THIRD GOLF LESSON: February 26,2011 Chipping and Putting

Today's lesson at Oak Hollow Golfcourse was all about the short game: Chipping and Putting that's the ticket. I have two clubs in my bag that I have never tried to use, one marked 'S' the other 'P' or so I now know them as the Sandwedge and Pitching Iron. These beauties are used to chip in either very sensitive situations like when you are laid in the sandtrap or when in the deep rough to optimally get you on the green. Travis demonstrated how to get under the ball for a lift. Looked easy enough :) or so I thought. 

There is one very important lesson I learned today and that is how to control the distance or try to anyway. Travis explained that the distance is controlled by the backswing, the further your backswing the more momentum you gain for contact and followthrough; also the more distance you can expect to achieve. If you want to chip a short distance, only a small couple inches from the ball is needed and a nice long followthrough. I learned that followthrough should always be the same, it is the backswing that controls the distance of the ball. I initially wanted to control the distance by stopping my swing short, as what most people do. When I attempted to adjust this error, I found myself in better control of the swing and surprisingly the distance. My followthrough was smoother and more controlled when I happened to do it correctly. I could almost place the ball where intended (well...it is my first try anyway)!

We chipped for quite awhile from various locations so not to get used to one particular movement, but worked on the feel of the technique itself.  Along with that motion came a new stance. Opening up the body to allow for complete followthrough by about a 90 degree rotation. The clubface was more flattened to scoop the ball up from the sandtrap or the rough. Travis explained that with chipping, the left wrist stays locked and only the right wrist bends with followthrough.  It was hard to get the brain to learn this move.  Think like this, Travis said,"push the left hand with the right hand like you are pushing a baby on a swing...not too hard, but with a firm gentle sweeping motion".  I want to tell you that made all the difference.  My brain knows how to push a baby on a swing.  When performed properly, the ball lifts and drops where intended (hopefully on the green close to the hole) for a short putt in. That has not been my experience, but a girl can dream right.

Now we moved onto putting; my nemesis.  Now if I can take about 'four' putts off each green I may get into a respectable handicapp...smiles. Putting is much different than other golf swings in that you are only moving your shoulders like a pendulum. Your body stays straight and your head does not turn with the ball. Travis held the tip of my hat so I would stop turning my head when I putted. It was so hard not to turn my head. He explained that if I turned my head too soon the putter head would likely turn as well causing the ball to miss the cup. He said, "Don't look at the ball until it has left your putter". I can tell you it is much easier said than done. When I did this correctly, it certainly does work out for the best. 

My homework assignment was to practice two feet out, then move to four feet out and then to six. Keep doing that in rotation and that will help me to learn to control distance of the putt. He also suggested that I should do this when I arrive to play while warming up so to judge the greens for the day. Good idea Travis.

With these new skills fresh in my mind, my husband and I set out to play my first 18 holes!!!!  FORE!!!

Golfgal In Texas: SECOND LESSON at Oak Hollow Golfcourse

SECOND LESSON: Sat. 2/20/2011. The husband and I scheduled a tee time after the lesson. It was a gorgeous day. The warm breeze was so welcoming after such a cold February in McKinney. I met Travis for my lesson on the driving range.

Today we discussed body positioning in the setup for the swing. This was what I wanted the most help with. I was so unsure how my body was supposed to swing. I knew exactly what I was going for when playing softball. The golf swing was a mystery tour. Until today!!!! I did not realize that I needed to keep my head in the same position throughout the swing. Ackward at first, but it does help you keep your eye the ball.

The backswing: The instruction was to use the left arm only to practice as I slowly went through the entire motion from start to finish (I am a rightsided swinger). Using only one arm will help your brain learn to use this arm for direction and acquire optimal full body rotation. So taking the club back and over the right shoulder, twist only from the waist as the left knee bends to allow the body more twist (which equals more power which equals more distance, oh yea). The clubhead now located behind your head should be pointed directly at the target in front of you before it begins the forward swing motion. You should not be able to see the clubhead drooping over your left shoulder, it should be level.

The forward golf swing: As the club head begins its forward momentum and the body begins to release from the twist, the left knee straightens out, the hip begins a forward rotation that pulls the left arm forward to allow the clubhead thrust downward to make contact with the ball at its highest point of acceleration. It Sounds good, huh.

Followthrough: The clubhead will continue forward through the swing as the body continues to rotate and the arms continue around the body to end the swing with the clubhead again level and in the same position as it was before the forward release pointing in the opposite direction. If you did correctly, you will be standing on a very straight left leg and a pointed toe on the right foot while the body is facing the target.

