In this issue we'll discuss... 1) Playing Downhill Bunker Lies Jack’s Note: You’ve gotta check out the video I just posted on my blog. It’s an incredible story of raw golf talent and courage. Remember when Tiger went on the Mike Douglas show and putted against Bob Hope? Like that, this video may be talked about for years in the future as this phenom’s first television appearance. http://www.howtobreak80.com/blog =================================================== You'll need to make some swing adjustments to get out in one. But first you'll need to make a critical mental adjustment. The ball won't come out of the bunker high and soft. So resist the temptation to try and do it. Also, don't try to be too precise about where it comes to rest on the green. Getting out in one is a victory Here are five keys to playing downhill bunker lies: * Adjust your stance* Aim well left of the target * Position the ball in the middle * Open the clubface * Angle your body left The key to this shot is taking a stance and swing that keeps the club going down the slope. This ensures that you take the sand out well in back of the ball. Position the ball in the middle of your stance. Angle your body with the slope. Aim well left of the target. Keep the clubface open as you swing. Executed right, the swing will pop the ball out of the bunker. Try this drill to master this shot. Draw a line in the sand. Using the setup describe above, stand with the line in the middle of your stance and practice taking sand out before the line. Since your swing will have to be more vertical, you will have to stay flexed longer into the swing. Once you've mastered this, draw another line, place a row of balls on the line and hit shots.=================================================== This can end in disaster, if you're not careful. You need to make both mental and physical adjustments. Mentally, your goal is to get out of the rough and onto the green in one shot. So you can't be too choosy about where the ball ends up on the green. If you're putting on the next shot, you've done well. Physically, here are five keys to the shot. * Widen your stance* Grip down on the club * Hold the club tighter * Keep the clubface open * Take the clubhead up quickly The secret to hitting this shot is stabilizing your lower body and keeping the clubface open through impact. But first you need to widen your stance and set most of your weight on your front side, stabilizing yourself and restricting lower body movement. Now, grip down on the club a few inches because the ball is well above your feet. Also, hold the club tighter than normal to keep the toe of the club from flipping over when it hits the ground. Take the club up quickly, and plan an explosion shot, just as you would if you were hitting from a greenside bunker. Accelerate the clubhead through the ball. Executed properly these mental and physical adjustments should get you out of the rough and onto the green in one. Remember to keep the clubface pointed skyward after impact.
=================================================== Can you explain what a reverse pivot is, what causes it, and how to correct it? Thank you... Dan Gutkaes A. Thanks for the question, Dan. A reverse pivot results from an improper transfer of weight. Normally, you must transfer your weight onto your back foot, then onto your front foot during the follow-through. With a reverse pivot, you do the opposite. The player's weight remains on his front side, constricting the proper turning of his body. He/she loses power and accuracy. Causes for a reverse pivot are many, including an obsession with keeping your head down and/or your left arm (right for left-handers) rigidly straight. Allowing your head to turn to the right (left for left-handers) as you swing the club back helps. It encourages your spine to rotate and gets your weight moving in the right direction. To help eliminate a reverse pivot, try this: Adopt your address position, and then place the club across the back of your shoulders. Now turn as if you were going to hit the ball. As you turn back, the club encourages your head and spine to rotate. Sense your balance as you do this. Do this drill as often as you can and it will help eliminate a reverse pivot.If you've got a golf question you'd like answered, send an email to us at questions@howtobreak80.com and we'll review it. I can't guarantee that we'll use it but if we do, we'll make sure to include your name and where you're from. =================================================== 4) Article - Understanding The Short Game Until next time, ===================================================
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