Saturday, December 31, 2016

Putter Fitting

    During a round of golf the putter is used more than any club in your bag. On average 43 %  of a player's shots are struck with the putter. Yet most players buy their putter "off the shelf" based on reviews, or because that is what the pros are putting with. I agree a putter must fit the eye of the person using it. If a player isn't comfortable with the look of a putter behind the ball they will not have confidence in it. However if the putter's length, loft, lie and weight balance are not matched up to a golfer's style of putting there is a little chance the putter will lower their score.

Length - Golfers are so different in height, arm length and putting posture that the putter length  
should be custom fit to ensure a smooth putter stroke.  Arms cramped into the body or stretched out while stroking the putt are not helpful to putting consistency.

Loft - Putters generally have between 2 to 4 degrees of loft. The loft of a putter should be matched to a golfer's hand position at impact to ensure the ball rolls smoothly. If a player uses a forward press to start their stroke or positions the ball back of center in their stance they may need more loft. If a player is a wristy putter or positions the ball ahead of the center of their stance they may need less loft.

Lie - Since putters do have loft if the toe or heel of the putter is off the ground at impact, the face will be pointing either left or right of the target line. The lie angle should be adjusted for each player so the putter sits perfectly in the center of the sole from heel to toe.

Putterhead Styles - There are many different styles of putters and knowing the correct type for your stroke can improve your putting. If you swing the putter on a slight arc, a putter with a "toe hang" balance is built for you. If your stroke is more straight-back and straight-through, you will benefit from a face balanced putter. If you struggle to hit putts solidly, a high MOI putter will help. These are the large, mallet-styled putters. The sweet spot is much bigger and distance control will be easier for you.

At Golf Rx we specialize in putter fitting. Our fitting process ensures your new putter is custom fit to your stature, putting posture and putting style. Get a properly fit putter and you will definitely see dramatic improvements in your putting this year.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Golf Rx included in 2017 Golf Digest Best Clubfitters List

     We are very excited to recently learn Golf Rx was named to the Golf Digest 2017 Top 100 Clubfitters List as a Certified Clubfitting Facility. This list is based on a poll of Golf Digest panelists and industry sources, and is chosen from a list of over 1,200 nominations. Golf Digest deems a certified clubfitting facility as one offering the technical tools and individuals with the expertise to conduct proper fittings.
    When I opened Golf Rx in 2010 the purpose was to offer a truly professional level of expertise, service and products to golfers in Middle Tennessee. As we begin our 8th year of business I would like to thank all of our customers for your business and referrals.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Best values for Christmas Gifts

Here are some of my Best Value Gifts for the golfer on your list.

1. Ping G30 irons and woods. The G30 line was introduced in 2015, but it is still available as a custom order item. You can save over $200.00 on the irons and over $100.00 each on the drivers and fairway woods.

2. Golf Buddy Laser Rangefinders and GPS units. Golf Buddy is offering a Holiday Promotion on their products. Purchase an LR5 Laser Rangefinder for $249.00 and receive a $100,00 Visa Gift Card. Purchase a CT2 GPS Unit for $149.00 and receive a $30.00 Visa Gift Card.

3. Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls. This is a Tour Premium ball currently used by Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Tom Watson and many others. A 3 piece urethane cover ball for $39.00 is almost unheard of.

4. Ping G25 woods. This line has been discontinued by Ping, but we still have a limited stock of drivers, fairways and hybrids available at huge savings.

5. Winter Lesson Packages. Our indoor teaching facility allows players to improve there games during the winter months. Our state-of-the-art facility utilizes a Full Swing Golf Simulator, Ion Tracking Camera and V1 Digital Video to provide our students with the best technology available in Middle Tennessee. Steve Kirkpatrick, PGA Professional and owner has 30 years experience in teaching players of all skill levels.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Your One Stop Golf Shop for Christmas

     Do you have a golfer on your list and you're not sure what to get them? A Golf Rx Gift Card is the perfect solution. They can be used for golf lessons, golf clubs, merchandise or club repair services such as re-gripping.
    Stop by and pick up your Golf Rx Gift Card, and make the golfer in your family very happy this year.
   

