Monday, December 22, 2014

Business hours this week

      Please note we will be open December 22nd, 23rd & 24th from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. We will be closed Christmas Day and Friday, December 26th.
      In less than six weeks we will be celebrating the 5 year anniversary of opening Golf Rx. We have tried to build our business on the principles of superior customer service, quality products and instruction tailored to the individual.  At this time we would like to thank all our friends and customers for their business and support.
    Best wishes for a happy holiday season and may 2015 be your best golf year ever.
Sincerely,

Steve Kirkpatrick - Golf Rx
PGA Professional and Owner

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Save $50 on lessons for Christmas

     Take advantage of  our Christmas Golf Special and save $50.00 on lessons. From now through December 24th you can purchase two video lessons for $99.00. The regular price is $150.00. Simply come by Golf Rx and pick up your coupon and certificate.
       This is the perfect gift idea for the golfer on your list. In each lesson Steve will include the use of our V1 Digital Video Coaching System and our Full Swing Golf Simulator.
      We also have Gift Certificates available that can be redeemed for instruction, golf equipment or club repair services. For more information contact Steve at Golf Rx. The number is 615 288 4539.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Question regarding shafts

      One of the most common questions I am asked from customers is "I've had these irons for ten years. Do you think I should replace the shafts?"  The fact is shafts do not fatigue over time - they will perform just as well now as they did 10 years ago. As long as the shaft has not been damaged in any way it is fine for continued use.
      The same is true for faces of clubheads. They do not lose strength or integrity over the course of  time. Current driver faces are made of titanium which is an extremely hard, lightweight material. Faces of  fairway metals and hybrids are stainless steel although some are titanium. Faces of iron are either stainless steel or carbon steel. There are irons models available with titanium face inserts.
       Faces of drivers and fairway metals can crack although it is rare. I would recommend having your grips inspected every year or so if you play regularly. New and properly sized grips can make a huge difference is how the club feels to you.
      If you have any questions about your equipment or your game please feel free to send me an email or call me at the shop. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

PocketCaddy now live

     My new website PocketCaddy.net is now live and features all three of my instructional books. The website allows viewers to click on each book to preview chapters and illustrations. You can order books directly from the website, and they will be shipped directly to you.
     My latest book, The Pocketcaddy is a unique quick reference guide discussing the cause and cure for twenty of the most common shot problems. It makes a great gift for the hard to buy golfer on your list. You can also share the website with your friends on Facebook and Linkedin.
      As the holiday season nears remember we offer gift certificates at Golf Rx. They can be used for instruction, golf equipment or club repair services.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Swinging of the arms is fundamental

I will agree that the start of the downswing begins from the ground up, but the fundamental action in the golf swing is the swinging of the arms. It is interesting to me how many teachers emphasize the feet, hips, shoulders, etc. with very little mention given to the arms.
In my 25 years of teaching I can say without a doubt the free, fast, flailing action of the arms is an absolute fundamental of playing up to your potential. And yet few students are aware of this. Your arms must swing freely so you are able to apply the clubhead to the ball at maximum speed. When you don't, you are forced to apply yourself to the ball - the swinging of the arms is replaced with a heaving of the shoulders.
If you are suffering from a lack of power or poor balance you should focus on one thought at the top of your backswing: to start down with your arms. Make your arms swing the clubhead down and through the ball.
I mentioned previously that a good player's downswing is started with the legs and hips. But if a player lacks a free arm swing it is a recipe for disaster to think of starting the downswing with the legs or hips. It will lead to an early unwinding - a heaving of the shoulders resulting in a weak glancing blow.
The best drill I have found to promote the feel of a good arm swing is to hit balls with your feet together. From this position it is impossible to make a shot other than with a free swinging of the arms and clubhead. You'll quickly find that any excessive use of the upper body leads to a complete loss of balance. Tee the ball up slightly and use a 6 iron. You'll be surprised how solid and far you'll hit the ball.
There are many "methods" in golf instruction, but the fact is that whatever method he or she used, every good golfer in history has swept the club through the ball fast and freely with their arms.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

New website for ordering books is on the way

      Some of you may not know I have written three golf instruction books. My first book is titled "The Dimpled Sphere - Lessons to improve all aspects of your game". My second book is titled "Why Bad Swings happen to Good People". My third book is titled "The Pocket Caddy Quick Reference Guide".
       Until now my books have been available only at Golf Rx in Mt. Juliet, but that is about to change. My new website PocketCaddy.net will allow you to purchase books online and have them shipped directly to you. The website will have sample pages of each book along with photographs and illustrations. The site is currently under construction and should be operational within a few weeks.
        My latest publication, "The Pocket Caddy" is rather unique in that this handy reference manual will guide you through common faults and shot problems right on the course or practice tee. Twenty one different topics are discussed and illustrated with pen and ink drawings. The spiral bound booklet is 7 by 4 inches so that it easily fits in your golf bag.
      Keep checking my blogs for updates on the new website.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Overswinging - A very common problem

