The USGA has a very good instruction and video on how to properly repair ball marks on the green. Here is a link to that instruction.  http://www.usga.org/articles/2018/07/repairing-ball-marks--5-things-every-golfer-should-know-.html#expanded 

Golf Course Review
Over the holiday I wanted to see what was available from a value perspective for playing golf in Northern Michigan. If you are not aware, Michigan has very nice, well-conditioned golf courses nearly everywhere. In the metropolitan areas the pricing is quite reasonable, with many locations offering 18 holes with cart for under $50; some for under $25, even for non-seniors.
In the resort areas, like many norther Michigan locations, the pricing is a bit steeper. Their limited season and the very splendid conditions the courses and facilities are kept may contribute to the higher pricing. The holiday times are prime times for northern Michigan golf.
I decided to go to the Petoskey, Boyne, Charlevoix area for a holiday golf experience. It was July 3 and the boating activities, fireworks, festivals and parties were in full swing.
I visited and looked over several golf courses on July 2 and decided to play a small, kind of out of the way golf course in the East Jordan, Michigan area. East Jordan is located at the southeast end of Lake Charlevoix, between Boyne City and Charlevoix. The course I selected was “The Mallard”.
   

To me, it represents a very nice northern Michigan golf experience at a very reasonable price. It is a picturesque and well maintained 9-hole course. It is not very long, at only 5946 from the tips (white tees), or 5130 from the red tees. I played two 9-hole rounds with cart for $20. The greens are somewhat challenging, but I found them to be a bit slower than those at the courses I usually play in southeast Michigan. The fairways were in very good condition. The rough along the fairways is not too difficult except that there are patches of short white clover that make it difficult to find your golf ball should you miss the fairway and go into one of those areas. For a pleasant up-north golfing experience you may want to consider playing a round of golf at the Mallard Golf Course, off of M-66, near East Jordan, MI.

Instruction
If you have not seen them, I have a couple of new instruction videos on my Vimeo.com/golfinstructioncourses web page (https://vimeo.com/golfinstructioncourses).
Hit ‘em straight!

Finally!
As you can see, I have not been good at using social media and have not kept this blog up to date.
I want to let you know, however, that I have finally revised the golf instruction manual and have completed the instruction videos that complement the instruction courses, and now have the entire program avialable online through Vimeo and my golf instruction courses website. 
This program and process provides the step by step golf instruction that most golfers need to better help them improve their skills or, if a beginner, learn the basics and true golf skills in a very easy to follow and execute process. The program is like taking a vocational school training course. Consider the learning exercises and drills your homework! You do need to complete these, preferably in the order presented, to learn the techniques and skills and improve your game. 
You can see the info video for each course here on YouTube

Or, you can see information about the entire program on my Vimeo golf instruction courses page.

I plan on placing more free content on both the Vimeo and YouTube channel. You can see two interesting clips right now under the "Bonus" material on my Vimeo channel.
I hope this instruction is very beneficial for you. Let me know if you have any questions.
Hit 'em straight.

Newly Added Location - Tags Adventure Golf Driving Range
We are now also providing our golf lesson programs at Tags Adventure Golf Driving Range and Mini Golf complex.
Tags is under new management and is undergoing a very nice upgrade. 

We plan to offer a 4-day golf school program and our 10-lesson beginner program after the July 4 holiday.

If you are in the Hartland area, or the northern Livingston County or Western Oakland County areas,  CONTACT me  to schedule your golf swing evaluation at Tags, or to discuss an appropriate lessons program that meets your needs.

Hit 'em straight!  

Well, Happy 2013.

Lots of snow and cold here in MI.  Nearly time to head south!

Would you like a Valentine long weekend in Daytona Beach, FL?

I have available a 4-night booking for a fully equipped, 1-bedroom Daytona Beach condo where you can enjoy some early season golf, and have a great Valentine's Day long weekend that your significant other will also enjoy!

The one-bedroom Wyndham Ocean Walk condo is available from Wednesday, February 14 through checkout on Monday, Feb 18. Enjoy the excitement of Daytona Beach, the Boardwalk, the great beach, great food, championship golf courses, and this lovely resort. Perfect for a Valentine long-weekend.

Only one unit available during this timeframe, priced at only $699. It accommodates 4 persons but is best for two, especailly during the Valentine's timeframe.   To book contact me directly, or see http://www.golfinstructioncourses.com/golf-vacation for more info.

Hit 'em straight.

Have a great winter!

Phil

Here is a NEW item just added to the holiday gift list in blog article, below.

It's a 51-page book, "Introduction to Playing Golf".  It is great for the novice or beginner golfer who needs to know about golf etiquette, basic rules, what to do when on the golf course, and how to save money practicing and playing.

Add it to the list of four 2012 Gift Specials from the blog article, below.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Phil

We are conducting our very special Intermediate Level Junior Golf program beginning the week of June 25.  Additional programs begin on July 9, July 16, and August 6.

The session is for junior golfers who have already taken beginner golf lesson or who have played a number of times on the golf course and have a good grip and pre-shot routine and are ready to begin learning to improve their contact with the ball, increase their accuracy and distance, and begin learning how to effectively lower their scores.

We limit our group size to only 6 students per session.

Contact us if you have any questions or would like your young student to participate.

Also, be sure to see the new e-book by Stephen Ladd, Golf Training For Juniors.

Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence

 

I am a father, with 3 boys and 2 girls, and so far I also have 5 grandsons. Yes, I am old enough to be on Medicare! In fact, I am.

It seams that when our children were young they always had something for me for Father's day.  Then their life started becoming hectic like mine was for 40 plus years. They had their college years, then work, and now their own careers or families. who are now in three different states.  Us older dads are now lucky to get a phone call or perhaps a card.  Unfortunately, we don't even get many opportunities to play some golf together.  Our true gift has been our children, watching them grow and mature.  Over the last 40 years I have lived several hundred miles from my parents and we could only get together about twice a year, once at Christmas and once during the summer.  More recently it has been less than that. Try to cherish whatever time you can spend with your Father / parents, or with your own children.

If your father is still playing golf, or if you can talk your children into buying you a golf Father's Day gift, check out the specials that I am offering for Father's Day this year. 

If you buy a SwingSpeed Radar with Tempo Timer, I will include the training program, "Improve Swing Speed and Tempo Time:, and the 48-page e-book, "Get More Distance".  Use the Father's Day Code FDJ061712 at check out and you will also receive a discount. In fact, the same code is valid until June 17 for a discount toward the "Playing Golf Instruction Manual", the Golf Buddy World Platinum GPS Rangefinder, and the Swingrite Golf Swing Trainer.

I have been asked if I could place my training programs on a DVD.  A pilot of one of the programs has been very well received, so as time permits, I will work at placing others on DVD, and provide the parallel student manuals via a separate file, or e-book. Students will then be able to choose from either the DVD or the online self-learning / training programs (via the e-learning delivery website).

Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence 

It’s the second week of March and we are in one of the spring-time golf hot spots, Myrtle Beach, SC.