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Golf BuddyGPS Holiday Promotion

    If you are looking to purchase a rangefinder or GPS unit this Holiday Season Golf Buddy has a great deal right now. They are offering a mail-in-rebate program on their new LR5 Laser Range Finder and their new CT2 GPS Unit.
    Purchase a LR5 Rangefinder for $249.00 and receive a $100.00 PREPAID VISA CARD, or a CT2 GPS unit for $149.00 and receive a $30.00 PREPAID VISA CARD. This offer is good November 11th, 2016 through January 8th, 2017.
    . To learn about the features of each model visit: www.GolfBuddyGlobal.com.  We have both models in stock at Golf Rx. Call Steve at 615 288 4539, or stop by the shop at 11972 Lebanon Rd in Mt. Juliet if you have any questions

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Swinging the arms is a fundamental action of the golf swing

   


 Undoubtedly fundamentals are important in golf. Grip, posture, alignment and ball position are all important prior to starting the swing. But what about the fundamental action that occurs between the start and end of the swing?  
    The fundamental action I am talking about is the free and fast swinging of the arms. It is interesting to me how much instruction today emphasizes the legs, hips, shoulders, etc. with very little mention given to the arms.
   After 30 years of teaching I can say with confidence that 8 out of 10 golfers have inadequate arm, hand and wrists motion in their golf swing. This is partly the result of their being told golf is a “big muscle game”, in which they are taught to use their legs and hips before they’re taught to use their arms and hands to square the clubface.
    Regardless of your “method” the arms must swing freely so you are able to apply the clubhead to the ball at maximum speed. When a player lacks this free swinging action they are forced to apply themselves to the ball - the swinging of the arms is replaced with a heaving of the shoulders.
    If your shots lack distance or you have poor balance you should focus on one thought at the top of your backswing: Use your arms to swing the clubhead down and through the ball.
    It is true a good player's downswing is started from the ground up. But if a player lacks a free arm swing to think of starting the downswing with the legs or hips will lead to an early unwinding of the upper body resulting in a weak glancing blow.
   The best drill I have found to promote the feel of a good arm swing is make swings with your feet together. From this position you quickly learn to swing the club down with your arms, and any overuse of the upper body will lead to a loss of balance. Tee the ball up slightly, and using a 6 iron begin making half swings. Relax your grip pressure so you can feel the weight of the clubhead and swing at about 80 %. You'll be surprised how solid and far you can hit the ball with so little effort. 
    In my opinion too much emphasis in teaching today is based on what the tour players do. I’m not saying what they do is incorrect, but the weekend player lacks the ability, physical gifts and years of training to play golf the way they do. Acclaimed teacher Harvey Penick said it this way, “First you teach a golfer to hook the ball by using his arms and hands correctly. Then you teach him how to take the hook away by using his body and legs properly.”  
   


Thursday, November 3, 2016

Custom Fit or Off the Rack


    On your next visit to the practice tee or golf course take a minute and notice how different the golfers are in terms of height, strength, athletic ability and swing characteristics. Would it make sense that these different players would all be using clubs built to the same specifications? I think not, but unfortunately most players do exactly that.

   Golf clubs sold off the rack are built to one set of specifications because it would be too expensive for the golf companies to make all the different combinations required to fit each individual player. It would also be too costly for the big box golf retail stores to stock sets in all the different custom fitting options.  As a result golf club manufacturing has remained a "one size fits all " business, and golfers are getting the short end of the stick.

   If a sports store sold baseball bats the way they sell golf clubs, no baseball or softball player would ever buy a bat there. Why? Because to play to the best of their ability they make sure their bat is  fitted to their size, strength and athletic ability.

   When custom fitting is performed  by a knowledgeable and experienced professional the golfer will feel and see visible shot improvement. Custom fit clubs cost the same per club as off the rack sets. Another benefit is the player may purchase only the number of irons and woods they desire which saves them money.

