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Tempo – Golf’s Most Important Teacher

John — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:55:20 +0000

I’ve been trying to publish an article about Tiger, but I keep getting derailed. However, this article in Golf.com was so interesting, and about Tiger as well, I feel compelled to post this first.

John Novosel, a guy who has been working on swing tempo for almost a decade claims to have clear insight into Tiger’s problems and I think he just may be right. In fact, what he has discovered may be the most important component of all our games.

John’s theory, based on timing Tiger’s and other pro golfers’ swings over many years is that you can see their performance rise and fall with how closely their tempo is 3/1. This translates to it takes 3 times as long to get to the top of the backswing as it does to reach impact. A golfer’s relative speed doesn’t make a difference, you can swing fast like Nick Price or slow like Ernie Ells but the tempo has to be 3/1.

I won’t spoil the article for you, you can read the whole thing here. It’s not long, but very provocative. I’d even go so far as to speculate that tempo may be the most important component of your swing. How many instructors are missing the mark trying to fix flaws in individual elements in the swing when they should be teaching tempo. Maybe most swing flaws are symptoms of bad tempo – the primary fault?

The Right Teacher is Key to Golf Instruction

John — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:11:19 +0000

Thought we’d take on the golf instructors of the world. If you remember a couple of blogs back, I quoted a statistic (sorry I can’t remember where I read it) that the average 18 hole golf score has only improved by half a stroke over the last 30 years. And that’s with all the advantages that new technology has brought us.

Granted, most of us don’t take professional instruction on a regular basis, but there are thousands of instructors out there making a living so enough of us are going to keep them employed. Why, then, hasn’t that score dropped more than half a stroke?

If some guy in your league improved his handicap by 8 strokes in one year and credited it to a teacher, tell me half the guys or gals in the league wouldn’t beat a path to the instructor’s door. So are there good teachers out there and, if so, where?

As in any profession there are those that know and those that don’t. How comfortable would you feel just picking a dentist’s name out of the phone book and having her go to work on your teeth. I didn’t think so! There are plenty of dentists out there, but only a few I want to trust my choppers to. So we can assume that this is the same for golf instructors – a few bad, a few good and most various shades of so so.

If there are some good instructors out there, and I’m sure there are, how come students aren’t lined up in the parking lot and down the road. Who wouldn’t part with some serious scratch to get really better at this game? Before you say no, go look at that high priced titanium monster driver in your bag.

Steve Stricker – Golf’s Best Teacher

John — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:39:13 +0000

Right about now you might be thinking ‘did I miss something’? No Steve Stricker hasn’t written a golf instruction book or opened an academy in Florida. What he has done is to resurrect himself from the abyss of golf failure to become one of the best players in the world. If you watched last week’s John Deere Classic you know exactly what I mean.

It wasn’t so many years ago that Steve Stricker couldn’t drive a golf ball to save his life … or his career. Somehow, someway he worked it all out to not just return to where he was but to stand toe to toe with the world’s best golfers. Think about his performance in last year’s President’s Cup for proof.

If we look carefully at his game, I think we can see where he gets the new magic from. I Tivo’d Saturday’s round at the John Deere Classic and soon became mesmorized at the way Steve was playing. He made golf look as easy as Tiger ever did. I soon got to the point where I fast forwarded through everything and just watched him. What I started to notice was a guy who was in a zone, calm and disciplined. His shot routine was always exactly the same. And not just through the finish, he actually did the exact same routine after his finish on every drive to follow the ball until it landed and stopped regardless of how he hit it.

You start watching him carefully and he looks like the most skilled Swiss watch assembler in the world – calm, careful, exacting, efficient and never deviating. Then it hit me, golf advice that I’ve read a hundred times over the years. You have to practice the way you want to play. You can’t hit practice shots and expect it to carryover to the first tee unless you’ve practiced EXACTLY as you expect to play. It’s not as much fun as hitting shots like a machine gun, but it’s what you have to do if you want a repeatable, solid swing that works under pressure.

