Tips From The Pros
 Josh Lough Golf Professional |
The
Take-Away
A
common mistake made by golfers is their take-a-way. As soon as the
club needs to start back, the wrists pick
up the club. Now
when the hands go up, the body is less likely to pivot, or turn to the
right, causing the club to follow an outside swing path. When the club
starts on the outside, it has to come back to the inside, causing the
left-to-right ball flight or "the slice."
Here is a drill I like to do with my students to get them to take the club back on a better line. When hitting balls on the range, place a ball or tee approximately two feet behind the ball you are going to hit. The object and the ball should now be on a line with your target. When you start your take-a-way, drag the club back with your arms and hands working together. Keep the club as low to the ground as you can, taking the club head back toward the object. Now, when you have to take the club up, the position of the club head should be going over the ball.
While you can put an object behind you on the driving range, you cannot legally do this on the golf course. So, when you are on the course, pick out something like a blade of grass that is behind the ball. Focus on keeping the club low to the ground and over that target.
Have a great season, and I look forward to seeing you at Harbor Pines.
Make
More Big Braking Putts
Chris
Short, Golf Professional
I determine the maximum break of a putt and then pick an aiming point either to the left or the right of the hole. On big breaking putts, I pick an intermediate spot along the break -- closer to the ball than the hole -- and just roll the ball over the spot.
Most players underestimate the break and miss putts on the low side of the hole. Gravity pulls them down, away from the hole, and they never have a chance. When in doubt, play more break. And the faster the green, the more break you should play
On long breaking putts, the ball won't break much at the start, when it's hit hard. The ball will break more as it loses speed.
Enjoy the course!