John Lucas
For a better swing, use your senses
Published on Wed, Apr 28, 2010 by John LucasRead More Lucas
See the ball on the center of the club. Simply place the ball on the face of the club. Center it on the club face. Close your eyes and maintain the visual image of the ball on the center of the club face. Now imagine the ball on the ground, the club head moving toward the ball on its forward motion. See the ball and club face coming together, center to center.
In your mind, see the centeredness of contact from various angles, above, below, behind and from the heel of the club. Embellish the center of the club and the back of the ball with your favorite design or color.
Hear the centeredness of contact. Bounce the ball on the center of the club face. Listen to the sound of the ball and club as they make contact. Let the ball bounce around the edges of the club. Listen to the difference in sound. Bounce it back on the center of the club face. Close your eyes. Absorb the sound, its clarity and resonance. Feel the difference that is apparent between centered and off-centered bounces. Notice how solid and steady the centered contact is compared to the off-center contact.
Close your eyes. Absorb the feel of the centered hit. Distinguish the difference in feelings. With these sensory references, you quickly will find the centeredness of contact as you make your swing to and through the ball.
Now approach the ball. By moving your feet, adjust your distance from the ball so the ball is centered in the club face, the club head sole flat on the ground. The ball will be centered more toward the center of your feet with the irons and more toward the front foot with the woods.
If you find yourself repeatedly swinging too high relative to the ball, try standing closer to the ball and let your arms relax. If you are hitting behind the ball, back off a bit.
Point of note: If your clubs don't fit, it will be impossible to make consistently centered contact. See a pro and have him check your clubs.
Rules teaser:
In a difficult lie, a player strikes the ball and hits a rock, causing the ball to go straight up in the air. In disgust, the player swings at the ball in the air. Ruling?
Answer to last
column's teaser:
A player's ball on the putting green lies close to a broken tee. When removing the tee he caused the ball to move. Ruling? No penalty.
John Lucas is the golf professional at SkyRidge Golf Course and can be reached at john98382@olypen.com.
In your mind, see the centeredness of contact from various angles, above, below, behind and from the heel of the club. Embellish the center of the club and the back of the ball with your favorite design or color.
Hear the centeredness of contact. Bounce the ball on the center of the club face. Listen to the sound of the ball and club as they make contact. Let the ball bounce around the edges of the club. Listen to the difference in sound. Bounce it back on the center of the club face. Close your eyes. Absorb the sound, its clarity and resonance. Feel the difference that is apparent between centered and off-centered bounces. Notice how solid and steady the centered contact is compared to the off-center contact.
Close your eyes. Absorb the feel of the centered hit. Distinguish the difference in feelings. With these sensory references, you quickly will find the centeredness of contact as you make your swing to and through the ball.
Now approach the ball. By moving your feet, adjust your distance from the ball so the ball is centered in the club face, the club head sole flat on the ground. The ball will be centered more toward the center of your feet with the irons and more toward the front foot with the woods.
If you find yourself repeatedly swinging too high relative to the ball, try standing closer to the ball and let your arms relax. If you are hitting behind the ball, back off a bit.
Point of note: If your clubs don't fit, it will be impossible to make consistently centered contact. See a pro and have him check your clubs.
Rules teaser:
In a difficult lie, a player strikes the ball and hits a rock, causing the ball to go straight up in the air. In disgust, the player swings at the ball in the air. Ruling?
Answer to last
column's teaser:
A player's ball on the putting green lies close to a broken tee. When removing the tee he caused the ball to move. Ruling? No penalty.
John Lucas is the golf professional at SkyRidge Golf Course and can be reached at john98382@olypen.com.
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