Tip of the Month

November 2005

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

One of the many ways PGA professionals consistently stand on the cutting edge of golf instruction is regular participation in continuing education. Recently I attended the 2005 South Florida PGA Teaching Symposium at Weston Hills Country Club. Participating as presenters were Jim McLean, ranked #3 teacher in America by Golf Digest Magazine and Martin Hall, ranked #21. Other presenters were Jerry Tucker and Bill Davis who offered outstanding dissertations and fresh, updated views and information on the short game.

Topics covered during the two day symposium were fitness, putting, chipping, pitching, sand play, iron play and driving. Q&A sessions followed each presentation. Attendees peppered presenters with insightful questions. Ensuing discussions were helpful and answers right on point.

Presenter Martin Hall gave an in depth look at swing plane, the club-shaft before and after impact, and the club-face after impact.

Jerry Tucker's talk about putting symmetry and his views on green reading were enlightening. Jim McLean spoke about the 8 Step Swing, The Safety Zone, and The Powerline. Bill Davis made good points on the importance of a set-up station when practicing full swings and his keys to a winning short game.

This month's tip involves the key fundamentals for all types of players as discussed at the symposium.

1. Fitness - Swing a weighted club. This helps to strengthen and stretch the golf muscles. It also encourages an on plane swing which eliminates casting or looping, common faults.
2. Forward Leaning Shaft at Impact - This is a common trait amongst top golfers. The bottom of the swing arc must be in front of the ball. See the photos. To clearly demonstrate I have painted a line on the ground perpendicular to the target line, placed the ball on the line, and hit a shot making a divot in front of the painted line. Practicing this way the student learns to keep the shaft leaning forward, thus de-lofting the club-face. Obviously, this gives you more distance.
3. Arms extended - Both arms must stay extended post impact to hip level. All top players keep both arms close together. To fully understand and practice, hit some punch shots under a tree or imaginary one. Notice how the left arm and club-shaft form a straight line. This is what McLean calls the "Powerline".
4. Swing Plane - One of the keys to consistent shot making is keeping the club-shaft on plane. Use a seat cushion or piece of wood to help you feel your plane. Swing continuously to feel the arc.
5. Swing To Finish - Almost all top golfers finish in perfect balance. Take practice swings with no backswing. Start at an imaginary ball and swing to finish. When hitting balls hold your pose until the ball hits the ground.

So there you have it. Practice these five keys. Your game will improve immensely and you'll celebrate the New Year by playing better golf.