    With a population of golfers that are so very different from each other they simply cannot play their best using clubs that are made up to the same specifications. If you would like more information about custom fit equipment call Steve at Golf Rx or stop by the shop.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

So you're considering taking golf lessons..

      You've been thinking about it for a long time. Your golf game isn't getting any better so you've finally decided to take some lessons.  In my opinion almost all players would benefit from lessons. Before doing so here are some words of wisdom I would like to share with you.

     Never agree to and pay for a series of lessons (typically 10 or more) before you've worked with an instructor.

    If you don't know any instructors in your area ask for referrals from friends and associates.

    Ask a potential teacher if you can sit down and talk with him or her prior to agreeing to a lesson. During this time you will get a sense of whether you are comfortable with their personality and demeanor. Ask if they teach players of all skill levels, and to describe their plan to help you reach your specific goals.

   Do your due diligence when choosing an instructor. Google their name, talk to people who have taken lessons from them. Find out how many years they have been teaching. Are they a PGA Professional?


    Once you have decided on an instructor make an appointment for one lesson. If the first lesson goes well that's great. You may decide to continue with more lessons. If not you're not out a bunch of money. Golf instructors are no different than plumbers, doctors and mechanics. Some are really good and some are not so good.

   
   
   

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Fall Lesson Special

Take advantage of our Fall Lesson Special and save $50.00 on golf instruction. Steve Kirkpatrick, PGA Professional and owner of Golf Rx is offering 2 lessons for $99.00. The regular price is $75.00 per lesson. Lessons must be purchased and redeemed by December 31, 2016. For more information or to schedule a lesson call Golf Rx at 615 288 4539 or stop by the shop at 11972 Lebanon Rd. in Mt. Juliet.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Golf Rx bucks the trend in the golf equipment industry

   It is true there has been a lot of gloom and doom and in the golf equipment industry lately. Here are some examples:

  Golfsmith recently filed for bankruptcy

  Nike has decided to get out of the golf club business

  Mitchell Golf is looking for a buyer

  Dick's Sporting Goods fired over 500 PGA Professionals to cut expenses.

  Adidas is selling off Taylor Made because of declining sales

  PGA Magazine states through August of 2016 iron sales are down 13% and woods sales are down
  30% at off course golf shops.


Then there is Golf Rx...

    Since 2010 our golf equipment sales have increased every year, and 2016 looks to be our best year ever. Our success is due to the support and loyalty of our customers and their referrals. A big "Thank You" to all our customers and we look forward to seeing each of you soon.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

    Golf Rx will be offering FREE re-gripping through the end of October, 2016. Now is the perfect time to save up to $28.00 on having your clubs re-gripped at Golf Rx. The regular installation cost is $2.00 per club.
    We have 2 Golf Buddy WT5 GPS Watches on clearance for $129.00 each. Regular price is $199.00. These watches are pre-loaded with over 37,000 courses. Units come with USB cable for adding new courses, charging station and use manual.
    We have had a very positive response to our new Full Swing Golf Simulator and ION Tracking Camera. It has been tremendously helpful in fitting customers with new drivers by providing launch angle, spin rate, club head speed and ball speed. This data is critical in helping players achieve maximum carry and roll.
    The next 2 1/2 months provide the best golf weather of the year so get out and enjoy the cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Please note we will be closed for vacation September 26th - 30th.


Thursday, September 8, 2016

September News

     There is a lot going on this month at Golf Rx. We have our new E6 Full Swing Golf Simulator software installed along with the ION Tracking Camera. This system provides unmatched data for instruction and clubfitting. It includes club path, face angle, backspin, sidespin, clubhead speed, launch angle, ball speed and carry and rollout distance.
     We just received a new shipment of Ping Pioneer and Traverse cart bags. Come pick one up in your favorite color. The new Ping iblade along with the Ping G and Ping GMAX irons are in our Ping fitting cart for our customers to try.
    The new Mizuno JPX 900 Series irons have arrived as well.  The models include the JPX Tour, Forged, and Hot Metal. As with all Mizuno orders there is never an upcharge for custom shafts or grips.
    We have a great selection of Ping and Odyssey putters in stock. We have a full selection of Super Stroke and Winn XP putter grips as well as Golf Pride and Winn grips. As always we offer same day service on re-gripping and loft and lie adjustments, and next day service on re-shafting.
   Golf Rx is Middle Tennessee's Full Service Golf Shop featuring PGA Instruction, Custom Fitting and Club Repair. Learn more at www.golfrx.biz or visit us at 11972 Lebanon Rd. in Mt. Juliet, Tn.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