 

I did not come here on a golf package, but rather simply as golfer looking for a location to play some golf at a very good value, provide a review of the courses I play, and to market some of the golf products I offer as well as work at getting ready for the upcoming season.

After looking over the list of golf courses provided to me by the resort where I was staying, and comparing the contracted pricing that is offered at the resorts vs. other options, such as “Golf Now”, and local coupons, the result was slightly mixed, with price to play offered through the resort often the least cost option.

As I also found, if you are a local resident, or a winter-time resident, there is even better discount pricing offered during winter and early spring-time.

 I had two golf days available so I asked some local golfers which of the reasonably priced courses I should play that I chose from the resort’s list of more than 60 golf courses.  A unanimous selection was Shaftsbury Glen, located near Conway, about 16 miles west of Myrtle Beach.  They said it is always in great condition and an example of what premium courses in the area offer.

A second course cited that is here in Myrtle Beach/North Myrtle Beach, is Arcadian Shores, located across from the Tangier Shopping Mall near the intersection of US 17, Hwy 22, and Kings Highway. There were numerous other courses but either their current condition or their pricing did not move them to the most favorable category.

Shaftsbury Glen

Shaftsbury Glen is located on route 905, about 16 miles from Myrtle Beach.

When I first approached the course area I was concerned about housing development around the course, but, as you can see in the pictures, below, the course layout is independent of the housing area. 

There are three key features about this course; (1) every green is elevated and very well protected with significant bunkering, (2) the greens run very true, what you see is what you get, (3) from the tees the fairways are fairly wide, and provide the illusion of no danger, but don't miss the fairway! 

Wide Fairways

 

For the near-scratch player, the course plays to nearly 7000 yards with a slope of 140. For us more challenged players, there are white, gold, and red tees that play at appropriate yardages (6,445, 5,989, and 4,976 yd.).

6,935 from the blue tees

 

Elevated Greens

The clubhouse is quite stately and houses the pro-shop and pub/restaurant. The overall staff was very helpful. 

I had an early PM tee time and the area around the bag drop was somewhat congested as golfers were waiting for their assignments and for carts coming in from golfers who were ending their rounds.  Once on the course, however, the play moved quickly with no wait time.

I was teamed up with Chuck and Cindy, a couple from northeastern New York State. They stay in Myrtle Beach for 3 months each winter and play golf often. They have a good game.

Approach Shots

Shaftsbury Glen more than lived up to my expectations.  It was a pleasure to play. A decent drive followed by an accurate approach shot is important for a good score. I did find a number of the bunkers but they did not cause a problem.  The sand is light and getting your ball out and onto the green should not be an issue. Be sure to look for the best pricing available for the time of year that you are in Myrtle Beach.

Arcadian Shores

Arcadian Shores is a distinctly different course than Shaftsbury Glen.  I was told that Arcadian Shores at one time was a private club.  Every hole is lined with trees. 

There is a large driving range and nice practice putting green just to the left of the clubhouse / pro-shop. It is located just south of Rte 17, near the Tangier Outlets at the South end of North Myrtle Beach. My Greens Fee was slightly more than the Shaftsbury Glen fee, but the course was close to where I was staying so there was little fuel costs.

Driving Range

I had a mid-AM tee time and found the bag drop area and cart assignment area to be a bit congested.  Although there appeared to be a lot of gofers, there was no wait time at the start, as groups were starting on both the front and back nine.

I was placed with 3 lady golfers from Pennsylvania, Helen, Becky, and Charlotte.  They really enjoy playing golf. We started on the back nine.

The overall course is very attractive with trees, significant bunkering, and water, and acceptable condition, but not as good of condition as I thought it would be.

Fairway

The course requires accurate tee shots, as most fairways are tree lined and bunkers protect dogleg corners.  Greens are well contoured and green speed was moderate.

Greens

I was either putting poorly, or was not reading the breaks, because the ball was rolling differently than what I saw, even with short putts. Exact speed is important, as the hole placements were at tournament locations.  Soft lagged putts would roll away from the cup where-as putts with speed would roll far past the hole. 

Course knowledge definitely has an advantage, as shot placement and green knowledge are important for good scores on this course.

Approach Shots

If you are in the Myrtle Beach area, the Arcadian Shores Golf course is a challenge worth playing.  Check current discounts for the best pricing available.

Marathon, Florida 

I once again participated in a golfing event at the Sombrero Country Club in Marathon, FL.  I would like to thank PGA Head Golf Professional Erik Zinn, and the Sombrero membership,  for their hospitality (see my review of the Sombrero Golf Course from Spring, 2011 golf blog, further below).

I am now back in Michigan.  With the mild late winter and early spring weather, many Michigan golf courses are in full operation. The grass is already plush green and the greens fees are very reasonable.  I will be conducting this season's first set of golf instruction classes at the Tanglewood Golf Course Driving Range (South Lyon, MI), followed by on the course playing lessons.  We will be adding a new "shot-making" skills contest to our lessons this year.

Contact me if you have any questions.

Meanwhile, hit ‘em straight.

Phil Lawrence

1. Indoor Putting Practice  

You can really improve your putting stroke over the winter months.  If you have at least 6 to 8 feet of tight knit carpet, like a hallway runner, you can putt from one end to nearly the other.

Putting by itself, however, is not enough to gain improvement.

You need to assure your set up is correct for each putt, assure that you are making a good stroke, and assure that your follow through is directly toward your target line.

Use a coaster, (or if you really want a challenge, use a quarter or a nickel), as your target cup.

Start with 3-ft putts and be sure to (1) take the club straight back or slightly to the inside (not to the outside of the target line), (2) maintain a smooth forward stroke that is about the same length past the ball as your back stroke away from the ball, and (3) follow through straight toward the center of your target / cup.

After you make at least 10 to 12 of these, move back to the 5 to 7 ft range.

Now the key to these mid-length putts is to maintain the same stroke mechanics as you did for the 3-ft putts, AND pick a small spot or mark or color point on the carpet that is about 15 to 18 inches away from the ball and in direct line with the center of the target.

You want to follow through towards, and roll your ball directly over, that dot or spot.

If you miss that spot you will likely miss your target. By doing this, you have changed that longer putt into an 18-inch putt.

After you become accustomed to consistently rolling the ball over the spot, then all you need to do is adjust the length of your stroke for the distance of the putt.

By next season you will be putting great and seldom miss those short and mid-range putts. 

2. Golf Show Specials

Many golf shows are taking place over the next two months. These golf shows are often the best place to make excellent value purchases on golf equipment and training aids.  Often the best prices of the year can be found at golf shows.

Beginning today, and ending on March 31, 2012, we are offering a golf show discount on four of our most popular golf products.

1. The Golf Buddy™ World Platinum GPS  (if you want a golf GPS, this is the one to buy)

2. The SwingSpeed Radar™ with Tempo Timer (One of the highest rated golf training aids - measure and improve your rhythm, swing speed, and swing consistency)

3. The SwingRite Golf Swing Training Aid (For over 40 years this training aid has helped golfers improve their swing, timing, and distance) 

Use the Discount Code  FM201331 during the checkout process to receive your discount. We also provide FREE SHIPPING to the continental US. 

4. The 315 page e-book book, "Playing Golf Instruction Manual" (from the basic setup and pre-shot routine, to maximizing your distance, this very graphic online training manual provides a step-by-step process for improving your golfing skills) 

Keep practicing this winter.  Attend a golf show near you. Contact me if you have any questions.

Hit 'em straight, 

Phil Lawrence

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

With so many courses to choose from in the Orlando area, we had to pick one course to play on the one potentially dry day that we had available.  

 

We had wrapped up our work in Marathon, FL (see March 26 golf blog review of Sombrero Country Club Golf Course) and then stopped at the USGTF offices in Port St. Lucie to discuss online training for golf topics, and also a new golf instruction manual that I have drafted (more on that later this season).

Following another meeting in the Orlando area, we only had one day to avoid the rain and storms and meet with a retired friend from Michigan who now lives in Orlando.

After considering numerous courses, we decided on Orange County National, a public course in Winter Garden (a little west and north of Disney World).

Orange County National was a recent Q-school host site that has two 18-hole courses and a very nice par 3 course.  It also has perhaps the largest, and one of the best, practice ranges available anywhere.

 

A somewhat favorable special rate, especially for my Orange County resident friend, helped in our decision to select Orange County National.

We played the “Crooked Cat” course, which is somewhat a links-style venue that is long (7400 yd. from the Q-school tees) and has surprising trouble areas if you do not keep the ball in the fairway.   

Each golf cart had state of the art GPS capability. The distances provided by the cart GPS were the same as those reported on my Golf Buddy Platinum GPS.  

 

There are several sets of tees where you can choose the distance that you are the most comfortable. You do not have to be a Q-school contender to thoroughly enjoy Orange County National.  Despite the apparently large crowd of golfers, we played at a great pace without waiting and finished 18 holes in a little over 4 hours. 

Our one available day did not provide us the time to also play the other course, Panther Lake.

This is a big week in sports and golf. Congratulations to the University of Connecticut and Butler University, and the Texas A&M and Notre Dame Women, for their basketball successes this season. 

Regarding the Masters, there are certainly several of the pros who are playing very well right now. I think this year’s match is there for the taking by any of the top 10 contenders.

Next week we will be in Michigan, and based on the weather, be ready to start playing some "cool" golf.  

Contact me if you are interested in a lessons program in the southeast Michigan area.

Hit ‘em straight!

Phil Lawrence

Continuing our trip south, we spent the day in Myrtle Beach. Although it has been clear, windy, and somewhat cool for the area, it was a beautiful day.

It is definitely more green and spring-like that it was in New Bern, NC, which is about 150 miles to the north.

We stopped by “The Pearl” golf course on highway 179, in Calabash, NC. It is just north of Myrtle Beach and near several other coastal golf courses.  The fairways and greens were an attractive green and appeared in very good condition. The surrounding rough was still brown and winter-like, but trees in the area were budding nicely.

The Pearl has two 18-hole courses. One (the East; up to 6,793 yd) is tree-lined, and the other (the West; up to 7,006 yd) is links oriented and runs along the Calabash River. Both appeared challenging and had five tee box locations to help take the bite out and put the fun in.   

The clubhouse/ restaurant/pro-shop is full service with friendly and helpful staff.

Ideally we would have liked to experience both courses.  The online greens fee on March 2 was $50 for either course. The rates go up as the season progresses. Unfortunately we had to move on and did not have time to play.  

We did spend some time at one of the driving ranges in Myrtle Beach. There was a constant march of golfers warming up for the season. A large bucket of balls was $15.

 

We are heading to south Florida in the AM and will be on the road all day (and probably all evening).

For the Detroit area, the Golf Show is being held in Novi, Michigan this weekend. If you’re in Michigan be sure to attend as there are many good deals on equipment and supplies.  AND REMEMBER, we are still offering our key training aids and the Golf Buddy Platinum GPS at our show discount pricing.

Stay tuned for our trip updates.

Hit ‘em straight.

Phil Lawrence

Golf shows are in full swing across the country, even here in the frozen north and in the very snowy mid-sections.

We are now providing our golf show specials. The NEW discount code (to place on your order form to receive the discount) is DJ120111.

I know you are anxious to get out and start the season. Be sure to loosen up and get your swing in order before you start blasting away.

There is no better time to check out products and make good buys than during golf show time.

Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence

Here in Michigan playing golf is basically shut down. Below zero wind chills and several inches or more of snow have closed even those courses that try to remain open in the winter.

There are two elements of game improvement that I think are appropriate for a brief discussion, especially over the winter and heading into next golf season. 

The first is maintaining some level of physical condition over the holidays and during the winter time. The second is whether everyone should get fitted for a new set of golf clubs.

1. Maintaining Fitness Level

Regarding a no-cost and simple process for maintaining some level of flexibility and fitness, I have suggested the  Joel Harper exercise program, "Firming after 50".  The upper body and the lower body workouts are all you need to maintain your flexibility and fitness. (Available from PBS (public) TV at http://www.dptvmedia.org/Joel-Harpers-Firming-After-50-DVD-p359.html.)

2. Getting Fitted for New Clubs

Many people will purchase new golf clubs for the holidays.  Are they the right equipment for you? 

There are great holiday sales on golf club sets, specialty clubs, and other golf equipment.  (We provide great pricing on the products that we offer (e.g., golf gps, Swing Speed Radar, SwingRite). For the next several weeks, use our discount code DJ120111 during checkout to receive your customer appreciation discount. Currently this discount is available for all products.)

Should you be fitted for your golf clubs by an experienced fitter?  Let me offer a brief real-world story that might help you with this decision.

I have a golfing friend who typically shoots between 95 and 105 or higher.  He has a decent pre-shot routine and practice swing, but when he gets over the ball he develops a Charles Barkley like syndrome, as he significantly shortens his back swing and then chops at the ball with his forward stroke.

He decided that he could improve his game if he was custom fit for new clubs.  He went to a well known fitter in the area who optimized the length, grip, loft, lie, shaft flex, swing weight, head design, etc.  for his particular swing.

Since receiving his customized golf clubs he has yet to break 100.  He said that he likes the feel of his new clubs, but his shot dispersion, inconsistency, and score have not improved.

For those of you who have taken our online golf instruction courses, you know that I emphasize that if your typical score is much above 90 you should improve your game through appropriate lessons and practice using your existing golf clubs before you get fitted for custom golf clubs.  

I know this is contrary to what many golf instructors and golf fitters state.  I believe, however, that with appropriate lessons you will improve your swing plane and perhaps your swing speed. These improvements will likely change the shaft selection and perhaps other parameters that are used to determine a proper fit.