It is a lot to think about. So that is why I was told to practice this movement slowly and intentional so my brain will learn and train my body to move correctly without over-thinking the process each time I swing. I can say that when by chance I do it correctly... and I did several times while working with Travis....It makes all the difference. I gained about 50 yards of distance several times with my 7 iron and 5 irons.

I learned that this swing is the same every time irregardless which club I use. Incorporating proper form into my swing is challenging. I still want to bring that elbow out....big no-no. Keep the elbow tucked into the body. OK, I am off to practice my swing on the course.

PAIRED UP FOR THE FIRST TIMEAs my husband and I were awaiting tee time, the course marshal asked if we would like to be joined by another fellow named David. We said sure. I never played real golf!!!! You know when someone other than my husband was playing along side me. It was my first opportunity to learn player ettiquette. He was a fairly new golfer too, so we were all in agreement that there was no pressure and we would have a relaxing game to share. I just came off the driving range where I hit the ground a couple of times trying to learn this new rotation method I was learning. Ouch!! It put a burn into my right shoulder blade that was starting to knot up. Not a good way to start 19 holes, but I thought I would just play through it no problem. I am no whiner.

First hole. Women get to tee off from the red zone usually a ten to twenty yard advantage. Both men teed off from the white zone. If you are pro level, you tee off from the blue zone....forget that. We all laid in the fairway. Good start for all. As we played through five holes, everyone had a few problems to resolve, but overall, we stayed very close in play and no one held the team up. I was very proud of myself for that. I actually had better accuracy than the guys at times, but the short game was definately lacking. Glad to know the short game is the topic of my next lesson with Travis. I have not spent much time putting with the new putter I purchased and it showed. Way too many strokes on the greens. Though, I was pleased with a few pretty good long putts.

Around hole 9, my right shoulder was starting to scream from the muscle spasm. I was starting to over compensate and knew I likely was not going to finish the 19 holes. I expressed my concern to my husband and he was very understanding. I just drove the cart while he continued to play. I was glad I stopped. By the time we left, I could hardly move without severe pain. It was time to head home and get iced up:  30 minutes on, 30 minutes off and repeat. That is how I spent the evening...but I had a big smile on my face as I thought about two holes when I actually outdrove the guys.

This week's homework is to slowly swing with the left arm only to train my brain to train my muscles to do it right (without hitting the ground).

By the way, I love the Adidas Golf Shoes. Read about my purchase adventure in my blog posting dated 1/15/2011. 
You can continue to follow me http://golfgalintexas.blogspot.com/
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Golfgal In Texas: First Golf Lesson at Oak Hollow Golfcourse

Alas, the cold, inclement weather has abated and the quest begins...Oak Hollow was beckoning. Resistance was futile.  My husband and I headed for the driving range to empty a bucket of balls and set up my first lesson with Travis, my pro instructor.

FIRST LESSON: Wed, 2/16/2011

Like a student waiting for the bus on the first day of school, I was excited and full of anticipation as I waited on the driving range for my first golf lesson. Travis seemed like a nice fellow when we chatted and planned our first lesson. I was right. Also, His method of instruction fit just right with my way of learning. We began by talking about my experience with the game thus far. I explained, "Other than driving on the range, playing putt-putt, and limping through my first nine holes a couple weeks ago....(NADA)". He smiled as though thinking....oh my, what have I got myself into. Travis looked into my bag of tricks and selected the 7 and 9 irons and said, "Let's start with these". Knowing that those irons were the particular demons that taunted me the last time I played, my thought was ....oh my... I will likely confirm his fear.

The grip:  I learned a grip from Gordon Bass at GolfSmith. Gordon said, "Never change it".  I was happy I was still doing it right as Travis did not change it a bit. He further elaborated to always begin by gripping the club of choice by my left side as that would give me the proper angle of grip on the club (I am right handed), than proceed to add the right hand to complete the grip. Seemed easy enough to remember. I have always liked the K-I-S-S method...Keep It Simple Sweetheart. That works for me.


7 Iron:  Handing me the 7 iron, Travis asked me to aim for the tree about 100 yards out. He said he wanted to see what I do naturally and he will instruct from there. I liked that concept. I knew at that point I wasn't going to leave the lesson with instruction overload. It made me relax. I approached my position, bent the knees, pretended to know what the blazes I was doing and made the first swing of shame. Whoosh....contact, thank God. OK, not bad....at least I hit the ball, let's try that again I thought as Travis patiently and quietly observed. Whoosh ....divot ...air! Ok, not so good...I smile....he says...no worries.....go at it again. Whoosh....slice. Again. Whoosh...ping...Ah, about time. I redeemed my self-respect. Ok, he said, let's talk. I want you to stand straighter with knees only slightly bent like you are trying to sit on a tall stool, but barely are able to do so. He said, "You're bending the knees too much, you cannot get your body rotated around and end up overcompensating and off balance. When I thought about it, I actually understood what he meant. Ok, go at it again. I tried to position myself a little straighter....he said...good right there. Ok...swing again..whoosh...air. He said, that is ok you are adjusting to the change...go at it again. Ok...stand straighter; no straighter ...whoosh ....PING ....NICE SHOT!!! YES, I could tell by the look on his face that Travis decided I was worth the pain. I proceeded to practice my new positioning and it was a big difference in the distance and trajectory of the ball in play. Travis was pleased with my progress and decided to switch clubs to the 9 iron.

