New Golfers Need Tips

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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