     Very rarely do I see a good player swing the club past the horizontal position at the top of the swing. Anything longer results in a loss of power and inconsistent contact with the ball. Basically there are two main causes of overswinging: 1. Losing control of your grip on the club at the top, and 2. losing the width or radius of your backswing arc as a result of the right arm not working correctly.
     The sight of a severely bent left arm at the top would appear to be the cause of a typical overswing, but such is not the case. The bent left arm is actually the result of an out-of-position right arm. The right arm controls the width of the swing. If the angle between the upper and lower arm is less the 90 degrees and overswing will result.
    Such overswings are often accompanied by a lack of effective coiling in the torso. So the key to shortening your swing is to first establish the width of your backswing arc.
 To achieve the width that characterizes a proper backswing the right elbow must work in a way that as it folds it forms a right angle, or "L" shape at the top. Your left are will be comfortably straight, not tense with your right elbow positioned at 90 degrees.
   With the help of the these keys you will soon learn to combine a fully coiled upper body (90 degree shoulder turn) with a wider swing arc. The results will be more consistent contact and more powerful shots.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

New Grips from Golf Pride, Winn and Super Stroke now available

There are some great new grips this year from Golf Pride, Winn and Super Stroke. Golf Pride has introduce the Platinum New Decade Multicompound, Super Tack, CP2 and Z-Grip Cord. Winn offers the new DuraTech, Dri-Tac Wrap and Excel. Super Stroke Putter Grips are now available in 4 sizes and in a variety of colors including the stars and stripes Ryder Cup models.
Stop by Golf Rx to see and feel all these new model grips.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Simplify your swing thoughts

In these days with unlimited access to golf videos, internet instruction, the Golf Channel and the rest I find many students making the swing more complicated than it really is. If you're struggling and feeling confused with too much theory play your next few rounds based on "two turns combined with the swinging of your arms".
Think of the backswing simply as the first turn. Think of moving your right side out to the way as your arms swing the club back and up. Simplify your downswing as well. Forget all the stuff about head, hips, late hit and all the rest. Simply picture your downswing as the second turn - moving your left side out of the way as your arms swing the club down and through the ball.
If you have a proper grip and set up, and can keep your head reasonably still and your feet firmly on the ground during the backswing, using this approach could do a lot for your game.
Using this method you'll quickly discover the swing really isn't a complicated movement. Besides, how much can you think about in 1 1/2 seconds? That is the amount of time the average golf swing takes from start to finish.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

New PIng G 30 irons and woods now available

The highly anticipated new Ping G 30 irons and woods have arrived at Golf Rx. Stop by and see the new G 30 models and try them out on the simulator.
We also have our TRUE linkswear golf shoes on sale right now. TRUE linkswear shoes provide comfort, performance and versatility to all golfers. Come by and try on a pair.
If you're struggling with your game right now call and schedule a lesson with Steve. He'll get you back on track making better shots and shooting lower scores.
Golf Rx is your one stop full service golf shop for golf instruction, custom fitted equipment and club repair services.  We specialize in quality products, excellent customer service and competitive prices.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Big Bertha Drivers and Fairways on sale

Right now we have a great selection of Callaway Big Bertha drivers and fairways and they're all on sale. Drivers are $329.00 and fairway woods are $229.00. You'll also receive a free Callaway golf glove with each purchase. Call Steve at Golf Rx to schedule your fitting for a new Big Bertha Driver.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Worthwhile Teaching

     One of my favorite quotes is from Harvey Penick, author of The Little Red Book.  Harvey was a teaching professional his entire life and worked with the likes of Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite and hundreds of other professionals and amateurs. I admire his common sense approach to teaching and it's simplicity. He said, " Lessons are not to take the place of practice, but to make practice  worthwhile."
     In my opinion this is exactly what the purpose of a golf lesson should be. So that afterwards the student understands what he or she is to work on during their practice time. They are now ingraining a correct movement or action rather that further ingraining a poor one.
    Simplicity and communication are the two traits of an excellent teacher. I work on only one thing at a time during a lesson with a student. I make sure I have communicated with the student in a manner that they clearly understand not only the movement, but also the purpose of the action.
    The student has a more enjoyable experience and improves faster. This is what the art of teaching is all about.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Great prices on Taylor Made and Callaway irons

Right now is a great time to take advantage of super sale prices on both Taylor Made and Callaway irons. The Taylor Made SpeedBlade irons are only $499.00, and the Callaway X2 Hot irons are only $599.00. This is $200.00 off the regular price. These are brand new sets of 4-PW in steel shafts.
Contact Steve at 615 288-4539 if you have any questions.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Why Custom Fit ?

