Now, naturally, everyone learns in different ways.  Some people will ask me a lot of questions, and others will just go along with what I am telling them.  However, it is important that the student forget about their preconceived notions about the golf swing and put more trust into their teacher.  Of course, the teacher must earn that trust.  But, the fact is in, unless the student is a scratch golfer, and/or a serious student of the game, his teacher should be viewed as the expert.

I also found it interesting how Romano is talking himself into making the process more difficult.  He feels that it is a matter of fact that things must get worse before they get better.

Well, I know from my own experience that I had immediately positive results after working with Hank last year.  I’ve also had that kind of experience with a few of my own students.  However, as I said, everyone learns differently and at their own pace.  The key to working with a new instructor though is to forget everything else you have learned.  I guarantee that most of what you have learned does not match what a full time instructor can teach you.  And remember where alot of that advice you received has come from…your playing partners.  They don’t really know any more than you do, so why pay attention to them? 

So remember this the next time you decide to get a lesson…empty your mind!  Listen to your instructor, absorb what they are trying to teach you, and if you are confident in what they are saying and showing you, work at it without putting your own thoughts into the process.  Oh, and as I’ve been telling my students lately, take notes after the lesson! 

Scott Cole

What are the benefits of shoveling snow?  First, there is the calorie burn.  A little research online indicated that snow shoveling can burn 100 calories or more in 15 minutes.  Second, it is a great total body workout, as you are working the legs, core, arms and shoulders all in one exercise. 

Obviously, if done improperly, you can injure your back.  It is absolutely critical that you engage the legs, rather than do all of the work with the back.  Yes, you still have to bend at the waist, and that will put some pressure on the back.  But, if you engage the legs, you will simply get a good workout for the back.

Today, after 2 1/2 hours of shoveling 18 inches of snow from my driveway, I am modestly tender in the lower back, just as I would be in any muscle group the day after a good workout.  That 2 1/2 hours of shoveling also indicates that I burned over 1,000 calories!  So, not only did I get in a good strengthening workout for some key muscle groups, I contributed to my weight loss goal. 

This is just one common sense activity you can perform to contribute to your golf fitness.  There is no need to join a gym or buy any fancy equipment.  Take advantage of these opportunities when they come along!

Scott Cole

The Grip

The Grip is THE single most important fundamental in the golf swing, as it is our ONLY connection to the golf club. Yet, it is probably the most ignored. Why is the grip so important? Because it controls the clubface angle at impact. The angle of the clubface at impact is most important to determining ball flight.

If the clubface is open at impact, the ball will likely fly to the right (assuming you are a right handed player). The club path then determines which direction the ball will start. If your club bath is inside out and the club face is open, the ball flight will be a push or a slice that starts to the right. If the clubpath is outside in, the ball will start left and slice to the right. An open clubface is typically caused by a weak grip. In other words, if you are a right handed player, your hands are turned to far to the left on the club. If you are a left handed player, your hands are turned to0 far to the right on the club.

If the clubface is closed at impact, the ball will likely fly to the left. If your club path is inside out, you will hit a shot that starts to the right and then curves back to the left. If your club path is outside in, the result will be a pull or pull hook. A closed clubface at impact is typically caused by a grip that is too strong. If you are a right handed player, your hands are turned too far to the right on the club. If you are a left handed player, your hands are turned too far to the left.

Ideally, what we would like is a NEUTRAL grip. So how do we achieve that? Here are the basic points….

(Right Handers)

1. Your left hand should be placed on the club so that the left thumb points down the club shaft at about 1 o’clock. If your thumb is straight down the shaft, it is too weak.
2. The V formed by your thumb and forefinger should be pointed between your right cheek and right shoulder. Then, if I am standing in front of you, I should only see two knuckles on the back of your left hand. If I see more than 2, your hand is turned too far to the right (too strong). If I see only 1, it is turned too far to the left (too weak).
3. Your right hand should be placed in such a way that the pad of the right thumb covers the left thumb. You then wrap your fingers around the club from there.
4. Your right thumb should be pointed at 11 o’clock down the club shaft.
5. The V formed by your thumb and forefinger should be pointed between your right cheek and right shoulder…parallel to the V formed by your left hand.
6. You should form a trigger with your right forefinger, and that trigger should be directly beside the right thumb, not underneath the club, and not on top of the grip.

When you place your hands on the club in this manner, the palms should be facing each other.

