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.