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The first order of business for any new golfer is to develop a swing with an iron that will get the golf ball airborne. Not far, or straight even, just up in the air is good enough. This is no easy task. We first try and scoop or pick the ball cleanly off the turf. After hitting scores of grounders, we're forced to conclude that there must be a better way. There is. I tell students that you have to hit down to get the ball up. You have to take divots; pieces of grass that are sent flying along with a well struck ball. That's right, a counter-intuitive approach works best. New golfers don't always feel comfortable taking divots. They think the club will get stuck in the ground. They are afraid of hurting the course or themselves. Divots are not just for experienced players with powerful swings, who take just the right amount of grass with every shot. Anyone wishing to improve has to commit to hitting down and through the ball. Divots follow contact. The leading edge of the clubface cuts under the back of the ball on the down swing, contacting ball and the ground almost simultaneously, producing tremendous backspin. It's this backspin that makes the ball rise up sharply into the air, then back up when it lands on the green. The important thing to remember is that the ball is already gone when the divot is taken. Divots come after contact with the ball. (Hitting the ground before the ball is called a fat shot) In the beginning, it's better to take too much grass than too little. Just release the club and let it cut into the ground. The golf swing is designed to take divots. Over time you will groove a swing that takes just the right-sized divot. One of the best ways to groove a swing that takes divots is to visualize the swing shape as a "V", not the shallow "U" shape most players imagine. A steep downward stroke will help you hit the ground. The grass is soft and forgiving. A word on synthetic driving range mats, even though they are designed to be forgiving, they may contribute to wrist injuries. The sooner a golfer commits to hitting down and through the ball, the sooner they will see the ball trace a path high across the sky. Some will continue to protest that they are not strong enough to hit both the ground and the ball. That's where good swing technique can help. After making an initial commitment to hit the ground, a golfer must learn how to add power to their swing. This power comes from using the arms and the body together. There's nothing you can't do with the power of a fully connected swing. You'll have no trouble swinging down and through the ball, taking a divot, and ending up with picture perfect finish. One word on equipment. The iron clubs are designed with sharp leading edges which makes it easy to take divots. You don't try and take divots with your woods. They are shaped to glide smoothly over the grass. If you start taking divots when you putt, then it's definitely time to seek serious professional help with your stroke. Once you have the technique and the conviction to take divots, you'll see each piece of grass as a reward for a swing well taken. Still having trouble getting the ball in the air? Take a 30 minute private videotaped lesson at The Golf Studio. Call 212 967-0247 to make an appointment. Questions? Comments? Please Send The To Me At: tips@golfstudionyc.com |
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