New Golfers Need Tips

7:21:11 AM EDT
Feeling Cheerful
Hearing Englefield's White Face Mtn. Symphonic Poem

Beating Balls Helps Very Little

Years ago Randy Brooks, Asst. Pro at Pine Isle Golf Resort near Lake Lanier, Ga. told me "Only perfect practice makes perfect (helps you get better)." Twenty years later I understand exactly what he was saying. After the early stages of learning the game we need to experiment to find what works best for us. Mainly because we are all quite different physically and in terms of coordination.

My experience has taught me to go to the driving range and work experimentally on the elements of the golf swing. Watching Arnold Palmer, years ago, tune up for a Sr. Tour event on the range I noticed he began with a short iron and easily swung to loosen up for a while. He then graduated to the longer irons and finally the driver.  Many start with a wedge. I begin with my seven iron because it resembles more clubs that I use most often.

As for experimenting, I think of my take away, then my lower body and finally my upper body. Most of my efforts to improve accuracy and distance involve the address at take away and the initial grip pressures and turn away from the ball. Balance and posture are exceedingly important in preparing for a good shot.

Lately I have found that relaxation techniques are vital to a good take away. I begin to relax en route to the golf course! Then again after a few shots on the range and again after the second or third hole during play. Tension builds and must be alleviated frequently during practice and also during play.

My current swing thoughts involve the words "Easy followed by Acceleration". Review Lesson No. 51 at left. Scroll down.

Good luck helps too.

Richard Englefield

 

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2:40:58 PM EST
Feeling Happy
Hearing Swing Low Sweet Chariot

How Often We Forget.......

Sorry, we sold out. We might resume production.

Ten years ago I wrote a few articles about game improvement and devised a few items to improve my own game. The Swing Thought Reminder Board shown above was by far the best device I've ever used for improving my game. The subtleties and nuances required for improved consistency were too easy to forget. Frequently I would have to relearn my new techniques each time I returned to the golf course. The home based reminders etched those ideas in my mind so I could easily bring them to the course for my next round of golf.

I have about ten Swing Thought Reminder Boards left over from my earlier marketing efforts a decade ago.  It occurred to me they might be helpful to others. If you'd like to try one we'll send it to you for $10. postage prepaid. Included is a Dry-Erase Marking Pen that wipes clear and clean with dry or damp cloth.

I suggest you send an Email telling of your plans to purchase with your mailing address. I can then acknowledge your Email and advise our mailing address for your check. Upon receipt of your check or money order we'll ship immediately, postage prepaid. Sorry we do not accept credit cards at this web site because we are not in business full time..

Best recollection, my costs were around $4.00 for the Boards and $1.50 for the Dry Erase Pen. Postage will be around $3.00. (prepaid). This is merely a close out and we hope an opportunity to help someone's game. However, if we sell them quickly I could be persuaded to go into business again.

At my Country Club three weeks ago we placed five on the counter for display, out of curiosity. Yesterday only two remained. So we shall see.......

The pictures above give you an idea how the boards may be used at home, etc. A daily reminder is an excellent way to ingrain your game improvement ideas.

Good luck.

Dick Englefield

Email:

symphonycomposer@aol.com

 

 

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9:09:54 AM EST
Feeling Happy

Practice At Home

I'm lucky to have some acreage, so I have mowed the pastures and put in a mini - nine hole golf course. All par 3s except for one dogleg par four - 310 yds. No putting greens but pins are in place for targeting.

Practicing at home in the yard has value. There is no pressure which reduces stress which in turn teaches us to play without stress. When I go to the golf course I am far more relaxed. Particularly true of the short game which we all can find a place to practice on.

Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!

Richard

 

 

 

 

 

 

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11:04:36 AM EDT
Feeling Happy

Easier Than You Think

If the back swing is not correct hitting at impact will be troublesome. There are ideas and concepts that will help you achieve a better back swing.

1. Arms should be straight at address because they provide maximum leverage at impact.

2. Sometimes the left arm will bend in the back swing. En route to the top of the back swing you should extend your left arm to guarantee a straight left arm (for righties) at impact.

3. The upper body should turn away as the club is taken back. It is said the motion is similar to sitting in a chair and turning toward a person sitting next to you.

4. A good tip for  your short game is to keep the right elbow close to the body for chip shots.

5. For the driver a bigger turn is required. It is often said that we should turn our back toward  the target. For additional distance a slight hip turn is suggested.

6. The driver take away should have medium speed going back for control and a lift toward the top. Often we see pros pause at the top to insure balance & control during the down swing.

7. Remember the driving range is of great value when learning. It should teach you to ask yourself "What was not right in that swing." The  next practice shot will get better.

Good luck and practice often.

Richard

code 2090

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12:08:51 PM EDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing The Heat Is On......

Be Prepared !