9 Iron:  New club...new target. He scoped out another tree about the same distance, but a new trajectory. Since the 9 iron has shorter shaft than the 7 iron, I again had to adjust to the length of the shaft and at the same time sit straighter than I did before the lesson learned. Travis explained that when I started my swing in more of a crouched position my body would not rotate as it should. As a result, I would automatically stand taller on my down swing and throw myself off balance. That is exactly what was happening.  I could feel the difference when I did it as instructed. Ok...now to try to get that feeling swing after swing. We worked on swinging deeper under and behind the ball. Though, sometimes I would slice...for the most part I got a solid connection with the ball. My biggest problem to overcome is trying not to swing like the softball player I once was by subconsciously putting my weight into the swing. I have to train my mind to use my body differently when swinging at my target. It will come with practice. I was amazed at how effective those small simple changes made to the end result. I was very pleased that I even hit the targeted tree a couple times.

My husband was driving his bucket of balls while watching my lesson and stood amazed at my progress. As I ended my first lesson, my husband and I loaded the cart for nine holes to practice my newly learned set of skills. I felt excited at the hint of confidence that surfaced where I felt I could intentionally use my irons for the purposes intended. It was at that moment I realized I started the basis of a valid learning curve. We played nine holes and I was pleased that my game improved from the nine we played a couple weeks ago. I did once again loose a ball in the drink ...but oh well, I will always remember that hole and that I left a part of myself there for eternity. My husband commented that he could definately see a difference in my skill level. That is what it is all about...improvement. Thank God for.... forgiveness...in any form.

Old Golfers Never Die: Asking for Forgiveness, They Just Play Through the 19th Hole

All golfers should live so long as to be this kind of old golfer.  He attended Sunday Service on a bad weather day and toward the end of the service, the Minister asked the congregation, "How many of you have forgiven your enemies?" .... 80% of the hands went up.  The Minister repeated his question....after a moment of silence...all responded this time, except Walter Barnes, an old avid golfer who only attended church on bad weather days.  The Minister said, "Mr. Barnes, it's obviously not a good morning for golf; though, it is good to see you this morning. Are you willing to forgive your enemies?"  Mr. Barnes replied gruffly, "I don't have any."  The Minister replied, "Mr Barnes that is very unusual. How old are you?"  "Ninety-eight, Mr Barnes replied."  The congregation at this point stood up and clapped their hands.  "Oh, Mr Barnes, would you please come down in front and tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years and not have an enemy in the world", the Minister said.  So the old golfer tottered down the aisle, stopped in front of the pulpit, turned around, faced the congregation, and simply said, "I've outlived all the s---s of b-----h's" , and tottered back to his seat.  AMEN.

Speaking of FORGIVENESS.  I have a new understanding to this word.  Golf is so full of surprises. 

Forgiveness....Definition: In golf, "forgiveness" refers to construction and design elements in golf clubs that lessen the effects of bad swings and poor contact with the ball. A golf club that has these features is said to offer a lot of forgiveness (or to "be very forgiving"). Clubs that offer lots of forgiveness are classified as game-improvement clubs. Why use the word "forgiveness"? Because these designs elements forgive the golfer for some of his mistakes. Does forgiveness make bad shots go away? Not hardly. Improving your swing, making better contact with the ball (the sweet spot), is the only way to make bad shots rare. But forgiveness can make a shot struck off-center travel almost as far as one with perfect contact; it can help get a ball a little higher in the air. It reminds me of the day I tried a new Taylormade Driver at Golfsmith.  I asked the pro why this club was so special and he explained the value of forgiveness.  I am all into that.....FORE!!!

GolfGal In Texas: Golfer's Delight; Top Golf/Dallas

Saturday was a beautiful day and my husband and I felt like getting outside, a good day to check out the TOP GOLF facility in Dallas.  Wow!!!,  what a delight.  A huge facility with a two-level driving range with lots of bays for driving and chipping into large targets.  The little balls have microchips so you can practice your skills while playing a game of accuracy for rewards or have just plain fun for all ages.  I said to my husband, "This looks like someone was in a exclusive bowling alley and said someone needs to do this for Golf."  So they did.  To our surprise dogs (Emily and Bella) were welcome all around the facility so we took them for a walkabout after we toured the facility ourselves.  On the side of the facility is a large putt-putt (see picture I posted below) with three levels of terrain from which to choose and batting cages.  There is also a separate facility for catered events/parties. 

