The Golf Spot Blog

Let's Drive it Farther!

2006-03-02T05:28:00.000-08:00

By the looks of this week's poll, some of us could drive the golf ball a little farther down the fairway. Now that the driver heads are getting bigger (460cc), you may need to make a few changes in your set-up. First, you notice how big the head is? Well, then we need to tee it up a little higher than before. As you see here in this picture, make sure the ball is elevated enough so the top of the driver when placed on the ground, only goes up to about a third of the way up the from the bottom of the ball...got that?

Plus, you may want to place the ball farther forward, in front of your left foot. This will help promote hitting the ball on the upswing-that will launch it farther. I have noticed with the bigger heads nowadays, that you should get more roll. Bonus dude! So go out and get the big dog, and try to make it bark. For more tips just ask, or head to www.smart-golf.nl . Good luck!

Pre-Shot Routine

2006-02-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Every pro has a pre-shot routine, and you should too. It may be sort of an obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it's essential to the golf shot. You'll notice pros don't necessarily take many or any practice swings, but what they do is their pre-shot routine. Whether it is a waggle or shimmy or a shake, we each have our own way of confronting the ball.

This routine could start by finding a target, like Tiger does here-standing behind the ball. Getting a comfortable grip. Then addressing the ball, with all the fundementals of course. Minute routines could also involve facing the ball the right way towards the target, breathing excercises, and unclenching the jaw. If you don't have a routine, check out the pros on tour, and imulate some of theirs. The pre-shot routine can help you relax, and prepare correctly before the ball.

2006-02-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

A good cigar, few beers, a golf cart...that's a fun lazy day of golf! Cigars for some reason go hand in hand with the sport of golf. What would the sport be without Dana or Fuzzy not handling that cigar.

If you're going to go golf on a special outing, you know some folks you're going with are smokers of some finer blends, then know your smoke. Cuban, Dominican, what does your high-class friend or boss like. I recommend leaving your swishers at home, if you're not sure. To get to know more head to www.cigars.com, or www.cigars-review.org . Get to know a good cigar, don't bring along something that will make you sick. You want to puff on something that will relax you, and perhaps make that swing even smoother. Maybe you'll be recommending some fine selections soon!

Golf Gambling Games

2006-02-24T01:31:00.000-08:00

How about some competition! Betting with your buddies can really make an average golf day, a whole lot more interesting. It can add the fire to your game to get you to next level, or not. At the very least, betting will make you pay more attention to your shots and the details of the game. Even though some may look down on gambling on golf, it can actually add competition and show others how high your level of golf really is. How do your nerves handle under pressure?

Here's a list of some games to try: The Nassau, Round Robin, Barkies, Wolf, Arnies, Aces & Dueces, Gruesomes, and Criers and Whiners. For more details on these games go to http://golf.about.com/cs/beginnersguide/tp/bettinggames.htm . Brent Kelley gives you the skinny on skins!

Golf Etiquette

2006-02-23T02:06:00.000-08:00

Snoopy may not be the best with his golf etiquette. But, these are the rules outside of the rules of golf. Which, can be just as important, or more important, especially if you're trying to impress a boss, or client. Many of us know not to step in your partner's line, not to talk when he or she is hitting, and so on. There are many other tips on etiquette I can give you so you can feel confident playing with the most experienced players. And, for you caddies, I can tell you the exact way to treat your players. So, you can earn more dough!

Flop Shot

2006-02-22T03:51:00.000-08:00

One of the coolest shots in golf-the flop shot. But, it can be tricky, and you don't need to use it for all of your pitch shots, only during special occasions. Or, if you just want to look cool plopping that ball sky high to have land like a butterfly.

These images are from www.golfdigest.com, and show one of the best at what he does best. Phil Mickelson can do just about anything around the greens, and his flop is truely amazing. He's even been known to hit balls backwards!

Basically, open up that club face with your sand wedge, lob wedge, or other high degree wedge. Open up the stance a bit. There are a couple ways to make the swing, but what I tend to do, and what Tom Watson does, is to sort of sweep across. Taking the club back outside, then chopping across with the club face open. This makes the ball stop on a dime. Now, do not try to scoop the ball, this will provide too many miss hits. Make sure to make a full swing without decelerating. Again, only use this in certain situations. It takes a ton of practice to get your feel and distance control...don't practice towards buildings or people. The skulled shot may hit someone's skull, and that's never good! It's generally a high risk shot. So, if you're going over an obstacle with little green to work with-then break out the flop. Good luck if you need tips let me know, for more information you can also go to www.golfdigest.com.

