Oh, and just one more thing...

On a recent wintry Sunday afternoon I dropped by a bookstore to do some browsing, and as usual decided to scan through a golf magazine. This particular one was the February issue of Golf Digest highlighting the "hottest" clubs for 2011.

I was also happy to count no less the 24 (yes, that's right, twenty four) swing tips in the issue. I say happy because these magazines keep my lesson book full. I can't tell you how many times I have a student arrive with a very confused look and newly contorted swing due to their recent reading of a golf magazine. The first thing I do is hit the "delete" button in their brain before helping them get their swing back on track.


If you enjoy the game with a desire to improve (and who doesn't) the absolute worst thing you can do is read golf magazines, watch the Golf Channel and listen to "Helpful Henry" who is hitting balls next to you. Here is why:

1. Most magazine articles are written by touring professionals who are trying to not hook the ball. Most weekend amateurs are trying to keep the ball from going right.

2. Your body can only carry out so many commands from your brain within a given time period. The average golf swings takes 1 1/4 seconds. Think about it..

3. 90 percent of the articles or topics have absolutely nothing to do with what's causing your shot problems.

Find a PGA Professional in your area with a good reputation. If you don't already know one ask around at your local courses or golf shops. Believe me if a teacher is worth his salt their name will come up repeatedly. Let your instructor determine what areas of your game need attention. He will set up a lesson plan based on your individual needs and goals.

There is no quick fix when it comes to the golf swing. The best formula for long term improvement is a competent instructor, properly fitted equipment and an effective practice regiment. And oh yes, stick to People or National Geographic.

Now is the time for a Winter Check Up

Winter is a great time to get a check up of your golf game and your equipment. Golf Rx offers a private and comfortable learning environment during these cold months when outdoor activity is limited.

You can have your swing reviewed using our V1 Digital Video System. The saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" is certainly appropriate in regards to improving your swing.

We also offer a free winter check up for your equipment. We'll evaluate your clubs to insure they are properly fit for your stature and swing characteristics. Factors include length, shaft material and flex, loft & lie angle,grip size and set make up.

If adjustments are needed they can be done with same day service on re-gripping and loft and lie adjustments, and next day service on re-shafting.
If you simply want to get in some practice on our Full Swing Golf Simulator call us at 288-4539 and make a reservation. You can also choose to play a variety of golf courses in a comfortable 72 degree environment.

If you're in the market for new clubs this year we proudly custom fit Callaway, Taylor Made and Adams Golf Clubs. We also accept trade-ins.
If you have any questions give us a call or better stop by Golf Rx for a cup of coffee and we'll discuss how we can help your game for 2011.

If it sounds too good to be true....

Unfortunately it is becoming more frequent to see the stunned look on my customer's faces when I tell them the clubs they just purchased are counterfeit. Their response is, "But the website said they were brand new Callaway, Taylor Made, Adams, etc... and I got them for less than half of the retail price." I tell them the only thing that was accurate about the online ad was the selling price. And the bad news is I've yet to see one get their money back after they learn the truth.

The manufacturers of counterfeit clubs go to extremes to make the clubs look like the real thing. But believe me they're anything but similar. First of all the materials are substandard and poorly constructed. Second, quality control is inconsistent on head weights, loft and lie specifications and swing weights. Third, the shafts are poor and often will vary in flex even within the same set of irons. I know this because I've tested and measured the components of a number of these sets.

The other problem is these clubs have no warranty so when the driver develops a crack or the shaft breaks you have no recourse. The club as well as your hard earned money just went in the trash can.

If the offer seems too good to be true then it almost always is. Purchasing your new equipment from an established and reputable golf professional is the best way to insure you're getting the real thing, and in the long run you'll be glad you did.

"Perfection" vs Consistency

As the 2010 PGA Tour season came to a close I took note of the top performers from the past twelve months. The list includes Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Bubba Watson. These players were the model of consistency with a combined stroke average of 70.08 - nearly 2 under par for every competitive round played.

Interestingly what isn't "model" is their golf swings. That is if you buy into the description of what a "perfect" golf swing should look like. Consider for a minute other professional athletes such as baseball players, basketball players and quarterbacks. They all have unique styles in throwing, swinging and shooting, and yet still achieve an amazing level of consistency and performance. Why should we think golfers should be any different?


