So the weather across most of the country is finally starting to act like spring, golf course superintendents are beginning to mow their greens down to mid-season levels, and golfers are starting to turn up at the first tee, ready to put their games on display. At my own club, New Seabury on Cape Cod, this weekend's tee sheet is jammed full, and our Saturday morning group has more players than ever.
But what if you're one of those golfers coming out for the first time this year, and you feel like, as Dan Jenkins once said, the golf club feels like a parking meter in your hands? That's where this column will help you. Here are three tips, from some of the game's top feel players and teachers, to get your touch back fast. The last thing you want to do is three-putt all day, or take extra shots from just off the green, or snap-hook your tee shots.
1. Feeling your hands. When you haven't played in a while, your hands feel weak. So it's only natural to grip the club tighter to compensate. Resist that and do the opposite. As Davis Love Jr. and Bob Toski wrote in How to Feel A Real Golf Swing, with Bob Carney, "Your hands generate clubhead speed. They control the face. They shape the path of your swing. But nothing can sabotage a good grip or good swing quicker than excessive or inconsistent grip pressure. Tension is the enemy of the swing, and it emanates from the grip. Pick up a pencil and write your name. How tightly did you hold the pencil? Just tightly enough to accomplish the task at hand. Which is how you hold your steering wheel, how you hold a book, how you hold your sweetheart's hand. For most golfers, holding a golf club only as tightly as enables the club to swing will seem much lighter than normal." So remember to hold the club lightly, and you'll regain your feel in no time.
2. Feeling the putter. Gain control by giving up control. Sport psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella once told Paul Azinger that he could see tension and artificiality in his stroke. In his book, Putting Out of Your Mind, Rotella recounts how he told Azinger to putt like he hit bunker shots. "I just look at where I want it to go," Azinger said, "splash the sand, and it goes there." Rotella told Paul he had to become relaxed, even nonchalant, at the moment of truth in putting as well. Try it and your stroke will free up and become more natural. You'll regain your stroke very quickly.
3. Feeling your feet. When you've had a long layoff, usually your feet and legs are a little slow; you've lost some agility. Get that footwork back by trying this piece of advice, from Tommy Armour's book How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time. "In simplifying footwork, I'll give you one little tip that probably will greatly improve the hitting portion of your swing. Have the right knee come in fast at the right time. The knee action in a good golf swing is practically identical with knee action in throwing a baseball."
So give these thoughts a try and good luck with your game this weekend. I'll be pulling for you (unless I'm playing against you).
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
Twitter @RogerSchiffman
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Weekend Tip: Use Your Think Box and Play Box
Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott are perhaps two of the most successful teachers in the game today. I say that because they coached Annika Sorenstam when she was dominating the LPGA Tour, and they also give advice to Yani Tseng, who is currently dominating the women's game. But make no mistake, Nilsson and Marriott, founders of the Golf54 academy and Vision54 Coaching for the Future, also work with plenty of male golfers, including PGA Tour stalwart Kevin Streelman.
Nilsson and Marriott have written three books on golf with Golf World's Ron Sirak. The latest, Play Your Best Golf Now, crystallizes the concept of the Think Box and the Play Box. Their first book, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose, however, introduces the concept. I think their approach will help you shoot lower scores almost immediately. Hey, if it works for Annika and Yani, why not give it a try.
Basically, Pia and Lynn contend that every shot has a decision line. That's an imaginary line that divides the area where you do all your thinking and strategizing (the Think Box) from the area where you simply hit the shot (the Play Box). Annika was superb at this, says Sirak. Once she entered the Play Box, she never hesitated or became distracted. She simply went through her routine, trusted her technique and pulled the trigger. She left all of her thinking behind--in the Think Box.
Here is a short excerpt of the first book. Try their approach this weekend, and I bet you'll play better golf.
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
Twitter @Roger.Schiffman
As you stand in the THINK BOX you should consider all the variables for the shot: wind direction and strength, the lie of the ball (is it below your feet and will it thus fade away from your body?), the hazards you need to factor in, and, if you are in competition, the point at which you stand in the match. VERBALIZE your intentions for the shot. "I am going to hit a
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Nilsson and Marriott have written three books on golf with Golf World's Ron Sirak. The latest, Play Your Best Golf Now, crystallizes the concept of the Think Box and the Play Box. Their first book, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose, however, introduces the concept. I think their approach will help you shoot lower scores almost immediately. Hey, if it works for Annika and Yani, why not give it a try.
Basically, Pia and Lynn contend that every shot has a decision line. That's an imaginary line that divides the area where you do all your thinking and strategizing (the Think Box) from the area where you simply hit the shot (the Play Box). Annika was superb at this, says Sirak. Once she entered the Play Box, she never hesitated or became distracted. She simply went through her routine, trusted her technique and pulled the trigger. She left all of her thinking behind--in the Think Box.