Think about it, would you expect anyone to be a good putter if they practiced with a belly putter and played with a conventional one. That may be extreme, but I’m sure you get the point. If you stand in front of a pile of golf balls and roll them in front of you and keep banging, you might as well skip the practice tee altogether. It’s probably worse than no practice because your practicing something that you’ll never use on the course.

The other part I want to emphasize about Stricker and some of today’s other standouts, like Justin Rose, is how meticulous they are in setting up. I know I get lazy on way to many shots and when they don’t go as planned, the problem can probably be traced to setup 90% of the time. Practicing includes the same exact setup routine on every shot. Use alignment sticks on the practice tee to check yourself on a regular basis. Feet, knees, hips and shoulders all have to be aligned – EXACTLY.

If you can duplicate a careful, precise swing time after time you are going to start playing better. Steve Sticker does not have a beautiful swing by any stretch of the imagination. If you see it for the first time you might be forgiven for thinking that some amateur has ducked under the ropes and snuck out on the course. But I don’t think there’s a pro in the world right now who wouldn’t want the results he’s getting. Watch him and learn to improve your game, he just might be the best teacher in the world at this point!

Hitting It Pure

John — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:39:39 +0000

Finding the sweet spot or ’puring’ it as Tiger likes to say; this is golf’s aphrodisiac. What does it take to find this hypnotic state? People, pundits, players and gurus have been pondering that since the first pure swing was made.

If we can unravel this mystery, can we consistently find golf nirvana? Probably not. I say that because it’s never been accomplished, not even by the greatest golfers on the planet. But, with the right approach anyone can learn to hit more pure shots. The key to better swings? less tension and that means more enjoyment.

I think it’s clear to most of us that golf is mental first and physical second. How many of us have been beaten by someone who is physically our inferior. Don’t read to much into that statement, I simply mean that we have all been whipped by someone we could out benchpress any day of the week. When I was in my physical prime in my early 20′s, I got thoroughly trounced by what appeared to me to be a weak old man. While I was bombing drives 280 yards (mostly offline) he was hitting it consistently 150 yards right down the middle. I think I lost 5 and 4, but my memory has probably given me a few extra holes.

Golf is unique in that we have all hit shots that are as good as the best in the world – like holing out a chip, we just do it a lot less frequently. And that’s what keeps us coming back in spite of our bad shots. Golf is played best when the mind is relaxed and we’re in touch with our bodies. We’re not thinking about the consequences of going OB. When we’re on we are in a relaxed almost hypnotic state. Tension worsens performance in any athletic endeavor. Loose relaxed muscles don’t fight one another. The best sprinters are the ones who best relax opposing muslces.

So how do we find this relaxation and body awareness. First, you’ve got to tune in to what your body is doing when you practice. It’s OK to think ‘keep your left arm straight’ before a practice swing. But when you actually hit the ball your mind has to be an observer only. After your shot is done, if you’ve put your consciousness in your arm, you should know if it was straight or not. Do this and you’ll teach your mind to be a reporter and not a worrier. This is a terrific way to practice. Read any of Timothy Gallwey’s ‘inner game’ books to learn practical methods for doing this. For decades he helped numerous Olympic athletes use this strategy to great benefit.

You can’t really change your swing or manage it until you can ‘feel’ it. Don’t be critical of yourself when you hit a bad shot. Try to remember the feel of the shot. It’s amazing what feeling parts of your body during a swing can produce. Hit 10 shots only focused on rotating your forearms. Rotate them a little, a lot and everything in between and teach your mind how to feel what your body is doing. Do the same for weight transfer, or shoulder plane rotation. Don’t try and hit everything perfect. You need to feel the entire spectrum to teach you body what’s right.