New Full Swing Golf Simulator at Golf Rx

    We are very excited to announce Golf Rx will soon have a new Full Swing Golf Simulator installed. Our new simulator will feature the E6 Environmental Technology creating the most realistic course environment possible. Also included is the latest innovation in technology from Full Swing, the ION Performance Camera. This high speed camera which mounts on the ceiling provides clubhead speed, clubface angle, club path information with on-screen illustrations of the club. It also captures detailed spin data including backspin, sidespin and spin axis.
   With this new simulator the golf simulation experience will be greatly enhanced. Whether our customers want data about their shots for training or clubfitting they will be provided with information that is unequaled.
    As of right now the schedule for the installation is the week of August 22nd.  You can contact us at the shop to schedule your lesson or clubfitting.

Monday, August 8, 2016

PING extends "Thank You Troops" Military Rebate Program

     Ping recently extended their "Thank You Troops" Military Rebate Program for another year. Since 2007 this program has provided those who are fighting or have fought for our country a substantial cost savings on new Ping golf equipment.
     Active, Active Reserve and Retirees (and spouses) of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are eligible for the program. As an authorized Ping retailer, Golf Rx will custom fit and order clubs for eligible members.
     If you, a family member or friend who qualifies would like more information please contact Steve at Golf Rx at 615 288 4539.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Nike out of the golf club business

    Nike, the world's most recognized sports company announced today they will be no longer be making golf clubs or golf bags.  They will focus on apparel and footwear. Their golf clubs sales have declined the past few years despite having good representation on the PGA Tour.
     Notable Nike players include Tiger Woods, Rory McElroy, Paul Casey, Tony Finau, Brooks Koepka and Michelle Wie. I would expect these players to finish out the year with their current equipment then explore options with other manufacturers.
    Nike has very deep pockets, but they didn't get where they are by making poor business decisions. With a declining market share ( approx. 3 %) in a very competitive business the management decided they could no longer continue losing money.
     As a publicly traded company Nike was not able to inform employees before a public announcement was made. I'm sure it came as a shock for employees and associates. I left Dick's in 2010 to open Golf Rx. I had no idea that within 2 years Dick's would fire  nearly 600 PGA Professionals with no notice at all. So is the way in the world of business.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

You can become a better putter

    It is a fact that putting makes up about 40% of your score in a round of golf. Therefore one of the fastest ways to lower your scores is to improve your putting. In my opinion anyone can become a good putter if they are willing to put in the necessary practice time.

There are two steps to putting:
    1. See the line
    2. Roll the ball along that line at the right speed.

    What the putter head must do at impact is to be swinging in the right direction with the face square at the right speed. Whether a person's putting technique is hands, arms or shoulders is of no account as long as he or she can accomplish the aforementioned task.
    The majority of tour players today use a shoulder or pendulum type stroke because of the extremely fast greens they putt on each week. This doesn't mean a different method may not work better for you.
    If you are struggling with your putting take a putting lesson from a PGA Instructor. It will be money well spent and the fastest way to lower your scores.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

We have great gifts for Fathers Day

     Fathers Day is right around the corner and we have great gift ideas for Dad. Whether he needs help with his game, been hinting for a new set of clubs, or just needs new grips on his old clubs we have the answer at Golf Rx.
    Golf Rx Gift Cards are available for any amount and can be used for lessons, equipment or club repair services. Stop by or call us and make this a great Father's Day for your husband or dad. For more information visit our website at www.golfrx.biz.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

