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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
Instruction
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Golf is a game where less is more and controlling the ball is of the utmost importance. We all want to move the ball from the tee to the fairway, from the fairway to the green and into the hole as quickly as possible. But that often requires strategy and the ability to check your ego at the first tee. Professionals control ball flight with the length of their swing, the movement of their body and club selection. It’s something that amateurs should learn to do as well. There are several keys to playing controlled shots consistently well. First, you have to see the shot and motion in your mind’s eye. You have to feel the smaller motion, so it helps to develop a trigger term such as “chip,” “three-quarter” or “stock” that reminds you of the proper sensation. Avoid the trap of trying to execute the motion with only your hands and arms. The motion still has to be dynamic where the upper body rotates over the lower body — but in a much smaller and quieter way. I refer to this as the quotient or percentage that your upper body rotates over the lower. It also reflects how much your muscles need to fire during the motion. Think about the quotient you use to slam the door versus the quotient used to close it quietly as you sneak into a room. The next time you have a downwind, downhill 142-yard shot from a flier lie, don’t try to bash it up there with a pitching wedge. Take a longer club, make a smaller swing and feel like you’re only trying to move the ball 90 yards. You’d be surprised by how much your accuracy improves. All PGA Tour players have had success on every level of competition. Learning to control their ball flight was a key ingredient as they climbed the professional ladder. It’s a concept that applies to everyone. Control the ball and you’ll have better control of the game. Jamie Mulligan is chief operating officer and a PGA professional at Long Beach’s Virginia Country Club. He has twice been recognized as Teacher of the Year by the SCPGA. |
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RSS SubscribeReaders Feedback:
Jamie is spot on!
I would really like to read more articles from him....
| Comment at 7/26/2010 |