Record breaking heat  throughout the United States causes many problems for golfers and particularly new golfers. The following suggestions will  help your game, beginner or experienced.

You will need to hydrate before going to the golf course. Drink plenty of water or a product like Gatorade before and during your game. Electrolytes such as calcium & potassium are very helpful at preventing leg cramps and weakness. Salt having sodium is lost through perspiration. Therefore be sure you have an adequate salt intake during hot weather. Sodium is required for good muscle activity. As I recall it has something to do with the "salt pump". A good idea to consult your physician on the subject because some people must restrict their salt intake.

Always bring a fluffy towel to the golf course. You'll need the towel to wipe your arms and hands before your next shot. You also must wipe your grips as the pros do before addressing the ball.

In that connection I find that I need three new or dry golf  gloves for each nine holes. I change gloves after each set of three holes. It is imperative and absolutely necessary to change gloves or your next shot can be ruined! Those who ignore this advice will find their next 6-7 ( or more) shots ruined.

The swing thoughts for the day are simply water and more water, dry gloves and new gloves, salt and electrolytes and a fluffy towel.

Richard

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12:24:29 PM EST

Believe The Tiger !

In golf you must do less to achieve more. Several thoughts and tips learned from the past tell the story quite well.

My first instructor at Pine Isle Golf Resort at Lake Lanier, Ga. told me to swing a little easier. Another Pro at Raccoon Int'l in Newark, Oh. advised me that my arms should feel loose like spaghetti. Tiger Woods and many other tour pros often say they swing at about 80%. Still a third Club Pro advised me to do stretching exercises before playing golf.

All the foregoing strongly suggest that loose and easier is best. Why? Because they all promote something called "Quickness" that cannot be achieved with full strength. Remembering our Physics and Mechanics classes we recall that Force = Mass x Velocity Squared.  In golf the formula explains why different strokes are achieved by different folks having different lengths & weighted clubs. Club fitting is therefore a very good idea. Velocity is obviously paramount. Leverage is also a factor in determining club lengths. All the above must suit the abilities of the golfer.

The point is that we need to achieve club head speed and acceleration at impact for maximum force. Gearing up to kill the ball wastes much exertion at the top of the back swing, far too soon. With a relaxed set up and easier back swing we conserve energy for the impact area. Velocity and acceleration at impact is maximized in this way.

The best tip I ever received was free and from my older brother who said, "You'd better relax your right hand before the back swing." I worked on that idea and expanded the concept to relaxing my right hand and right arm and then both arms and hands and hit my 8 iron 165 yards! Not bad for someone my age, nearing 70 and accomplished when I was age 68.

Balance is so important it must be mentioned. Good posture and being relaxed at address go together to improve your swing speed. Therefore when the weather improves go to the range and work on a relaxed set up and good posture that allows an easier back swing. You'll be surprised at how much further the ball goes and how much easier the game can be.

There must be a good reason why they call Ernie Ells "The Big Easy". Tiger achieves his great swing speed by swinging 80%. Jack Nicklaus says, "This game is not hard. It's really easy." It's probably a lot easier than most of us think.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click here)

 

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8:22:01 AM EDT
Hearing A blossom fell...... from up above......

From the Masters in Augusta we can all learn a lesson from Tiger Woods. On the first three days he had less than 29 putts per round. On the final day he had 33 putts. Otherwise he would have been in contention.

From Phil Michelson we learned that when you are good - "You are Good!" A broadcaster said correctly, "We may be seeing the beginning of another Arnold Palmer- Jack Nicklaus era."  I hope so. I remember a few years ago thinking, "No golfer can even come close to Tiger Woods ability. He might just win them all!" I am beginning to think the same about Phil Michelson. In reality, as in years past, it is very difficult to stay on top week after week. But, we are definitely in for some very good golf during the remainder of the season.

One point I wish to make about these 50 Lessons. They are time tested and as I play my practice rounds, they continually hold true. Therefore, I suggest you take the time to print each lesson out for yourself or your students or your children. They are free and reliable. The print outs takes a while and could be easily done over a period of time.

As for me, when I finish working in my garden, now having twenty two very attractive Rose bushes, also Hibiscus and numerous other plants, including bulbs coming up, I will return to the golf course and probably add to the Lessons. My vacation from serious golfing endeavors has been welcomed. Time off is necessary and advisable. Building a garden(s) is extremely rewarding. As they say, "You should take time to smell the roses." Surprisingly it takes a long time for the bulbs to grow. But they do come up! A new garden has pleasant surprises nearly every day!

Below I have shown my Photo Journal web site and I have also included several attractive photos for your enjoyment. Take a welcomed break and see the flowers. They are beautiful.

http://journals.aol.com/symphonycomposer/VisionsofMyWorld/ 

(Click Here)

Richard Englefield

Code 513722

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9:44:26 PM EST
Feeling Worried
Hearing Tell Me Why...........

