Tip Of The Month
By John Pallot
Director of Instruction
October 09
Golfdom will never forget the dramatic events and improbable outcome of the 2009 PGA Championship. The best in the world demonstrating golf at it's best. The final eighteen pitted, mano- a -mano El Tigre vs. a player of lesser renown;the now famous Korean Y.E. Yang, new PGA Champ. How'd he do it? After all, Tiger has confidence imbued by four PGA Championship cups already in his trophy case. Until now, he never lost a major after leading or sharing the lead after three rounds.
Y. E. Yang won for several reasons and, for the same reasons, we will become accustomed to seeing his name atop future leaderboards.The reasons: Yang is talented, intelligent, and diligent. He understands the mental game and benefits accordingly. I particularly noticed his stoical attitude, especially evident when he missed a putt and subsequently recovered. He was not fazed at Tiger's presence. It was not Yang who flinched.
According to Brian Mogg, former PGA Tour player and now a top instructor, he began working with Yang in June 2008, "He(Yang) puts less pressure on himself than any golfer I've ever met. You can't say Tiger lost, Y. E. truly won the event." Mogg further stated, " The big thing we needed to work with him on was his grip. Yang's right hand grip was too strong and it was hurting the take-away on his swing."A strong right hand grip closes the club-face on the take-away and inhibits the proper wrist hinge in the early stages of your backswing.
This month's tip further defines the problem created by too strong a grip and how it can be remediated. The proper right hand grip is one that has the palm facing the target. You're shaking hands with the grip of the club.To create the proper right hand grip, place the handle diagonally across the fingers resting against the middle joint of the forefinger. Now wrap your fingers around the grip and your thumb and forefinger will form a "V". That "V" points at your right ear. Y. E.'s old, strong grip had the "V" pointing well to the right and his palm was facing skyward. Improving your grip is an important part of consistent golf. It helped Yang and will help you too.
Previous Golf Tips
2010 : January | February
2009 : January | August | September | October | November | December
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