I’m reviewing a book by Laird Small, the director of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy which I’ll blog about soon. He has wonderful advice on how to take practice swings for a shot you are unsure of, say a tough greenside chip. Take one practice swing you know is too hard, one that’s too soft and one that’s in between. Then step up to the ball and hit it with the in between swing. It works because you stopping thinking about consequences and you have committed your mind and body to the same swing. As Surge Trahan at Peak Performance Golf Swing says, ‘ feel the swing when you rehearse and then when you step up to the ball swing the feel’. Think about that for a moment, it’s great advice. With practice you can train your mind to be your ally and not your enemy on the course. As Laird Small at Pebble Beach says; ‘Nothing about golf is stressful. It’s you who adds the stress or fear.’

Grab Bag and Random Thoughts

John — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:06:37 +0000

I’m almost back as a full-time GolfDashBlog writer as the kitchen project is nearing completion. My wife said I could get an iPad if I re-did the kitchen, so you see my motivation (blogging while I’m watching tournaments for one). I’ve had a lot of things running around in my head that I haven’t been able to write about so I thought I’d do a quick overview with more detail to follow later.

First, I’ve discovered a great training aid; the SwingRite. This thing has been around since the 60′s and consistently gets chosen as the best. It’s simple to use, makes sense and is the best at teaching ‘lag’ and timing of the release. You’ve got to learn this if you want to generate the most power possible. Go to www.swingrite.com. You still have to figure out how to swing a golf club correctly, but this thing well let you know when you don’t. You’ll also learn to generate more power the way the pros do.

My wife is being fitted by one of the best clubfitters in the country, Tom Spargo of Rhode Island. We’ve done the woods and will pick them up today with iron fitting to follow. I thought I knew a lot about clubfitting and what it can and can’t do, but I’ve doubled my knowledge just listening to Tom for two hours. This is really interesting stuff and will save you $$$ buying clubs that won’t really help your game. Here’s a tidbit; a good clubfitter won’t improve your best shots, but he’ll make the rest less bad.

Is this the year of the changing of the guard on the Pro Tour? The Mickelsons, Westwoods, Furyks and maybe Woods of the Tour are still big factors, but it seems every week that a new twenty-something comes charging to the fore. Is this the real deal or just a tease until Eldridge Woods figures out his tee shot. More to follow.

And how about ole Tiger? He’s not the Tiger of old, yet. Is his current journey a natural progression to a return to form or is it time for a Tiger swing change. Or maybe a mind-meld with Sam Snead. Tiger’s swing is a thing of beauty in slow-mo, but it’s almost painful to watch a full-speed. At some point his body is going to shout ‘No Mas’ and the maestro is going to have to change or get out of the game. I know that’s drastic, but Tiger will not play if he doesn’t win.

I can’t wait for The Open. First, Pebble is one of the classic and most storied courses of all time. Second, there’s the convergence of a lot of expectations about the world’s best players; will Tiger get it together, or maybe Phil will finally get his Open trophy, or Lee Westwood his first and well-deserved Major, or will a youngster like Rory McIlroy take it and prove that the geezers’ best days are behind them. It should be quite a ride!

Last, a swing thought. You need to keep a separation between the upper and lower body at impact. This with a wrist lag generates maximum speed. Try this; as you start the downswing with a hip bump, drop your arms down into the slot at the same time and keep your wrists cocked. The key is to feel like your almost looking down at your back foot. This will keep the maximum twist between your hips and shoulders. Now all you have to do is release the wrists and the upper torso together. If you do it correctly you’ll have no problem getting your back shoulder to point at the hole as you hold your finish. Make sure you’re doing it right and generating maximum power by doing this with the SwingRite.

Golf Instruction For The Rest Of Us

John — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:06:35 +0000

If you read this blog regularly, you know I’m a fan of The Golf Fix with Michael Breed that runs Monday nights on The Golf Channel. Last Monday he had Nick Faldo on for most of the show. The instruction was as good as it gets, at least on TV. My wife and I have watched that show at least 5 times. Nick Faldo demonstrates once again what a terrific command he has of the game and golf swing mechanics.

