Bob Thatcher, PGA – Olde Masters Golf Club

Keeping students interested and taking more lessons.
In order to keep and maintain a constant flow of lessons the instructor must provide enthusiasm for the student and their progress. He must show genuine understanding for their unique problems in the learning process. Student feedback is required for a team effort approach to be effective. Keep track of each student’s progress from day one. Give them a “strategy for improvement” road map so they have an idea of where they are going and how you can plan to help them get there. Establish realistic goals both long and short term. Getting them to buy into the idea of setting aside time to practice may be the most important item for their ultimate success.

In order to keep my students coming back I have instituted several stratagem that have proved effective:

1. I offer a buy six lessons and pay for five package
2. I offer a practice ball plan that encourages the students to practice.
3. I always work around the green for sand, chipping, putting and other greenside areas as a positive reinforcing of the scoring aspect of the game.
4. Using video enhances the process and shows the student that you are able to offer the needed training tools to make them better.
5. I have a tickler file on all students to follow up on their progress even in the off season via email and phone if needed.
6.  I have each student called in early spring in order to get them back in the swing of golf by promoting fresher lessons.

“The Sand Shot” – Bob Thatcher, PGA – Olde Master’s Golf Club

The basic sand shot requires rhythm, timing, balance, and proper technique. It is broken down in three main areas: address, takeaway and downswing/follow through.

Address:

1. Open stance aimed well left of the intended target – approximately 10 to 15 degrees. The hips should be slightly open.
2. The ball is played at the left instep.
3. Weight is placed toward the left foot- distributions about 65/35.
4. The club face is open aiming along the intended target line.
5. Anchor feet to prevent slipping.
6. Hands are forward of the ball.

Takeaway:

1. The club is taken back along the intended target line (on an inside path).
2. The hands hinge or cock early.
3. You must take a fall, evenly paced, backswing.
4. Your head and eyes must remain over the ball. Your eyes focused on the spot just behind the ball.
5. No appreciable weight shift should take place.
6. At the top of the swing, your hands should be relaxed and motionless – ready for the downswing.

Downswing:

1. Your weight should be toward the left foot.
2. Hands and arm should be relaxed.
3. A sensation of your hands falling or pulling should be felt. This pulling should be along the foot line thus allowing the open club face to slide under and across the ball.
4. Remain focused on the spot of impact just behind the ball (1 to 2 inches)
5. Try to maintain an even tempo.
6. Permit the body to turn and face the target in an even and flowing manner. (Do no help the club) (7) This even movement of the body to the ball should help to eliminate deceleration.

This secret of good sand play is sound technique, good instruction, lots of practice, and a real desire to improve. Should you need more help I suggest you contact your local PGA Professional.

Compliments of Bob Thatcher and Staff at Olde Masters Golf Club.

Tip 1 – Vin Ciarlone, PGA – Northampton Valley Country Club

Here are some of the tips I taught while working with the John Jacobs
Golf Schools in Scottsdale,Arizona.SHORT GAME

1. Check your lie
2. See the shot in your mind
3. Choose a club
4. Try a couple swings
5. Play the correct shot

Chipping

Grip as you would in the full swing

Bottom edge of club perpendicular to the intended line

Deloft the club by moving the end of the grip one to two inches
forward, toward your intended line

Move your body to the end of the grip (Ball now located near your
back foot. Keep a narrow stance.

Most of your weight on your forward side (Closest to target) (It
provides a steeper attack)

Keep your wrists firm throughout the swing

Swing the club back to your pocket, keep your hands ahead of the
club face (That will produce a low flying shot) and continue your swing to
your other pocket

Club selection will determine the length your chip will roll on
the ground. Less lofted clubs will travel farther. The pace of the swing
will determine the length the ball will fly through the air.

Tip 2 – Adrienne Hogan, PGA – Medford Village Country Club

Swing

Tip 1 – Charlie Ralapaugh, PGA – White Deer G.C.

The dreaded banana ball or slice. The unwanted, unwelcome shot pattern that haunts 90% of all golfers starting the game. A shot that starts well left of your target then curves sharply to the far right of your target. Cure your banana ball using the following tips.