Human beings come in all shapes and sizes which requires variations in swing types. An experienced and competent instructor will help improve each student's ball striking by working within those parameters. As their instructor my job is to help them develop a repeating swing resulting in consistent ball flight rather than the unattainable quest for "perfection".

So next time you observe Kuchar's swing plane, Furyk's backswing, Westwood's head movement or Watson's finish you can relax. Then when you go the course you can focus more on the "where" rather than the "how".

Full Swing Golf Simulator arriving this week

I am very excited to announce that my new Full Swing Golf Simulator will be installed at Golf Rx this week. These are fantastic machines and I had the opportunity to use one during my last two years at Dick's.

Full Swing are the "Cadillac" of simulators and use state of the art technology allowing students to see ball flight just as though they were on the range or course. They also provide data such as club head speed, ball speed, trajectory, ball curvature and distance.

Obviously seeing ball flight is an important element in teaching as well as club fitting. That was the only drawback to indoor teaching until this technology became available. Now students can enjoy lessons year round in comfortable 72 degree temperatures. They no longer have to endure the biting cold, wind, rain or oppressive heat and humidity.

If you haven't had the opportunity to experience a Full Swing Golf Simulator I invite you to come in for a demonstration.

Positions vs. Swinging Motion

Most players of an earlier era were introduced to the game through caddying. By watching and trying to copy the action of better players they developed their own swing. About the only "static" positions early golf professionals would teach were a proper grip and address posture. The lesson itself was demonstrated in one continuous motion emphasizing a steady head and fast moving arms and hands.

Not until new technology came along were instructors and players able to "freeze" the swing at various not before seen stages and positions. Soon players anxious to improve were pouring over books and magazines attempting to emulate the still positions of touring professionals.

Unfortunately these frozen images often did more damage than good. In an attempt to maneuver from position to position their swings became too thought conscious and deliberate. Their pre-occupation with positions and mechanics had sabotaged their natural swinging action. In other words they were mentally and physically getting in the way of their own swing.

You must realize nearly all touring professionals and top notch amateurs began the game in their youth. Through years of practice and play they learned to swing the club through the ball fast developing strong hands, arms and wrists in the process. Only later were they taught to use their body action to support the swinging element of the arms and hands.

Beginners and average players don't possess the strength and skills of players who began in their early youth. This is why after teaching a student the correct grip and address posture I emphasize the swinging of the club head. Only after a player has developed a free swing and sufficient club head speed will I introduce the proper body action and positions necessary to improve their control.

Some modern instructors feel the best method to teach beginners is studying still pictures so they can copy the various positions of tour player's swings. Although this may help a student learn the "ideal" positions it isn't going to do them much good if they can't hit the ball out of their shadow. Body action and positions are important in the golf swing, but they are secondary to the feel that is learned by swinging the club head.

Chipping - Consider the conditions first

I’ll often ask students what club they use for chipping and they usually reply “A pitching wedge because that’s my favorite club and I’m more confident with it.” I’ll then ask them, “Okay, but is your lie always the same? Is the ball always the same distance from the green? Is it always the same distance from the edge of the green to the pin? Is the speed of the green and the slope always the same?” I explain to them the importance of considering these variables when faced with a chip shot. Only then are they able to decide what club is best suited to help them get the ball close to the hole.

After a missed approach shot players are faced with options when chipping from just off the green. Keep in mind for the average player a low trajectory shot that lands just over the edge of the green and rolls to the hole is highly recommended over attempting an impressive but risky high trajectory shot the lands softly near the flagstick. In other words, “The less airtime and more roll time the better”.

With this in mind choose a club that will produce just enough trajectory to carry the ball a few feet onto the green allowing it to roll to the hole. At address position the ball back in your stance with your hands forward and your weight on your left leg. Note a straight line downward from your sternum would intersect the ground left(or in front) of the ball. Using a pendulum – type stroke with no wrist motion strike the ball with a descending club head. The loft of the club will pop the ball up into the air and onto the green.

Generally the span of clubs used for chipping will be from a pitching wedge through a six iron. The above mentioned variables will help you determine the best club for the task. When practicing create different situations around the putting green so you can develop a sense of feel and observe how the ball reacts using different loft clubs.

Devote half of your practice time to your short game including chipping, putting, pitch shots and bunker shots. Iimproving your short game will take considerable pressure off your middle iron approach shots and is the quickest way to lower your scores.