first practice session 3/31

[shakogolfer78]

After class today, I went to the range for the first time and I started out really rusty. I was either losing everything left with my slice or I was pulling the ball right of the target. Then I setup my sticks to work on alignment, and I put a headcover just outside of the ball to keep me from going over the top. After a few swings my ugly looking low slice turned into a solid high shot with a managable fade. I focused only on my routine and I started getting my groove back. Then I pulled out the driver on the second busket and realized that I needed to slow down my tempo to get the trajectory and distace I wanted. I have had a problem with swing to quick and hitting a really low shot, but when I relax and go through my routine I was hitting the ball great for my first real practice of 2010. Here is my pre shot routine that I am going to stick to:

-stand behind ball and take my grip
-draw a line from my target to my ball and pick a spot in fromt of the ball to setup to
-setup to the ball
-look at target
-one waggle think "low and slow"
-when the waggle returns to the ball, swing

I have my first 18 holes today so I am going to use these things on the course and let you know how it went. I also spent some time with my wedges which I have lost some touch around the greens, but I found out a simple tip to help me with these delicate shots. I was leaving everything short of the pin, and outside of the tap-in circle I should be in with a 10-20 pitch. I realized that I need to accelerate through the ball. The most simple fixes sometimes can make the biggest difference. Well I have a tee time at 2:30. I can't wait to hit the links and start 2010 out with a bang.

[Fairway_CY]

Definitely let everybody know how it went. I was having a similar issue (still am) with my irons. It seemed like if I was getting too quick with my swing (trying to hit it harder than I should), I was leaving everything out 10+ yards to the right of my target. I started to slow down a bit, especially on my takeaway, and I was getting the same results as you... high, managable fades that found my targets time after time.

Seems like a good preshout routine. Mine is similar...

I usually stand behind the ball to find my target and imagine my shot.
When I set up at the ball, I put the clubhead behind the ball and align it to my target then I take my grip so I know that I'm not stretching to reach the ball.
I waggle twice while looking at my target.
Then I begin my swing.

It's been working at the range... but I won't likely know if it'll work at the course until next Sunday (4/11). Until then... I've got one more practice session scheduled (next Thursday or Friday) and then I'll be at the practice green twice next week to work on my putting, which is severely lacking.

Good luck!

CY