John Lucas
Get to know your clubs
Published on Wed, Nov 11, 2009 by John LucasRead More Lucas
In all my years in the golf business, I've discovered that most golfers don't understand how their clubs work.
I know this sounds crazy, but it's like a surgeon who doesn't understand the scalpel or the carpenter who doesn't understand a table saw. Well, it's not the scalpel that makes the surgeon or the table saw that makes the carpenter. I would rather have an excellent surgeon operate on me with just the rudiment of instruments than a some chump with the finest OR and tools in existence.
Golfers simply need to know how their clubs work. Yes, a 7-iron is a good selection for a 150-yard shot (or whatever you individually hit for that distance), but here's where the questions start. Are you in the rough? Are you on hardpan? Do you need to hit it high or hit it low? Are you on an upslope? A down slope? Is there any wind and where is it coming from? Where's the pin? Is the pin the best line to try?
It's why the golfer needs to understand his or her clubs and what they can do for him. Because, let's face it, a club is just a club. It depends on you to make it work.
Next time you play nine holes, take just three clubs with you: a 5-iron, a pitching wedge and your putter. Others might look at you funny, but this really will help you understand how your clubs work.
Because in the course of your game, you'll learn how to hit a full 180-yard shot (depending on your ability), a knock down shot, a long chip near the green (with 80 feet of run) and everything in between with just your 5-iron. This literally forces you to understand what's required to make the shot instead of depending on the club.
It'll do wonders for your hand-eye coordination, rhythm and swing speed. It will help you become that envied shot-maker who always seems to save par, no matter what.
Rules Teaser:
In four-ball stroke play, a partner accidentally touches the green while pointing out the line for his partner's putt. The spot where he touched the green was on the line of the putt. Ruling?
John Lucas is the professional at SkyRidge Golf Course and can be reached at john98382@olypen.com.
I know this sounds crazy, but it's like a surgeon who doesn't understand the scalpel or the carpenter who doesn't understand a table saw. Well, it's not the scalpel that makes the surgeon or the table saw that makes the carpenter. I would rather have an excellent surgeon operate on me with just the rudiment of instruments than a some chump with the finest OR and tools in existence.
Golfers simply need to know how their clubs work. Yes, a 7-iron is a good selection for a 150-yard shot (or whatever you individually hit for that distance), but here's where the questions start. Are you in the rough? Are you on hardpan? Do you need to hit it high or hit it low? Are you on an upslope? A down slope? Is there any wind and where is it coming from? Where's the pin? Is the pin the best line to try?
It's why the golfer needs to understand his or her clubs and what they can do for him. Because, let's face it, a club is just a club. It depends on you to make it work.
Next time you play nine holes, take just three clubs with you: a 5-iron, a pitching wedge and your putter. Others might look at you funny, but this really will help you understand how your clubs work.
Because in the course of your game, you'll learn how to hit a full 180-yard shot (depending on your ability), a knock down shot, a long chip near the green (with 80 feet of run) and everything in between with just your 5-iron. This literally forces you to understand what's required to make the shot instead of depending on the club.
It'll do wonders for your hand-eye coordination, rhythm and swing speed. It will help you become that envied shot-maker who always seems to save par, no matter what.
Rules Teaser:
In four-ball stroke play, a partner accidentally touches the green while pointing out the line for his partner's putt. The spot where he touched the green was on the line of the putt. Ruling?
John Lucas is the professional at SkyRidge Golf Course and can be reached at john98382@olypen.com.
© 2009 Sequim Gazette. All rights reserved. 147 West Washington, Sequim, WA 98382 • 360.683.3311 • Email the Webmaster