Tip of the Month

July 2007

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

Carnoustie! Never in the Open Championship but I've been there and played the course. This year's tournament was one to remember so I'll set it down in writing for the record. It was a thriller to the final putt. Sergio Garcia led most of the way but relinquished the lead to Padraig Harrington on the 69th hole. Both finished regulation play at 7 under par 277. Harrington put two balls into the Barry Burn on the 72nd hole. Neverless he made a miraculous double-bogey 6. This left Sergio aka "El Nino" needing a par 4 on the final hole to capture the Claret Jug. He missed the eight foot par putt.

The first playoff hole Padraig hit a beautiful 9 iron to three feet and made the birdie putt while Garcia put his short iron approach into the front bunker which led him to bogey. A birdie chance for Sergio on the final playoff hole slid by the cup. Thusly did "Paddy" became the first Irishman in sixty years to capture the Claret Jug.

I played Carnasty in 2005. Jockie"s Burn, Hogan"s Alley, The Spectacles, and the Barry Burn. As if that isn't enough one must consider blustery North Sea winds, the deepest of pot bunkers, thickest gorse bushes and knee high heather. Carnoustie is every golfer's dream but nightmares lurk but forty winds away. It is one of the most difficult courses I've ever played. No siestas from start to finish. Carnoustie! Bills itself "The most challenging course in the world. I'd be hard pressed to refute it.

Padraig Harrington's coach is Bob Torrence, an old fashioned seventy six year old pro from Largs, Scotland. His son Sam Torrence was a successful European Tour player, now a Champions Tour player and served as Captain of the European Ryder Cup team in 2001. The father is a great teacher, old fashioned style. His mouth to ear, no frills, and no video approach has been the perfect tonic for Paddy. They've been working together for eleven years.

This month's tip is an old fashioned way to develop a swing toward the target. Stick a shaft in the ground five yards in front of your ball. The shaft is on your target line. Look at the picture. Use a 6 iron and start with small swings. Your goal is to hit the shaft with the golf ball. When you hit the shaft twice lengthen your backswing. This is a wonderful way to practice hitting straight shots toward the target. Practice this drill. You too might get a little luck of the Irish.