Here is a short excerpt of the first book. Try their approach this weekend, and I bet you'll play better golf.
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
Twitter @Roger.Schiffman
As you stand in the THINK BOX you should consider all the variables for the shot: wind direction and strength, the lie of the ball (is it below your feet and will it thus fade away from your body?), the hazards you need to factor in, and, if you are in competition, the point at which you stand in the match. VERBALIZE your intentions for the shot. "I am going to hit a
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How He Hit That: Johnson Wagner's Par 5 Strategy
Editor's Note: Regular readers of the Instruction Blog have come to appreciate the weekly analysis provided by Kevin Hinton, the Director of Instruction at Piping Rock Club in Locust Valley, N.Y. and one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers. In 2012, Hinton will be taking that analysis to an even deeper level by breaking down a crucial moment or sequence in the previous week's tournament. This week, Hinton looks at how Johnson Wagner's play on the par 5s at Waialae Country Club was instrumental in his two-stroke win in the Sony Open.
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
Twitter @RogerSchiffman
Kevin Hinton: Johnson Wagner's stellar play on the par 5s at Waialae Country Club was a significant key to his victory. Waialae is a par 70 and has eight par 5s. That's eight total par 5's for the week. Johnson played those eight holes in nine under, eagling the 18th hole in the second and third rounds.
To gain some insight into Wagner's par-5 strategy, I spoke with his coach Bobby Heins, who is the head professional at Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, N.Y. Bobby gives much of the credit to Johnson's working relationship with his caddie Matt Hauser, as well as improved wedge play. Bobby says that, "Johnson is still an aggressive player and goes for many par 5s in two. However, he has become more willing to lay up and make birdie with his wedge when the situation calls for it. Much of that comes from knowing that his wedge game has improved, as well as good communication and decision-making with his caddie."
(Wagner, above, has learned to weigh the risks when deciding to go for it on par 5s. Photo by Getty Images.)
In my view, a good coach, a good caddie, and a good wedge game sure seems to be a winning recipe for Johnson's par-5 success.
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Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
Twitter @RogerSchiffman
Kevin Hinton: Johnson Wagner's stellar play on the par 5s at Waialae Country Club was a significant key to his victory. Waialae is a par 70 and has eight par 5s. That's eight total par 5's for the week. Johnson played those eight holes in nine under, eagling the 18th hole in the second and third rounds.
To gain some insight into Wagner's par-5 strategy, I spoke with his coach Bobby Heins, who is the head professional at Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, N.Y. Bobby gives much of the credit to Johnson's working relationship with his caddie Matt Hauser, as well as improved wedge play. Bobby says that, "Johnson is still an aggressive player and goes for many par 5s in two. However, he has become more willing to lay up and make birdie with his wedge when the situation calls for it. Much of that comes from knowing that his wedge game has improved, as well as good communication and decision-making with his caddie." (Wagner, above, has learned to weigh the risks when deciding to go for it on par 5s. Photo by Getty Images.)
In my view, a good coach, a good caddie, and a good wedge game sure seems to be a winning recipe for Johnson's par-5 success.
Monday Swing Analysis:
Don't try Kevin Na's 'whiff'
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest Twitter
@RogerSchiffman
Editor's note: Every Monday, PGA professional Kevin Hinton examines the game of a recent tour winner and tells you what you can learn. A Golf Digest Best Young Teacher, Kevin is the Director of Instruction at Piping Rock Golf Club, Locust Valley, N.Y., and is a Lead Master Instructor for the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral Resort & Spa. He also teaches at Drive 495 in New York. He has seen thousands of swings and has helped golfers of all abilities, from rank beginners to tour players. This week, Kevin takes a look at Kevin Na's wild "whiff" on his way to winning the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Sunday. Hinton also tells you how to commit to your next swing with a preshot routine.
Kevin Hinton: The "Brady Tuck Rule" set the tone for the New England Patriots run of NFL Championships, the "Steve Bartman Rule" for fan interference kept Chicago Cubs fans awaiting their long coveted World Series title, and after Kevin Na's unique preshot routine during the final round of the Justin Timberlake event, there may soon be a "Na Whiff Rule" that could change the landscape of golf as we know it.
Check out this video, then read below...
No longer will the uncommitted golfer be allowed to do the "Tiger" balk in mid-downswing, golf umpires will be strategically positioned throughout the course, and fellow competitors will be allowed to throw their red challenge flag twice per round. If all goes well, we could probably get the average pace of a round up to six hours if we try hard enough.
