First days back on the range….

By Tom Ream, PGA Head Instructor at the Pinewild Golf Academy in Pinehurst, NC

To get your golf season started the right way, and keep it going throughout the entire season, there are a four key points that must be addressed: aim, proper grip, sound posture and a practice routine that encompasses the entire game as well as allowing for feedback.

Aim:

Begin all practice sessions by setting down two target shafts. The first one aims directly at your target while the second is aimed parallel left (picture).  The shaft on the right represents the actual target line as well as your golf ball & club face…make sure that the club is perpendicular to the target shaft.  The shaft that is parallel left represents your body lines (feet, knees, hips & shoulders).  Pay specific attention to your feet; make sure that they both remain equidistant from the target shaft.

Proper Grip

Begin gripping the club with the left hand first.  Place the club in the fingers and then rotate the hand to the right so that the “V” formed by the left thumb and index finger points toward your right shoulder (you may also see two knuckles).  The right hand goes on in the same fashion; place the club in the fingers while ensuring that the “V” on your right hand points toward the same right shoulder (picture).  The grip is responsible for squaring up the clubface through impact.  Most golfers that slice have a WEAK grip!

Sound Posture

A simple routine to achieve perfect posture every time begins by standing erect with the gripped club held at waist height.  Now tilt from the hip sockets until the club reaches 2-3 inches from the ground.  Lastly, unlock your knees (picture).  Proper posture promotes sound balance as well as an on-plane golf swing.

Practice routine/Feedback

When you arrive at the practice range make sure that you have a specific game plan in mind.  A sound practice session always includes proper aim, grip and posture.  Once this is achieved then you can move onto specific parts of your swing that need attention (starting the down swing by clearing your hips or keeping your head still and behind the ball coming into impact are examples).  Feedback comes in the form of analyzing your balls flight and can only be accurately assessed if you have set up a sound practice work- station.

For information on schools and lesson plans available with Tom Ream please call or email at 910-235-9191 or academy@pinewildcc.com