Latest Tip.

HOW FAR IS TOO FAR.

Sometimes it just doesn’t matter if you have great posture, a perfect spine angle and even a steady head position. As long as you’re standing too far away from the ball, you’re going to have a tough time hitting consistent golf shots. In fact, most students I’ve taught tend to stand too far away from the ball for reasons that make sense, such as a fear of shanking the ball off the hosel or hitting a fat shot. But what they don’t know is standing too far away can actually cause those kinds of shots by forcing the body to overcompensate and lunge toward the ball during the swing. Frankly, the kinds of bad shots often resulting from standing too far away are endless, including the skied driver!!

How do you know how far is too far? It’s simple. Begin by addressing the ball as you normally would, only this time, tuck a headcover under your right underarm. Hold it snug, and try and keep it there during the start of your backswing, stop when the club gets to waist high. If the headcover falls from your underarm before you get to the position then you know you’re standing too far from the golf ball. If the headcover stays put, you’re all set! The arms should be free of tension, hanging naturally from the shoulder sockets. Any overextension will cause not only inconsistent golf shots, but may also put strain on your lower back.

Start this drill with your driver, working your way into your short irons and wedges. You’ll find that as the club gets shorter, the length between you and the golf ball also gets shorter. And don’t forget to practice down at Perton GC on our Driving Range. There are some great winter offers coming soon!!

Tip 1

Welcome to the golf section. Over the next few issues I will be writing tips to improve your game or even inspire you to take up the game.

In the first instalment I will be covering the grip, this being the only part of the body that comes into contact with the golf club so if the grip is incorrect the rest of the golf swing will need to compensate in order to make up for the error made at the start.

 I see so many people on the course, driving range or even during lessons that try to clamp the club in the palm of their hands. This can lead to an incorrect club face and swing path during the swing which may result in wayward shots and loss of distance.

The grip needs to be held more in the fingers. Starting with the left hand hold the club so it rests in the fingers from the callus at the bottom of the little finger to the middle joint of the index finger. Next wrap the hand around the club with the thumb straight down and fractionally on the right hand side of the grip. The "v" that is formed with the thumb and index finger should point to the right ear and as you look straight down the first two knuckles should be visible.

The right hand then follows with the little finger sitting on or between the first and second finger of the left hand, then wrap the rest of the hand around the club (again feeling like the club is sitting in the fingers.) The right thumb will now cover the left and the tip of the thumb will sit slightly down the left side of the club. Again there is a "v" formed by the thumb and index finger which should also point to the right ear.

Finally I will just talk about grip pressure. You should hold the club just tight enough as if it was a tube of tooth paste and you want most of it to stay in the tube! Too tight or too loose and it will cause problems during the swing.

Good luck, study the picture and get practicing, it may feel strange for a while but improvements will come with practice. For more free tips email me on Jeremy@pertongolfclub.co.uk.

Tip 2

This month I am going to talk about Shoulder Alignment and how it can cause stray golf shots. Every day I teach people who concentrate well on where their feet are aiming but neglect their shoulder alignment. It is important to check it on a weekly basis. Poor alignment leads to the ball starting off in the wrong direction leading to missed fairways or greens.

 It is the position of the shoulders that dictates the line of the swing path, so it is vital that the upper body is aligned correctly

The shoulders and feet should always aim parallel to your intended target (for a straight shot). Here are a couple of steps to help check if you are in the correct position.

-Get into your set up position either on the golf course or driving range.

-Make sure you are happy with your club face and feet alignment.

-Pick up your club and lay the shaft across your shoulders and see where they are aiming.

Most golfers (if in the incorrect position) tend to aim to the left especially with the woods.

If the club is aiming parallel to your target Great! If not make the slight adjustment.

It may feel a little strange to start with but you will soon get comfortable with it and hopefully will encourage a better swing path which will lead to straighter shots, lower scores and more enjoyment!

Tip 3

Golfers, winter is definitely here so this month I am going to give you five tips to concentrate on during the next few weeks.

• Wrap up warm, it’s no good feeling cold whilst you are out playing and with all the clothing technology we have these days including base layers and wind proof thin jackets there is no need to be bulky with three sweaters on.

•  Make sure your Spikes are in good condition. You can’t hit good shots if you are slipping on your feet.

• Once you are out on the course remember that the ball is not going to travel as far as it would in the warmer air. The flight will be slightly lower and the ball certainly won’t run as much if at all (unless it’s frosty!)This means the holes will play longer and an extra club will be required to reach so the key is to “Swing Smooth” and don’t try to hit the ball harder to make up the loss in distance.

• Chipping around the green. More strain is put on this area during the winter. The chip and run is probably easier to play when the ground is soft and can be far more reliable so keep it low and sharpen up your chipping with fifteen minutes of practice twice a week. It will be worth while.

• Attention all beginners, it is an ideal time to learn new skills now ready for next season. A few hours spent on the driving range through the winter will mean you are ready to play on the course in the spring.

So to recap Keep Warm, Swing Smooth and Chip Close