Putting Fundamentals
This tip(s) is courtesy of Sean Casey’s new book entitled Casey’s Golf Tips. Sean is the Head Teaching Professional at the ClubLink Academy at Glen Abbey. He is also a CPGA Class A Teacher, the Head Coach for the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s National Teams, and Lead Instructor for the Elite Junior Program. So without further adieu and the firm belief that a picture (or two) can teach us far more than words — here are... [ Read Full Article ]
Swing in Balance
LEARNING HOW TO SWING IN BALANCE IS A FUNCTION OF HOW WELL A GOLFER USES AND LOADS THE GROUND FOR SUPPORT AND SPEED DURING THE GOLF SWING MOVEMENT. THE SKILL SET EXERCISE IN THE VIDEO WILL HELP YOU TAP INTO THE GREATEST RESOURCE FOR DISTANCE IN THE GAME … THE GROUND. Check out Core Golf Academy Instructor Conor O’Shea as he shows you a simple and effective drill to work on balance. Conor O’Shea, CPGA – C.P.G.A Teaching... [ Read Full Article ]
The Dreaded Bunker Shot
How do I hit it higher out of the bunker? How do I get it out period? This is probably the most common question I get asked other than, how do I get backspin on a ball? The very best thing a student can give themselves when practicing is to get a visual. On the range we lay clubs and gadgets down all over the ground to figure out our alignment, but we don’t do anything in the bunker. Please refer to diagram at right on setting up properly. Line... [ Read Full Article ]
The Three A’s of Practice
It’s early in the season and golfers have begun honing their moves at the driving range. When I go to the public ranges, I see a lot of golfers working on their swing positions without a lot of attention to their target and accuracy. In this tip, I’d like to distinguish between a couple very common words: aim, alignment, and accuracy. Aim is what is done with your eyes. Your eyes aim you to your intended target. Alignment is the position... [ Read Full Article ]
3 Keys to get you Ready for Spring
Last month I participated in the Toronto Golf and Travel Show. I worked for the Ontario PGA providing 15 minute lessons to golfers of all levels for the three days of the show. Looking back on the many lessons, I found myself working on 3 main things with all golfers. Posture Grip Rhythm and Timing During my six years as a tournament professional on the Canadian Tour, I struggled with over thinking about swing mechanics and neglected the importance... [ Read Full Article ]
7 Ways to Play like the Pro’s!
1. Alignment Follow the tracks Proper alignment to your intended target is crucial to getting the most out of your game. When lining up to a target, imagine train tracks: For right handed players, the club head is on the right track which is aligned to the target and your feet, shoulders and hips are on the left track which lined up just left of the target. The opposite would be true if your lefty. 2. Flop it like Phil Your way out of trouble The... [ Read Full Article ]
Keeping Sharp in the Cold and the Dark
Stuck in the middle of a deep freeze and staring out at vast amounts of snow can certainly put a damper on the spirits of even the hardiest golfing soul. Don’t let it get you down. Just because you’re not able to go out and play doesn’t mean the winter months can’t be a vital part of your preparation for the next season. Here are a few tips on how to improve your game in the off-season and help you prepare for your assault on the links this... [ Read Full Article ]
Winter is the right time …
… to improve your game. Most golfers living in Canada feel their golf games have to go into hibernation for the winter months. Truth is, it is the best time to make game improvements. With all the snow on the ground and no outside access to practice, most of us head inside to hit balls for the winter. Those working diligently on improving their games inside are warned to be sure to have a clear understanding of the proper swing mechanics to... [ Read Full Article ]
Keys to Better Bunker Play
No matter how much we’d all like to avoid them, bunkers are part of the game of golf at most courses. Many would argue that the bunker shot is one of the most challenging shots in the game, and for that reason it seems that many golfers simply bury their heads in the sand (pun intended) and do whatever it takes to get out of the sand. However, armed with the right technique, you can recover after landing in the bunker. A bunker shot is not a... [ Read Full Article ]
Pitching
The pitch shot is basically a miniature full swing with some variations Usually a pitching, gap, sand or lob wedge is the club used for this shot The ball should be positioned slightly forward of centre in the stance for a normal lie (see image at right) The handle of the club is situated slightly ahead of the clubhead in the address position The hands and arms should be inert (‘dead’) The ball should be hit with a descending blow Correct Ball... [ Read Full Article ]
Your Golfing Instrument
One of the biggest assets a golf learning centre has is its ability to show to their students how their most important instrument works: Their Body! Pictured here with me is our life size skeleton ‘Scully’ who has been instrumental in helping our students visualize and conceptualize their golf swings. You will notice in picture # 2 that the spine intersects the pelvis (via the Sacrum or bottom of spine) through the rib cage and into the... [ Read Full Article ]
Putting
Putting, often our first experience at this wonderful game of golf. As young children, it is our annual chance at a free ice cream cone … but that’s only if we can putt it thru the clowns smiling mouth! But something happens as our golf game matures and as we spend countless hours on the driving range trying to perfect the full swing. We lose sight of our beginning; we forget that our introduction to this game was on the putting green. We... [ Read Full Article ]