GOLF INSTRUCTION - ALIGNMENT, TEMPO, BALL POSITIONS AND HORSEPOWER



GOLF INSTRUCTION - ALIGNMENT, TEMPO, BALL POSITIONS AND HORSEPOWER

FORT PIERCE, Florida - Everyone is different in terms of what's comfortable to them. Look at Graeme McDowell, he positions the ball farther back in his stance than anyone I can remember seeing. Learning how to develop a good golf swing is easy. Once you discover the geometrics - things like alignment, tempo, ball positions - that work for you, it will all start to come together. Maybe playing the ball farther back or setting up closer to the ball. It's all geometry and physics.

How hard you want to swing is another determining factor with regard to set-up. Add a little horsepower to one of your efforts off the tee without proper compensation in alignment and/or ball position, and you will probably wind up OB left if you came through the shot-or OB right if your upper body outraced your bottom half. Hey, sometimes you just want to crush the ball, right? So do I.

Regarding practicing your golf swing instruction, especially in the beginning stages of learning the OVER THE TOP GOLF swing. Just take an eight-iron out there, tee up the ball and become familiar with your swing. Find your best ball positions (back, middle or forward, close or far away), alignment (where your various body parts are aiming)  and establish a smooth tempo. You'll soon be hitting straight shots 90% of the time. Eventually, as your confidence grows, your brain will start shifting your muscles into other gears.

Vroom. Vroom.

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Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, ALIGNMENT, BALL POSITION, COMPENSATION, fort pierce, GEOMETRY, golf swing instruction, Graeme McDowell, learn golf, over the top golf swing, PHYSICS, TEMPO
Revised 09-03-2012

NEW RULINGS IN SENIOR GOLF

NEW RULINGS IN SENIOR GOLF

One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in a very sexy nightie. 'Tie me up,' she purred, 'and you can do anything you want.' So he tied her up and went golfing.

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New Rulings in Senior Golf

Rule 1-A ball sliced or hooked into the rough shall be lifted and placed on the fairway at a point equal to the distance it carried or rolled into the rough with no penalty. The senior should not be penalized for tall grass which ground keepers failed to mow.

Rule 2-A ball hitting a tree shall be deemed not to have hit the tree. This is simply bad luck and luck has no place in a scientific game. The senior player must estimate the distance the ball would have traveled if it had not hit the tree and play the ball from there.

Rule 3-There shall be no such thing as a lost ball. The missing ball is on or near the course and will eventually be found and pocketed by someone else, making it a stolen ball. The player is not to compound the felony by charging himself or herself with a penalty.

Rule 4-If a putt passes over a hole without dropping, it is deemed to have dropped. The law of gravity supersedes the Rules of Golf.

Rule 5.-Putts that stop close enough to the cup that they could be blown in, may be blown in. This does not apply to balls more than three inches from the hole. No one wants to make a travesty of the game.

Rule 6-There is no penalty for so-called "out of bounds." If penny-pinching golf course owners bought sufficient land,this would not occur. The senior golfer deserves an apology, not a penalty.

Rule 7-There is no penalty for a ball in a water hazard, as golf balls should float. Senior golfers should not be penalized for manufacturers' shortcomings.

Rule 8- Advertisements claim that golf scores can be improved by purchasing new golf equipment. Since this is financially impractical for many senior golfers, one-half stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old equipment.

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How about St. Lucie County's own Jim Herman on Sunday at the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach-standing on the tee at 18, Jim had a decent chance to shoot 65 which would have been the low round of the tournament. Going for broke, he ended up triple-bogeying the hole to finish at 68, tied with only three other men for low round of the day.

And what a bizarre day it was. Kudos to Graeme McDowell for hanging in there amid all the mayhem to win by a stroke.

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It may surprise you to know that you can still salvage this golf season despite whatever struggles you are experiencing. There are golf instruction DVDs available on-line and in golf shops so why not be pro-active and start having some fun out there?

http://overthetopgolf.com

an excellent golf instructional DVD

Thanks to http://www.wiseoldcurmudgeon.com for the Rules of Senior Golf.

