| If you are anything like me, you are frustrated with | | | | open club away more abruptly. Aim about 5 feet |
| your score. I am currently an 18 handicapper. From | | | | right of the flag with an open stance. A good rule of |
| what I am told that means I am in the higher | | | | thumb is to hit 2.5 inches behind the ball. Follow |
| percentage of the golfing world. I do not know about | | | | through is the key to a good bunker shot. |
| anyone else out there at this level, but I am getting | | | | 6. Putting: Stay down throughout the stroke. Do not |
| sick of settling for bogey golf and am on a quest to | | | | look up until the ball is at least 3 feet away. Your |
| improve my golf game with a goal of breaking 80. | | | | putting stroke should be dominated by your |
| Along the way, I intend to share what I discover | | | | shoulders and arms with as little wrist movement as |
| with other golfers like myself. | | | | possible. Keep your head still. Pick a spot you want to |
| It seems as if there are many ways to improve your | | | | hit about halfway to the hole and focus on getting |
| game. It can be confusing and overwhelming. | | | | there. Hit through the ball with a steady takeaway |
| As a start, here are 10 tips to look at and use to | | | | and follow through. |
| improve your golf game. Please note that I am a | | | | 7. For more distance: Maximize your coil and keep |
| right-handed golfer and some tips must be modified | | | | your body relaxed. The easier you swing the further |
| for left-handed golfers. | | | | it goes! As a pro once told me Release the club. It is |
| | | | impossible to hit a solid drive if you do not let the |
| 1. Grip: Proper grip pressure is where it all begins. If | | | | club finish what it has started. Remember the swing |
| you start your swing with too much pressure, then | | | | is really one big arc. |
| the rest of your body will follow suit. Every golfer | | | | 8. Full shots: It is like throwing a Frisbee with your left |
| has heard the expression the death grip. The truth is | | | | hand. We have all heard to keep your left arm stiff. |
| the death grip will kill your swing. | | | | If you ever watch analysts break a swing down on |
| 2. Stance: Play the ball far enough away to achieve | | | | TV you can clearly see how every pro does this. |
| full extension. The biggest mistake many amateurs | | | | 9. Lob shots: Long swing with a loose grip. Wide open |
| make is standing too close to the ball. I do not just | | | | stance and clubface are essential. This is one shot |
| mean after they have hit the shot! | | | | you have to put total trust and commitment behind. |
| 3. Drives: Keep a relaxed grip through the finish. Make | | | | This shot possibly more than any other requires more |
| sure there is a feeling of a high finish. Keeping the | | | | practice than any other. It is the most risky, but if |
| lower body and the head still will make sure things | | | | perfected can be a great stroke saver. |
| are moving in the right direction. Swing the club, Do | | | | 10. Relax: Have fun and remember what you are |
| not hit the ball. | | | | there for. Enjoy the victory of a well played shot. |
| 4. Chips and Pitches: Let the left arm control the club | | | | A wise man once told me that a good golfer never |
| with little wrist action. Always make sure that your | | | | hits two bad shots in a row. If you have a bad hole, |
| hands are ahead of the ball. Keep your weight evenly | | | | just let it go. Take a look around and appreciate the |
| distributed with a slight lean towards your heels. | | | | surroundings and the company. A golfer has to have |
| 5. Bunker shots: Picture seeing yourself in the | | | | a very short memory. When everything else fails |
| clubface as a mirror as you finish the shot. Take the | | | | remember that the best hole is very often the 19th! |