==================================================== Newsletter - Issue 59 Date 06/26/08 ==================================================== ==================================================== TCT Quick Tips - Change ==================================================== This tip came from a field other than golf, but after I saw it I thought it would apply well to our sport. "For changes to be of any true value, they've got to be lasting and consistent." — Anthony Robbins: Authority on leadership psychology After reflection, I wonder if this means that I shouldn't be playing a new set of irons every week....nah, it couldn't mean that. ==================================================== Golf Tip : Fat Wedges Causes and Drill ==================================================== I found this content on golfguru.com and thought it would be a good read. I've done the drill in the past, but sort of forgot about it. It really works wonders, try it. The most common causes for hitting fat shots are: • Your ball is positioned too far forward in your stance. • Your spine angle is changing on your downswing (ie. lunging at the ball) • Your weight is not transferring to your lead leg as you swing to finish. • You are crouching too far forward at address. • You are releasing your wrists too early. Have you ever been in a position where you have a 20 yard pitch to the pin with nothing in your way but grass. You setup, make your swing, only to chunk the ball a couple of feet ahead. Now you have to get up and down just to save your score, and to make matters worse, your next shot is in an identical situation, but now you can't stop thinking about chunking the ball again. Does this all sound familiar? Chunking a short wedge shot is extremely frustrating and a waste of a good opportunity to score. The reality is that even though lots of people suffer from this shot, few actually practice it. The most common cause for this type of chunk is extra lower-body movement. Many players think they have to scoop the club under the ball to impart spin; the result is their knees drop and they lay the sod over the ball. Do you see professionals scoop their knees on a shot (besides Jim Furyk)? The truth is, the more stable your lower-body - the better chance you have to make solid contact. The following drill should help you realize the importance of a stable lower-body on short pitches. It will also help you develop a better feel on the type of shot that imparts spin. If you have a lie board this is best; however any wooden board will do just fine. You are going to practice hitting 30 yard pitch shots - not 130 yards, 30 yards. Work on hitting shots off the board (2"x4" works fine) with your wedges. If you try to scoop your knees, you'll hit well back on the board your club will bounce off of it and the likely result is a skull or a top. You learn very quickly how to hit the ball solidly off the board and once you take these new skills to the course, you'll notice an increase in the spin rate of your shot. This is because hitting the ball solidly off the board develops the proper motion that creates spin. Enjoy, Tom