Putting Styles

2006-02-21T01:33:00.000-08:00

"Putt for dough...", alright we've all heard it. But, it's more fun to bomb em' long. Even though its perhaps not the funnest part of the game, what if you could drop a third more per round, that's a drop of six strokes off your card/handicapp. That'd be good!

Well, if you're not happy with your putting stroke there are options. A new putter (usually not going to be the root of the problem), better posture, or a totally different grip or style. Chris Demarco has made the "Claw Grip" shown below popular the last few years. Trying this myself, I can't say much bad about it. The puts tended to go straighter without effort on my part. It keeps the arms and hands steady and together, not allowing for much movement for mistakes. I feel on longer puts though, my feel for distance is off with the claw. If you need some putting ideas let me know.

Update for Commenters

2006-02-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

You can now add a comment or question without signing up for blogger.com. Just click on anonymous, then add your comment. Sorry, I didn't notice this feature before. I hope to hear many more questions now. I'm here to help!

Getting Out of the Bunker!

2006-02-20T04:52:00.000-08:00

Most amateurs look at this and cringe. Most pros don't even think twice. It really is one of the most simple shots in golf, and one of the least delicate. The is the simple, short bunker shot I'm talking about. Not, the long, or sloping bunker shot...that's for another time.

Open your stance like this gentleman here, keep the ball forward, generally closer to your front foot. Also, open up the club face. You are going to swing all the way through, no chopping. Do not decelerate. If you think you're going to hit it too hard, you'll probably hit it just right. To be safe, you can aim to hit the the sand about 1/2" behind the ball. The bounce on your sand wedge will prevent the club from digging in too deep, and the ball will come out softly. Don't be surpised to see a lot of sand spray forward. It's call blasting it out of the bunker. As always, practice makes perfect!!! Let me know if you have any questions.

Backspin by Trapping

2006-02-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

OK, the pros do it so well. They make it look easy. "It looks like they're barely swinging the club", you might say. Well, it's not entirely easy, but not entirely hard. The concept of trapping the golf ball at the moment of impact, I think, is the most misunderstood concept in golf.

Amateurs think you have to scoop the ball, or sweep the grass. No usually. To get that spin you need to hit the golf ball first. Do you get that! The golf ball first. See in the illustration how the club strikes down and through, hitting the golf ball first, then perhaps and inch or two ahead of the ball the club scoops through the ground-creating that divot you see pros taking.

How do you know if you're hitting this shot right? Put a tee next to your ball on a grass practice tee range. When you hit the ball, your divot should be to the left or past the tee. If it's behind the tee and to the right, you are probably miss hitting the ball, and not getting the distance you deserve. Yes, this take accuracy and precision, but that's what practice is for. One easy drill is to imagine hitting the front of the ball on the downswing. You'll notice that you'll actually make great contact. This hitting down, not scooping, and making the "trap" creates that spin needed to "back it up".

Now, a soft cover ball, like a balata, or titliest pro-v are better at spinning because the club's groves will grab the softer texture. Plus, the faster and sharper downward the swing, the more spin you'll get. Also, the slope of the green adds or takes away spin. An upsloping green will add backspin.

Draw/Cut How To!

2006-02-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

It's really easier than you think to work your shots. Here's the basics.

Make sure you line up correctly for each shot you want to create. For the draw, close of your stance. That is, have your front foot a few inches further north than your back. Now, close off your club head, or turn it slightly closer to your left foot (or start off aiming at your target, then close off your stance...both will produce similar results). This shot will promote right to left spin which will make the ball go farther for the right hander.

Now for the cut/slice. You want to do everything opposite of the draw. Open up your stance and club face. Your shot won't go as far so take an extra club.

Lesson 1: The Grip

2006-02-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

Grips come in all shapes and sizes! Strong, soft, nuetral, baseball, overlap, etc...

But, this is one of the most important parts of your game. Your errors or successes can be traced back to your hands! If you have questions about where you're going wrong, let me know!

2006-02-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

"The place to play the game...well"

Here's the game! Let me know what's wrong with your game-I've got the fix. Your questions will be answered each day.

NO MORE Chili Dipping, NO MORE Chunks, NO MORE skulls, NO MORE tops, NO MORE skied shots, NO MORE cussing on the course...well, there's only so much we can do ;)

Welcome to the Golf Spot!

2006-02-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

The place to play the game...well