind, but still train your mind to check every thing as you prepare for your shot.
Step up to the ball. Arms and club stretched out in front of you, slowly bend fore-ward from the hips until the club touches the ground behind the ball.
Take your stance the width of your shoulders. Aligned to the target.
Check your grip
Do not grip the club too tight. Pressure = same as squeezing a tube of tooth paste.
Clubface set square to the ball and in line with the target. Club and hands must be taken back smoothly in one piece. Feel the club it is an extension of your arms.
Take the club back smoothly, low and in line with the target until it is past your right foot, then allow to arc up and around your body. Make a full turn, left shoulder turning underneath your chin, left arm kept straight.
With a good shoulder turn your wrists will cock naturally. The club must return on the same line, point of impact being exactly the same as it was that address, head still eyes focused on the ball, hit through the ball in line with the target, your wrists rotating, full follow through.
Your key objective is to maintain perfect balance smooth easy swing the weight transferring on the down swing from right to left, with the rhythm tempo and timing. IF YOU ARE LOSING YOUR BALANCE then you are swinging too hard and too fast. Objective to allow your upper body to turn, pushing the club back with the left arm low and in line with the target, weight transferring from left to right. DO NOT LEAN TURN SHOULDERS SQUARE, left arm straight a crossed your chest under you chin, allowing the wrists to cock naturally, at full turn your back should be to the target, the head of your club should be pointing to the target, your right thumb on the under side of your grip.
With one smooth movement start your down swing pulling down with the left arm body turning with timing, Do not allow your arms to get ahead of your body, you must return to point of impact exactly the same as you were at address, keep your head still eyes on the ball. Do not look up until after the ball has gone. Hit right through the ball your wrists turn right arm straight, keep the club going straight in line with the target, upper body turning; your belt buckle should now be pointing at the target, with your weight on the left foot.
It is a Macho thing to try and generate as much club head speed as possible, drive 280 yards. But believe me if that ball is not on the Fairway you WILL drop shots, hit out of bounds, lost ball, in the trees, in the water, in the hazard. That is rubbish golf. Play Tee to Fairway --- Fairway to green.
