Encouragement

I have had a pleasure playing with a GCC member a couple times in the last month. This member loves to play the game and loves more than anything to compete (even though he doesn’t think he is as good as the rest of the group). What really excites me about playing with him is that all it takes is a small amount encouragement and he plays amazing golf. The point I am trying to make is; we all have the ability to play great golf each time we tee it up, sometimes it just takes some encouragement. That encouragement can come from the golfers in your group, but most of the time it has to come from within. If you have hit good shots in the past, and posted good scores, you can do it again. Stay out of your own way, stay positive, and let it happen!

Rear to Wall Drill

This is a great at home drill for the winter months - or whenever! All you will need is a wall with enough space to put your rear end up against it. This will help golfers who suffer from "early extension." Take your golf stance with your rear against the wall and cross your arms. What you will be trying to do is make your back swing turn and forward swing turn while keeping your rear against the wall. On the way back, focus on keeping your right rear on the wall, and on the way through, get your left rear to hit the wall. Take some time to work on this and you will feel what it is like to maintain your spine angle and posture through impact!

Swing Plane Drill

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you can't work on your swing plane. The video below demonstrates how you can work on your swing plane indoors. Take a 6-iron and assume your golf stance. Place an alignment stick about 3 1/2-4 feet outside the ball facing the target. Place the club across your shoulders and turn back focusing on keeping the grip of the club pointing at the stick on the ground. One the way down, match that position with the club head to maintain your shoulder plane on the way down. Work on this drill and you will be sure to be on plane right out of the gates in 2012!

My TPI

As a golf professional there is no better time than the winter to focus on fitness. The same should be for you! When you make the commitment to start working on some golf fitness check out http://www.mytpi.com/ . The Titleist Performance Institute is group of experts that is so far ahead of the curve when it comes to golf health and fitness. The best part of this website is that you can access all sorts of workouts, information, junior golf training, and much more.

When you get really serious, locate the nearest TPI Certified Expert and get assessed. There is a tab on the website that will allow you to search for an expert. A typical assessment is several mobility and strength tests that can show you where you need to focus on the most. The expert will analyze the results and give you a specific workout tailored to your needs. What more could you want?

I could go on an on about the benefits of My TPI but I think it would be easier for you to visit http://www.mytpi.com/, create an account, and have some fun on the website checking out all of the cool things about golf fitness. Get motivated, get assessed, and get your swing in shape for the 2012 season!