Tip of the Month

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

February 08: How "U" Too Can Improve

He answers these days to "Aquaman". The sobriquet Phil Mickelson affectionately pinned on him after last autumn's farcical face wash at the President's Cup. During his playing days at the "U" it was "Woodman".

Whatever the moniker, Woody Austin is making a name for himself on the PGA Tour. With a # 30 World Golf Ranking, 3 Tour wins and more than $11 million in career earnings, Woody is one of the top golfers in the world.

Last month, Woody was deservedly inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame. He joins Al Besselink, Nathaniel Crosby, and Paul Desjardins as the only golfers to receive this prestigious honor. Woody will probably be the last golfer to be inducted. He is the lone remaining UM golfer on the PGA Tour. UM abruptly shut down men's golf sixteen years ago amid an Athletic Department budget crunch and Title IX equity requirements."It's very sad that we don't have a golf program in such a nice area with so many golf courses. It'll be sad if I turn out to be the last one",commented Woody.

Although my UM career didn't overlap with Woody's, I have followed his career in junior golf, at UM, and now on the PGA Tour. I remember watching him for the first time in the 1981 Junior Orange Bowl Tournament. You could tell back then he was a player and a real tough competitor.The day after the Induction ceremony we had a re-union of twelve former UM golfers at The Biltmore. In my group was Nathaniel Crosby(the 1981 U.S. Amateur Champ)and Todd Roberts. We had a blast talking about old times and we even played 6 holes with Woody.

This month's tip reveals what I noticed about Woody's fundamentals. An athletic posture at address, a slow backswing, and maintaining a constant spine angle throughout the swing.

1) AN ATHLETIC POSTURE at address allows the arms to hang freely without tension and allows the body to pick up the rhythm of the arms so you can swing, turn, and shift. To achieve this position, stand a 5 iron in front of you and push downward with both palms on the butt of the club. You’ll feel your rear end out, your weight centered and body ready to move

2) A SLOW BACKSWING gives your body time to react to the swinging motion. The golf swing is a measure of time and arms and body have to be synchronized. Watch Woody's swing. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced.

3) MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPINE ANGLE throughout the swing allows you to hit down at impact , correctly taking a divot after the ball. With woods, it allows you to sweep the ball off the turf. Many amateurs tend to rise up as they swing in a mistaken attempt to help lift the ball into the air. Here's a quick drill to help correct this tendency, swing to a finish position and then hold it for a moment, say to the count of three. Then bring the club back down as if someone hit the rewind button. You should be able to get right back into your address position. It's proof you're maintaining your spine angle.

Next time you see Woody"The Aquaman" on tv watch his posture, slow backswing,and constant spine angle. Practice these fundamentals and I guarantee you'll improve. Thanks Woody and may the golf gods continue to shine upon you.