New products from KZG

     We just received two new models from KZG. The much anticipated GFX Driver and VC-F fairway wood. The GFX Driver is 460 CC and features a classic look. 2 weight ports allow for adjustment of trajectory and alter fade / draw bias. The new VC-F Fairway is a beautiful club in a tradition pear shape design in a black satin finish.  The shallow face and weighted sole provide a high trajectory ball flight for more distance. Both clubs have a an incredibly solid feel. Come by and try them soon.
     Save during the month of May on lesson packages at Golf Rx. We are offering a $20.00 savings on a 4 lesson package and a $40.00 savings on a 6 lesson package when you sign up during the month of May. This is a great opportunity to improve your game and save money at the same time. Call or come by Golf Rx for more information.

Great Masters

     What an exciting Sunday afternoon of golf at Augusta! Congratulations to Adam Scott for his victory and to Angel Cabrera for his incredible shot on 18 to create the playoff. I have a few other thoughts and observations about the week.

       I personally do not think it is good for the game to have viewers calling in about rules situations. It is the responsibility of the players to know the rules, and for the PGA rules officials to administer them. That is what they are paid for. If they are not competent or fail to do their job then they should be replaced. Can you imagine if the same thing was allowed in the NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball?

       I think Tiger should have been disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard. However I don't blame him for playing since the Masters rules committee allowed him to continue.

       I felt sorry for the 14 year old from China for being penalized, but after four warnings I think the committee did the right thing. If he is going to play professional golf he needs to learn to improve his pace of play. My only concern is why isn't this practice carried out more often on the tour? Play has gotten agonizingly slow on both the men's and ladies' tours. It won't change until the players pocketbooks begin to be affected by penalty strokes.

         The Masters tests a players nerves like no other tournament in the world. What a magnificent display of shot making by Scott and Cabrera. Congratulations to them both for their fine play and sportsmanship.  
        

Great Commercial

     I really enjoyed seeing the commercial with Arnold Palmer encouraging players to "swing your swing - not somebody's else's swing".  It features lots of players practicing their swing and hitting shots. Of course the lesson he is teaching here is that we are all different, and it is okay that we don't all swing the same.
     Fuzzy Zoeller was recently on Feherty and talked about growing up competing with his buddies on the golf course. The local pro showed them how to grip the club properly, then set them on their way to learn how to play on their own. They each developed their own swing style and learned to work the ball by trial and error and practice.
    As an instructor I am certainly not saying instruction is a bad thing as long as it is done in a constructive way. When a player comes to me with a problem I diagnose the cause, explain what to do to correct it and leave it at that. I don't try to change a player's swing into some "swing model" or arbitrary "perfect position". I see too many young instructors attempting this and inevitably it results in disaster.
      As Harvey Pennick said in his book, "Take a pill, not the whole bottle". Great advice from a very wise man.  Get out and enjoy playing this Spring and remember to swing your swing.
    

Turn off the tube and turn to your PGA Pro

       Earlier this week I had the TV on here at the golf shop. Sometimes I'll have a news channel on and occasionally the Golf Channel if a tournament is scheduled.  This day I chose the Golf Channel. After the first hour I realized they had discussed no less than six golf tips for the weekend player. I was thinking to myself how confused the average player is going to be on his next trip to the course. Talk about information overload!
       The best thing you can do for your golf game is to put down the magazines, turn off the videos and stop watching the "Helpful Henrys" on television. Instead make an appointment with your PGA Professional. He or she will quickly diagnose the cause of your particular shot problem and explain how to correct it. It's that simple - no six swing tips that overload your brain and lead to meltdown on the course.
        Spring is here so now is the time to get your game and your equipment ready for the season. At Golf Rx we offer award wining instruction, custom fitted equipment and club repair services. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Soon open on Fridays

Golf Rx is growing so to better serve our increasing customer base we will be open Fridays beginning March 22nd. The hours on Friday will be from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Whether it's instruction, custom fitting or club repair our award winning service is available six days a week. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon at Golf Rx.

This year's new grip styles just arrived

      We just received this year's new grips from Golf Pride, Winn and Lampkin. Lot's of great colors, styles and textures to suit any player's preference and hand size. Come check them out.

      With warmer weather here now is the time to get your clubs ready for the season. Remember we offer same day service on re-gripping and loft and lie adjustment, and next day service on re-shafting.

     Perhaps this is the year you've decided to upgrade your old equipment. If so we proudly custom fit Ping, KZG, Taylor Made and Adams golf equipment. You wouldn't buy a suit off the rack without trying it on, nor should you invest in new clubs without having them custom fit for you. Call or stop by to learn more.

Ineffective Practice

20 Most common shot problems

Lesson 20 of 20

Diagnosis:  Ineffective Practice

Unlike professionals who make a living playing golf most weekend players live busy lives that doesn’t allow for as much practice time as they would like. This fact makes it all that more important that your practice time emphasize quality rather than quantity. Effective practice should include these elements:

1.      Be goal oriented:  Limit yourself to one pre-swing thought and one swing thought. If you are working on swing techniques use a 6 or 7 iron rather than a driver, and choose a target at a closer distance than normal. This creates a slower tempo allowing your mind and body more time to absorb the command they are unfamiliar with. Stay focused on the specific technique or thought until you begin to feel and sense it.  

2.      Be organized: Effective practice helps you to develop the skill you’ll need on the course. Hitting 150 balls with only your long clubs may be fun, but it isn’t sensible considering your short game constitutes nearly two-thirds of your score. Create a schedule to work on different areas of your game. Spend the first half of your allotted time on the full swing and technique. Devote the second half to your short game including pitch shots, chipping, putting and bunker play.  

3.      Create a realistic environment: When hitting full shots visualize you are on the golf course. Always choose a target and make note to the distance to each target. Go through your set up process on every shot so that you’re using the same routine in practice as on the course. Work on specialty shots that you may encounter on the course such as low punch shots, slices or hooks around an imaginary tree, uneven lies, etc. The key is to create a practice environment as realistic as possible making for an easier transition to the golf course.

When you do have the opportunity to practice make the most of it. By having specific goals in mind, organizing your practice regiment and creating a realistic environment you’re using your time more effectively resulting in better performance on the course and lower scores.

    

To schedule an appointment with Steve call Golf Rx at (615) 288-4539