For example, in the case of my friend, he consistently comes over the top because he swings hard with his right arm and shoulder.  He does not allow the swing to actually swing.  He hits at the ball primarily with his right hand.  He abbreviates his backswing and then starts his forward stroke with his arms instead of with his weight shift and hip rotation. 

A one-hour lesson and a few days of practice time would help him get the top of his back swing to a proper position so he could rely on the swing of his left arm and his hip rotation to bring the clubface back to square with the target line.  This would increase his swing arc and his swing speed and keep his swing path inside the target line, regardless of which clubs he used.

The first step toward improvement is to identify your weakest points and put a plan in place to make an improvement in those areas.  For many golfers, even experienced golfers, the weakest points are with their set-up and basic swing.  If you cannot determine what faults might be causing your weak or dispersed shots, then be sure to work with a golf teaching professional to make certain that you are placing yourself in a good position so you can make a good shot.  If you can work on your own, consider our online golf instruction courses, beginning with "Set-up, Swing, and Success".  If you are in Michigan, contact me.  I will be glad to help.

Keep in golf shape and Hit 'em straight,

Phil Lawrence

Http://www.golfinstructioncourses.com  

Keep your golf game going!

Golfing has been great this autumn.  The weather in Michigan has cooperated. Courses have been maintained in great shape and the beauty of the colors of the foliage, the angle of the sun, and the deep green of the grass is stunning.  A true bonus is the greens fees. They are at their lowest of the season. You can play 18 holes with a cart for less than $20 at many very nice golf courses.

Now in mid-November, most of the leaves are now off the trees and also off the fairways and greens.

After a summer of golf one would think that our golf swing and our golf game is at its best, but this is not necessarily the case.  If you have reduced your practice time then you might not be as sharp as you were in mid-summer.  In addition, although the scenery is beautiful, the cool temperature might tighten muscles and reduce flexibility.  The effects are less distance and greater dispersion among shots.  Add a minor sore throat or a slight cold or autumn allergy and you can almost count on a few more errant shots. 

There are two elements required to get back to your normal good game. The first is to continue a practice regimen.  Keep your swing in rhythm and maintain your touch with at least 10 to 15 minutes of practice each day and at least the same before you begin your round of golf.  The second is a strong mental focus.   Although the scenery is nice and the cold muscles are not responding as they perhaps should, a sharp focus on shot execution is required.  Remember, align, visualize the shot, go through your pre-shot routine, take your shot.  

In the north country, enjoy these last few weeks of autumn golf and keep your game going strong. In more central and southern regions, you have the opportunity to play most of the year. Don't give up your practice time. Keep your game sharp all year long.

If you are looking for a holiday gift for your golfing friends or family members, look at our SPECIAL HOLIDAY DISCOUNT Pricing for high value products, like a Golf Buddy GPS range finder, a Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer, the SwingRite golf swing trainer, or the SwingRite Home Run Hitter. 

Keep practicing and hit 'em straight!

Phil

Golf Course Reviews

Well, autumn is already in the air in Michigan. The cool wind and daytime temps in the 60's and low 70's is "refreshing" to say the least.

This is the time for great golf. The green fees are lower, the courses are in excellent condition, the early color changes are just beginning, and there are good discounts on quality golf equipment.

We recently played three courses and found each one to be good values and true challenges to your golfing ability.  Rolling Meadows Golf Course in the Whitmore Lake / North Territorial area provides challenge with tough pin placements on somewhat domed greens.   The course was in very good condition and the green fees with cart were in the $25 range.  Less $ if you prefer to walk.

The 2nd course we played was the Huntmore Golf Club, just north of Brighton, MI.  This course has an impressive layout and requires a cart as the distance between several holes is quite far.  Five tee placements provide for distances from 7105 yards down to 5244 yards.

This course is not for the faint of heart.  Good course strategy is required to score well, as errant shots are often not recoverable. Bring extra golf balls.  Smart play, however, can take the teeth out of the fairway challenges, but great putting is required on the greens.  To score well you must enjoy firm and very fast.  Play your approach shots under the pin to avoid down-slope or cross-slope putts.  Sign up for their e-club to receive discounted green fees (some in the $25 range).

Our Golf Buddy GPS Rangefinder was very beneficial at the Huntmore, accurately displaying each hole layout and providing the distances to, and over, the many hazards.  Remember, for a limited time we are providing free golf instruction to persons who purchase a Golf Buddy Platinum GPS rangefinder.   That's an instructor-led session for persons in Southeast Michigan, or an online training course for persons in other areas. See http://www.golfinstructioncourses.com/golf-gps or contact me for more information.

The third course we played was Indian Springs Metropark, located on White Lake Road, east of Pontiac.  The course conditions were excellent and the scenery was beautiful.  We also provided a review of this course last year (located further down in the blog articles). There is a large distance gap between the white tees and the senior gold tees, which are relatively similar to the forward red tees.  The white tees play at a little over 6400 yards while the gold tees are about 1000 yards less.   Regardless of which tee box used, the key to success at this course is a well positioned tee shot that allows an unrestricted approach shot to the green.  Greens were in very good conditions and putting speed was reasonable.

Don't put your clubs away. Enjoy more golf this autumn.

Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence

GOLF SEMINAR: AUGUST 15, at Tanglewood Golf Course, 53503 W 10 Mile Road, South Lyon, MI. 

The seminar is FREE and will begin at 10 AM.

For southeast Michigan golfers, we our providing the special golf clinic that discusses and demonstrates the benefits of the K-vest and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) swing evaluation and fitness process, followed by methods to help you improve shot consistency, swing speed, tempo time, and distance. 

It is about 90-MINUTES in length. Some personal assistance time may be available for attendees after the seminar.

Phil

Distance Measurement and Golf GPS

As our students know, we focus heavily on knowing the distance and consistency that you hit each club, and we always focus on keeping the cost of practice and playing golf at an affordable level.

All golf courses have some type of distance/yardage markers, such as posts, bushes, sprinkler heads, and the like, that indicate the distance from that specific location to the center of the green.

    

In our training program we have demonstrated manual tape and rope measurement methods during practice sessions for measuring distances. These methods are very accurate and affordable, but are a bit time consuming and work best when you have a helper or partner learning or practicing with you.

There are two electronic devices commonly used by golfers for measuring distance. These are Laser Range Finders, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

Laser rangefinders are accurate and help identify distances to an object, such as a flag on a golf course, a post or tree, or a golf cart near a bunker, etc.,  They are limited in their capability, however, with regard to identifying features of the course, green size, etc.

The use of GPS for golf has been available for several years. Most high end devices have seen good reviews with regard to accuracy and dependability.

With competitive models, and now cell phone use models available, the cost of GPS use for golf has  become reasonable, especially when looking at the features that are available and how they can help you improve and better enjoy your game.

GPS technology uses existing satellite signals to locate a position anywhere on earth where the signals can be acquired.  Nearly all golf courses are open areas where the signals can easily be acquired, thus providing for quick and accurate location identification.

Golf GPS units have data available for most golf courses throughout the world.  The information is either already loaded on the GPS unit, or you can download it from an Internet web site.

