B
ut it’s one thing to get out on the course and another to feel like you know what you’re doing. This issue of Fine Lifestyles, we focus on the game and how you can play better. Take, for instance, this tip from Hilton Towa’s Jeff Mitchell, who is a PGA Tour Life Member and the lead instructor at the Towa Golf Club. I have three rules in chipping: land the ball on the green, land the ball on a smooth and level area to help control the first bounce, and hit the ball as low as possible while satisfying the first two rules. To accomplish this, you have to assess the shot, choose the club, and then hit the ball crisply. Hitting the ball crisply demands that you have minimum wrist action. The tendency is to try to “lift” the ball into the air, which causes a lot of wrist involvement. To get the feel of “quiet” wrists, grip the club normally and then take the index finger of the dominant hand (right hand for right handed golfers), and loop it over the top of the shaft. Then place the thumb directly over the middle joint of the index finger. If this feels awkward, good. The goal is to involve the left and right side equally.
Get Ready for
GOLF Summer is finally showing its face in full force here in Santa Fe, and there’s really nothing most of us would rather do than be outside. The rolling green hills of the golf courses in and around the city entice like a hummingbird to a feeder and, luckily for us, we have some top notch courses to play on. Photo by Kerry Gallagher
This “claw” grip will neutralize the right hand just enough to allow the left to lead the grip through the shot and the right to follow. This will help you to have a slightly descending blow with the club, and make it easier to hit the ball first and then the ground. You will get that “crisp” feel and a solid sound. More importantly, it will help you control the distance of the ball in the air, help with that first bounce, and be able to get the ball on the ground where it can roll like a putt. Hit a couple while utilizing the claw and then return to a normal grip. If your right hand is too active, you will notice right away. If it is, go back to the claw for a couple shots and then return again to a normal grip. With a little practice you will notice better contact and more consistent results. Julio “Alo” Brodksy, head pro and PGA professional at Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, offers more general but no less compelling advice. Visualization and mental imagery go a long way when second guessing your swing. If you feel yourself getting too caught up in the mechanics, sometimes the best thing to do is to paint a mental picture of your desired shot, step up and hit it. May your days this summer be filled with your best golf yet!
ABOVE Jeff Mitchell, PGA Tour Life Member and lead instructor at the Towa Golf Club. BELOW Julio “Alo” Brodksy, head pro and PGA professional at Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe.