Tips from a golf scientist
Last month I went to the Northern California Professional
Golfers Association Player
&
amp; Teacher Development Forum in Sacramento. Some of the best
teachers in the golf world speak at these seminars. This year we
had Dave Pelz. For those of you not familiar with Dave, he is the
most renowned research scientist of the short game there has ever
been in golf. He takes a scientific approach to how cause and
effect affects the short game.
Tips from a golf scientist
Last month I went to the Northern California Professional Golfers Association Player & Teacher Development Forum in Sacramento. Some of the best teachers in the golf world speak at these seminars. This year we had Dave Pelz. For those of you not familiar with Dave, he is the most renowned research scientist of the short game there has ever been in golf. He takes a scientific approach to how cause and effect affects the short game.
The most startling aspect of golf his studies show him is that almost all golfers under read the break of their putts. This means the tour pro as well as the general public. Think about which side of the hole your putts miss, are they above the hole or under on a side hill putt? Granted, the speed you hit your putt affects the break. But if the speed is right, most people under play the break. The next time you have a side hill putt aim the ball a foot more than you think it will break.
If you “spot putt,” (picking a spot a foot or two in front of the ball) pick your spot a foot more to the side than you think, and the same if you draw a line on you ball to aim it. One interesting point Dave mentioned – a red line on your ball allowed more accuracy than a black line and two red lines more accuracy than one line. A word of warning: I pushed this to the limit. I tried so many lines my ball ended up totally red. It didn’t help. One or two lines are enough. Play well.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at [email protected]. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