Some GPS manufacturers require a subscription to a download service, or require an annual subscription fee, while others do not.  New App's for Internet-capable cellular telephones now also provide GPS and other information for many golf courses.

Some golf GPS devices can be used for all levels of play, practice, and competition, and are approved for use under the USGA "Rules of Golf", while specific units that provide slope or angle information are not allowed for sanctioned competition under the rules.

Most newer models provide golf course information about the distances to hazards from each of the different tee locations, distances from fairway positions to the front, center and back of the green, and some provide information about the size and contour of the green.

All models provide you with your current position and the distance to the center of the green.

A significant advantage to using a golf GPS device is that you can repeatedly measure each of your golf club distances under golf course playing conditions. These data could be recorded for comparison with your practice distances to further help both your practice sessions and your on-the-course play.

By popular request, we now have available select GPS units, the Golf Buddy World Platinum and the Golf Buddy Tour.

We have looked at various models and decided that (1) the Golf Buddy provides the features that our students and blog readers could benefit the most, and (2) we could provide the Golf Buddy models to our students at the most competitive price.  Remember, as one of our students you could qualify for student pricing for most products, including a GPS unit.

    

In addition to our instruction on how to better manage your game using GPS, we include our online training course, "Improve Your Swing Speed and Tempo", and we include FREE SHIPPING to the continental US.

Click on the link below to learn more about the Golf Buddy GPS units and how they could help improve your golf game and fun on the golf course. 

 Golf Buddy World Platinum and Golf Buddy Tour Models

If you are one of our registered students, please contact us for your student price.

Seminar: If you are in the Lansing / Okemos, Michigan area don't forget about our golf swing seminar on July 31 at College Fields Golf Course in Okemos, Michigan.  See previous blog article, below.

Have a good summer golf season.

Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence

 

Golf Swing Improvement -- K-Vest and TPI Golf and Fitness

It has been a while, but I think you will all find this very interesting.

All serious golfers strive to continuously improve their abilities. Even the best professionals have changed their golf swings with focus on improvement and consistency (more fairways hit, more greens in regulation, closer to the cup approach shots, etc. ).

There are at least 4 schools of thought regarding swing changes.

1. Leave well enough alone. That is, if you are doing well, don't fool with it, or, "if it ain't broke, don't go a fixin' it".

2. Everyone has their own basic swing characteristics, for example, Jim Furyk,  Mike Weir, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Moe Norman, Jamie Sadlowski, and Jason Gore. Use that swing and work on ball flight, shot consistency and accuracy.

3. Continually work on improving your swing. Fully study and evaluate swing positions, potential power leaks, ball flight characteristics, optimum equipment fitting, etc. and focus on improvements that will optimize performance and minimize any flaws.

4. Hey! I don't have enough time to practice, more or less work on swing changes.  Let's just play some golf!

The level of effort that you choose for working on improvement is personal. If you plan to compete with PGA tour professionals then you likely know the commitment that you must make. If you are competing with yourself to improve your game and lower your handicap, then either number 2 or 3, above, should start you in the right direction.

I work with all age golfers of different skill levels, although most are the average golfers who play on an occasional basis.

But, I spent most of my life in the world of industry where striving for continual process improvement is a daily requirement. So despite the fact that I am old, overweight, and have already had one heart attack, I want to continually improve my golf ability, and I want to find ways to better help my students with their game.

With this in mind, I decided to go through a more technical evaluation of my swing and see how it compared to players on the PGA tour.

K-Vest and TPI Swing Evaluation Process

A process that has been reported to provide a scientific evaluation of the golf swing and compare each swing to the typical swing of tour professionals is the K-Vest and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) swing evaluation process.  I had heard about this in the past but did not pay much attention to it. 

During the winter I had fallen on ice and afterward had significant pain issues with my hips and legs. After an MRI, EMG, and other evaluations, my doctor sent me to physical therapy sessions.

The PT sessions were conducted by Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan staff at Novi, Michigan.  Katie Shea, DPT, and PT assistant Alison were excellent. They provided specific therapy and a series of exercise routines that helped minimize the hip and leg pain. These were focused at strengthening my core muscles in the pelvic area. (FYI, stationary pedal biking helped me the most to minimize my hip pain.)

A few weeks after I finished those sessions I was at a golf show and I met a physical trainer who is also TPI certified.  I decided to participate in a K-vest and TPI evaluation to better understand that process and to see if it could provide another step toward additional improvement and a higher level of play.

My session was conducted by Maria Carroll. Maria is a certified Titleist Golf Fitness Instructor Level 3 and is a physical therapist assistant in Lansing, Michigan. She is also a certified PGA Tour Fitness Consultant, and certified personal trainer.  She specializes in golf rehabilitation for persons who have been injured and want to be able to play golf again. (Contact Maria at maly57@live.com).

The K-vest / TPI evaluation is a two-part process. For part 1, you wear the K-vest. (Based on my session, the K-vest is comfortable and does not interfere with your swing.)

As you swing, the K-vest measures the rotation and positions of your thorax area (upper body) and your pelvic area (lower body) and sends this information to a computer. The data is presented in a series of graphs and also in 3-D graphics.

For each of 4 positions during the swing, the Address, Top, Impact, and Finish positions, there is a data range that is typical for tour professionals. Your swing position data is compared to these ranges. 

Example: Generic graph

Additionally, the graphs compare the upper and lower body rotations during the swing.  There are suggested parameters as to when and where the lower and upper rotations should occur and be positioned during the swing. These parameters parallel the swing position ranges of top professional golfers.

 

You can address the ball and slowly move through your swing positions and watch the computer screen 3-D graphics to see when you are within the suggested range and when you move out of the suggested range.

In my case, at address I was 0° square to the target line (both hips/pelvis and shoulders/thorax).  Typical tour professionals have a slightly closed stance with their thorax / upper body in the 7° to 17° range.

 The swing evaluation process also provides other data, such as your kinematic sequence (speed sequence from pelvis, thorax, arms, and club), and your spine rotation during the swing.

Part two of the session provides the evaluation, further evaluates your flexibility, and recommends a course of action based on the findings.

The K-vest / TPI findings

Despite good golf shots, my ability to create a swing that is in the comparable range to that of the tour pros was hampered by my lack of upper body rotation flexibility, marginal hamstring and leg flexibility, and my overall lack of good physical conditioning (I'm not 30 years old any more!). 

I had more than enough hip and pelvic rotation, but not enough upper body rotation in relation to the pelvic rotation. I coined the phrase "swollen core" (i.e., a protruding, overweight abdomen), and told Maria that it was getting in the way of good upper body rotation.

To better describe the upper body rotation vs. the overall rotation, Maria had me stand straight with my arms crossed with fingers touching my shoulders, and then trying to rotate my upper body without any hip rotation. This would provide the increased torque that would help increase swing dynamics.

Maria said that the focus of an improvement program for me would be to work on (1) my upper body flexibility, (including shoulder rotation without rotating my hips), (2) my overall core strength, including hamstrings and legs, and (3) reducing my "swollen core", i.e., lose some weight around my mid-section.

