GETTING A GRIP The 5 Keys to Better Golf

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Merilyn Hunt
6 years ago
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1 GETTING A GRIP The 5 Keys to Better Golf The Golf Improvement Experts at Man O War Golf If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Benjamin Franklin Of course we will use this recognized quote to stress the importance of knowing where you re going and how you want to get there. We improve our golf game the same way we improve at anything in life. We set goals, derive a strategy to reach our goals, and alter the strategy as needed. How would you learn Calculus? You wouldn't go out and buy an advanced calculus book, open to a random page, read for a while, and then skip to another random page. That is the trap many of us have fallen into with our golf game. We have no long-term plan for getting better, so we continue to do what we have always done, often under the instruction of someone who doesn t understand the golf swing any more than you do. Tiger Woods has gone through three major swing overhauls in his professional career. Each time sitting down with his instructor, and laying out a plan for improvement. Over the following months and years they stuck to the plan, and only deviated when necessary. This is a key reason Tiger is one of the greatest golfers of all time. How many of us have the mental toughness to stick to a plan knowing we will certainly hit some rough spots? As you read this and grasp the process of what it takes to really improve your game, know that you need a plan to reach your goals. Get a Plan & Stick to It! Mind Over Matter Success begins with mindset. In every sport, job, or aspect of life one must have a positive mental attitude from the beginning or else you re setting yourself up to fail. Golf is no different. A positive outlook changes the way you see situations, other people, and most importantly, yourself! A positive mental attitude leads to self-confidence, and with that confidence comes a stronger golf game. It is said that 90% of golf is mental and only 10% is physical. Whether you believe that or not, you can t deny that being mentally tough plays a substantial role in how well you play and how you improve. In one of the all-time great golf movies, Tin Cup, Roy s mental game had a major breakdown, leaving his caddie, Romeo, trying to fix it. Roy: You're the Mexican Mac O'Grady. Figure out why I'm shanking...i'm catching it on the hosel? Moving my head? I'm laying it off? Romeo: That, too.

Roy: I'm pronating. Romeo: When you're not supinating. Roy: I'm clearing too early, too late. My swing feels like an unfolding chair! Romeo: Put your change in your left pocket. Go on, do it.

Roy: I look like a fool! Romeo: What do you think you look like shooting chili peppers at Lee Janzen? Do it now or I'm going to quit. I swear I'll quit. Good. Take this ball and hit it up the fairway.

2 Roy: I'm pronating. Romeo: When you're not supinating. Roy: I'm clearing too early, too late. My swing feels like an unfolding chair! Romeo: Put your change in your left pocket. Go on, do it. Now, tie your left shoe in a double knot. Roy: Tie my left shoe? Romeo: Right now, do it! Turn the hat backwards. Turn your hat around. Do it, Roy! Take this tee and stick it behind your left ear. Roy: I look like a fool! Romeo: What do you think you look like shooting chili peppers at Lee Janzen? Do it now or I'm going to quit. I swear I'll quit. Good. Take this ball and hit it up the fairway. [Roy hits the ball straight] Romeo: You're ready. Roy: How'd I do that? Romeo: Because you're not thinking about shanking or Molly. You're not thinking. You're looking like a fool, hitting the ball pure and simple... It s a funny moment aw it on the big screen. It s a nightmare if you re in Roy s shoes. There are a few books that we like that are an easy read, entertaining, and will provide excellent insight into keeping a positive mental attitude in golf. Bob Rotella Anything written by him will be beneficial to your mental strength. He has worked with numerous PGA professionals, sports teams (including our Kentucky Wildcats), and coaches. Some of his works include: Lynn Marriott & Pia Nilsson a. Every Shot Must Have a Purpose b. The Game Before the Game All of these are available from Man O War Golf. If you spend some time working to improve your mental game, you will reap the benefits come crunch time! Instruction The world s best golfers rely on private golf instruction to keep their game fine-tuned, yet most average golfers hardly take any lessons at all. Somehow, they think they will figure it out on their own, or take a tip from a friend, who knows even less about the golf swing. Go ahead, pinpoint which of these you re struggling with right now: Inconsistent driver Bad slice/hook Can t get your irons off the ground Can t get up and down Missing 3 footers Topping the ball Catching it fat Leave shots in bunkers The dreaded Shanks!! a. Golf is not a Game of Perfect b. Golf is a Game of Confidence c. The Golf of Your Dreams d. The Golfer s Mind e. Putting Out of Your Mind f. Your 15 th Club g. The Unstoppable Golfer If you re not a big reader, most of his books are available on audio as well.

My bet is these sound pretty familiar. The fact is your buddy can t help you play better golf. All he knows is how it feels to him. The way to better golf is through professional instruction.

Individual lessons will help you improve in areas like these: Hit further and straighter drives More consistent irons shots that land closer to the pin Better directional and distance control of full

