Hitting Crist Pitch Shots

Have you ever hit a pitch shot that feels as though you miss hit the shot? 

Check the following:

Ball position usually in the middle of your stance
A slight amount of weight at address on your left side ( right side for left handed players)
The club shaft at the address position leans slightly towards your target
Back swing length controls how far the golf ball will travel.
At impact I'm brushing the grass
My body is turning towards my target. I think of my chest rotating which keeps the club moving and you hit crisp pitch shots
Notice in the video the club face points to the sky and I have extended my arms and held my finish
These few points will help you with your short game shots and play better golf
I started teaching on course golf lessons at Ariss Valley Golf & Country Club. Ariss Valley has a wonderful 27 hole layout. Each 9 hole course is very unique which makes learning the game easy in this relaxed environment. On course lessons allow you to experience learning what it feels like to have success on the golf course and less thinking how to get your game from the range to the golf course.  
For more information contact Mark at graingergolf@rocketmail.com
 

 

 

   
 

The Golf Season is Here

With the golf season finally upon us take the time to warm up before you either start practicing or playing. Remember if you haven't been swinging the club during the winter your muscles won't be used to the motion of the golf swing or any short game shots including putting. This can lead to strains or pulls and can keep you from playing the game to the best of your ability or playing at all while an injury heals. If you don't have a warm up program talk to an athletic trainer or a golf instructor. Always consult your doctor before starting any workout activity. Thinking about health and wellness before and after any athletic activity keeps us active and moving. If you would like to improve your game this season consider taking lessons with someone who updates instruction in all areas. Watch for future posts during the season with tips to help you play golf to the best of your ability. For further information email Mark at graingergolf@rocketmail.com 

I'm teaching this summer at the following locations:

Club 6 Driving Range 
4560 Concession 7
Maltby Road and the Hanlon
Guelph

Ariss Valley Golf & Country Club
5700 County Road 86 (Elmira Road)

Jarzies (Indoors with a full launch monitor)
175 Dawson Road
Guelph


   

Short Putts

During a round of golf you will have a number of these 3 to 5 footers to save par. Usually tour players that win tournaments have a very high average for the week making these length of putts. This particular putt was approximately 4 feet in length with a slight break from left to right. Two schools of thought. More speed and less break or more break and less speed. The first putt I hit with more speed and no break. The last two putts I hit aiming left edge of the hole but not giving the hole away.


A Few Points (Keep it Simple):

I set my putter square to the line and my body parallel to that line

Putter back and square to the line through the strike area

I prefer more speed and less break

Decide for yourself more speed and less break or less speed and more break

Keep it simple and you will make more of these putts and lower scores

For more information or to book a lesson with Mark email graingergolf@rocketmail.com
Putting made easy with tour proven instruction

Ball Flight Laws

They're 9 ball flight patterns:

Pull hook
Pull
Pull slice

Draw
Straight
Fade

Push hook
Push
Push slice

These laws apply only when proper alignment is observed.

Ball flight is influenced by the following:

Club head path
Club face angle
Loft at impact
Club head speed



Set up is very important to your golf shots. If your having trouble check alignment first followed by observing one of the ball flight laws. When setting up to the golf ball ensure your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are parallel to the club face and golf ball line. 
For more information about ball flight laws or to book a lesson with Mark simply email me at 
graingergolf@rocketmail.com

Check back often for future tips and clues to unlocking your best golf.

Thank you for reading my blog and please send feedback or comments if you want me to address any topics.  

For Those Who Have Trouble Chipping (The Bump & Run)

A great number of golfers have trouble with the bump and run chip shot from the rough or a tight lie. This will help you not only hit the golf shot with consistency but also give you a higher success rate and you may make a few as well. Considering most of your scoring is around the greens it makes sense to practice these shots with a goal of lower scores or to enjoy the game more.

Here's how and its simple:

This shot was about 30 feet in length

I selected a 9 iron because I wanted the golf ball to roll as quickly as possible

I play the golf shot from the middle of my stance half shoulder width apart

Hands are slightly ahead of centre at the address position

I raise my hands so the toe of the golf club goes down at the address position. You will see some arching with my right hand.

I swing the club just like a putting motion rocking my shoulders and swinging my arms

This is a very easy way to hit the golf shot with a high success rate

Remember if grip pressure stays the same length of back swing determines how far the shot will travel. This shot can be played depending upon length with any club from a fairway metal to your lob wedge.

For more information or to book a lesson contact Mark at graingergolf@rocketmail.com

Keeping the game simple makes scoring easier.

What Can You Learn From Your Golf Shots During A Round Of Golf

Have you ever considered keeping track of a few simple stats? By doing this you can have a good indication where your golf shots are helping your scores and hurting your scores as well. 

Here's How:

Drives in the fairway

Greens in regulation

Chipping pitching and putts

Now an example:

In a round of golf I hit 10 fairways out of 14

I hit 8 greens in regulation. 

I have 45 shots chipping, pitching and putting

These stats tell me I'm driving the golf ball well. Only 8 greens in regulation tell me my iron shots are a little weak. 45 shots around the greens tell me my short game really needs work. 

Summary:

Improve iron shots and shots around the greens. I would therefore spend more time on these during practice.

Beginners should have a goal of getting the ball in play off the tee and maybe a extra or two shots to get to the green until you improve. 

For more information or to book a lesson with Mark email graingergolf@rocketmail.com 

Always have a goal when you play golf as goal's help you improve.

Create Lag and Inside Club Path in Your Swing for Added Distance

Follow this simple drill to add lag to your down swing and improve your club path.

Simply swing the golf club to the top of the back swing.
I slide my right hand (left hand for left handed players) towards the club head.
I shift my weight as I would hitting a golf shot to my left side (right side for left handed players)
With the hand closest to the club head force the angle created on the back swing to maintain which helps you learn to lag the golf club and bring the club back to the ball from the inside.
Look closely at the angle (left arm and golf club) Now that's lag. My left hand reaches my thigh and I still have the angle.  
For further help contact Mark at graingergolf@rocketmail.com

A few simple drills and some work can really help you enjoy the game more.