Tip of the Month

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

April 08: Augusta Swings In The Spring

Each springtime The Masters pits the world's best against each other in an arena remarkable for its length, special topographical features and the floral spectrum of gorgeous colors composing the landscape of Augusta National. Fuchsia, indigo,blues, greens, and yellows blowing in the wind seem to tumble as in a kaleidoscope. The history of Augusta National began in 1931 when Bobby Jones acquired 365 acres of rolling terrain,flowering bushes, and towering pine trees from Fruitland Nursery. Envisioning this plant nursery as the site of his course he said, "It seemed that this land had been lying here for years just waiting for someone to lay a golf course upon it".Thus, Bobby Jones, one of golf's all time greats and Grand Slam Winner in 1930, with the help of famed architect Alister MacKenzie, created this jewel for posterity. Aptly, Jones named each hole after a tree or bush like Tea Olive, Juniper, Dogwoods, Firethorn, etc. I was lucky enough to get to the Masters once, 1997, the year Tiger won his first green jacket.On this I agree with everyone, it is one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

This year, 2008, Trevor Immelman became the second South African to wear the winner's green jacket. He shot an eight under par 280, three strokes better than Tiger Woods. The eventual winner started Masters week with a practice round accompanied by compatriot and boyhood idol Gary Player, winner of his third Masters in 1978. This year Gary set the record, playing it his 51st time. Prophetically, Player voice mailed Immelman this message just before the final round:" I know you're going to win."Immelman demonstrated a cool demeanor, machine like swing and the determination despite a final round 75, to hold off many skilled pursuers. Immelman made it look easy at times, yet everybody knows winning The Masters certainly is not easy. He showed resolve and perseverence at every turn. When he needed to hit a key shot or make a clutch putt to ward off challengers, he did. It was quite a display of golf.

Immelman underwent surgery last December 18 to remove a benign tumor lodged beneath his ribs. He didn't touch a golf club for six weeks. "I made a pretty fast recovery, but my game wasn't quite there. I wasn't happy with the way I was playing. I felt I had to start from zero again.

Here I am after missing the cut last week. Now I'm Masters Champion. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard of".

Conditions were difficult the final round. A blowing, swirling wind and cool temperatures made Immelman's win even more difficult. "I knew it was going to be tough out there for us and I knew I had to stick to my game plan, play one shot at a time, and just be tough".

I like Trevor's advice. Many amateurs play without game plan or course strategy. A big part of lowering your score is course management. Playing the percentages like taking enough club to hit the target and not trying to hit a shot through a two foot opening in the trees are two faults among others amateurs routinely make. Formulating a game plan on your home course, sticking to it, focusing on the present shot, and not counting your score before the hole is finished. Good advice for amateurs and pros.

This month's tip: one of Trevor's keys to his machine like swing. Trevor starts with an athletic set-up. Notice my address position. Perfect symmetry, the elbows relaxed and turned a little inwards to create a relaxed triangle between the arms and shoulders.My weight is on the balls of my feet.Now I begin my take-away. The triangle moves together. Notice how the club-head stays outside the hands, yet swings inside the ball-to-target line.That's the combination you should look for in this first move away.Notice how quiet the legs are in all of this as the upper body simply turns and coils over the secure base of the lower body.Trevor actually turns his right foot in slightly at address to encourage this powerful coil.

Most amateurs push the club away too inside then re-route the club over the target line on the downswing.Not good enough.

Try the ONE BALL DRILL for your perfect take-away. Place a ball 6 inches behind the ball you're going to strike. The ball is between your body line and target line.When starting your backswing you should be starting the club-head on the line of play. If you can swing without moving the drill ball you're on your way to the perfect take-away. CAUTION! Do not try this unless you wish to hit the ball longer and straighter.