The fastest way to lower your scores

     Statistics show that 65% of strokes during a round of golf occur from inside 100 yards of the green. With that said it makes sense the quickest way to improve your scores is to improve your short game. This includes putting, chipping, bunker play and pitch shots.    
     The best players in the world average hitting around 11 to 14 greens in regulation per round, and yet they generally average par or better scores. This shows how good their short games are.
     Try restructuring your practice time to put more emphasis on this part of your game. If you have an hour to practice spend 15 minutes on your full swing and 45 minutes on your short game. It may not be as much fun as hitting full shots, but stay the course and you'll soon see your scores improve.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Lighter shafts don't necessarily mean more distance

      I often have customers requesting a lighter shaft be installed in their clubs thinking it will give them more distance. The thought is the lighter the club the faster the clubhead speed, therefore more distance. In theory this sounds logical, but it's not always the case.
      Each player's swing is different including their tempo. Tempo is the pace of a player's transition from backswing to forward swing. (i.e. Fred Couples has a slow tempo - Nick Price has a fast tempo)
The majority of amateurs that I fit have a faster rather than slower tempo. When these players change to a lighter shaft it often affects their timing and release point which can cause and toe and heel shots. An extra 3 to 5 MPH due to a lighter shaft is of no benefit if the player is not able to hit the ball consistently in the center of the clubface. In most cases this will lead to a loss of distance.
     The best way to determine the right shaft is to schedule a fitting where the fitter will have you try a number of shafts that vary in flex and weight. By using impact tape on the face he will be able to determine which shaft results in the most consistent center face contact, as well as launch angle and ball speed.
     There is also a subjective factor when it comes to fitting shafts. I will often give a player a club with shafts that vary in weight. After a few minutes they will tell me which shaft feels the best. This too is an important piece of the puzzle in correct shaft fitting.  

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Golf Rx welcomes Mizuno

     We are excited to announce the addition of Mizuno clubs to our custom fitted brands at Golf Rx. From some of the best players in the world to avid golfers of every skill set, Mizuno irons and wedges are world renown for their quality and unique feel.
     Mizuno's Performance Fitting System is great for identifying the correct shaft, shaft flex, iron model and set make-up to match your individual swing. An added value if there is no upcharge for custom shafts and grips. Call or come by to schedule your fitting.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Jordan Speith

     You could see the shock and disbelief on Jordan Speith's face after hitting his ball in Raes Creek for the second time. He probably knew at that time he would not win the tournament. However, he gathered himself making birdies on 13 and 15 in a valiant effort to get back in contention.
    What struck me about the 22 year old was how he handled things after losing. Maintaining his composure while meeting with the media and during the ceremony was probably the hardest thing he has ever done. He made no excuses and congratulated the winner, Danny Willett.
    Speith may not have won the tournament, but he showed his true character in the way he handled his loss.  I hope thousands of youngsters were watching last week. If so they learned a lesson in character and sportsmanship. .

Thursday, March 31, 2016

New Ping product has arrived

     Ping has introduced a number of new clubs for 2016, and they are now at Golf Rx. Models include the new Ping G and Ping G Max irons as well as the new Ping Crossovers. The G iron is visually appealing to players wanting a thinner top edge. The Ping G Max is Ping's longest and most forgiving iron. The new Ping Crossovers give you the control or an iron and the forgiveness of a hybrid. They are available in 3,4 and 5 iron lofts. Come check them out at Golf Rx.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Tension will sabotage your swing

 

    Golf is a perplexing game that often requires us to do the opposite of what our instincts tell us. Take for instance, club head speed and distance. Most players think that the harder they try to hit the ball the farther it will go. The truth is the more you try to hit rather than swing, the more tension it creates, and the less freedom you will have in your hands and arms. Anything that creates tension in your body not only slows the chub head down, but will also sabotage your swing.
   
The 2 keys to swinging rather than hitting:

1.  A Proper Grip
    A proper grip allows the freedom of your wrists to cock and re-cock during the golf swing. In your left hand make sure to place the club in your lower palm so that it is nestled under the heel pad. If you have been gripping the club high up in your palm - as many players do - you'll now notice your wrist cock is much greater than it was.  Place the club in the fingers of your right hand rather than grabbing it down in your palm.

