Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/309813
Golf is an incredibly challenging game, from the physical and technical aspects through to the mental side of the game. How does one remember how to properly handle the many situations they will encounter in a golf game? One method that can be helpful for memorizing technique when it comes to chipping is to think in terms of "3 LEFTS" (for right handed players) or "3 RIGHTS" (for left handed players). In chipping for right handed players, the "3 LEFTS" include: • Aiming your body more to the left than your regular full swing set up. • Leaning on your left leg/foot in the setup, maybe a 70-30 weight distribution. • Hands and handle of the golf club are angled more to the left of the ball. Although your body is aiming more left, the club head is aiming down the intended target line. Keep that weight on your left foot throughout the swing and avoid transferring it back and forth. This set up will create a more downward strike with the club, whether you are using a sand wedge, pitching wedge or less lofted club (e.g. 7-iron). There is less chance of hitting the ball "thin" or as some call it "sculling it", which will lead to more solid contact. There will be a minor follow-through with your body turn and the hands are still in front of the clubhead. Your goal is to think of a 3 foot circle around the hole. Get your ball inside this 3 foot perimeter and you have a very good chance at a one putt! INSTRUCTION 49 BY GLENN BOSWELL (PGA OF CANADA) Learning The Basics Of Effective Chipping Can Take Wasted Strokes Off Your Game 3 FOOT CIRCLE 70% 30% YOUR GOAL IS TO THINK OF A 3 FOOT CIRCLE AROUND THE HOLE. GET YOUR BALL INSIDE THIS 3 FOOT PERIMETER AND YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD CHANCE AT A ONE PUTT! Good swings have a natural rhythm to them, encompassed by balance and intent. They can be quick and short, possibly long and elegant but it must move with purpose and 'repeatability'. INSTRUCTION BY MARK CORRIGAN (PGA OF CANADA) Rhythm is the Life Blood of a Good Golf Swing And within that rhythm each golfer must discover a theme that is found within their own character. What I mean by that is this: typically, people who walk and talk quickly should have a golf swing that would mirror their own personality. On the opposite end, listening to an Ernie Els or a Fred Couples talk, you understand why they swing the golf club with such relaxation and patience. Not to mention their walk, it always looks like a Sunday afternoon stroll... their Sundays just happen to be spent playing for major championships. In today's world of golf training and over-teaching, positions and angles are like words from the Old Testament. I don't dispute that a square clubface isn't desirable. I just don't hear much about the importance of moving the golf club (your dance partner) in a way that has purpose and that allows for balance and rhythm that will allow a golfer to be successful. I often imagine dancing with a partner, you both know the steps but you never really move to the music effortlessly. The steps you make are correct but the dancers look like two fish out of water, flopping all over the place. Fun to watch, if you like laughing at awkwardness. As a general rule the rhythm should fit that of the golfer. Somebody that likes to meander through life shouldn't be trying a Zorro and a Zorro shouldn't be handcuffed. Now, any movement that takes a golfer off balance should be vetoed. Balance can never be compromised. Make your movements efficient and ones you can control. There should be a beginning, a middle and an end, with the climax coming somewhere soon after impact. The beginning should be your takeaway, controlled and smooth. The middle would be the transition, from the end of backswing to the start of downswing. This change of direction should be a smooth change but with quicker rhythm type players it will seem quite sudden, as long as it's not violent or jerky. The slower rhythms will fight not pausing, which can also be a rhythm killer. Now, I like to think of climax after contact so acceleration continues through the impact area. The end comes as a reflection, a reflection of your beautiful balance and poise. The shot just being the result of a wonderful dance, with your partner in tow. A good swing whether swift or molasses-like, will follow this script. Now that spring is upon us, start swinging the club with your rhythm, warm up with your 'partner', don't run right for the golf balls. Dance with your partner a little before you start playing mechanic. Once you find your beat you've got a dance partner for life. IMAGE COURTESY PGA OF ALBERTA IMAGES COURTESY GLENN BOSWELL About The Writer: Mark Corrigan is an Associate Professional at Pinebrook G&CC in Calgary, Alberta. Along with his teaching duties and role as 'golf ambassador' thanks to Mark and his writing skills, the monthly newsletter put out by Pinebrook G&CC is — as Mark so humbly tells us — continually sold out. Contact him at mark_corrigan@pinebrookgolfclub.com or follow him on Twitter at @mc3eagle. About The Writer: Glenn Boswell is an Associate Professional at the Glencoe Club during the golf season & the Riverside Academy during the winter season in Calgary, Alberta. Glenn is also a national evaluator for the PGA of Canada's Teaching/Coaching curriculum for aspiring golf professionals. He can be reached at glennboswell@shaw.ca