Tip of the Month

December 2004

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

Golf Tips From The Summit

I was invited and attended the PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit which took place Dec. 9-13, 2004. 900 top teaching pros from around the world gathered at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. This state of the art facility recreates actual scenarios found in the game of golf. All types of target greens to hit to; a 3 hole par 3 course; extensive pitching/chipping areas; nine types of bunkers; plus a 7,000 square foot USGA putting green. There is also a fitness facility with golf specific programs. Eight of Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers spoke during the 3 day session. Topics discussed included one plane versus two plane swings, Stan Utley's putting secrets, David Leadbetter's full swing concepts, and Rob Stocke's technology lesson using the Motion Analysis Technology System by Taylor Made. The one common theme among all the instructors was the arms and body must be synchronized. In other words the club must stay in front of the body when swinging. This month's drill focuses on this point. Look at the picture. I'm hitting shots on a sidehill slope with the ball well above my feet. This keeps the club in front of my body. This allows me to hit the ball squarely and toward the target. Another important key: notice where the club-shaft is pointing at the top of my backswing. It is parallel to the target line. Check this while practice swinging. Following these tips will give you longer straighter shots and a synchronized, effortless swing.