First Nick explains the full swing, in the context of ‘getting stuck’ ala Tiger Woods. The beauty of the demonstration is that Nick actually explains and demonstrates the basics of the golf swing. This benefits not only every amateur but many pros could learn from it as well. If you still feel confused about the components of a good golf swing after years of Golf Digest articles and advice from friends, then this is a must see.

Next Nick takes on chipping in the context of how Phil Mickelson did so well at it during the Masters. Nick explains getting the ball to spin and then covers a number of variations on the theme. Watch and absorb and your short game has to improve.

Last, but certainly not least, Nick demonstrates the basics of Phil’s putting stroke which he says he used 20 years ago. He explains in great detail the forward leaning shaft angle, the forward hand press, setting up with left shoulder high and swinging up and through the ball. Equally impressive is that he holed all but one of the 8 or 10 putts that he hit.

Don’t have the time or money to find a good local pro to give your game some help, then check out The Golf Fix on The Golf Channel. If you can’t find the ‘Faldo’ session on TV, you can still watch online here. Do me one favor, please write to Michael Breed and tell him to lose the background music that he is constantly trying to talk above. His email is thegolffix@golfchannel.com. And Nick, why don’t you do a golf instruction program on The Golf Channel. Teaching amateurs the game is still the biggest mountain to climb in golf and you might be just the guy to scale it. My wife and I would be happy to be your students!

What Is A Peak Performance Golf Swing?

John — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:03:28 +0000

Don and DJ Trahan

Have you heard of the Peak Performance Golf Swing? I’ll bet not many of you have, but I think that will change this year. I found out about it by clicking on a link in an email – I’m not even sure which one. I do this a lot to check out ‘new’ golf instruction, but most are dead-ends. However, the more I check out Peak Performance Golf, the more I’m intrigued.

Peak Performance Golf is a swing theory and in instruction methodology developed by DJ Trahan’s dad Don. One of the things that got me to explore the site was DJ’s recent success on the Tour this year. His dad is his instructor and who am I to argue with success.

His teaching videos are down to earth, entertaining and for the most part seem on the money. I’ve just signed up to look at his video series and will be reviewing what I find out in the coming weeks. I already see a lot of things I like in his putting instruction. Regardless of your style or type of putter there are some really great drills here from which any golfer, even Tour pro, can benefit. Stay tuned!

Unabashed Advice On Learning to Play Golf

John — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:42:08 +0000

Maybe there’s no silver bullet for becoming a better golfer, but I think there are some basics that can help most anyone on learning to play golf. The bigger question is – will you do it? I mean losing weight is easy for most people – just eat fewer calories than you burn up. But, but, but……..there’s always a but.

In no particular order, here’s my guidance. Work on tempo. However you swing, fast or slow, make sure your tempo is the same on the backswing and downswing. Count to yourself, use a golf metronome,sing a tune in your head. Just manage the tempo. That goes for every club in the bag including the putter. While you are out on the course make consistent tempo your goal.

Mind set – means give your mind very specific tasks while on the course, the practice range is a different matter. The old bean is good for strategy and it’s good for observing. How do I feel, am I comfortable, am I remembering that it’s just a game, look at the beautiful sunset, how does the grip feel in my hands. You get the idea.

Just don’t let it start giving you swing instructions. If you want to know more about how to use and not use the mind in sports, try reading something by Tim Gallwey.

Find out what’s really going on in the golf swing. There are millions of books with millions of suggestions and I think most will confuse you on the basic swing. Try checking out Carl Rabito, his website is CarlRabito. I don’t know the guy and I don’t get any money from him. I’ve only recently discovered him, but I think his modern scientific approach to golf gets as close to the ‘truth’ about the swing as anyone.

And it looks pretty simple. Know how the knees, hips and torso move in relation to each other (the torso must move faster than the hips on the downswing because they have further to go). The arms are almost passive. Know what the correct wrist cock is.

Want to use some science to understand the short game, take a look at Dave Pelz’s stuff. He is ‘the man’ on the short game. He used to work for NASA many years ago and has used a scientific approach to understand what really works and what doesn’t. He’s helped many of the top pros, just ask Phil. Again, I have no connection with him. Hell, I don’t have a connection with anyone in golf for that matter so I’ll stop adding that in.

