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One on One

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One on One with John Cook

John Cook talks ball flight with Glenn Monday.

BY GLENN MONDAYPublished: June, 2005

John Cook started playing golf when he was 6, got serious about the game at 10, and began taking lessons at 13 — the age he came in contact with tour great Ken Venturi. “Everything I’ve learned about the game I learned from Ken Venturi,” said Cook, adding that the best tip he got was to leave his swing mechanic thoughts on the range.

He learned well. Cook went on to win the 1978 U.S. Amateur Championship as well as 11 times on the PGA Tour.

Glenn: What do you do to hit the ball low?
John: I’ll stand closer to the ball because I’ll choke down on the club. I’ll place the ball a bit back of center. I try to stay nice and level with my knees so I don’t come out of my knee flex. I let the butt of the club lead through the ball and follow through a little lower and strive for good balance.

Glenn: What do you do to hit the ball higher?
John: I place the ball a bit forward of center. Here I make sure I have a full shoulder turn and then I try to keep my body a little behind the ball and extend my arms through the hitting area into the follow through.

Glenn: What are your strengths?
John: I enjoy playing the game of golf and feel that inspires me to be better.

Glenn Monday is an Los Angeles-based teaching professional and author of “Know Your Swing.” He can be reached at (310) 322-8924.