(Left Handers)

1. Your right hand should be placed on the club so that the right thumb points down the club shaft at 11 o’clock.
2. The V formed by your thumb and forefinger should point between your left cheek and shoulder.
3. Your left hand should be place so that the pad of the left thumb covers your right thumb. Wrap your fingers around the club from there.
4. Your left thumb should be pointed at 1 o’clock down the club shaft.
5. The V formed by your thumb and forefinger should point between your left cheek and shoulder, parallel to the V formed by your right hand.
6. Form a trigger with your left forefinger, and that trigger should be directly beside the thumb, not underneat the club and not on top of the grip.

Whether you work with an overlap grip, interlock grip or a 10 finger grip is up to you. I personally recommend not using the 10 finger grip as that results in the hands working more separately than we like. We want the hands to work as one unit throughout the swing.

Changing your grip is often an uncomfortable change, but it is the key to hitting more consistent golf shots. The only way to get more comfortable with the new grip is to work on it, practice with it. Swing the club in the garage so you get used to it during the winter months.

However, I do not recommend you change your grip under the following circumstances:

1. If you have a strong grip as described previously, but you still slice the ball, then do not try to achieve a more neutrual grip, as it will only worsen your slice. You have to work on your swing path first.

2. If you have a weak grip and still hook the ball, again, do not try to go to a more neutral grip, as you will only hook the ball more. You have to work on swing path first.

In regard to grip pressure, most golfers have a tendency to hold on to the club too tight. Most golfers tend to slice the ball, and holding onto the club too tightly will only make this worse. However, if you tend to hook the ball too much, try holding the club a little tighter. Ideally, we want medium grip pressure…not too tight and not too loose.

Work on this most important fundamental and in the long run, you will achieve greater consistency.

Scott Cole
scottcolegolf.com
powergolftraining.net

Golf instruction is now evolving into a profession that involves far more than just giving a quick fix to a golfer, although that is still what some may want. Some instructors are content with providing this type of service, but the top instructors realize that they actually have far more to offer their students than just a tip or two on how to fix their golf swings.

Due to the increased focus by professional golfers on their fitness, the idea of golf fitness has become more credible. Professional golfers now often employ the services of a fitness instructor along with their golf instructor.

However, some fitness instructors erroneously suggest to the average golfer that the secret to longer tee shots and a more consistent golf swing is fitness alone. Golfers who have been frustrated by their own lack of improvement from golf lessons are easy prey for fitness trainers who want to sell them on a few fitness tips to improve their golf games.

Then there are the “golf instructors” online who will sell the average golfer on the idea that there is an “easy” way to swing the golf club, if you only sign up for their newsletter, or purchase their DVDs. However, all you have to do is get an understanding of how hard Tiger Woods works on his game, and his fitness, to realize that improving your golf swing requires hard work! Tiger works on his golf game and fitness 10 to 12 hours per day when he is gearing up for the majors! There are no shortcuts in golf!

The top golf instructors realize that they are in a position to better serve their students by being able to identify ways for a student to improve their golf swing through both golf instruction AND golf fitness training. Just like the evolution of today’s PGA Tour stars, the new generation of golf instructors understand that they need to be able offer both services in order to remain competitive in the field.

A golf instructor who practices the “hands on” teaching method of Hank Haney, Tiger Woods’ current instructor, can more easily identify the physical issues of a student. A golf instructor who also has significant experience in a variety of physical training methods can then suggest to a student how to achieve their golf swing goals through fitness training.

This type of instructor is extremely valuable to the golf student. In one location, the student can learn all they need to know about the golf swing, and how to address their own physical limitations to accomplish their goals. Compare that to the golf instructors who simply try to make a suggestion as to how to make a quick fix to a golf swing without ever moving the student through the swing. Or, compare the well-rounded instructor to the fitness trainer who really has no experience in golf instruction. They can offer a variety of gimmicky exercises, but they really do not have an understanding of what really drives the golf swing.

Unfortunately, there are not yet that many instructors out there who can offer this well-rounded instruction and training. However, this is the future of golf instruction, so consider seeking out those instructors who are on the cutting edge. Your golf game is sure to benefit!

Scott Cole

Don’t fall into that trap this year. I am not saying to avoid those parties, and not enjoy those fabulous holiday meals. But, what I am saying is that you should work extra hard to avoid adding on the pounds from those meals by doing more cardio exercise.

If you have never done much cardio exercise, simply start out by walking. If it is cold, or snowy outside, head over to the local mall in the morning join the parade of walkers. Walk for at least 30 minutes, but if you are physically able, walk at least an hour.

If you are used to doing some cardio exercise, add more to your normal workouts. If you jog, swim, bike or do any other exercise that makes you breathe hard, and you do this three days per week, try to add a fourth workout, and start by adding an additional 5 minutes to each workout.

If you can avoid adding on those extra pounds during the holidays, then you won’t have to work so hard on your body in the New Year. And, THAT will leave more time to work on your golf game!