 

 

 

 

 

Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, golf instruction DVD, golf lessons, Graeme McDowell, Jim Herman, over the top golf

Revised 09-03-2012

THE 2010 US OPEN AT PEBBLE BEACH

PEBBLE BEACH

PEBBLE BEACH, Del Monte Forest, California - Putting golf instruction aside for today, let's talk about The 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach. First of all I'd like to mention Jim Herman, a former assistant pro at PGA CC here in St. Lucie County who made the cut at +7. In this tense event, and on this amazingly difficult golf course, being ten shots back with two rounds to play is do-able. You don't have to ask who I'm rooting for.

What a tragic tournament this has been for Morgan Hoffman, the amateur who was cruising in at even par when he drowned two balls and took a nine on the 18th hole. He subsequently missed the cut by just one shot.

Speaking about Pebble being a tough course, imagine if the past two days had been windy at all? "When you have some wind, that's when it's hard to get on these greens, to get the right shot in there, to get the right distance," Tom Watson said "Today, the course is going to play as easy as it's going to play for four rounds. I can guarantee you that."

Easy? These guys are having fits both on the course and on the greens. Their difficulty scoring underlines that. With a bit of wind we might see some graphic train wrecks to go along with the beautiful shots of dolphins swimming in Carmel Bay.

I believe a new word was coined at this year's event when Phil Mickelson, after shooting 66 following a round of 75 responded, "Certainly my mood is better. I'm a lot cheerier."

The final two rounds of The US Open are what I look forward to watching on TV every year. Like my preference for The Belmont Stakes over The Kentucky Derby and The Preakness, this tournament eclipses the other three golf majors because it's the toughest test and the hardest to win. Today and tomorrow there will be no golf for Frankie. I, like thousands of other avid golfers will be glued to the set. History will be made and you can be sure it will be entertaining. For one man, it will be more than all that. He will have earned the prestigious title of United States Open Champion.

http://overthetopgolf.com

for the rest of us

Painting of the 7th hole at Pebble Beach by William Grandison

 

Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, 2010 US Open, golf, golf instruction, Jim Herman, Morgan Hoffman, OVER THE TOP, Pebble Beach, PGA CC, Phil Mickelson, st. lucie county, William Grandison

Revised 09-03-2012

YOUR GOLF SWING MAY BE SUITABLE FOR FRAMING BUT IS IT GOOD FOR GOLF?

YOUR GOLF SWING MAY BE SUITABLE FOR FRAMING BUT IS IT GOOD FOR GOLF?

PHOENIX, Arizona - Way back when I was taking golf lessons, a female pro one day emphasized that the finish position was a very important component of the golf swing. "EVEN IF YOU ONLY HIT THE BALL TWENTY YARDS, IT WILL LOOK LIKE A PERFECT SWING TO A PERSON WATCHING FROM ACROSS THE RANGE." "Well, that's interesting, I remember thinking, I might shoot a hundred and ten but I'll sure look good doing it."

Golfers who watch the pros on TV often fall victim to the copycat syndrome, trying to emulate Tiger Woods' powerful golf swing or Ernie Els' slow tempo. Those guys look good doing what they do AND they are successful. Since your name isn't Woods or Els, you might look good trying to copy their golf swings, but you WILL NOT be successful. They are big, strong, talented players who practice the golf swing each and every day. Probably, none of this describes you. After a few golf lessons this will still not be you.

When amateurs sign up for golf instruction it's a sure bet that the professional will start by changing everything about their swings including the over the top swing. Even if the less-talented among us have no hope of achieving what he (or she) wants us to do, the pro will persist in repeating rather than compromising-there's usually no attempt to find a happy medium. You've taken golf lessons. Maybe lots of them. Are you a single-digit handicap? Not yet?  What's next for you? Start over again with someone else? Stay in the rut you're in? Try to copy things you see on TV? You might consider spending  twenty-five bucks on the Over the Top Golf DVD.

