Weekly Golf Tip as seen in The Winnipeg Sun --

June 16th, 2008

You Can't Score From The Bush! - Driving for show is fun, but only if you can keep it in play...

Hitting the driver far and straight can make the game so much more enjoyable and easier to score. The drive or tee shot can be considered the most important shot on each hole. Of course, I am not understating the importance of putting - I will it the respect it deserves in a later tip. It is your first shot and sets up every hole. If you are not in the fairway or worse yet, are taking penalty strokes - how can you score? You can't!

First up, some basic course management. Never hit a club that you are not confident you can hit in play. It may have to be a 3-wood, hybrid or even an iron off the tee. Remember, you can't score from the bush! Similarly, be aware of you tendancies. Is your normal shot a draw or a fade? Even if it is a big slice, you should be playing for it. Just aim down the left side of the fairway and let it slice back into play. Don't try to play shots that you are not capable of hitting consistantly. If you want to change that shot shape, practice it on the range until it becomes your new tendancy.

You will notice in the video that I have selected a driver and am playing it in line with my left heel (right handed golfer). You can see that that I have my head behind the ball at address as well. This allows you to see the back of the ball - isn't that where we want to hit it? Notice the posture as well. The spine and shaft angle (if extended) will make a 90 degree angle. Anthing that is within 10 or 15 degrees is excellent. The weight is favouring the balls of the feet in an athletic - like a quarter back - posture. The ball is teed up high - so that half of the ball is above the crown of the driver. This will promote hitting the ball on the upswing and an inside swing path - more useful for creating more power.

When swinging, keep your arms, wrists and upper body relaxed so they can pick up speed. Try to maintain the spine angle you started with at address - at impact. Take a deep breath a few seconds before you swing to help your body relax.

Swing smooth at about 70% of your maximum speed for control and consistant contact. Now enjoy hitting it farther than your buddies - as well as hitting it in the fairway! Remember, you can't score from the bush!

Derek Ingram is the head teaching professional at the Elmhurst Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg. He is a two-time winner of the Canadian PGA's Teacher of the Year award and recognized as one of the top golf instructors in North America. You can sign up for his newsletter or get more information on lessons, clinics, golf schools and corporate outings at www.derekingram.com.

Winnipeg Sun Golf Tip Archive

2008

2007