improving performance
By Beverly Wise Photos By Greg Wise
The Golf 8.5 PlayBook - Reference guide in everyday language to re-enforce my learning
A True eduKaytion for Your Golf Swing I recently booked a lesson with a LPGA Hall of Fame and PGA Member Kay McMahon at Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. At first, her “Golf 8.5” approach, seemed like I had opened the door to an Arthur Murray Dance Studio… 1-23-4 – 1-2 and 3-4, but very quickly after experiencing what those simple steps represented, it felt very comfortable,
and we were set to continue. Kay explained her goals in helping me. 1. Make it simple. 2. De-clutter the “6-inch” attic between my ears. 3. Rethink the way golf is taught. 4. Teach me to how to self-correct instead of self-destruct. And 5. Finally to know where the “Zone” is and how to use it to my advantage, to have Fun. We went through a very comprehensive, yet simple book to
Let’s see what you’ve got… and how we are going to make adjustments that fit you 46
refer back to while I was practicing alone so that I could understand what I should be doing. After a quick video of my “before” swing that Kay had to work with, it was off to transform my swing for the future, with no complicated thoughts! Just 1-2-3-4 – 1-2 and 3-4 and watch the ball fly with a smile on my face. The first four steps are preparation or set-up for each shot… called G-CAP. Grip – Club head – Alignment – and Posture which happens automatically. Imagine that! The second four and 1/2 (or 4.5) steps are the swing itself. #1 - The takeaway or her new term - the “turn away” or often referred to as the 9 o’clock position of the backswing. #2 - To the top position in the swing. #2.5 “The Half” is like an elevator using gravity to get to #3 – over the happy face which is the target line… and then #4 is the finish or the double “L’s”. And there is no such thing as weight transfer… it’s don’t forget to check the run in your nylon. Okay… You’ll have to experience that one for yourself to understand, but it works! This was such a positive day for my golf game. My long time golfer husband… kept assuring me… this is a great way to learn and kept reinforcing everything Kay had said as he watched on in great amazement. Then Kay had to set Greg straight about giving any Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 9
