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In The Loop
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Page 5
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Clubface Control
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 Purpose: A very common problem among middle to higher handicapped players is the inability to square the clubface upon impact. The sensation is difficult to obtain because the club is moving with incredible speed as it approaches the ball. The following drill will train your arms, wrists and hands to instinctively rotate the clubface into a square position, and create a flat left wrist upon impact.
Drill: Hit an Impact Bag or Old Tire to Improve Impact Position.
Instruction: You need an old tire or bag filled with towels, and an old iron club, since this drill is apt to wear out both. At the address position the tire just inside your left heel. Make a swing, but not so hard that you hurt yourself. When the club contacts the tire, hold the position to monitor the desired alignments:
• The left wrist is flat toward the target
• The club leans slightly forward
• Shoulders are slightly open
• Right arm close to your side.
The clubface is square. On the downswing, try to rotate the clubface so it returns to the same position it was at address.
Submitted by: Connie DeMattia, Director of Instruction
The Emotional Challenge
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One of the greatest emotional challenges for a golfer is to remain calm and focused following a mishit or series of poorly played shots. It can challenge the most level-headed player when suddenly, out of the blue, his tee shot goes spinning off the club into the forest lined fairway. Anger and frustration can barge in like an unwanted guest. How can a golfer effectively deal with his anger and the emotional challenge of not letting frustration get the better of him on the course? Here are a few points to consider.
First, no golfer is perfect. As difficult as it may be, every golfer must acknowledge the fact that he is going to have off shots, off holes, and off rounds. That‘s life. That's golf. When a player can truly accept the fact imperfection is a part of golf, he begins to find himself becoming less angry and more accepting of his game and what the golf course offers. Even touring professionals shank shots. So, if they do it, then the average golfer should expect that an occasional ball will squirt right and left out on the course. Following a mishit, learn to say to yourself, "That was a mistake. I am not perfect. I'll just buckle down and do my best on the next one." Is it easy? No. But, if managing the emotional challenge of golf were easy everyone would have a strong mental game.
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Second, learn to rely more heavily on your pre-shot routine to flush out unwanted emotions and get ready to hit the next shot. Part of the job description of the pre shot routine is the quell emotions and let go of previously mishit shots. Remember that your pre-shot routine is designed to get you focused and mentally clear for the shot at hand. So, if you let the anger from a previous mishit control your emotions and cause you to hastily choose a club and just "take a whack" you're increasing the odds of another poor shot. This will lead to more anger, and so on, and so on... The past is the past; nothing you can do will change it. So, take on the emotional challenge and put the poor shot behind you, go through your full routine, take a smooth swing, and trust for the best.
Lastly, let's talk purely about the swing. We know that when you become angry and frustrated, your mind causes your muscles to tighten up, which, in turn, causes a tight, jerky swing. With that in mind, it makes complete sense to keep your mind from becoming anger-filled and frustrated so that your body can stay loose and fluid. This realization should offer you a clear reason to stay mentally loose so that your body can stay physically loose. A loose and comfortable mind – one that conquers the emotional challenge of not getting angry - is more likely to translate into a loose and comfortable body.
Submitted by: Mike Riggs, M.Ed. Sports (Golf) Psychologist
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