As always, I try to write a few lines before starting the class and tell you some of my points of view based on my experience with this sport.
In this issue I would like to encourage – yes, encourage – all of you players to try to play tournaments during the year. It is true that many of you only play golf for fun, but don’t forget that competition has the power to change your energies and I can tell you that, if you are signed up for a tournament weekend, you will live that week differently: with your mind and emotions set on that day.
I encourage all my students to do so, and when we meet again we talk about the difference between a day of practice and a day of competition, in technical and emotional aspects.
I recommend that if you are not a tournament player, do it from time to time, as it will make you live always positive experiences.
It goes without saying that Andalucía Golf has a wonderful circuit (Andalucía Golf Challenge) that is played in many courses throughout Spain and they will be happy to help you with the paperwork to access them.
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TODAY’S CLASS
The driver gives you the glory and the putt the victory! This is an oft-repeated saying in the world of golf, but we must not downplay the importance of tee shots, as they are as important as any other.
In this class we will try to improve your driver shots and give you more distance, more directional control and more consistency.
To do this I will give you four key factors that are important to keep in mind when using this stick.
1.- Release the tension before in your stance.
Many players when teeing off with the driver create a tension that ranges from:
– Pole head positioned and pressed against the ground
– Hands squeezing the grip
-Left arm fully tensed
All this means that the stick at the beginning of the climb is not controlled. In most cases the first part of the climb is very fast and uncontrolled.
Correction
A few seconds before starting the swing, lift the club a few centimeters off the ground. Begin the ascent with the club in the air; this will release all tension and you will begin the swing in a more controlled manner.
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2.- Positioning of the body and the ball in the stance
It is true that you will see many professionals with the ball very far forward in the stance, almost in front of their left foot.
They are professionals and know that, if they make that gesture, they will have to compensate with the position of their shoulders.
Keep in mind that, if the shoulders are not aligned, it will be difficult to move the club in the correct line and angle, and therefore the swing will be crossed and we will make a lot of slice (left to right effect) if we block the hands, or pull (ball directly to the left) if we drive the hands.
Correction
1.-Place your ball between the center and the left of your feet (right-handed players), and make sure that the opening of the ball is generous.
2.- Once placed on the ball, drag your stick to the height of your right foot and notice that your shoulders will turn while doing this exercise.
3.- Without changing your shoulders, put the club back on the ball. This will be the perfect position to start your stroke.
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3.- More distance and strength
Many players when teeing off with the driver create a tension ranging from
– Pole head positioned and pressed against the ground
– Hands squeezing the grip
– Left arm fully tensed
All this means that the stick at the beginning of the climb is not controlled. In most cases the first part of the climb is very fast and uncontrolled.
Correction
A few seconds before starting the swing, lift the club a few inches off the ground. Begin the ascent with the club in the air; this will release all tension and you will begin the swing in a more controlled manner.
It is important to keep in mind that the speed of the swing is not important if you do not move the club in the right direction, and therefore the previous point is key. Position your body well so that the club does not cross your swing and we can create more club speed and ball exit.
The swing extension
If we do not turn the body well, we will not create extension and the rise will be vertical. This would make it impossible to make good shots, as the club would arrive too close in angle.
Correction
With this club we will have to create the same extension on the upswing and the end of the swing, so, in order not to shift, try to put your right leg straight on the upswing, removing the flexion of it to better feel how your body turns.
Correct ball height (angle of attack).
I’ve seen players go to a golf store and buy clubs with more degrees so they can give more height to the ball and more distance.
I have to say that this only works if the angle of attack you generate is correct. Otherwise, it would not have much effect.
Let’s just say that while many tour players can create negative angles of attack with the driver, in general amateur players have to look for positive angles.
The club hits the ball as it begins to rise and not as it descends. Thus, a 10-degree driver will hit a shot with a ball exit of about 12 degrees.
Correction
– Place the high tee
– Retract the body axis with respect to the ball
– Slightly lower your right shoulder
Taking into account this placement, you will have to work on all the 3 previous points, and your shots from the tee will be much better.
As always, and with the hope that this class will be of great help to you, I remain at your disposal. DAVID GIL. DG GOLF ACADEMY. dggolfacademy@outlook.com
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