April 2005    Golf Tip Archives

Let’s talk about another facet of your game which if you can improve will lower your scores dramatically. Last month we touched on The Torque Factor and how that can add distance to your game.  Now in order to become the complete “package” you have to add accuracy to your game because the two go hand in hand.

 In basic terms, the golf ball will respond in opposite to how the golf club approaches and contacts the ball. If your swing path (how your club approaches the ball) is outside to inside (right to left for right handers) then the flight  path of  the golf ball will be opposite or left to right, a slice as hackers like to call it. This swing path, if really accentuated, will lose you distance along with accuracy. This is the most common fault among amateurs and many golfers I play with have this problem... (Pinky, Jim).

In opposite terms, if your swing path is inside to outside (left to right for right handers) the flight of the ball will be opposite; right to left or called a draw which many lower handicappers and professionals use in their game. This swing path added with The Torque Factor will gain you added distance and improved accuracy.

 So what drill can we use to accomplish or create this inside to outside swingpath that low handicappers possess?  The trick is to stay “connected” throughout your swing.  A simple practice routine, one that Vijay Singh uses, is the golf glove drill.  Put your extra glove under your left arm pit (for right handers) and insure you keep it there during your backswing, downswing, and most of your follow through.  If the glove falls out your arm pit, your swing is “disconnected” and the angle of your club is approaching the ball outside to inside, causing a slice.

 In summary, the ball will react in opposite to how the club approaches and connects with it.  Our goal is to stay connected throughout the swing which in turn will produce an inside to outside path or worst case, a straight path.  Take this drill to the range and you will be surprised on how you can manipulate the flight of the ball.

 Next month we will discuss where most of the strokes are played in a game of golf; with- in 50 feet of the hole, or short game.  If you can improve this aspect of your game your handicap will lower by 3-6 numbers.

 Til next month, stay in the short grass and I owe you a drink Pauli.

Bill O'Hara