Free Tips: Hope you golf is improving? Had some good feed back this month, some funny e-mails, one that made us smile:

From a lady who said “my handicap is 3”

I think this is top golf go for Pro tips, then I read on,

It reading on released was 3 shots over on each hole. (Re-think! Maybe there is room for improvement, best we send the basic tips)

Hello,

As you can see we are still in the Caribbean, beautiful golf courses we practice most mornings at St Andrews (Trinidad) we have two excellent local caddies, start early at 0600 hrs then it is like so peaceful, just the birds singing no one else on the course, and it is in pristine condition.

We stay in Bayside Towers, Swimming pools, gym; we are both super fit now. It has been a great tour.

We have had such a great response to the FREE tips over 1000 e-mails this month, we have replied to each e-mail personally, how ever thought it would save time if the news letter, was sent out by a specialist company (Aweber) it was not appreciated that in order for them to undertake this e-commerce delivery all e-mail address’s MUST be verified first ( inter-net law)

This was the reason you received an opt-in e-mail which you may not have recognized as coming from Free golf tips ( Ascharapan & Ken )

Sorry for that it took us by surprise to.

OK now for this months news letter.

Topics this month:

• How to check all the Basics
• Key objectives
• Ready to play
• General Tips

Most of us in our minds eye believe we have the text book swing and that all our basics are correct, Grip, Stance, Posture, Address, take away, top of back swing,

Follow through, balance.

Top pro golfers have experienced coaches who in a very tact-full way tell them when some ting is not quite right.

We need to check, this can be with specialist 3D swing analyzers that some of the large golf stores have, or with the local Pro at your club.

We have taken some photos of simple visual checks that we can ALL make; some are best done in front of a large mirror.

Posture knees bent, hold the club out in front of you and bend forward from the hips the point at which the club come to rest is the position the ball should at address, which of course is different for each club. You back should be straight.

The key element on developing a consistent game is attention to detail, for example ball position at address. With the driver it is in line with your left heel, as the number of your club get higher the further back in you stance the ball, e.g. the five Iron the ball is in the centre of your stance.

Photo 1 Check you take it back in line with the target at the mid point the club face should be facing out, Photo top of back swing left arm straight full upper body turn club pointing at the target pull down with the left arm while your upper body un-coils the club MUST return on the same path as your take away and when it reaches

Point of impact been exactly the same as it was at address,

KEEP your HEAD DOWN!! Hit through the ball, your balance should have transferred from your left foot to your right foot

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, hit right through the ball DO NOT LOOK UP UNTILL WEEL AFTER THE BALL HAS GONE.. NOW you are ready for the real shot:

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

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

Be ready. Check you golf equipment / allow plenty of time.

Company golf day or 18 holes at your club, you still need a check list, and to prepared before hand.

Clean your clubs, make sure all the dirt is cleaned out of the grooves on the face of your clubs, they are there for controlling spin.

Clean the grips with warm soap and water to remove any grease.

Select the clubs you need you are only permitted 14 in your bag.

Place them all in the bag in the correct order I personally like them to be placed like the in the photo.

Check the balls: We play with Pro-V1; you will have your preference.

I like the number 3 on the ball. Then NEVER have any problem in identifying my ball.

Make sure you have tee pegs selection of sizes. / Pitch repairer / ball marker/ pencil to mark your score card/ towel to clean your clubs and the ball/ if you use an electric golf cart ensure the batteries are charged.

Correct code of dress is required at many clubs, check your clothes are ready, shoes clean and the / most clubs will not permit steel spikes, so make you have rubber grips in good condition / comfortable soft wool socks/ Correct size glove / if there is a chance of rain take a wet weather glove and umbrella. / Golf cap and sun cream if the sun is shining.

Drinks and fruit. Car has fuel / you have directions to the course, you have checked you tee time.  Plan to arrive at the course in plenty of time. Double check your tee time and who you’re playing partners are. Purchase a course planner; note in your mind any special hazards; be aware of wind strength and direction.

Pay your green fees; check your recorded handicap is correct, be sure you know the competition rules and understand which game you are playing / match play / best ball / stroke play. Study the course score card so you know the degree of difficultly index for each hole. Plan you strategies.

Coffee and a bacon roll, sit back in the club house relax for 20 minutes,

If you still have plenty of time go to the range play three balls with each club DO NOT SWING HARD timing balance. Start with your wedge through to driver, then putting long putts to feel the speed of the greens, place ten balls all round the hole down hill up hill, finish with a few easy putts to see the ball dropping in the hole gives you confidence.

Now you are ready to win most important thing to remember is if you are playing with a single handicap player, DO NOT try to play to his level PLAY YOUR OWN GAME. You have the advantage of the handicap play to your handicap and you will win.