Interestingly, in a Golf Digest article, (Autumn, 2009 timeframe) Tom Watson suggested that as you become older and your flexibility decreases you must use your hips more to get the rotation that you need.

Even though it was demonstrated that I have good hip/pelvic rotation, despite my age I should improve my upper body flexibility and my overall flexibility and strength.  This will help my golf swing and my overall health.

For me, I see a two-fold benefit from the K-vest / TPI session and Maria's suggestions. The primary reasons for me to improve flexibility and physical fitness are to help avoid future injury, especially back injury, and to be able to continue playing golf and work at my own continual improvement.

A second benefit of being familiar with this process, however, is that I can provide greater help to my students. I can pay better attention to their fitness level and stress the importance of maintaining good physical condition with the help of a certified personal trainer like Maria. I can also pay closer attention to the kinematic sequence of movement from the pelvis, chest, arms and clubhead.

For example, I typically have students hold their lag position during the forward stroke, but a greater focus on the overall transition, including a delayed lag, may help students acquire a smoother, more consistent stroke. 

A video of my K-vest swing evaluation and fitness session can be viewed via the training website. Contact us to receive a password to login and view the video.

My Next Steps

Maria's suggestions provided a personal exercise plan to help improve my flexibility and core strength. The exercises take about 40 to 45 minutes and are similar to, but more aggressive than, those that I was completing for my physical therapy sessions.  Contact Maria at maly57@live.com if you want to customize a K-vest and "get fit" program for yourself.

Before you begin any exercise program consult with your personal physician to assure that you are healthy enough to begin a fitness program. Follow his/her direction.

Unfortunately, my ability to sustain a very aggressive fitness routine has been hampered by repeated injuries to old sport injuries and other injuries, including issues with both hips.  At my age and marginal fitness level I have found that I must pursue a less vigorous effort in order to continually work at improving my physical fitness.

Persons younger than me, or those who have maintained their fitness level better than I have, should not have any problems with the more intense fitness routine.

There are two programs, however, that I found work well for me and that I am able to routinely complete.

First, I have been able to resume the injury-focused personal exercise program that I was provided with by the DMC physical therapists.  That program was developed over several PT sessions, and those exercises are similar to the exercises that Maria offered during the fitness evaluation.

For us older, or less fit persons, a second program that I have tried that provides me an excellent workout without excessive stress is available to everyone via public TV. The Joel Harper DVD series of workouts, titled "Firming After 50", (Upper Body and Lower Body workouts) demonstrates 3 fitness levels of activity and provides excellent cardio and core strength-building fitness programs.  (Available from public TV at http://www.dptvmedia.org/Joel-Harpers-Firming-After-50-DVD-p359.html.)

Almost anyone should be able to complete those exercises, with permission from their personal physician.

As my fitness improves I may be able to increase the level of effort and resume the more aggressive program.

What should you do? Don't wait. Keep in golf shape and health shape. Start your own physical fitness activity program today. Make this golf season your best golf season ever.

I do believe that improving my level of fitness will help me continue to enjoy playing golf and teaching golf.  A K-vest golf swing and fitness evaluation program like Maria offers can help better golfers understand their swing, improve their fitness level, and become even more competitive.

An appropriate personal fitness program can help everyone better enjoy playing golf.

Contact me if you have any questions or comments regarding this article or the online golf instruction training courses, or if you would like to view the video or participate in an instructor-led Golf Training Program in southeast Michigan.

PS. Be sure to ask about our 2010 early season student specials for the SwingRite golf swing trainer and the Sports Senor's Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer, and about the new DVDs.

Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence

  

Summer Golf Vacation (continued) Timber Trace

Timber Trace golf course is north of M-36 just west of Pinckney, Michigan.

This course also requires carts as a number of the holes are a significant distance apart. The course is in very good condition and a pleasure to play.

Tee and slope options present good challenge for all levels of play. (Championship tees are at 6838 yards / 129 slope; Middle tees are at 6104 yd / 122 slope; Forward tees are at  5726 yd / 118 slope (123 for women)). Greens are in excellent condition and pin placement can lead to significant challenge.

 

Trouble along the fairways includes strategic bunkers, wetlands, and significant tree-lines. To score well you must stay out of the trees.

 

There are a couple of homes along the course that could get in the way of an errant shot. Various wildlife is usually present along this course.

Practice facilities are excellent and include a driving range, bunker area and putting green.  The clubhouse facilities are very good and the grill has good food at reasonable prices.

Green fees are $45 on weekends/holidays and $35 weekdays.

Senior (age 55+) rates are $25 weekdays and $35 weekends and twilight rates start after 2 PM. They are $25 on weekends and $20 weekdays. Phone 734-878-1800. 

 

 

 

 

 

Indian Springs

The Indian Springs MetroPark golf course is off of White Lake Road, near White Lake, Michigan (north of M-59, northwest of Oakland County Airport / Pontiac).

Like most Huron-Clinton MetroPark Authority (HCMP) golf courses the teeth is in its length. The middle tees are nearly 6474 yards and the championship tees are at 6688 yards.  The course is in excellent condition with challenging but very playable fairways and greens. 

 

Keep the ball in the fairway and you can score well.  Despite the length you can walk this course and have a very enjoyable day.

Practice facilities are good and include a driving range and putting green.

Green fees are $39 weekends / holidays ($26 walking) and $35 M - F ($22 walking). Weekday Senior (over 62) rates are $15 walking and $25 with cart. A MetroPark annual sticker or a $4 park entry fees is also required.  Phone 1-800-234-6534.

The food at the grill is good (breakfast specials also available) but we chose to go to the nearby White Lake Inn, on Ormond Road, about 1-mile south of White Lake Rd. The food there is excellent and the experience on the outside patio overlooking the lake is very enjoyable.

 

Please see the next Post.

Summer Golf Review, continued

Huron Meadows

Huron Meadows golf course is south of Brighton, Michigan, east of US-23 and north of Silver Lake Rd.

It is in very good condition and is an excellent HCMP golf course.  Practice facilities are also excellent and include a driving range, a bunker practice area, a chipping and pitching practice green, and a large putting green.

 

 Although it appears fairly open, there are many elements in addition to length that present challenge. 

 

Strategically located trees, doglegs, bunkers, and large greens with significant roll and tough pin placements present adequate challenge for most golfers.  Wildlife such as deer, foxes, coyotes, sandhill cranes, bluebirds, and geese abound.

One of the very attractive and challenging holes at Huron Meadows is No. 9.

  

This 467 yard par 4 (white tees are 456 yd) requires a tee shot that must travel over a pond  and avoid the large tree on the right that protrudes partially over the fairway. Go too far left, however, and you are in pine trees, or worse, out of bounds.

 

Most golfers cannot reach the green in two. Be sure to choose the tee box that is within your capability level. The forward tees reduce the angle and the distance over the pond.

