Tip of the Month

April 2007

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

"These girls rock." It's the theme of the LPGA Tour. My dictionary shows a lot of definitions for the word "rock". Here's the one I find most applicable to the slogan considering five of the top ten are under 21." To have the driving beat typical of rock music." Whether rocking or rolling, the ladies are more talented than ever. Along with the good looks they are showing off long drives, pin seeking irons and perfect putts. The kind of play that has the LPGA and golf fans rocking. Morgan Pressel,Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Julieta Granada, and Brittany Lincicomb provide an infusion of new talent and youthful energy and enthusiasm welcomed by the ladies' tour. Attendence, TV ratings and tournament purses are up. Next time you watch golf check out the LPGA. You'll see competitive spirit and technically perfect golf swings with resultant spectacular shots and the birdies that go with it. Two of my favorite swings belong to Julieta Granada and Morgan Pressel. Watch 'em closely. Take note. You'll be seeing beautiful flowing motions and perfectly rounded swing arcs. At the top, right arms form 90 degree angles perpendicular to the ground, and perfect balance after the shot is maintained.

I watched the final round of The Ginn Championship recently played in Reunion, Florida. On the final hole three players had a chance to be champion. Brittany Lincicome, Lorena Ochoa(World's #1), and Laura Davies(2 victories shy of the LPGA Hall of Fame). Brittany bogeyed to win by a stroke. Davies flunked out with triple bogey. Ochoa had a good chance to win but poor club selection in managing a greenside bunker shot some 40 yards to the pin proved her downfall . She had to negotiate an elevated green and some thick rough just beyond the greenside lip of the trap.She tried to chip out with an 8 iron. Alas, the ball lacked enough carry to make the green and nestled into the rough. She was left with a 60 foot(nine iron) chip to the flag. Alack and alas, the ball rolled ten feet short of the pin. Suffering and under pressure she pushed the putt right for a six.

So here's the tip! It deals with Ochoa's nemesis, the forty yard greenside bunker shot. I like to use a Pitching Wedge (48 degrees) for this shot and play it similar to a normal bunker shot in the following manner. Open the club-face ten degrees then take your grip. Opening the face makes it easier to have the trailing edge of the wedge hit the sand three inches behind the ball and go skidding through the sand. This allows you to take a shallow cushion of sand which will propel the ball out the desired distance. That is the first key.

The second key, make a full backswing. The length and speed of the motion will allow you to comfortably hit the ball 40 yards. Position the ball three inches forward of your sternum, left shoulder higher than the right.

The third key is position the ball three inches forward of your sternum. This will allow your shoulders to tilt to the right. Your left shoulder is higher than your right shoulder.

The fourth key, before stepping into the bunker take your stance and grip and take two practice swings hitting the rake handle with your pitching wedge. This gives you the feel of the club-head skidding or bouncing through the sand. Now look at the bottom of your wedge. The trailing edge should show a scuff or paint mark. It's not that hard, with a little practice, to relax and hit this shot.

Dear Lorena. If only you had me coaching you might have won the Ginn Championship. No matter, you're welcome to the tip.