Tip Of The Month

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

February 2004

Golfing in Wyoming at Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club late September 2003 with Nortoni (my old man) and Alfredo a.k.a Dr. Al Smith was a wondrous experience. Getting there's a long airplane ride but worth it to play where there were more eagles(overhead) than birdies and every fairway offered spectacular views of the rugged range of mountains known as the Grand Tetons. We stayed a week in Jackson Hole, temperature 45º to 70º F, in a log cabin decorated in country western, replete with a rampant grizzly, bearskin rugs, moose and bison heads, and many antlers. The air is clear and there's lot of nature on the golf course. By the 14th tee, there's a good pond reflecting sky and overhanging trees. This day there were more than reflections to be seen. As we stood on the tee box, to our amazement, there, knee deep, stood three live moose. What a gallery?

This month's golf tip features the majestic Tetons and my backswing. You'll notice several features worthy of emulation. 1) My arms have swung back to an 11 O'clock position. The left arm is relatively straight, not stiff. 2) My left wrist is flat, indicating a straight or square clubface. 3) My body has responded to the swing: shoulders turning approximately 90º and hips 45º. 90º-45º are guidelines depending upon your flexibility and length of backswing. 4) My weight has shifted to the right heel (foot flat to ground). Don't get bogged down with the old cliché about not moving your head, as it must rotate to the right on a full backswing. 5) Note, my hands are above my head. From this position a powerful arc is created leading to a dynamic downswing. Picture this backswing on the driving range or on your practice swing. Look at your swing in a mirror. Top golfers have a clear mental picture of the swing they want to happen. With some practice and visualization you'll be hitting them to the Tetons.

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