      A very skilled player can play well with just about any set of golf clubs. This is because they have the skill and experience to make adjustments to the performance differences between clubs within a few swings.
     On the other hand a middle to high handicap player needs equipment that is properly fitted to  their physique and capabilities. Regardless of you handicap or skill level, using clubs that fit you properly is an important factor in giving yourself the best possible chance of playing well.
      There are many important variables in club fitting. Length, shaft flex, shaft material, loft and lie, club head style, grip size and material are all important components. Choosing the proper set make up allows you to purchase the correct number of clubs to optimize your game, and saves money at the same time.
       Custom fit equipment arrives from the manufacturer in about 7 days, and the cost per club is the same as off the rack sets. Think about it.. You wouldn't buy a suit off the rack without trying it on. Nor should you invest in new equipment without being professionally custom fit.

Friday, April 25, 2014

New lower prices on PIng G25

It was just announced Ping has lowered the price on their G25 drivers, fairway woods and hybrid clubs. The G25 drivers were $349.00 and are now $299.00. The G25 fairway woods were $229.00 and are now $199.00. The G25 hybrids were $199.00 and are now $179.00. We have all models in stock at Golf Rx. Come take advantage of these great savings.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Taylor Made Buy One get One Free Offer

Right now Taylor Made has a great promotion on their new JetSpeed Drivers and Fairways. Buy a new JetSpeed Driver and get a JetSpeed Fairway Wood or Rescue for free. Taylor Made is offering this promotion through May 14th, 2014.
If you're considering a new driver and fairway wood or rescue now is the time to take advantage of this great offer. Call Steve at Golf Rx if you have any questions or to schedule your driver fitting.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Taylor Made and Callaway Woods

The new Taylor Made and Callaway drivers, fairways and hybrids are here and we guarantee the lowest prices at Golf Rx. Come try the new Taylor Made SLDR and Jet Speed models as well as the new Callaway Big Bertha drivers and fairways.
Steve will custom fit you into the perfect loft and shaft to optimize your distance and consistency. Custom fitting is included in the price of the club. Before you buy at the big box stores come see our selection and experience our professional custom fitting service.
Remember we also have a full service club repair department. We offer same day service on re-gripping and loft and lie adjustment, and next day service on re-shafting.
If your game is in need of some help Steve will be teaching exclusively at Windtree Golf Club this season. Individual lessons are $75.00 and a four lesson package is $280.00. All lessons include video analysis. Call Steve at 615 288-4539 to set up an appointment.

Friday, March 7, 2014

The difference between a teacher and a coach

     Most of you may think of a teacher and a coach as the same thing. Personally I feel the two are different in regards to golf. I say this in respect to my career. The first 25 years I played competitive golf as an amateur  -  The last 25 years as a PGA Professional.
     As a PGA Teaching Professional I help players improve their game through better technique. This would include putting, chipping, short game and the full swing. This is the "nuts and bolts" portion helping new players develop sound fundamentals, and build a golf swing that delivers consistent ball flight. We also work with seasoned players who have developed a shot problem such as a slice, poor contact with irons, etc.. This is more the diagnostic and corrective area of instruction.
   A coach on the other hand is focusing on playing the game of golf rather than the golf swing. A great coach is usually a person with an abundance of experience and success in playing competitive golf. They help players learn how to play the game. By this I mean how to shoot the lowest possible score regardless of how well they're hitting the ball on a given day. They help a player with the mental challenges of the game such as course management, knowledge of the rules, adverse conditions, dealing with pressure of playing competitively, risk taking and knowing how and what to practice.
    For a young aspiring player it is important to have both a teacher and a coach in their corner. As the player's ball striking skills and proficiency improve the more important the mental part of the game becomes. This is where a great coach can be such a big help to the player.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Ping Karsten irons and hybrids now available

The new Ping Karsten irons and hybrids are now available. If you haven't seen the latest club from Ping stop by and try out our demos. The new Karsten model is specifically designed for forgiveness and distance. Sets are available in all irons or in a iron / hybrid combination. For more information stop by Golf Rx or visit www.ping.com.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Teaching at Windree in 2014

I am very excited to announce that I will be teaching exclusively at Windree Golf Course in 2014. I am looking forward to working with General Manager Cory Wills and the Windtree Staff this year in promoting the game of golf.
We will be posting news on upcoming events. lesson programs, clinics and other opportunities for players to improve their game and have more fun. Spring is right around the corner and we look forward to seeing you soon at the course.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Golf Rx named to 2014 World's Top 100 Clubfitters