If you do, your life might be a lot better. Trust me, after shooting a smooth 75 on Sunday, the rest of the week will  be sublime. Even if your boss gives you grief (stuff it, I shot 75), your steak wasn't quite up to par (who cares, I shot 75) and the events of the week were otherwise non-eventful (75! 75! 75!), you will still feel like a king. Don't know if you can work this out but even if you're a woman you'll feel like a king.

Can you do it? Can this happen to you? Can the five set-up changes of the Over The Top Golf swing help you to shoot that smooth 75? Only one way to find out, boys and girls.

http://overthetopgolf.com

scoring good is better than looking good

 

 

Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, ernie els, five set-up changes, golf DVD, golf instruction, golf lesson, golf lessons, golf swing, over the top swing, shoot 75, single-digit handicap, SLOW TEMPO

Revised 09-03-2012

A DAY ON THE LINKS WITH JACK NICKLAUS

A DAY ON THE LINKS WITH JACK NICKLAUS

JACK: "Your crappy swing sort of looks the same but it's not."

We're at the 19th hole. Just played a round of golf with old friend, Jack Nicklaus. Is he looking for a free golf lesson here, or what?

FRANKIE C: "Thanks for the drink."

A most relaxing time in your golf life, isn't it? Sitting at the table, adding up nassaus and junk and drinking an iced-cold cocktail.

JACK: "First of all, you're hitting  low 250 yard bullets straight down the middle instead of those weak 200 yard fades."

FRANKIE C: "I couldn't get it anywhere near you in the old days."

JACK: "Second, from the sound I can tell you're making solid contact, right on the screws."

FRANKIE C: "Yeah, well, the club squares automatically with the Over The Top Golf swing, you know...."

I can't help reflecting on what could have been, not only in the round I just played, but in life itself. Jack went on to make a lot of money. Me, not so much. Also, if Jack hadn't holed out that bunker shot on 18, I would have beat him four ways!

JACK: "Third. you don't hit off your back foot any more. I see a good weight transfer now."

I know how Jack hates to pay up after he loses but oh, man, do I love taking his money.

JACK: So, how's the wife, Frankie C?"

FRANKIE C: "OK, let's see....I won the front, back and overall, you tied the press, I had two greenies and a bird, two birdies and that pull-it-out of your ass sandy on 18 for you-fifteen bucks please. My wife also said to say hello, Jack."

JACK: "Has she been playing much?"

FRANKIE C: "Let me get that fifteen now, just in case you need to dash off to re-shaft a club or something."

Like I said, I have known Jack for a long time and old habits, like disappearing before settling up, well, let's just say I've seen it before. Just then an assistant pro came bursting in.

ASSISTANT: (Looking around) "I just heard that Jack Nicklaus was in the Grill Room."

We had a laugh over that one. The bartender, waiter and few patrons were in the know already.

WAITER: "Do you see Jack Nicklaus anywhere?"

The assistant explained that the cart guy bet him twenty bucks that Jack Nicklaus played the course and was in the Grill Room and why would he do that?

As Jack showed the assistant his drivers license I said the same thing I've been saying to him for the last ten years.

FRANKIE C: "You have got to change your name, Jack."

The poor assistant walked away poorer but wiser, nonetheless. Had he asked whether it was the REAL Jack Nicklaus....

JACK: "My patients love telling people that Jack Nicklaus is their postman. It never gets old."

FRANKIE C: "Just like us, buddy. Just like us."

http://overthetopgolf.com

beat Jack Nicklaus (the postman)

 

 

Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, golf instruction, golf lesson, Jack Nicklaus, over the top golf swing, solid contact, weight transfer

Revised 09-03-2012

CELEBRATING GREAT GOLF - THE BEST GOLF SWING IS THE ONE THAT WORKS FOR YOU



CELEBRATING GREAT GOLF - THE BEST GOLF SWING IS THE ONE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
 



FORT PIERCE, Florida - When a golfer has a career day, whether it's on the course, on a driving range or during a golf lesson, his spirit soars. Hitting a golf ball flush is almost as difficult as flying without an airplane so when it all comes together it's magical. Trust me, you can hit the Lotto and it won't feel as good as being able to nut the golf ball each and every time you play. For many golfers, having a great golf swing seems far fetched. With all of the golf instruction choices, how can I choose the best golf swing for me? A few days ago I received a letter from a fellow who had purchased my golf instruction DVD some time ago. It feels good to know that, while I can't arrange for you to hit the lottery, I can teach you something even better.