Swing a club every day. Four or five minutes is enough, but do it every day. It’s kind of relaxing. Almost as good as a martini for unwinding. Swing a Momentus Weighted Club
every other day, it will help build your golf muscles and might even help stretch them out.

Know about the adrenalin effect we talked about recently. When you step up to that first tee, you’re going to have some of it flowing through your veins and it will effect your swing. The more you swing with your torso – the big muscles – the less it’s effect will be.

Video yourself if possible and then compare it with a good golfer’s swing. There are lots of tools for doing this. One is online at V1golf.

Once you start playing a real round of golf, ‘dance with who brought you’. In other words, use whatever swing shows up, don’t go trying to correct everything during your round. And have fun, unless you play golf for a living. That’s what we go into the coal mines everyday for. It would be a shame to waste those precious days off just making ourselves miserable! Work does that for most of us, so don’t let it on the course.

Michael Breed Is Good For Golf Instruction

John — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:57 +0000

I’ve started to pay more attention this year to ‘The Golf Fix’ Monday nights on The Golf Channel. It’s hard not to like Michael Breed and his show.

He sure has a lot of energy and most of the time he puts it to good use. And, I just love his swing. He really does great swing demonstrations.

It seems like he’s a bit more organized this year with actual lesson plans. I’d like to see him do even more along these lines. Maybe he could have an underlying theme for a month, like slicing.

He wouldn’t have to dedicate every show to the slice, but at least include a segment in each one. It would also help if he used more video, possibly of the pros, actually practicing what he preaches. This show could become golf instruction for the common man.

I have only one criticism – the damn music that is almost constantly playing. Even when Michael is critiquing a video sent in by a viewer, the producer jacks up the music.

Michael has to struggle to be heard, frustrating and distracting to the viewers to say the least. I see The Golf Channel using the same production values (rotten) during their tournament coverage.

Every time they do a recap of play they have to throw in the hyperactive soundtracks. Golf is about the peace and quiet one finds in nature, we get enough canned music just about everywhere else these days. On the course please stop the music!!

Will The Haney Project Kill Golf Instruction?

John — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:31:19 +0000

I saw a few episodes of last year’s first season of The Haney Project with Charles Barkley.

It was mostly about Sir Charles and had little to do with golf instruction. I guess it was The Golf Channel’s version of reality TV. The second season, which just got underway, is with Ray Romano.

The Golf Channel seems to be aiming, once again, to cash in on the popularity of the latest fad. That may be interesting to some viewers, but it doesn’t enlighten us about learning to play better golf. The result is the golf channel is walking a very fine line that could end up undermining golf instruction for the rest of us.

Charles Barkley’s swing is famous for being so bad. No could blame Hank for getting nowhere with him. The first season of the Haney Project was a video version of a golf joke. Ray Ramano, however, looks very much like the average amateur golfer, like the other guys in your foresome.

He shoots in the 80′s and 90′s, has some pretty good skills, has had his handicap as low as 11 and his next goal is to legitimately break 80. He’s got a few quirks in his swing, but who doesn’t. He seems to be dedicated and in reasonable physical shape so why shouldn’t he improve, dramatically, with one of the best instructors in the world, great facilities and plenty of time to practice?

Charles was never a standin for any of us – the average golfer – but Ray is. Who amongst us hasn’t wondered how much better we could get if we had the money, time and a great instructor to teach us how it’s done. Here comes our answer in the form of Ray Romano and Hank Haney.

And that’s were The Golf Channel is playing Russian Roulette. If Ray gets no better for whatever reason, how could any of the rest of us justify going to Hank Haney or Butch Harmon, let alone our local PGA instructor.

Who wouldn’t conclude that once you plateau in golf you are hopelessly stuck there. Hank Haney risks destroying his reputation and The Golf Channel risks destroying golf instruction. I hope they know what they’re doing! Talk about a teachable moment.