We were very impressed with the cost to play.  You get a bucket of 20 balls for $5.80 (early birds $3.80).  There are bulk buy specials too.  Children cost less.  If you are a frequent driver/chipper, passes are available and of course more exclusive Membership Options.  If you do not have clubs, they are provided. (Just like the bowling shoes or the ski rentals :) )

There are chipping and putting greens for practicing a short game.  That was our focus, so we decided to putt-putt awhile so I could get a feel for my new putter.  I am still a little awkward with my grip. I am considering getting my putter regripped to a larger grip.  However, I learned from the Golfsmith pro where I bought my set, if I concentrated on putting my elbows out I had a better pendulum swing and control.  It worked for me.  I did fairly well with my putter, except for a few holes where I had like EIGHT shots trying to hit the cup that totally blew my putt-putt score.  I have heard a number of places...golf channel...books...people, that the game of golf is won on the greens.  I can see where that is so true.  Sometimes the simplest shots are the ones that give you the most trouble.  Such is life on the course.  FORE!!

Golfgal in Texas: 10 rules to Follow While Learning from 'Golf For Dummies'

Waiting...waiting for a warmer day to get started on my first series of lessons. My new clubs are crying out like a new baby for its' mama.  It is torture for the new mama....as you mama's know.  McCord, the writer of Golf For Dummies now to be referred to as the Wise Guy...says, "Stay Calm.  Anxious people don't make good pupils."  So I guess I have to stop stressing and take a deep breath.

OK....inhale....exhale....inhale....exhale. 

Rule #1:  Find a good teacher and stick with that person.  If you have been following my blog, you know that my husband purchased lessons for me for Christmas.  I spoke with my instructor and I think we have a good rapport.  So I think I have this one covered.

Rule #2:  Follow a timetable. Discipline yourself to work on what you've been told.    Hopefully the weather will cooperate and my lessons will flow well.  As for the discipline....well...I try to follow direction.

Rule #3:  CONCENTRATE....(I think I took my Selenium today)

Rule #4:  Learn from your mistakes.  You'll make them, so you may as well make them work for you.     Yah, yah..The old saying....try.. try.. again.

Rule #5:   RELAX.  Take your time, and you'll learn and play better.   I have seen lots of others rush their golf games as quickly and I have always wondered if the 'enjoyment factor' was compromised.  I know that we have to be careful about lallygagging on the greens, but I also believe that golf is played better when in a relaxed state of mind. 

Rule #6:  Practice the shots you find most difficult.   Yes, we are only as strong as our weakest iron, so I believe in this whole heartily.  Pump those irons!!!

Rule #7:  Have goals.  Remember, golf is a target game.   I have no preconceived ideas at this point.  I just want to finish a respectable 18 holes.

Rule #8:  Stay Positive.  Golf is hard enough.  A bad attitude only hurts you (and everyone else within ear shot).

Rule #9:  Stop practicing when you get tired.  That's how sloppy habits grow.  I followed this rule in my teens when performing gymnastics and it is so true.  It also can lead to serious injury.  There is always tomorrow.  Go have a Merlot and forget about it.

Rule #10:  Evaluate yourself after each lesson:  Are you making progress?   I plan to keep a note pad with me to jot down some ideas or thoughts after my lessons.  Even though in the past there have been occasions when I do not go back to read my notes, the act of writing notes helps me to retain better.  I learned that years ago.  A simple rule of learning that using more than two senses increases retention dramatically: seeing, hearing, and writing it down.  That is the ticket.      FORE!!!!!

TOP GOLF USA: Coming to Allen, Texas in Spring 2011

Last year before moving from Maryland to Texas, my husband and his friend Ken drove over 100 miles to a boutique driving range in Alexandria, Virginia called Top Golf USA.  They had a fabulous time.  Just after moving to McKinney, Texas in the past couple months, I have learned that Top Golf USA has four locations in the US.  My husband and I are excited the Dallas area houses not one but two of those courses. The fourth will be open in the Spring of 2011 in Allen, Texas.  Just 10 minutes away.  Shazam!!!  You can have a great meal in a private three wall room open to a very large driving range.  It is a first class operation.  I'll let ya know when we have a date to try it out.  How fun.  Check out the link in the left column of this blog to find http://www.topgolfusa.com/ which boasts 96 hitting bays, 5,000 square feet of private event space, roof top terrace,  and a full service bar and restaurant.   The golfballs have a microchip that keeps score of the shot.  Not for the faint of heart.