Know Where The Strokes Are!!!

This week's tip is an effort to help all of you out there learn what you really need to work on. So many times a student has told me either "if I could only drive it better I could shoot in the 70's" or "if I hit my irons more solid I would break 90."

Often times we find that the player's perception of what is costing them strokes is often skewed or misguided. I want to encourage all golfers out there to keep track of your rounds and playing statistics. It will help you formulate a plan of attack for you and your teacher, as well as devise an appropriate way to structure your practice schedule. You may find that what you think is costing you strokes is not really costing you strokes.

I have found one great system out there for doing this and I use it with all my students. There are many programs out there, so remember: the important thing is that you use one of them.

Don't Throw in the Towel on Your Putting ...

Putting is no different than the other golf strokes we have discussed here on the Dewsweepers. The putter is moved with your body pivot rather than your hands,wrists or arms. I see way too many amateurs who struggle with inconsistent putting because they have too much wrist and hand motion. Follow this tip and drill and you'll be making more putts against your buddies this weekend.

Grip: Unlike the full swing we aren't looking for power. Therefore we do not need to use the wrists as a power source. So unlike the full swing grip we put the club in the palms of our hands rather than the fingers.

Setup: As always it is important to get your feet, hips and shoulders all square to the target line.

Pivot: Move the putter with your trunk not your hands. Actually the muscles you want to feel move the putter back and through are your LATS. Want a great drill to help you feel the correct motion? Go grab a Towell off your golf bag. Next put the towel across your chest and under both arm pits. Now lower your arms so that the towel does not fall to the ground. Grip your putter and make a putting stroke while keeping the towel in place under your armpits and across your chest. Practicing this drill will help you learn to use a pivot motion to make a proper putting stroke.