Tip Of The Month

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

June 2006

Pinehurst #2.
The venerable site of this year's United States Open hosted an exciting finish to this month's championship. Virtual unknown Michael Campbell of New Zealand out dueled Tiger Woods on the final day. Campbell shot an impressive 69. He hit 10/14 fairways, many key iron shots, and made some incredible putts. He deserved to win the title.

I have some history with Pinehurst (a Donald Ross gem). I played four North & South Amateurs and a NCAA Championship there. I remember the narrow fairways, hardpan sand and wire grass (a Pinehurst trademark), turtle-back greens, thick pines, and deep bunkers. Straight driving and pinpoint irons are the key to playing #2 well. The pros really had a tough time as no one broke par. This month's tip involves 4 key elements of Michael Campbell's swing and setup. This allowed "Cambo" to hit long, straight drives and laser-like iron shots. He was a golfing machine that final round missing only three shots.

#1 Set-up-Campbell has a beautiful, athletic posture before swinging. His weight is on the balls of the feet, his spine tilted, and the arms hang relaxed. His body is parallel to the target line. This encourages a swing toward the target which promotes a nice, effortless, free, uncluttered motion.

#2 Grip-Campbell's grip is neutral. This means his palms are parallel to each other. In other words, his "V's" point at his right ear. Look at the picture. Let your arms hang naturally in front of you, curl your fingers. Your thumb and forefinger will form a "V". They must point in the same direction. Just as Cambo's do.

#3 Club-face-Campbell hits the ball with a square club-face. This means the leading edge of the club is perpendicular to the ground at impact. Practice holding a coffee table book between your palms. Swing back and through. Keep your palms parallel to each other until your right arm makes an "L" at the top of your backswing. Then make an "L" with your left arm at the top of your follow through. This drill keeps the club-face square the entire motion.

#4 Swing Plane-Campbell's swing is a 45 degree arc back and through. His club-head swings back on the target line then inside and around over his right shoulder then down from the inside, on the target line, then swings back to the inside then over his left shoulder. Practice swing between two club-shafts on the ground. They should be six inches apart. Swinging between the shafts will help you create Campbell's swing plane. Following and practicing Campbell's keys will definitely improve your ball striking. Who knows, maybe you'll win the US Open?

Tour Golf Jargon. Each month we will be introducing new golf jargon that pro's use while on tour. Now you can talk like the pros or at least understand what they're saying.

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