2. Light grip, relaxed wrists and arms.
      I can't emphasize enough the importance of secure but light grip pressure in the golf swing.  A correct grip pressure allows you to feel the weight of the club head, and for the golf club to utilize centrifugal force and inertia.  The correct grip pressure - Fingers secure, arms relaxed - allows the club head to build up speed and square itself at impact.
   
    Tension is the number one enemy of the golf swing and it dramatically reduces club head speed. This" tightening up" is caused by trying to overpower the ball and over control the club head. The less tension in your arms and shoulders the faster the club head will be moving resulting in straighter and longer shots.  

     We often hear players saying, "Oh yes, I play golf to relax."  In my opinion players need to relax in order to play good golf.


Steve Kirkpatrick

Monday, January 25, 2016

Timing - coordinating clubhead and body action

    Timing is a common word when discussing the golf swing, yet many players aren't quite sure what it means. They know it relates to coordinating all the movements that comprise the swing, but that doesn't explain what those specific movements are. I hope to clarify that in this article.

    The golf swing is a combination of two distinct physical movements. One is body action and by body I mean the upper torso, hips and legs. This unit generates power by coiling and uncoiling. Maintaining an axis anchored at each end (by a steady head and anchoring your feet) you coil to the right on the backswing, then uncoil to the left and the downswing.

    The other unit is the arm, wrist and hand action that combined work as a swinging action, and supply some power to the shot. Their primary function, however is to transmit to the clubhead the much greater power generated by the winding and unwinding of the body.

    A properly timed golf swing is one in which the coiling and uncoiling actions of the body mate perfectly with the swinging action of the arm, wrist and hand unit - to deliver the clubface squarely to the ball with maximum clubhead speed at the moment of impact. Once you understand how the body pivot and arm-and-hand action interrelate it becomes easier to diagnose and correct poor swing coordination. The way your shots fly tells you whether the two are in sync or not.

     If you are slicing or topping shots you want to slow down you body unwind and increase the use of the clubhead by speeding up your arm swing. Think of swinging the clubhead down and through the ball before your shoulders unwind. The flight of the ball will tell you when you've struck a balance.

     If you are hooking or hitting shots fat you have the opposite problem. Your arm and hand swing is ahead of your body unwind. To correct this speed up your leg and hip action relative to the movement of your arm, wrist and hand unit. Focus on starting your downswing by unwinding your left hip and keep it moving to the left while delaying your arm and hand swing. Solid, straight shots will tell you when you've got the correct balance.

   There has always been debate as to playing golf with a "body" method  or a "hands" method. As John Jacobs said is his book, Practical Golf , "The good golf swing is neither primarily body action  nor primarily clubhead action: it is a perfect blend or balance of both. And the word for that is timing".
   

Monday, January 11, 2016

Winter Clearance Sale

   Take advantage of big savings this month with our Winter Clearance Sale. Check out some of our great bargains:


  • All golf bags are 20% off. 
  • All remaining TRUElinkswear golf shoes are on clearance for $49.00 - regular price is $139.0
  • All golf caps are on clearance as well. Regular price is $17.50 each - Now $8.00 each or 3 for $20.00.
  • A large selection of putters from Odyssey, Taylor Made, Ping and Nike are 20% off. 
  • Callaway cabretta leather gloves are only $7.50 each. 
  • Wedges from Callaway are all $99.00. 
  • We have a Bargain Bag with drivers for $79.00 and fairways for $39.00
  • Golf Buddy WT5 GPS Watches for $179.00

    We also have big savings on Ping G25 and G30 drivers, fairways and hybrids.

Stop by Golf Rx and save big on your favorite items.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Save $50.00 and improve your game this winter

      This year we will once again be offering our Winter Lessons Special. This is a great opportunity to save over $50.00 and improve your game. We are offering customers two lessons including video for only $99.00. The regular cost is $150.00.
     This offer expires January 31, 2016 and both lessons must be taken by March 15, 2016.
For more information contact Steve Kirkpatrick at Golf Rx at 615 288 4539.