Tip of the Month

April 2005

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

Wow! What a finish in the 2005 Masters. Golfers will long remember Tiger Woods incredible chip-in on the 16th green propelling him to his 4th green jacket. His uncanny ability to hit great shots under pressure validates his #1 world ranking. Tiger is on pace to shatter Jack Nicklaus' record 18 major championships. Tiger's re-emerging prodigious drives, accurate iron shots, phenomenal short game, and deadly putting are once again making him the player to beat every time he tees it up. Augusta National is the perfect venue with its towering pines, rolling hills, lightning fast greens, beautiful dogwoods and azaleas, perfectly manicured fairways, and Rae's creek. I watched Tiger win his first green jacket, so I know this course has no equal. This month's tip is about Tiger's "low checker", the shot he used on the 16th hole which found nothing but the bottom of the cup. This shot requires several elements pre-swing and in-swing

Before your shot:

a) position ball even with right instep.

b) hands even with left thigh(well forward of ball)

c) weight on left foot

d) open stance(left foot pulled back 4 inches)

e) light grip pressure

f) use a 54 or 56 degree sand wedge.

During your swing:

a) take enough back-swing to hinge wrists(look at pic)

b) let body pivot slightly on backswing

c) strike down

d) hands must be forward of club at impact and finish position

e) right heel comes off the ground slightly. Use the two-club drill(see pic) to develop feel.

Remember the keys and practice the shot. Hinge and hold the hands forward for a sharp descending blow thus allowing the ball to climb up the club-face. The hands well forward keeps trajectory down. It works for Tiger. It will work for you.

Tour Golf Jargon. Each month we will be introducing new golf jargon that pro's use while on tour. Now you can talk like the pros or at least understand what they're saying.