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Get that handicap down with some great stroke-saving tips! Note: these tips have
been written from a "righties" perspective - so for all our lefties,
simply reverse the position of the hands. For even more great tips, check out
our suggested readings list!
The "Perfect" Grip
a)
Alas, there is no such thing as the perfect grip; there are however common
elements to good swings which, when applied, will produce a consistent
stroke which in turn should produce consistent results.
b)
Rules of thumb - the left thumb points at 1:00 while the right thumb
points at 11:30 (12:00 being the centreline of the shaft).
c)
The "v"'s created by the thumbs and the forefingers when holding
the club should usually point towards the right shoulder.
d)
The grip should be cradled in the three bottom fingers of the left hand
(pinky to middle finger) and should maintain a strong grip on the club
throughout the swing, while the right hands grip is generally relaxed with
the bulk of the pressure applied by the forefinger and thumb.
Swing
a)
Always keep the left arm extended (straight) throughout the swing, bending
it only at the end of the swing to complete the follow-through.
b)
On the upstroke, bring the left knee in slightly to allow the spine to
turn with the movement of the shoulders.
c)
Remember to turn the hips with the swing in one continuous motion.
d)
Keep your knees slightly bent to relieve the stress on the lower back.
This also allows you to attain greater flexibility on the up and down
strokes.
e)
Maintain eye contact with the ball throughout the swing.
f)
In the finishing position, your right knee should be against or close to
your left knee, with your upright right foot and shoulders both facing the
target.
Driving
a)
With your feet roughly shoulders length apart, line the ball up with the
left heel. This will ensure that the club head is at the bottom of the
swing path at impact.
b)
Position your hands slightly to the right of the
ball.
c)
Distribute your weight slightly more on the right
foot (say 60%).
Woods
a)
Similar to the driving stance, your feet should be
slightly less than shoulders length apart, with the ball positioned
slightly to the right of the left heel.
b)
Position your hands slightly to the left of the
ball.
c)
Distribute your weight evenly on both feet.
Irons
a)
In general the ball should be positioned more to the
middle of the stance (with the ball slightly closer to the left heel for
longer irons - say 5 through 3, and the ball slightly closer to the right
heel for shorter irons - say 6 through 9). Again, the feet should be
slightly less than shoulder width apart (slightly closer for shorter
irons).
b)
Position your hands slightly to the left of the
ball.
c)
Distribute your weight slightly more on the left
side (say 60%).
Wedges
a)
For pitching or sand wedges, the ball should be
positioned just to the right of centre from your stance.
b)
Position your hands to the left of the ball (this
will ensure a firm follow through when your club head strikes the turf).
c)
Be sure to hit the ball first. This will avoid large
divots and increase the accuracy of the shot. If needed, reduce the power
of the stroke to decrease distance.
Sidehill Lie (Ball above feet)
a)
Choke down on the club.
b)
Place more weight on the tip of your feet.
c)
Aim for a point slightly to the right of the target.
Sidehill Lie (Ball below feet)
a)
Grip the club higher on the shaft (close to the butt
of the grip).
b)
Place more weight on the heels of your feet.
c)
Aim for a point slightly to the left of the target.
Downhill Lie
a)
Use one less club than you might use on a regular
flat terrain shot (ie: instead of a 6 iron, use a 7 iron).
b)
Lower your left shoulder such that your shoulders are
roughly parallel to the ground.
c)
Aim slightly to the left of the target (to account
for a slight fade).
d)
Distribute your weight more on the left side (say
60%).
Uphill Lie
a)
Use one more club than you might use on a regular
flat terrain shot (ie: instead of a 7 iron, use a 6 iron).
b)
Lower your right shoulder such that your shoulders
are roughly parallel to the ground.
c)
Aim slightly to the right of the target (to account
for a slight draw).
d)
Distribute your weight more on the right side (say
60%).
Against Wind
a)
Use one or more clubs, depending on the strength of
the wind (ie: instead of a 6 iron, use a 5 or 4 iron).
b)
Position the ball further to right of center of your
stance.
c)
Position your hands to the right of the ball.
d)
Take a short backswing, and use little
follow-through.
Sand Traps
a)
Plant your feet FIRMLY in the sand. This is probably
the most important, and most forgotten rule of playing sand traps!
b)
Unlike wedge shots, you want to strike slightly
behind the ball to "lift" it from its lie. This also means that
you'll have to open the club face in order to pop the ball up vertically.
c)
Position yourself slightly towards the target.
d)
All the motion is in the arms and shoulders.
Putting
a)
Keep your head straight - resist the urge to follow
the ball with your head!
b)
Keep your elbows bent and close to your body.
c)
Your up and down stroke lengths should be identical -
in fact, let the distance in your backswing determine how hard you'll
strike the ball.
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