In all seriousness, Na's "whiff" was one of the more interesting things I have seen on the PGA Tour in quite some time. While I'm certain someone in the USGA is reviewing the definition of an "attempted stroke," it got me thinking of what the characteristics of a good preshot routine are. Here are the basics to a good routine...and none of them include intentionally whiffing!
Part I: Five steps to collecting information
--Yardage
--Wind direction
--Uphill or downhill
--Analyze the lie
--Analyze where the trouble is...this influences the final target you pick
These five steps shouldn't take very long, just a few seconds. An experienced golfer does this very quickly and almost instinctively. The goal of Part 1 is to assess all of the variables that determine how long the shot will actually play and to decide on a target. Then pick the appropriate club and begin Part II.
Read more
Managing Editor
Golf Digest Twitter
@RogerSchiffman
Editor's note: Every Monday, PGA professional Kevin Hinton examines the game of a recent tour winner and tells you what you can learn. A Golf Digest Best Young Teacher, Kevin is the Director of Instruction at Piping Rock Golf Club, Locust Valley, N.Y., and is a Lead Master Instructor for the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral Resort & Spa. He also teaches at Drive 495 in New York. He has seen thousands of swings and has helped golfers of all abilities, from rank beginners to tour players. This week, Kevin takes a look at Kevin Na's wild "whiff" on his way to winning the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Sunday. Hinton also tells you how to commit to your next swing with a preshot routine.
Kevin Hinton: The "Brady Tuck Rule" set the tone for the New England Patriots run of NFL Championships, the "Steve Bartman Rule" for fan interference kept Chicago Cubs fans awaiting their long coveted World Series title, and after Kevin Na's unique preshot routine during the final round of the Justin Timberlake event, there may soon be a "Na Whiff Rule" that could change the landscape of golf as we know it.
Check out this video, then read below...
No longer will the uncommitted golfer be allowed to do the "Tiger" balk in mid-downswing, golf umpires will be strategically positioned throughout the course, and fellow competitors will be allowed to throw their red challenge flag twice per round. If all goes well, we could probably get the average pace of a round up to six hours if we try hard enough.
In all seriousness, Na's "whiff" was one of the more interesting things I have seen on the PGA Tour in quite some time. While I'm certain someone in the USGA is reviewing the definition of an "attempted stroke," it got me thinking of what the characteristics of a good preshot routine are. Here are the basics to a good routine...and none of them include intentionally whiffing!
Part I: Five steps to collecting information
--Yardage
--Wind direction
--Uphill or downhill
--Analyze the lie
--Analyze where the trouble is...this influences the final target you pick
These five steps shouldn't take very long, just a few seconds. An experienced golfer does this very quickly and almost instinctively. The goal of Part 1 is to assess all of the variables that determine how long the shot will actually play and to decide on a target. Then pick the appropriate club and begin Part II.
Read more
How to start strong, by Dr. Bob Rotella
For most players at this week's U.S. Open at Congressional, hitting that first tee shot is extremely nerve-wracking. Not only is it the national championship of the United States of America, it's also a terribly difficult tee shot. If you're teeing off on No. 1, you'll need a long and straight drive to have a chance of hitting your second shot on the green. And you're one of the lucky ones. If you're one of the unfortunate souls who have to tee off on No. 10, a 215-yard par 3 over water with a steeply sloping, closely mown front bank, it's a whole other story. This morning, in the first four groups, three players found the water leading to double-bogeys. And these are the best players in the world! Not exactly the way you want to start the tournament.
See related article here.
Average golfers face the same hand-wringing, knee-buckling anxiety--on a slightly lower level of course--when they hit their first tee shots in the tournaments they play. What's the best way to handle the pressure? Let's see what Golf Digest Professional Advisor and sport psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella has to say:
"Anyone suffering from first-tee jitters should develop a pre-shot routine and stick with it," notes Dr. Bob. "Look at Tom Watson today and 25 years ago. Same routine. Two waggles and go, whether it's a major or a pro-am. A good preshot routine is like being in a quiet room, where pressure can't get you. Make it simple: Pick your target, see the shot and swing. Do your routine on the range before hitting your last 10 practice balls. Then take that same routine to the tee. Then the first tee won't own you -- you'll own the tee."
Sounds like good advice to me. Good luck with your game, and remember you can follow me on Twitter @RogerSchiffman.
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
See related article here.
Average golfers face the same hand-wringing, knee-buckling anxiety--on a slightly lower level of course--when they hit their first tee shots in the tournaments they play. What's the best way to handle the pressure? Let's see what Golf Digest Professional Advisor and sport psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella has to say:
"Anyone suffering from first-tee jitters should develop a pre-shot routine and stick with it," notes Dr. Bob. "Look at Tom Watson today and 25 years ago. Same routine. Two waggles and go, whether it's a major or a pro-am. A good preshot routine is like being in a quiet room, where pressure can't get you. Make it simple: Pick your target, see the shot and swing. Do your routine on the range before hitting your last 10 practice balls. Then take that same routine to the tee. Then the first tee won't own you -- you'll own the tee."
