Play a little with crossing the line
One of the things I tell my students is that the distance from
the driving range to the first tee is the most difficult distance
they will face when they play. I call it the,
”
black hole
”
– things go in one side but don’t come out the other. Part of
this problem is people practice one way and play another. Top
players try to practice in a way that is closer to the way they
play. The driving range is a multiple shot environment, the golf
course, a single shot.
Play a little with crossing the line
One of the things I tell my students is that the distance from the driving range to the first tee is the most difficult distance they will face when they play. I call it the, “black hole” – things go in one side but don’t come out the other. Part of this problem is people practice one way and play another. Top players try to practice in a way that is closer to the way they play. The driving range is a multiple shot environment, the golf course, a single shot.
Here is a drill I give my students after we have made the improvements in their swings and want them to use when they play. I want them to get out of the habit of standing over the ball with multiple swing thoughts in their head. This is what I have them do. I tell them to put a club on the ground between the ball and their feet. When they are making practice swings to rehearse the swing changes they are working on, the club head has to be on the side of the shaft that their feet are on.
Once they have the feel of the swing they want to make the club head can then cross over the shaft to the ball and the only thing they “think” about is their target, nothing else. I tell them if they are over the ball and swing thoughts get in their head to step away so the club is on the other side of the shaft. Once they’ve cleared up their thought processes, then they can return back over the shaft and be all target. Sounds easy but it isn’t at first, but if you stick with it that long walk from range to the first tee might just get a little less black.
Just a reminder – any police officer, firefighter or active military personnel can play Eagle Ridge GC Monday through Thursday for half price, so please come see us. Eagle Ridge’s Mini Course is open every Sunday at 2 p.m. for kids 12 and under. Cost is $5 for all the holes you want to play. We provide clubs, balls and tees. Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at sk*****@ea**********.com. 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 LPGA instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