Hi Frankie-


I purchased your DVD several weeks ago and watched it a number of times. I finally went to the range to give it a try.It has been several months since I've been to the range (I haven't played on a course in almost two years).


I found the set up instructions very easy to follow and just went with what felt good without any mechanical thoughts-- this in itself was a revelation compared to all the inane swing "rules" instructors would burden one with.


I found that splitting my hands apart a few inches and swinging the club like a hockey slap shot worked very well. Instead of bringing the club to the inside, I started the backswing with what felt as an outside move-- I figured it would be easier to swing outside to in this way. I also fanned the club open a few degrees as you alluded to in one of your blogs. If an instructor saw the set-up and swing, I'd be told to sell the clubs and take up bowling-- who cares what they think?


Most shots were quite solid with nice distance. I am still working on alignment with the target.I need to work on the walking to the target after the shot.


The method is by far the easiest I have attempted (I have tried many swing methods) as you do what feels natural- you are absolutely right about this.This swing is self correcting without having to think very much or what I call playing with a lobotomy.Thanks for your help and ideas.I'll let you know what happens when I take it to the course.


Take care,


Steve F

Steve took a chance and went "outside the box" to solve golf swing problems that had been vexing him for years. It's unfortunate that his previous encounters with golf pros and golf instruction DVDs only served to confuse him and drive him away from the game. Years wasted when all he wanted to do was learn - not the best golf swing - just a golf swing that worked. Whatever Steve's swing issues were, one of the golf professionals in his past should have identified them and made corrections based on his ability. Perhaps Steve didn't have the time to practice. Attempting to teach golfers like Steve to hit 275 yard drives is ridiculous. Had his pro just recognized that Steve had limitations, changing his curriculum to one that would have insured that he could at least play decent golf would have been more humane. Steve grasped a second chance to play great golf and so far it looks like a reason to celebrate.

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Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, golf instruction, golf lesson, golf swing, OVER THE TOP, PLAY GREAT GOLF, problems, the best golf swing
Revised 09-03-2012

FITNESS FOR GOLF

FITNESS FOR GOLF

BOSTON, Massachusetts - There are two people inside of everyone. And these very different personalities have a way of defining us. Before you get the impression that by using the term "defining" that I'm referring only to how the world sees us, it's how we see ourselves as well. Responsibilities and goals alike are affected by which side is making the decisions. Throughout the world of golf we encounter people who excel at the sport and those for whom teeing it up can be an embarrassing and painful time in their lives. It's easy to lay it at the feet of "talent vs. no talent" but I think it's more complicated than that. Maybe it's just a matter of who is calling the shots.

The totality of somebody's attitudes, interests, behavioral patterns, emotional responses, and other individual traits endure over long periods of time. Sometimes the "other" guy gets buried under years of dominance by the stronger personality. If the assertive side of you is driven to succeed, you have a chance to be a Lance Armstrong or Tiger Woods. But if you are more easily seduced by the more comfortable things in life, the top of the ladder is unreachable. That doesn't mean you can't climb past the lowest rung. Here's where common sense golf instruction enters the picture. Here's where you learn to feel good playing golf.

My particular personality lends itself to waking up slowly. When I neglect attending to things like stretching or some light cardio, I go through the day feeling limited in my capacity-to play golf well, and most everything else. The shoulder turn isn't as full. The aches and pains set in. Stamina sometimes becomes an issue. But on those glorious days where the "other guy" makes an appearance, I'm suddenly 21 years old again and can pretty much accomplish anything I want. View this as a golf lesson because it's just as important as a squared club face at impact or golf shoes that don't cause blisters.

