January ‘08 Golf Digest Instruction Commentary

This month's articles

-LESSON TEE—Three things to observe in Colt’s swing. First, he plays the ball forward in his stance. This will necessitate that he sway forward (see photo 6) in order to get the club shaft and face square at impact. Second, although he is flat on the back swing (3) he reroutes the club on the forward swing (5) moving it along a path that is aligned with his target. Third is that he finishes (as you all have been taught to do) up on the right toe and with the club hanging over his left shoulder.

WIND UP FOR MORE POWER—David begins by saying, “…you have to do more than just turn your shoulders and hips.” But what does the “pull for power” drill do more than just turn your hips? Nothing. Be clear about this: Focus on swinging the club over your right shoulder. When you do, that motion will turn your shoulders and hips. We focus on making the club move correctly and allowing the body to respond to (not initiate) the swing.

BUMP YOUR CHIPS—I am not sure what “bump” means, but Tiger’s strategy of playing “low rolling shots” is one that Manuel whole-heartedly recommends whenever possible. Soling the club on the toe is a viable strategy “especially on dicey lies” as Tiger puts it. If you want to experiment with this type of setup, remember that playing a shot on the toe will tend to torque (twist) the club in your hands.

SAVE SHOTS INSTANTLY—From behind the ball, it is difficult to read the second half of a long putt simply because it is so far away. On long putts, walk halfway to the hole and read the break for that portion of the put. Then go back behind the ball and read the whole putt.

TRY SAM’S PITCHING TECHNIQUE—Regardless of which club you use for chipping, there should be no hand action (wristy-ness). Hands are for holding, arms are for swinging.

HOW TO HIT A 50-YARD BUNKER SHOT—“…use your normal bunker swing” I don’t think so.
A greenside bunker swing is intended for the club to create a “tidal wave” of sand that pushes the ball out of the bunker. On a 50-yard shot you don’t want any sand between your clubhead and the ball because you couldn’t carry the shot 50 yards. Keep this shot simple setup as you would for a fairway bunker shot. If you don’t regularly practice shots like this don’t allow your expectations to become unrealistic for hitting the shot the correct distance.

3 KEYS FOR RELEASE—Huh? Disregard this article.

TRAIN YOUR AIM—Our recommendation is to align with the actual target. We can’t argue with Tiger’s and Jack’s success.

FEET OPEN, BODY SQUARE—If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. If you aren’t having a problem with your body responding to the swing then keep your setup for your short shots the same as for your full swing.

TRIPLE X FACTOR—Jim starts of by saying since his first x-factor article in 92 “…there seems to be more confusion than ever about the body’s role in the swing.” Could triple-x triple the confusion? Jim and Heartland differ on one central point. Jim want the player to focus on the body’s movements whereas we know better shots result when you focus on the clubs movements. The triple-x that Jim describes seems reasonable. However, it is not something the golfer should “make” happen, but instead is something the golfer should “let” happen as a result of swinging the club.

ELEVATE YOUR SHORT GAME—
Bunker Shot…..While Stan is very popular on tour, let me ask you one question. If you want to have a higher trajectory, why would you need to do anything different but choose a more lofted club or just open the club face? Keep your bunker play simple.

Downhill Shot…..Ok (except forget the “in your pocket” comments).

Short Chips…..A chip shot is just a small golf swing. No need to do anything unusual.

Breaking 100/90/80

3 STEPS TO MORE UP-AND-DOWNS—Consider using Todd’s 3 steps to practice what you learned at Heartland.