Scott Cole

Lately, I have starting lifting weights more heavily to regain some strenght I’ve lost in the last couple of years.  However, I have not had a heavy lifting workout in about six days.  I had chopped and pushed around some wood in a wheel barrow a couple days last weekend, but this week had not done any type of workout.  Therefore, I was feeling quite limber and loose in the studio tonight.

Now, as of late, my swing speed had been maxing out around 117.5 mph.  On Monday night, I started working on a new swing thought after reading a bit more about Hank Haney’s work with Tiger, and reviewing my lesson with Hank in February.  As such, I started working on a little bit more rotation with my hips in the back swing, as well as my left forearm.  This results in a flatter swing, but more on plane, and I noticed, a bit higher swing speed!  So, Monday night maxed out at 118.6 mph.

Tonight, I had a good bit of energy and my first swing with the driver was 116, when normally it would be about 114.  Then I started hitting 117+ pretty easily, and once I got warmed up, 118.5 was getting to be the norm.  This was giving me a carry of about 293 yards on the simulator.  I have programmed in a bounce and roll of about 20-25 yards since our fairways tend to be pretty soft here in PA.  So, most of my swings on the simulator were resulting in drives of about 315. 

I then decided to see if I could crank it up another notch.  I hit 119 mph on one drive, then followed that up with 120+.  Finally, a couple swings later, I registered just over 121!  And the beauty of all this was that these drives were going very straight, usually with a bit of a draw. 

The moral to all of this is that 1) I know exactly what I want to work on with my golf swing 2) I get great feedback from the simulator and 3) Increased strength and flexibility is resulting in great results in regard to swing speed. 

This is how I can help students in person, and through my online instruction.  For more information visit www.powergolftraining.net

Scott Cole

Although Tiger Woods has elevated fitness in the minds of many tour players over the last decade, it is really not from the standpoint of hitting the ball further.  He was a very long hitter when he first arrived on tour, but decided to approach his profession as a professional athlete, and prepare accordingly.  This was to avoid injury more than anything else.  Golf can be pretty tough on the body, and we have seen many great players suffer from a variety of ailments over the years. 

Can performance enhancing drugs help your golf game?  Doubtful.  Can it help you hit the ball further?  Certainly, if you get a lot stronger.  Just look at many of the participants in the world long drive competitions these days.  Many are built like NFL safeties or small linebackers.  But, in 2008, the World Championship was won by a small Canadian weighing less than 165 pounds. 

However, steroids are not going to help your putting or your short game.  That is where you score.  And the fact is, you really do not need steroids to hit the ball further.  Most people need to become more flexible first, so they have a longer, more fluid golf swing.  Then a little strengthening and some core work can help add a bit more swing speed. 

So, stick with the more natural ways of gaining strength, and you will see a benefit to your golf game. 

Scott Cole

Still, if you don’t have the opportunity to get away for a few days, find your nearby indoor golf range to hit a few balls and maybe work on your short game. Or, check out where you can play a round of golf on an indoor golf simulator.

Most importantly, this is the time of year to work on body improvements that can help your golf swing. As we get older, we tend to lose flexibility and strength if we do not keep up with our workouts. However, studies have shown that it is still possible to build muscle int our 70s and beyond.

It is my belief that this time of year is the best time to really go to work on your body and your golf swing! By combining strength training, stretching, and golf specific exercises along with a thorough understanding of what you want to do with your golf swing, you can make significant improvements in the off season. Then, when Spring arrives, you will have full confidence in your swing, and you can focus on your short game, where you will be able to drastically reduce your scores!

Go see your golf instructor now to set up your plan for Winter Golf Training!

Scott Cole

But, what are the keys to good balance? Well, this is where improved fitness comes in. Probably the most significant muscle involved in proper balance is the hamstring. Not only must it be flexible, it must be strong.

The hamstrings must first be flexible. The reason for this is that the hamstrings, through the glutes, are tied to the lower back. Since it is crucial to maintain a straight spine angle throughout the golf swing, there is pressure on the lower back. The lower back gets support from the glutes and hamstrings. So, if the hamstrings are not flexible, they will not provide proper support to the lower back muscles. This is one reason why many golfers suffer from a tight back during and after a round of golf.

First, determine your own personal flexibility with a little test. We’ve all done this! While keeping your legs straight, bend at the waist slowly and try to touch your toes. Can you do this? If not, you need to work on stretching the hamstrings.