Sounds like good advice to me. Good luck with your game, and remember you can follow me on Twitter @RogerSchiffman.
Roger Schiffman
Managing Editor
Golf Digest
Saturday Morning Tip: It's all about feel
OK, I'll admit it. One of the worst things about reading a tip about technique just before you go out to play is it might get you thinking too much about your mechanics. And any good amateur or tour player will tell you that once you stick that tee in the ground, mechanics is the last thing you should be thinking about. So here's your tip for today: DON'T THINK!Seriously, it's fine to have one swing key, but don't overdo it, And try to use non-mechanical thoughts on the course. Things like slow tempo, or smooth transition, or accelerate through. Not things like cock your wrists, or plant your left heel, or keep your elbow in. I remember watching the great Bert Yancey (pictured here at the 1967 U.S. Open) give a clinic in my hometown of Tallahassee, Fla., when I was a kid. He said he always thought of two things when he swung. Watching the ball and one other swing key. Never more than that. Bert was ahead of his time when it came to sport psychology. He knew that the brain can't think of too many things and also allow the body to make a naturally good swing.
About 10 years ago, I helped the noted teacher from Birmingham, Ala., Hank Johnson, write a
The hottest player in the world
Who's the hottest player in the world RIGHT NOW? It's not Luke Donald. It's not Martin Kaymer. It's not Bubba Watson. It's not Mark Wilson. It's not Lee Westwood. It's not Phil Mickelson. It's not Matt Kuchar. It's not even Bernhard Langer.
You're looking at the wrong tours.
Yani Tseng has won four of the last five events she's played, on three different continents, and she finished third in the other one. And she quietly won two majors last year. She is suddenly filling the LPGA void left by the exodus of Annika Sorenstam and then Lorena Ochoa. Week-in and week-out, she has become the LPGA player to beat. So what has made the 5-foot-6 Taiwanese national who now lives in Sorenstam's old house in Orlando so good?
Golf World's Ron Sirak, who has been following her career for several years, says Tseng is perhaps the strongest player physically on the LPGA Tour. He remembers watching her playing with Michelle Wie two years ago and outdriving her all day. At the Women's British Open at Sunningdale in 2008, Tseng played with Sorenstam and afterward Annika told Sirak that Yani would be the best player in women's golf in four years. Well, let's make that 21/2.
Her first coach, Tony Kau, got her started on the right track in Taiwan, and Ernie Huang has been her U.S. host and mentor in the U.S. since 2001. Says Huang:
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You're looking at the wrong tours.
Yani Tseng has won four of the last five events she's played, on three different continents, and she finished third in the other one. And she quietly won two majors last year. She is suddenly filling the LPGA void left by the exodus of Annika Sorenstam and then Lorena Ochoa. Week-in and week-out, she has become the LPGA player to beat. So what has made the 5-foot-6 Taiwanese national who now lives in Sorenstam's old house in Orlando so good?
Golf World's Ron Sirak, who has been following her career for several years, says Tseng is perhaps the strongest player physically on the LPGA Tour. He remembers watching her playing with Michelle Wie two years ago and outdriving her all day. At the Women's British Open at Sunningdale in 2008, Tseng played with Sorenstam and afterward Annika told Sirak that Yani would be the best player in women's golf in four years. Well, let's make that 21/2.
Her first coach, Tony Kau, got her started on the right track in Taiwan, and Ernie Huang has been her U.S. host and mentor in the U.S. since 2001. Says Huang:
To look or not to look
Monday's Sony Open winner, Mark Wilson, got the attention of more than a few observers when he mentioned that he never looked at a leader board during the final 36 holes at Waialae C.C. in Hawaii. Not since Jesper Parnevik's loss at the 1994 British Open at Turnberry, when he said he didn't look at the leader board toward the end, played recklessly on the last hole, then lost to Nick Price, has so much been made of such an innocuous statement.
Here's what Dan Jenkins wrote in Golf Digest at the time: "Surely Parnevik was being as funny as his cap, or his father, late Sunday when he claimed he forgot to glance at the scoreboard and thought he needed yet another birdie before he butchered his approach to the final hole and suffered the bogey that threw open the door for Price."
Immediately after Wilson's
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Here's what Dan Jenkins wrote in Golf Digest at the time: "Surely Parnevik was being as funny as his cap, or his father, late Sunday when he claimed he forgot to glance at the scoreboard and thought he needed yet another birdie before he butchered his approach to the final hole and suffered the bogey that threw open the door for Price."
Immediately after Wilson's
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