     We were very proud and excited to recently learn that Golf Rx was again in 2014 named to The World's Top 100 Clubfitter list by KZG golf. Each year KZG honors 100 worldwide professionals for their superior skill, integrity and passion for clubfitting.
    This years honorees hail from 20 countries around the world, including 36 from the UK/Europe, 37 from the United States, 12 from Canada, 7 from Asia and 6 from Australia. Winners range from small shops serving rural areas to large performance centers with multiple fitters and instructors.
   An independent panel of industry experts determined the criteria necessary to be considered for this award. Steve Kirkpatrick is a 24 year Class A PGA Professional. He has been featured in PGA Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and Tee Times Magazine. He has taught on two cable TV shows, and has written three instructional books.
    Hi is the owner of Golf Rx, a full service golf facility in Mt. Juliet offering instruction, custom fitted equipment and club repair services.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Just returned ffrom the PGA Merchandise Show

I got back this weekend from attending the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The show was a big success with lots of new products introduced. Tuesday was Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Club. All the manufacturers had their new clubs displayed for PGA Members to see and try on the range. I was impressed with the new models from Taylor Made, Callaway, Adams and Ping.
On Wednesday the actual show began with lots of fun and fanfare. Callaway Golf actually had a real army tank in their area to introduce the return of the Big Bertha to their line of clubs. Taylor Made displayed new technology with clubs that correct themselves during the swing to improve ball flight. Don't look to see these on the shelves for a while...
I do think Taylor Made and Callaway have some great new products this year as well as Ping who is introducing the i25 irons and woods to their line up. I was also really impressed with the new grips by Golf Pride and Winn.
I'll have all my new demo's and fitting clubs by the middle of February so call or come by to see all the new equipment. Also this is also a great time to get your game evaluated and correct those problem shots from last year so call to set up an appointment. Hope to see you soon at Golf Rx. 

Friday, January 17, 2014

Attending the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show

      I am leaving tomorrow to attend the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The show provides PGA Professionals like myself great educational opportunities, to see new products and share ideas with fellow professionals.
     I have registered for a number of classes and seminars to improve my teaching and club fitting skills. I am also looking forward to attending seminars on the latest club repair innovations and products such as grips, shafts and equipment.
      Virtually any company that is in the golf business will have a presence at the show. Tuesday is Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Club where all the club manufacturers are on hand with their newest equipment to see, feel and try.
      I am looking forward to the week ahead and all the new skills and knowledge the show will provide me. An important part of being a PGA Professional is the continuing education we receive in order to truly be the experts in the business and game of golf. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The 3 steps to better golf in 2014

      I believe it was Einstein who said the definition of insanity is "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." Well, I don't think the majority of golfers are without their mental faculties, but I see them doing the same thing year after year and wondering why they don't improve.
I have a suggestion to help you change this cycle and finally reach your goal of playing better golf. It involves three simple but important steps:

First:  Invest in quality professionally fit equipment. In my 25 years experience as an instructor the one thing I have learned is fitting students with clubs built to their specifications and their swing is an important part in helping them play better. Absolutely no doubt about it.

Second: Make the decision to take some lessons from your PGA Professional. The only way to improve is to have a qualified instructor determine what is causing your shot problems, and show you how to correct them. Your practice time will now be more productive by practicing correct techniques rather than further ingraining faulty ones. Makes sense doesn't it?

Third: Devote more of your practice time to the short game. Statistics show that over 75 percent of your strokes in a round of golf take place inside of 100 yards of the green. Unfortunately most players spend less than 10 percent of their practice time on their short game. Instead they're out on the range hitting a full bucket of balls with their driver and 5 iron. Have your instructor put together a practice regiment for you where at least half of your practice time is devoted to your short game. Do this and you'll be amazed how your scores will improve!

Follow these three steps and I guarantee you 2014 will be your best year yet on the golf course. You'll hit better shots, shoot lower scores and most importantly have more fun.  Call Steve anytime if your have questions or would like to make an appointment for a lesson or fitting.  

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Why is a proper grip important?

     Of all the fundamentals pertaining to the golf swing I believe the grip is the most important. The reason is simple: The grip controls the position of the club face which determines the direction the ball flies. A correct  grip also allows for the proper hinging and unhinging of the wrists during the swing. Two things most players tell me they want are straighter shots and more distance. A proper grip will go a long way in helping players achieve both in their game.
      This is a great time of year to get a check up on your grip and other fundamentals that may very well be causing your shot problems. Players are often amazed how a slight adjustment in the way they're holding the club effects their shots.
      If this isn't your year for new equipment then this is a great time to get a check up for your existing ones. Come in and we'll do a lie check on your irons. We can adjust them in about 20 minutes if needed. We'll also check the condition of your grips and make sure they're sized properly. Call Steve at Golf Rx and make an appointment or stop by when you're in the neighborhood.