Tips From the Pro

Long Irons a Problem?
Many golfers experience problems in hitting long irons. Here's a tip that will help - Envision "sweeping" the ball off the ground or tee with a long flowing motion.  You are not really trying to hit the ball as much as you are swinging through it.

Rhythm and Tempo are the Key
If you start to "lose the feel" during a round and start hitting bad shots, it often times is because you are swinging too hard or too fast. Slow everything down, shorten your swing and try this tip.  Flip an iron upside down holding the club head and swing it nice and easy to restore your tempo.

Hitting for the Fences
Tired of watching everyone out drive you by 50 yards?  Try this little tip.  Swing your club at waist height as though you were hitting a baseball again.  Concentrate on shifting and keeping your weight back on your right leg (ok left leg if you're a leftie) and feel the power as you come through the ball.  Now move that same feeling down to a normal swing.  This is best for driving clubs only.

Practice Practice Practice
The absolutely best way to improve your enjoyment of the game of golf is to add some time for practice and not just banging balls out on the range.  Ever notice how the golfers with a good short game spend a lot of time on the putting green and around the chipping green.  They work at getting a good short game.  Take 10 balls and chip them from various spots around the green.  Start with some easy uphill chips and then move to more difficult finesse shots and "let it lie" - Don't always fluff it up.  Practice the tough shots around the chipping green so you will know how to handle them in a match.

Beginning a New Season
Many a fine season  has been ruined by early season injuries. A couple of quick ideas to help you avoid that back or leg problem. HIT BALLS FIRST. don't jump right onto the course and play 18 holes of golf. Your legs and back aren't ready yet, unless you work out on a regular basis. The combination of swinging a golf club with unused muscles and walking on soft ground, can lead to back strain, shin splints, and very high score... Ease into it!

A Putting Routine
Most good golfers develop a consistent routine for putting. Always the same stance, head behind the ball, same rhythm etc.  You may even want to develop a little "mantra" such as "blade straight, head still, hands through to the hole".  Try it or develop your own - You'll be surprised at the results!