During my golfing career I have had numerous tips and advice. I firmly believe most is well intended. My experience tells me most advice is limited in value because there is always more to the story. Actually, there is usually a lot more to the story.

Tom Watson said, "This game is not easy." Jack Nicklaus said, "There is no secret to this game." The game may be easy for some few, but it is not easy for me or anyone I know. Old advice said to keep the left arm straight. Butch Harmon says it is OK to let the left arm bend in the back swing. Advice is therefore questionable, at the least.

My advice is based on what works for me. It is tried and proven, for me. Many pros say when putting the grip must be soft. Jack Nicklaus said, "Sometimes I willed the ball into the cup." Very difficult to explain how one wills the ball into the cup. But, it must require a lot more than we are told about.

I cannot tell you just how many times I have gone to the course and played a practice round and fixed a bad shot. Quite often I have to fix a shot. But I rely on my own advice. Taking the club back and inside with some pull with the right hand usually fixes my shot. It takes the club to a preferable position at the top of the back swing and I hit more greens and better drives.

Yet, there are more add ins to fix a shot than I have said with all simplicity. I have other things to do. I  might say, "Quiet my lower body." Or, I might say, "That was a mistake in my posture." Often I will say, "I must stop bending my knees when coming thru the ball!"  Another is to say, "My head is moving up and down. I am over swinging, or was it posture?." It is important to learn what error you committed in the bad shot. Practice rounds and the driving range let you work on those things.

So, today I am suggesting that because there are so many elements to a good golf shot you must think differently than you have been told. One swing thought? Maybe on the back swing after you take the club back and inside, one swing thought. But, many thoughts must precede the back swing. Here is how I accomplish that.

I have key words rather than swing thoughts. I start with an easy one. Ball position. Absolutely a necessary thought otherwise you'll forget. Before the back swing there is the matter of balance.  You need a word for that. Maybe "balance". You need some reminder about torque in your arms , maybe "torque". Torques lets you build the club/ arm rotation so you don't putt your 5 iron. There is a matter of lift in the back swing. The questions are how much and when to assert - "lift". I find it is different for each club, maybe similar for the 3 & 4 iron but different from the 9 iron for example. A very individual thing. But you have to experiment to find what is best for you.

Does this sound like one swing thought? Of course not. Many necessary thoughts at address and a means of reminding one's self of each in tandem without forgetting one of them. And finally maybe one swing thought in the back swing after all the other thoughts have been implemented at address.

There are a  few words underlined in this lesson. Try to remember them all when you go to the course this week. Like memorizing a poem or lines in  a play. Except much easier than a poem or a part in a play. A few simple words. Very easy and very necessary if you are looking for consistency.

Richard Englefield

Photo Courtesy of Renaissance Pine Isle Golf Resort - Buford, Ga.

 

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9:08:19 AM EST
Feeling Happy

Several months ago I was watching our club pro hit on the range. I walked over to him and asked if he concerned himself with the wrist cock and release. His response surprised me when he said, "It is not really a wrist cock." He also said he did not concern himself with the release. I was previously sure I had to work my hands and wrists to end the dreaded fade or slice I was getting.

Today I think far differently and with far better results. Last summer my older brother Bill and I played golf at Mondbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio.  When we finished he suggested I keep my right hand more relaxed. The tip proved to be very helpful. Ironically, earlier this week, I decided to relax also my left wrist at address before the take away. It worked wonders and made me understand our pro's concept of not worrying about the wrist cock or the release.

With a correct grip pressure and relaxed wrists every thing happens as it should. It only takes a few minutes to learn to accomplish this idea. It is actually very easy and works very well. Relaxing the wrists relaxes the arms, too. Tension is not good.

The experience points out the fact that with most tips we get, advice or whatever, there is usually "more to the story".

Richard Englefield

 

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7:45:37 AM EST
Feeling Surprised

Here is a tip that should help your game and maybe immensely so. Last week we visited Marathon, Florida and played at the par 3 Key Colony Beach Golf Club. We played three times (nine holes) and on the third day I had seven of nine greenies. Two factors resulted in my success.

The first fix involved my right shoulder. At address my orientation was slightly incorrect until I simply moved my right shoulder back or slightly rotated my upper body toward the back swing direction. I was not square with my shoulders. The change made a huge difference in my accuracy.

For longer shots I realized there is rotational strength in my right shoulder to help take the club further away from the ball in the back swing. I added good distance by adding "pull" with the right shoulder.

The second fix brought home a good number of pars when I missed the very small greens. It made sense to me that if I was chunking chip shots I might do as the pros do and hover the wedge above the ball before the back swing. It worked masterfully. It takes into account that the heavier club will descend on attack and therefore why not compensate. A very good idea.

We cannot expect perfection with every shot. Therefore I simply work to improve my percentages. The seven greenies was a significant improvement in my percentages.

Richard

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