I just returned this week from the 2015 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit in Orlando. The Summit was two full days of teaching and coaching from the best instructors in the world. Those presenting included Butch Harmon, Jim McLean, Mike McGetrick, Chuck Cook, Sean Foley, Jim Hardy, David Leadbetter, Martin Hall and many others. These was also sessions from PGA Tour Players Justin Dufner, Greg Norman and Nancy Lopez.
It was a great learning opportunity with these great teachers sharing their thoughts and teaching philosophies. Although I have been teaching the game of golf for nearly 30 years I always learn from hearing other teachers' presentations.
As the saying goes, " Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn."
Sunday, January 25, 2015
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