The green for No. 9 is very large with a lower and upper tier and sand traps on the right side and over the back.

There are good clubhouse facilities, including a meeting room, but the grill has a very limited menu.  There are a number of good restaurants a few of miles north of the course on Whitmore Lake Rd, paralleling US-23.

 Green fees are similar to other MetroParks, $39 weekends / holidays ($26 walking) and $35 M - F ($22 walking). Weekday Senior (over 62) rates are $15 walking and $25 with cart. A MetroPark sticker or a $4 park entry fees is also required.  Phone 1-800-234-6534.

Golf Vacation Summary

The variety of golf course experiences in southeast Michigan can offer you challenge and a great day of golf that will meet your expectations and your budget requirements.  What I find is that playing a course for the first time often makes you want to play it at least one more time. You know that you would play certain holes differently if you knew the course a little better, hence, a second chance.

For each of the courses mentioned above your putting ability and your short game skills are important if you plan to score well. Tee shot accuracy is especially important at Moose Ridge, Hunters Ridge, and Timber Trace.

Contact me if you or your friends or family members need some help in these shot-making areas, or consider one of our online training courses that address the area where you need help the most.

Until next time. Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence

 

Speed Measurement

Swing Speed and Tempo Time was measured using a "SwingSpeed Radar™ with Tempo Timer", a device that uses Doppler Radar to make very accurate speed measurement.

Distance Measurement

Distance was measured via a pre-marked rope that extended from the 200 yard center of the fairway to the 300 yard center of the fairway. The actual measurement was then taken and reported by our event coordinator/volunteer.

Data (The data provided is based on the survey participants.) 

• Swing speed range for men was 79 mph to 122 mph with the average being 105.
• Swing speed range for women was 71 mph to 94 mph with the average being 79 mph  (Note: only 7 ladies participated in the measurement survey).
• Tempo time range for men was 0.78 sec to 1.40 sec with the average being 1.03
• Tempo time range for women was 0.88 sec to 1.47 sec with the average being 1.28 sec.
• The longest drive for men, approximately 270 yards, came from a swing speed of 109 mph with a tempo time of 1.14 seconds.
• The longest drive for women, approximately 215 yards, came from a swing speed of 94 mph with a tempo time of 0.88.

Observations

1. A  number of golfers did not participate in the measurement survey because they believed that the presence of the measurement device would break their concentration on the shot.

Based on the data and observations, there did not appear to be any difference between the number of good drives (those in the fairway or playable near the fairway) vs. poor drives (those that significantly missed the fairway), whether the measuring device was present or not present.

That is, even for those golfers who did not participate in the measurement survey, the number of poor drives was about the same as for those golfers who elected to participate in the measurement survey.

2. For the 20 men participants who's driver shot landed in or near the fairway, the average tempo time was 1.02 sec with an average swing speed of 110 mph and an average distance of 243 yards.

3.  Men with higher swing speeds may not have achieved the distance for which they had potential due to several factors. These include club head loft, club shaft flexibility, swing path, applied power / body position, ball selection, the location on the clubface where contact occurred with the ball, etc. 

A number of high swing speed drives went very high in the air to the point of losing potential distance while others were lined, low-trajectory drives that did not have enough air-time carry to acquire a longer distance.

PLEASE SEE NEXT POST FOR CONTINUATION OF THIS GOLF INFORMATION / DATA

Getting More Distance

Despite all of the commercial advertisements, there is no simple formula or easy fix for acquiring more distance. There are, however, proven methods to help a golfer increase swing speed, applied power, and driving distance, as well as iron shot distance. You learn, practice, and improve. See our training course, "Get More Distance".

Elements that help all golfers gain more distance include primarily optimizing your set up and grip, your swing path, your angle of attack toward the ball, the position of your weight and your balance when contact is made with the ball, your release point of the golf club during your swing, and several other elements. 

Equipment factors such as the loft of the clubface and the shaft flex and bend point in relation to your type of swing and your swing speed are also important, as is using a ball designed for your swing speed and optimum ball flight trajectory. 

Summary

Measuring swing speed and tempo time with a focus on improvement can help a golfer become more consistent and accurate with each of their clubs, increase their swing speed, and gain more distance.

I hope you found this information interesting and of some benefit for your golf game. 

Small non-profit organizations often provide significant benefit to community residents but generally do not receive charitable donations provided by large commercialized activities such as PGA tour events.

Your participation in an event such as the Novi Jaguar's FC Golf Outing can be fun for all and, most importantly, provide funds for worthwhile organizations that help children learn and grow, and receive a better education.

The Jaguar's golf outing raised several thousand dollars for their scholarship fund. Look for events such as this that are sponsored by your favorite charitable organization.

Other Information

The Cattails Golf Course is a very challenging course that is in excellent condition and is very affordable to play. Bring some extra golf balls. There are a lot of locations on the course to permanently misplace the one you begin with!  Cattails is located in the South Lyon, Michigan area, west of Novi and north of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

There are numerous golf courses in this area that provide a challenge to all levels of golfers and most provide very reasonable golf rates.

Earlier this week I played Coyote Golf Club in New Hudson, Michigan and found that course to also be in excellent condition and also very reasonably priced, especially for us seniors. 

 

Coyote Golf Club, New Hudson, MI

Remember, if you are looking for a swing speed and tempo time measurement device, the Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer is our choice and can be purchased, with our online "Improve Your Swing Speed and Tempo" training course, from the website  www.golfinstructioncourses.com/swingspeed.

If you would like a detailed program to help you increase your ball striking and improve your accuracy, consistency and overall distance, consider the online training course, "Get More Distance", also available from the www.golfinstructioncourses.com website.

If you are a beginner or just learning to play golf, we suggest beginning with the "Improve Your Putting" training followed by the "Set-up, Swing, and Success" online golf instruction course.

Until next time. Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence

 

In many northern areas the golf season has now passed. Even the Indian Summer autumn season has come to an end as cold, wind, and wet weather arrives and sunshine hours dwindle. 

It’s a good time to reflect on how we played this past season and what areas we need to focus on most to improve our scoring potential. For some, it might be getting the ball on or near the green in regulation. For others it might be improved putting, and for others, it might be driver distance and control. 

My main issue, as I suspect is an issue for many golfers, is consistency. I can birdie the toughest hole on a golf course, have a good round going, and then get a double bogie on the easiest hole on the course.  This may be due to a mental lapse, poor judgment regarding club selection, poor shot positioning, misread greens, or a host of other reasons. 

The important element is to determine if one or two patterns have developed, such as frequent misread greens, or weak chip shots, or iron shots off to the right or left, or weak or poor drives. By recognizing a common or frequent cause for poor position on the course, we can then focus our practice or learning time on those specific shots or clubs that will help us the most.  

Our newest training course, “Get More Distance”, is designed to help improve ball striking and to increase applied power and distance for all clubs, especially the driver. If you are not getting good distance off the tee, then this training course will definitely help you increase your distance and consistency. 

