Tip of the Month

March 2006

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

March signals the start of the PGA Tour's Southern Swing. Five tournaments leading up to Augusta and The Masters. The Ford Championship kicked things off with Tiger Woods winning his second straight title. He scorched the Blue Monster with a score of twenty under par. I had the privilege of watching and filming "El Tigre's" entire practice round. It was an awesome display of power, finesse, and shot making. I particularly remember a "stinger" driver on the 18th hole. It's a 467 yard par 4, one of the toughest holes on the Tour and Tiger wanted a lower flighted drive into the wind. His shot was executed to perfection. A low, boring, heat seeking missile 320 yards down the middle. I can't remember seeing anyone else on Tour even attempting this shot. This is what makes Tiger so special. He has shots that no one else can attempt. Earlier on the 16th hole, after a 330 yard blast left him a 50 yard pitch, Tiger's short game prowess showed. He played a 60-degree lob wedge within five feet of the pin. It was a high, soft spinner that landed like a butterfly with sore feet.

This month's tip revolves around Tiger's power and finesse:

1) Delivery-this is one of the key elements in Tiger's consistent power and accuracy. Notice the club-shaft is pointing parallel to the target line at hip level on the downswing. This online delivery sends the ball toward the target. Check yourself with a mirror or on your practice swing. Notice the club-face is perpendicular to the ground or straight. This makes it easier to square the club-face at impact.

2)Flat Left Wrist at Impact-look at the left wrist at impact. This ensures solid club-ball contact. It's a characteristic trait of all great ball strikers. Practice this by hitting a vinyl bag stuffed with towels or simply hit the ground and hold your position. The wrist must be in line with the forearm. This is the key to Tiger's lob spinner.

3)Extension and Release-Tiger's arms extend and rotate over after impact. The left wrist stays flat even as the arm rotates counter-clockwise. The best drill to realize this position is right hand off at impact. Take small swings and let your right hand come off the club at impact. This forces the left arm to complete its rotation. 90% of amateurs stop this left arm supination. Hit some shots and feel the club-face closing.

4) The Stinger- the key to Tiger's "stinger" is to choke down on the grip two inches, tee the ball a little lower, and abbreviate your follow through, This keeps the hands forward at impact, the left wrist flat, and the radius of the swing smaller.

Work on these tips. They work for Tiger on the Blue Monster. Imagine what they'll do for you on your home course.