1.
I struggle from the sand. I know I have a very upright swing. I
continually dig deep into the sand and often come up short or leave the
ball in the bunker.What can I do to be more consistent from the sand?
answer:
Many players who struggle from the sand have a very upright swing. This
leads to digging too deep into the sand and promotes the inconsistency.
Because the club goes up so vertical it must be rerouted to a shallow
plane on the downswing to be able to take a shallower swath of sand.
We
touched on this subject on a previous page (" On Plane" ). Please
review this page to get a better understanding, so you don't have to
try and reroute the club on the way down. A flatter plane going back
will eliminate the need to reroute coming down, resulting in much better
shots from the sand.
2.
I tend to hit the tee ball pretty straight but not very far. How can I
increase my distance without giving up too much of my accuracy?
answer:
I
will assume you have already checked out that your equipment fits you
properly. That means enough loft on the driver that you get good carry
and you are playing the right flex shaft for your swing speed.
I
would suggest you widen your stance to at least shoulder width and turn
your left foot out (if you are right handed) to about 45 degrees. This
will give you a stable lower body, while allowing you to create more
torque that will give you more clubhead speed. Just make your normal
backswing and then let it go. This should give you a few more yards.
3.
My game has stalled out. I am an 11 handicap and have been for the last
three years. No matter how much I practice I just don't improve. HELP!
answer:
Remember the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results.
Maybe the answer lies in what and how you practice.
The 1st thing I would recommend is establish a baseline of where you
are now. This way you will be able to measure the improvement in ways
other than handicap. For your next ten rounds keep up with how many
fairways and greens hit, saves, sand saves, and putts. From this data
you can determine what your averages are for those categories.
Next set goals for each of these categories to be reached over the next
6 months. Keep up with your stats on all of your rounds so you can
measure your progress.
Honestly rate your strengths and weaknesses. List your top 3 strengths
and your top 3 weaknesses. Spend 2/3 of your practice time on the top 3
weaknesses and 1/3 of the time on every thing else. Your goal here is
to take those 3 weaknesses and make them your top three strengths.
I promise you will improve if you take this approach. That 11 handicap will be 4 or 5 before you know it!
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