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![]() Age: 41 Current Handicap: 12 Lowest handicap: 12 Plays: Once a week Practices: Once a week Ailment: I tweaked my back about two months ago. I didn't want to miss my weekly round of golf, so I went out anyway. I played conservatively, trying to avoid any extra pain. I tried to feel like I was making a shorter-than-usual backswing. I used one more club on all my approach shots and had the best round of my life. What gives? Prescription: Congratulations on your achievement. Without knowing it, you gave yourself one of the great lessons any player can experience in how to improve your golf swing. Most amateur golfers make too long of a swing. A long golf swing makes it difficult to get the club back to the correct impact position. By shortening your backswing, it allowed you to sequence the motion of your arms and body more effectively. PGA instructors are always looking for ways to take excess motion out of the swing. Patient: Male Age: 68 Current Handicap: 22 Lowest handicap: 15 Plays: A couple times a week Practices: Rarely Ailment: I'm getting up there in age and my game continues to deteriorate. Can an old-timer like me learn anything from golf lessons at this point? I've made it nearly 50 years without taking one. If I did, I wouldn't want to start over. What can I do to tune up my game? Prescription: In the game of golf, we never quit learning. I encourage you to find a golf professional who can help you establish and meet the goals you have for yourself. I would also encourage you to look at your clubs and make sure you have the correct loft on your driver. It should probably be in the 11- to 12-degree range. Your instructor should use video to analyze your swing and show you how getting the club on the correct swing plane, as well as more square at impact, will improve your ball flight. SG |
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