3 My bet is these sound pretty familiar. The fact is your buddy can t help you play better golf. All he knows is how it feels to him. The way to better golf is through professional instruction. Remember, we do this for a living. Everyday. We are EXPERTS! Individual lessons will help you improve in areas like these: Hit further and straighter drives More consistent irons shots that land closer to the pin Better directional and distance control of full swing shots More controlled ball flight Get up and down around the greens Improved bunker play Golf course management Every instructor at Man O War Golf is here for YOU! Our goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to be the best golfer you can be. So many times you see players go out and practice by hitting ball after ball hoping that eventually they will figure it out on their own. Sure, some people may string a few good shots together, but stringing a few shots together doesn t compare to consistent lower scores. Golf should be a game we enjoy. That feeling of catching one every once in a while should be a consistent feeling and that s what our instructors look to accomplish. If you have physical limitations, they will work around it. To say they have seen it all would be an understatement. So whether you re a first timer who doesn t know how to hold a club or you re a collegiate player looking for a little fine tuning, Man O War Golf has the instructor for you! Man O War Golf provides the highest level of golf instruction in the state of Kentucky. Golf Digest says so every year. We offer individual instruction and beginner and intermediate clinics. We use the latest in technology including FlightScope Launch Monitor, SAM Putt Lab, and V1 Video Analysis. Nowhere will you improve faster than with The Golf Improvement Experts at Man O War Golf! Get In Golf Shape Golf is a series of actions and movements that require overall muscular strength, joint flexibility, and movement coordination. Most golfers have some physical limitations they need to overcome in order to improve their performance. In addition, most golfers are not even aware of these limitations and weaknesses. Read on if any of these strike your interest: Longer Drives Improved stability and mobility Better balance Decreased joint pain and stiffness Reduced risk of injury Improved endurance Increased longevity of your golf game More fun and enjoyment of the game The most common question we get at Man O War Golf, is how can I hit it further?! Here s how: GOLF FITNESS & TPI The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) has developed a screening process that identifies

a golfer's areas of weakness so that a personalized fitness program can then be designed to help the golfer overcome those weaknesses and improve their strengths.

This will result in longer, more accurate drives, reduced fatigue throughout 18 holes, better putting, better short game, lower handicaps, and reduced risk of injury.

4 a golfer's areas of weakness so that a personalized fitness program can then be designed to help the golfer overcome those weaknesses and improve their strengths. Improved golf fitness will lead to a more efficient swing with less compensations and wasted movements. This will result in longer, more accurate drives, reduced fatigue throughout 18 holes, better putting, better short game, lower handicaps, and reduced risk of injury. An evaluation with one of Man O' War Golf's certified TPI Fitness Professionals is the first step to identifying areas of weakness. The TPI Fitness Professionals are also available to work one-on-one with you as you progress through your customized workouts to ensure correct technique and effectiveness. Club Fitting Golf clubs are an investment. You are putting up your hard earned money for something that will bring you a new enjoyment into a game you love so much. So, tell me, why would you purchase any of your clubs right off the shelf, without first finding out exactly what you need? DO NOT leave club fitting to the bag boy at your club! It should be done by an experienced professional. It s extremely important to the performance of your clubs. Club fitting isn t as simple as it used to be. It s not just choosing between stiff or regular flex or determining if you need an extra degree upright. Manufacturers now offer many options in club heads, shafts, and custom features for the golfer to get the most out of their clubs. Off-the-rack golf clubs are made to standard specs configured to fit the average golfer with average measurements. Unless you fit this narrow zone of what a manufacturer considers average, you re constantly compensating for clubs that don't match your body or your golf swing. Custom fit golf clubs maximize the characteristics of YOUR individual golf swing, which will allow you to get the most success and enjoyment. The art of fitting a golf club is a combination of 3 Critical Factors: 1. A club fitting is only as good as the fitter. Our professionals are trained experts in club fitting. Man O War Golf is recognized as a Top 100 Clubfitter NATIONALLY by Golf Digest and many of the major manufacturers. 2. Have equipment and tools for the club fitter to utilize. At Man O War Golf, we use Flightscope launch monitor technology, SAM Putt Lab, and all of the major manufacturers fitting systems to ensure the best possible fit for every golfer, no matter their handicap. 3. Ball flight must be observed in a Real Golf Environment, i.e. See it fly before you buy! Not into a net! We want everyone to have the benefit of performing the best to their ability on the golf course and custom club fitting is an important aspect of maximizing one s potential. We have all the demo equipment available, free of charge,

5 everyday, so you can narrow down your choices before even scheduling a fitting. Our professionals will find exactly what you need to get your clubs working for you and help you have more fun playing the game. Man O War Golf has everything you need to: Shoot Lower Scores. Have More Fun. Play Better Golf! We Are Talking About Practice Fill in the blank: makes perfect. This is only true if you are practicing the right things. Learn from your instructor and then dedicate yourself to improving through practice. What s your goal? Break 90? 80? Become SCRATCH?! Whatever your goal, you must work at it to become better. Don t buy into the quick fixes and overnight sensations. Man O War Golf is a Top 10 Favorite practice facility in the United States! We have spacious hitting areas and complete short game facilities. Two massive putting greens provide ample space to practice long, undulating putts and our two pitching/chipping greens provide the opportunity to practice every short game shot to lower your scores. Final Thoughts I m going to leave our final thoughts to a golfer, just like you, who saw the light and got a grip on his game. "The value of lessons cannot be underestimated! For years I have struggled with this game we love, after a bout with cancer (free now!) last summer I decided to start over. I went to Man O' War Golf and took a series of lessons and still occasionally take a lesson to stay on track. Next step I was fit for new clubs. AP1s, 913D2, 913F. Already had the Vokey wedges. Cannot express how much better and confident I am with my game! Remember the definition of insanity, doing the same thing and expecting different results!" - Dave P. It s time for you to become better and more confident. Get a grip on your game this year! Ready to start improving your game? Call the Golf Improvement Experts at Man O War Golf today! GOLF (4653)

Hitting The Driver Made Easy

Hitting The Driver Made Easy Table of Contents Introduction 3 Equipment 4 The Golf Shaft 4 The Golf Grip 5 The Club Head 6 Equipment Summary 7 The Setup And Swing 9 The Grip 10 Ball Position 12 Alignment 12 Posture 14 The Take-Away