From the other end of the fairway, the “Improve Your Putting” training course will help anyone who has difficulty managing speed of putts and getting the 1^st putt in the cup or close to the cup.  This is a great training course for new or beginning golfers, or for experienced golfers who 3-putt greens or miss more than 50% of their putts that are less than 10-ft. 

In those areas where golf can be played year round there is still a lag in the action. This is often the time to find great deals on this years close-out clubs, golf balls, apparel, and other golf items and gifts. 

If you plan a Florida get-away this winter, be sure to read the Blog of March 20, 2008 (scroll down, below).  It highlights a number of Florida golf locations and activities along the east coast from Jacksonville to Key West. 

Now, think about what area you want to improve and what steps you plan to take to make those improvements. Look at our training course offerings and consider taking the one course that addresses your most important area for improvement.  Don’t settle for mediocrity. You can improve with a training program that is focused on your needs. 

Hit ‘em straight! 

Phil Lawrence

We finally had some decent weather here in Michigan. Still cool and windy, but many golfers have been out playing.

And, the best of all, spring rates are in effect. We can play at fairly reasonable pricing, e.g., anywhere from the $20 to $35 range for 18 holes with a cart at many very nice courses.

Some greens may only be in fair condition. Some are likely okay, while others are growing in, as many are aerated and/or recently dressed.

IMPORTANT: You have not been playing for months, the weather, despite some sunshine, is cool and windy, and your unused golf muscles are like tightly wound rubber bands. This is the time of year to heed some warnings.

Be sure to thoroughly warm up and get some practice in before you start blasting your shots on the course. You do not want an early season injury that continues to affect you over the summer months.  

A quick practice routine might begin with some of your favorite general stretching exercises to loosen up. Then you can do some putting practice followed by some short chip shots with a wedge, followed by perhaps a 9 iron or an 8 iron.  Then move your way up to a mid-iron and a hybrid or fairway wood before bringing out the driver. 

10-minutes of putting practice followed by only a few shots with each of the clubs mentioned will help you be ready to play and to get your round, and your season, off to a good start. 

Golf Instruction

Early in the season like this you might feel as if you have never hit a golf club before. A long lay-off can do that to the best golfers. Parts of your game might respond well, but other parts are simply not sharp.  For example, you might have your putting touch but can’t seem to chip it or pitch close. Or perhaps your driver feels like a hammer throw. 

This is a good time to refresh yourself with some at-home fundamentals practice to help you re-acquire your rhythm, and your eye to hand to club coordination. Practice some drills that you may already be familiar with, or take the online instruction, “Set-up, Swing, and Success”, to help you quickly get back into your proper set-up and swing. 

Hit ‘em straight!

Phil Lawrence

Florida Golf: Snowbird Retreat

I must admit I am now a “snowbird”.   

To define, a snowbird is anyone who leaves the ice, snow, and cold of the north to spend some time during the winter in Florida (or, I suspect southern Arizona, California, or Nevada).

In most areas in Florida golf courses are plentiful. Some are in very good condition and others may not be in the be in the best of shape, but, when you just want to get out and practice or swing the clubs, they can be fun to play.  

Many are unacceptably expensive for the average golfer with family responsibilities, or for seniors who have dwindling incomes, but there are courses where reasonable prices can be found if you are willing to do a little research and play in the afternoon, especially during the week.

A schedule that could work for many snowbirds, or any golfer visiting Florida in the winter or spring, is some sightseeing or fishing in the morning and then play golf in the afternoon.  

I will not provide a research project on Florida golf, as there already are considerable advertisements and other available information on golfing in Florida.

I will mention a  few golf courses that are somewhat reasonable in price and may be a good challenge and fun to play, and a few activities along the east coast of Florida (north to south) that may be interesting to all family members.

Jacksonville / St. Augustine area

If you can spend any length of time in the St. Augustine area you should visit the World Golf Hall of Fame, located just west of I-95 exit 323. 

                

I was impressed!  In addition to the history, information, and memorabilia presented at the Hall of Fame, the admission includes your try at one hole at St. Andrews via a golf simulator, admission to a movie at the onsite Imax Theater, and one round of play at an 18 green putting course.

 

18-hole Putting Course at the World Golf Hall of Fame 

 

If you need to test your ego, for $5 you can take a couple of shots to a real island green that imitates a par 3 at the TPC Sawgrass.

There is one golf course onsite adjacent to the Hall of Fame. The Slammer & Squire golf course is a top of the line course that provides a professional level golf experience. Another snowbird who played the course told me that; “The fairways are like fine carpet". He said that they are nicer than most of the greens that he plays on in his home state. 

Slammer & Squire Golf Course          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For $20 at the Slammer & Squire Golf Course you can use the practice range for the entire day. There is also an excellent putting green and a chipping and sand trap practice green. 

Section of the Practice Range at the Slammer & Squire

A short drive away in another area of the World Golf Village is the King and The Bear. This is also a very beautiful high-end golf course. 

Although these two courses are out of my price range, I can appreciate their condition, challenge, and beauty. (NOTE: Summer rates are lower.) 

There are a number of golf courses in the immediate area that are also very nice and quite challenging, yet can be played at a reasonable price, especially on weekday afternoons.

These include; South Hampton; Cimmarone; St. Johns Country Club; Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club; St. Johns County Municipal Course; Magnolia Point; The Sanctuary Golf Course (in Georgia, north of Jacksonville). 

The sun is now setting on this winter's practice in Florida. 

 

Because this entire blog article discusses these and the other courses that I visited along the eastern Florida coast, along with other activities enroute, from the Titusville area in the north to Key West in the far south, I placed the entire article in a pdf that you can download.  

If you would like to see this entire picture-filled article we will e-mail it to you. Please CLICK HERE. 

Hope you enjoy the article. Hit 'em straight!

Phil Lawrence (e-mail: lessons @ golfinstructioncourses.com)

Article 1

Money Savings Tips

Here are two money savings ideas.

1. Don’t hang up your clubs when fall is in the air. This is a beautiful time to be playing golf, especially now that many of the courses have drastically reduced their rates. Many locations in Michigan offer 18 holes of golf with a power cart for around $25 or less. They throw in the sunshine, 70º temperatures, and beautiful fall foliage for free!

Look for similar good rates at public courses near you.

2. Did you want those new clubs, or a wedge, or a driver, but cannot pay the high price? Right now, in September, some of the best top brand name equipment has been significantly reduced.

Big name drivers that were over $300 are now on sale for less than $200. Are they worth this much? That is for each of us to decide.

I suggest that if you decide that now is the time to purchase a set of clubs, or a driver, or another wood or hybrid, at a season-ending price, you purchase from a location where there is a launch monitor. There you can hit several models or clubs and see what the results are for those particular clubs or club.  Is the shaft correct for you? Is the length correct? Is loft of a driver suitable for your swing speed, that is, are you getting a good launch angle that provides maximum carry distance?

You won’t realize and true savings if you buy a club at a discount price and then leave it in the garage because it does not perform the way you expected.

Hit them straight!

Phil Lawrence