Sport Strike Gold off the tee
In the third of our series of articles from Boothferry Golf Club Professionals Matt Rumble and Simon Appleton, we look at ball striking and its importance.
Quite simply, to hit the golf ball further you need to hit it better, not harder!
Therefore, striking the ball out of your clubs sweet spot on a consistent basis is paramount to success.
If you can't strike the ball well then direction is almost irrelevant.
The way we teach here at Boothferry is to improve the strike so that your approach shots at least get to the green, rather than only make it half way to the target.
A great practice drill is to hit shots with a narrow stance or feet together. This will encourage a steeper angle of attack towards the ball and therefore a more positive downward strike into the ball, instead of a shallow, scooping action.
Should your balance feel restricted with a narrow stance then you can also maintain your original stance width but position more weight on your left side (for right-handed golfers) e.g. 60% - 40% as this will also help in promoting a steeper angle of attack into the ball and therefore a much improved strike.
Here at Boothferry and Spaldington Golf Centre we have an excellent swing training tool called 'Explanar'. This is designed to be used in conjunction with your normal practice sessions and helps not only with correcting swing plane faults but also the downswing and relevant angle of attack into the golf ball.
Most amateurs also try to hit the ball too hard, which can lead to unbalanced swings and miss hits.
As an example of this: when faced with a choice between a smooth six iron or a hard seven iron, most professionals and scratch golfers would hit the smooth 6 iron with a balanced swing.
Needless to say, most club golfers would try and hit the hard seven iron!
Its also worth remembering that two, three and four irons that will occupy space in most amateurs bags could be changed for something far more useable.
We regularly hear peoples' reluctance to use the long irons as they are notoriously hard to strike well and yet they still carry them in their bag.
Nowadays rescue clubs or hybrids (a cross between a wood and an iron) are far more commonly used and accepted within our game, along with the increased use of lofted woods like seven and nine woods. These such clubs are much easier to strike well and get airborne, resulting in more enjoyment all round.
Should you wish to try a rescue club, then please contact us on (01430) 432484.
Finally, here at Boothferry and Spaldington Golf Centre we are offering a family fun day on Sunday, April 6 with FREE golf coaching, games and fun SNAG golf for kids. To book and join us for the day then ring on the above number.
Published on 27th March 2008 in Sport.
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