But does it take strength, courage, guts, will and determination to be all that you can be? My answer is that it doesn't. It's more a matter of giving the "other guy" a voice. And when he tells you that by doing a few simple things that your golf game will improve and be more enjoyable, just listen. If you're like me, there are no Lance Armstrongs lurking inside. But there is a part of you that will make an effort if there's no real effort involved, get it? He's the one who should be doing the driving.

Here's what to do when you want to feel 21. A large exercise ball will become your best friend because you'll use it to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your tired, cramped up bones and muscles. Spend one minute sitting on the ball, knees at a 90 degree angle and bounce up and down. Then start reaching for the ceiling, using both your legs, torso and arms to get as high as you can. Do this for a minute or two. If you haven't injured yourself, you'll feel at least an inch taller when you are done. Then lay on the ball facing up and feel the extension in your back and hips. You might want to stay in that position for the rest of the day but it's really not necessary. Next, while sitting, bend forward with your legs straight and try touching your toes. Last, slide your butt forward until it is touching the ground while your back remains pressed against the ball. Step one is over-the whole process took about five minutes. You should be as limber as a snake.

I bought a small trampoline that serves as a springboard to getting my blood flowing. Jump up and down on it for two minutes and your cardio will kick into gear. If you need to lose weight, as I do, this will stimulate your metabolism as well. Two ten-pound dumbells await their turn and what they do is allow me to strengthen upper body muscles as well as unkink my shoulders and elbows when I twist and maneuver them. Again, two minutes of that is plenty. Whether you like to walk, run or bicycle, a short trip around the block connects you with the world. Sure, it's exercise that's good for you but the mental stimulation that comes from your encounters with external things is really beneficial to completing the picture. Get out there. The birds are singing.

So that's just about it, not  Simple yet effective. Fitness for those of us who hate fitness. Just like the Over The Top Golf swing is for those of us who hate practicing and constant lessons. Take my advice and feel 21 again without having to work at it. Listen to your "other guy."

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Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, coming over the top, golf fitness, golf instruction, golf lesson, learn golf, squared club face at impact

Revised 09-03-2012

 

JUST BECAUSE YOU ONLY PLAY ON WEEKENDS IS NO REASON TO CHEAT AT GOLF

JUST BECAUSE YOU ONLY PLAY ON WEEKENDS IS NO REASON TO CHEAT AT GOLF

AMBLER, Pennsylvania - Here's a picture of the only tag that hangs from my bag. It's from Squires Golf Club in Ambler, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. It clearly identifies me as "GUEST."

I happened to notice it a few days ago and it got me to remembering days gone by. I'm usually going on about golf instruction but today the blog takes a brief side-trip.

I loved playing at Squires. Not only is the course interesting, challenging and pristine, it is probably one of the most exclusive country clubs in the world. Nobody reading this will ever play there, guaranteed. Within it's boundaries you will notice a distinct absence of women, for one thing. No female members. No female pro shop employees. No female bartenders. No female waiters. No women, period. (Yes, I know about the burka-clad bookkeeper they spirit in through a tunnel every Tuesday.) A superb feature is the club's willingness to expand holes and upkeep the place to the max. Always workers everywhere-never in your way but working on the course nonetheless. The restaurant is four stars, especially the Thursday night buffet, and the card room, where you can lose considerably more than you did on your Nassau, conjures up visions of grandeur. What kind of car do you drive? Don't even think about driving up to the valet in a Cadillac, OK? Of interest, my '69 Wildcat convertible drew admiration from both members and staff. But puhleeze....if you ain't driving at least a Lexus, you don't belong at Squires. A Bentley would be more apropos and there were plenty of them.

My friend, a wonderful friend, raised on the Main Line, was responsible for arranging my admittance to this hallowed place. Trust me, if you experience Squires just once, you'll submit to waterboarding, an IRS audit or dinner with your first ex-wife just to go back there again. But do you let the member cheat you on the golf course?