I generally prefer stretching one leg at a time. Here is my stretching routine for the hamstrings:

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Pull the right foot in so that the bottom of the foot touches the inside of the left knee. Point the toes of the left foot straight up. Keeping your back as straight as possible, reach down to the leg, starting at the knee, and move your body forward, pushing the chest toward the knee. Reach further down the leg as far down as you can go, and try to draw the chest as close to the knee as possible. Once you have hit your limit, feeling a good stretch, hold that position for 15 seconds. Try and relax as much as possible, then try to reach further down the leg to the ankle or foot and move the chest even closer to the knee, and hold for another 15 seconds. Slowly rise up, and switch legs, repeating this sequence.

In order to work on strengthening the hamstrings, my favorite exercise, since it also works the quadriceps, is the step-back lunge. This exercise is performed as follows:

Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, holding a pair of dumbbells, step back with the left foot at one full step, and sink down into a lunge position with your right leg. Your upper right leg should be parallel to the floor. Hold this position for a second, then push off with the left foot and return to the starting position. Repeat by stepping back with the right foot and sink down into a lunge position with the left leg. Repeat each side for 8 to 12 repetitions, so don’t use a heavy weight.

If you can develop flexible and strong hamstrings, you will better be able to get into a good golf posture, and maintain that spine angle through impact, and that is the key to solid, consistent ball striking.

Scott Cole

 However, not once have I ever heard of a top player, and I mean a top player such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, ever employ the services of a sports psychologist or mental coach.  What these mental coaches do, however, is suggest that they know the secrets of Tiger and Jack in regard to their mental approach, as if the average golfer can apply those secrets to their own game.

 Whenever I have heard of any Tour player employ the services of a sports psychologist, that golfer is usually someone who is desperate to find the answers as to why they can’t win more golf tournaments.  In my view, the answer to that question is simple: they are not mentally tough enough because they don’t have enough confidence in their own abilities. 

 Confidence is the whole key to performing under pressure.  However, confidence does not just appear in your game over night.  It appears after a lot of hard work on your game AND by playing a lot of golf! 

 I just viewed a video of Lee Trevino.  He said “….you won’t learn much from me…I never had a mental approach.  I got my confidence from hard work.”

 Trevino worked hard on his game, but that is not all.  I’ve read stories of him before his days on the Tour showing up for a match with no money in his pocket and making lots of bets.  You want to talk about pressure!  Well, that is how you simulate the pressure of a golf tournament.  You have to repeatedly put yourself in the position where something is on the line when you stand up to the tee on the 18th hole, or you are faced with that all important 6 foot putt.  If you never do that with yourself, you will never learn how to deal with the pressure that just comes from playing in the 3rd flight in your club championship! 

 I find it very interesting that you find very few, if any, books written about the mental game by any top player.  Sure, there are books that SPECULATE about how Tiger Woods’ developed his mental toughness, but he has never written about the topic himself.  The same may be said about Jack Nicklaus who is arguably Tiger’s equal in terms of mental toughness. 

On the other hand, there are huge numbers of books written about the golf swing, putting or short game.  The fact is, none of these players worry about the mental game.  Instead, they focus on executing their swing as best they can, not on some mental tip that suddenly transforms them into a totally relaxed player!

 Gaining confidence to perform under pressure is simply a progression.  I remember as a teenager, I was a pretty good golfer, playing to a 2 handicap by the time I was 16.  I had won a few small junior golf tournaments.  But, every time I would play in the men’s club championship at my club, I would play poorly, usually averaging over 80 for two rounds.

 Finally, when I was 18, I broke through.  That summer I stepped up my game to play well against more experienced players.  In one tournament, a better ball of partners format, we were down two shots with one hole to play, a 550 yard par 5.  This was back n 1984.  I’ve always been a long hitter, so even playing with a persimmon driver, I could reach the green in two.  However, on this occasion, it was playing into a little bit of wind.  I hit a decent drive, leaving myself about 260-270 yards from the green.  I pulled out driver and hit it from the fairway, best shot of my life.  It rolled up to about 25 feet to the right of the pin.  I was nervous as could be standing over the putt, but I knocked it in for the eagle!  Unfortunately, my opponent knocked in a 15 footer on top of me for birdie, and he and his partner won by a shot.

 A few weeks later in our club championship, I shot rounds of 74-68 to finish in a tie for first, and lost in a playoff.  Now, I knew how to play a great round under pressure to have a chance at winning. 

 So, you see, gaining this confidence is not something that happens over night.  You can learn all the mental tips you want, but if you have a flawed golf swing and no confidence in the ability of that swing to hold up under pressure, you simply won’t perform. 

 If you really want to see improvement, work on your golf swing, work on your putting and short game, and play as often as possible, and play with something on the line!  That is how you will learn to lower your scores!

Scott Cole