• Use a stronger grip. Turn both hands to the right on the grip or handle until both V’s formed by your thumbs and first fingers point to your right shoulder. At this point you should see two and a half knuckles on your left hand.
• Close up your stance by pulling your right foot and shoulder back 3 or 4 inches. Move the ball back a few inches in your stance. Keep the club face square or slightly closed to your target.
• As your swinging into the ball feel like your right hand is rolling over your left hand and your right forearm is rolling over your left forearm, closing the face of your club through impact.
• Your arms should be extended into a straight position during impact.
• Practice these tips before going on the course to get rid of your BANANA BALL.

Tip 2 – Craig Dear, PGA

By Rick Flagler

PGA Director of Instruction

Bala Golf Club

In this tip I want to focus on impact. Obviously, there are many important things that can be focused on during the golf swing. Grip, stance, posture, swing plane, shoulder plane, body rotation and the list goes on. With my students I like to focus on proper ball/turf contact and the position the body and hands should be in to achieve solid impact.

To achieve solid impact you have to have what I refer to as Positive Shaft Lean. PSL can really only be achieved by allowing the hands to lead the club head into the golf ball. This allows you to have the proper ball turf contact or “trappin
g of the ball” that we all strive for. Most problems usually surface when people don’t allow their hands to lead long enough in the swing before they strike the ball. In essence they release the club too soon and they achieve Negative Shaft Lean. NSL is where the club head has been allowed to pass or flip past the hands before impact and this leads to poor and inconsistent ball striking.

A great training aid to use to get the proper feed back you are looking for is an impact bag. The impact bag has been around for a long time and there is a reason for it. They are simple and effective which is a nice combination. To get started, use a six or a seven iron and place the back of the bag in the middle of your stance. Make some smooth swings, about half speed, and take note of where the club head is in relation to your hands at impact. If you do it properly you should have Positive Shaft Lean which means your hands will be slightly ahead of the club head at impact.

We can focus on the proper position of the body at another time.

If you have questions on this or anything else, please let me know. Play well,

Rick Flagler

PGA Director of Instruction Bala Golf Club

www.flaglergolfacademy.com

rickflag10@aol.com

267-664-3789

By Mark Sheftic

PGA Director of Instruction

Merion Golf Club

For over twenty years in the golf field, I have competed, taught and attended many professional seminars that examined the golf swing, short game, and course management. Now as I progress in my teaching career, a common question is frequently asked of me. “What is the key to the golf swing?” Following this complex question my students want to know, is there a magical move that will take me to the next level?

My answer to this significant question is always the same and catches most by surprise. “The key to a great golf swing takes place before you grip the club!”

Without a player consciously knowing this, he or she determines the success of the shot before the ball is in flight.  This illustrates one of my favorite statements, “A player hits the desired shot or misses the desired shot before he or she swings the club.” This declares the importance of mental preparation.

Ones mind is the 15th club that completes the golf bag.  The six inches between your ears is the most powerful tool or most destructive piece of equipment we carry.  This brings me to the main point of this article, “The most important part of a golf shot are the decisions you make prior to hitting the ball!”

Here is a checklist of questions that need to be considered to determine the type of shot to play:

• How is the lie?
• What are the conditions of the wind?
• Where is the pin?
• How far do I need this ball to travel?
• Is the putt up hill or down hill?

After one evaluates these questions and answers, then …

“PUT YOUR ATTENTION INTO YOUR INTENTION”

Here are visual examples that model a pre-shot routine that utilizes strong mental preparation.

1. Start behind the ball analyzing the shot at hand. Figure out the highest percentage shot to play. Stand behind the ball and go through the mental checklist that will lead to a clear and decisive decision.

2. Create a picture or a visual image. The stronger the image, the more focused and committed one becomes. This is an example of a clear, narrow path leading up to the pin.

3. Carefully work into the ball making sure alignment is perfect. Notice the clubface and the attention to the target.

4. Complete the set up.

5. Without wasting time, execute the shot. Keep the focus clear and mental image on the desired outcome.

Creating the right mental attitude and building a strong mental foundation, is more important than hitting the club.  It takes practice and determination to strengthen the mind and utilize it to our fullest.

Mark Sheftic

Director of Instruction

Merion Golf Club