Depending on where you live, this summer has been either great for golf, or somewhat hot to the point of, "I'm glad I made it through this round"!

With the heat and now lack of rain in many areas, some courses are running dry and fast. Much different that the wet and cool springtime conditions.

In working with students this season, I continue to find that even experienced golfers have repetitive flaws in their set-up.  What I see most is an alignment issue, mostly where the golfer lines his/her feet, hips, and shoulders with the target line instead of parallel with the target line. The result is a shot to the right of the target.

The second is a grip issue, with many experienced golfers maintaining too strong of a right hand grip position, and thus hitting at the ball instead of swinging through the ball position. From a swing standpoint, I often see a failure to rotate the lower body properly and transfer their weight to the front foot .  So many golfers, especially men, still over-swing their arms without adequate lower body rotation.

If you need help in these areas please contact me. 

I have been using a dual video system for higher level instruction this season.   One camera is a high speed (up to 1000 fps) unit that better captures swing and clubface positions.

The new "Playing Golf Instruction Manual" has been very well received.  Even golfers who are taking instructor-led lessons are using the chapters in the manual that address their most important areas for improvement.

I have now also made the Playing Golf Instruction Manual available via Thumbtack.  Thumbtack is a company that links customers, in my case, golfers and golf enthusiasts, with potential service providers in their local area.  They have many categories. If you need a local photographer,  computer services, music lessons, or a plumber, handyman, or even a different golf instructor, there may be one offering their services at a reasonable price on Thumbtack. Check it out.

Despite the very warm summer weather, most golf courses in southeast Michigan are in very good condition.  The rough areas have been turning brown, but the fairways and greens have been very well maintained and are in excellent shape.

Keep cool and practice and play as often as you can. Contact me if you have any questions.

Hit 'em straight,

Phil Lawrence