I was recently asked what leg is more important for the golf swing. The answer is both are equally as important.
When I was asked, I immediately thought of my friend Laird Small at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy. He frequently hits golf balls for more than 200 yards while standing on one leg at a time.
Leg drive is important, but not as important as balance. Remember, your body moves in support of your swing.
The next time you hit balls at the driving range, keep your feet together during your swing. You will discover the ball will travel more than 80 percent of your normal distance. Your legs primary job is balance, then drive.
Ace for Ron Dominguez
Ron Dominguez used his 7-iron on the 122-yard eighth hole at the Diablo Course at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club. Ron Culler, Mike Gabriel and Denny Schuler witnessed Dominguez’s ace.
Rules Question
Players from a group event recently asked if they hit off the tee with a distance golf ball, can they switch to a high-spin golf ball on their approach shot? The answer is found at the bottom of the column.
NCGA Qualifiers Fink and Wilkins
Congratulations to Northern California Golf Associations qualifiers Bob Fink, who netted a score of 67, and Dave Wilkins, who carded a score of 68.
Stars Twice in One Week
Last Friday’s rules question featured Tony Ramos and Andrew Colton. The following day during the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, Ramos carried the score card for Ray Romano and Colton did the same for Bill Murray.
Golf Tips on TV
I hope you have enjoyed the golf tips shown Thursday nights during the 11 p.m. news on KION 46 and 10 p.m. news on KCBA 35.
If you have any requests for specific tips, please e-mail me at
br***@ri*******.com
Senior Rates at Ridgemark is now offering a 10 percent discount for senior golfers Monday through Friday. Carts are complimentary for all green fees.
Caddie Quote
“That can’t be my ball, it’s too old,” a golfer said to his caddie.
“It’s been awhile since we teed off, sir,” the caddie responded.
Rules Answer
United States Golf Association Rule 15-1 states a player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground unless a rule permits him to substitute another ball. The penalty is loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.
Most tournaments use the “One Ball Condition” that prohibits changing brands and types of golf balls during a stipulated round, Appendix I – Part C.