Some of the typical scenarios involve landing in divots ("I'm taking a free drop because that divot doesn't belong there"), moving obstructions in hazards ("that pebble doesn't belong there"), failure to mark balls that eventually roll 20 feet away ("I marked it with my putter-head cover") and the expectation that a three-foot putt on 18, with the match (or matches) on the line, should be conceded.

Oh, the humanity.  Having to give up future pilgrimages to Squires.... At this point you, the readers, are saying to yourselves "Let him cheat, you imbecile", and Lord knows, I'm a liberal guy and fifty bucks isn't much.... but a match is a match and if I'm playing it down, well....

There is an overwhelming desire on the part of many weekend golfers to take liberties with the rules. I understand the concept of wanting to post the best score possible. When you play every day, the occasional bad round is easy to take. But if you get only one or two chances to shine each week (or month) the pressure becomes greater-the failures more disappointing. Playing for money compounds the problem.

"What did you shoot today" is a common question after a round of golf. It could come from a fellow member at the 19th hole or from your wife.  "78" sure does sound better than "88." Most of us have no problem with that type of behavior. You're picking up the bar tab as a result of a few liberties someone decided to take. The relationship dynamic changes but it's not the end of the world. My solution is to pay the tab then steer clear of future matches. Privately pointing out his indiscretions is the better solution, of course. Would my pal resent it?  Would it even register? I usually choose the former approach these days.

So it's bye-bye Squires. When you leave the golf course, come away with a good feeling, win, lose or draw. Better than that feeling of being cheated or, worse, the feeling that you've cheated someone else.

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Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, cheating, golf instruction, over the top golf swing, Philadelphia golf, rules of golf, squires golf club, weekend golfers, what did you shoot

Revised 09-03-2012

 

OVER THE TOP GOLF, WILL IT WORK FOR A PROFESSIONAL?

OVER THE TOP GOLF, WILL IT WORK FOR A PROFESSIONAL?

MOUNT POCONO, Pennsylvania - Last week during a trip through the northeast I had the great pleasure of playing at Wild Pines Golf Club with assistant pro Robbie Anderson. It was a round I'd been looking forward to because he's someone I've enjoyed playing with and against for many years in Pennsylvania. Also the fact that he can't putt meant that I had a good chance of realizing a profit on the day.

It has only been since 2007 that I have been using the Over The Top Golf swing and most of that time has been spent in South Florida. Rob saw the swing right after I first came up with it but not since then. Naturally I wanted to hit the golf ball well. For years he had been hearing how long, low and straight I've been hitting it. No time to eat a big breakfast, right? Ooops, too late....

I have often wondered whether my golf swing method will ever be used by a golf pro. Either at some tour level, a long drive competition or even being practiced (and hopefully, taught) by a club pro somewhere. I must admit that on the occasions when I managed to convince golf pros to try just one OTG swing they've gotten all twisted up like beginners. Yet once amateurs learn it, their formerly grotesque golf swings become things of  beauty.

You don't want to hear about our round of golf but I'll tell you that I played with clubs borrowed from another assistant pro (stiff-shafted blades, of course), pulled a muscle in my back, took a another friend's muscle-relaxer in the absence of any aspirin and proceeded to not be able to breathe from an allergic reaction for the next two hours. I was lying backwards over rocks, berms, even stumps in an effort to obtain relief from the pain and sudden asphyxiation. Two tequilas and some beer at the turn helped a little and finally I got my famous golf swing back on track.

Toward the end of the day I asked Rob whether he'd like to learn the Over The Top Golf swing. He said "sure."

So on the 18th tee box, after quickly noting the five OTG set-up changes, Robbie Anderson casually stepped up to the peg and crushed the ball  325 yards down the line.

"Hey, that felt good", he beamed, "throw me another ball....."

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Keywords for this article: golf, swing, over the top, lesson, instruction, eBook, five set-up changes, golf swing, golf swing method, learn golf swing, long drive, over the top golf, Rob Anderson

Revised 09-03-2012