Range Session May 5, 2010

[anthony]

Went to the range after mowing my lawn today. The goals, as they have been, are get more comfortable with my grip, align properly to the target and not cut across the ball. The grip is taking more shape and I'm getting more comfortable with it and making slight changes that are letting me swing more comfortable. In that respect, I'm happy and it is paying off with straighter shots. Also, based on some videos in a thread from the forum, I'm trying to not sway backward and make more of a turn. The swing thought or motion to turn your right hip towards the target on the way back really helped today. I only felt stuck on one or two swings. Another thing I've started doing this year is bringing the right hand into the downswing more. I used to keep it very passive but, giving the right hand more of a role in the downswing has helped me get the club face closed and better contact resulting in a straighter ball.

I started off with the PW, then 8 iron, then 5 iron, then 7 iron and finally 6 iron. I hit them all great. Of course there were a couple pushes, but for the most part I'm happy with my irons and hybrids. I don't worry about skulling or chunking them anymore like I used to. I'm getting better at striking my irons every time I play or hit the range. Even my mishits are still pretty good shots.

The driver, on the other hand, is not getting better. I hit some good shots, but the majority are slices, pushes or mega skyball hooks. I've moved the ball back in my stance some to try and address with more of an iron stance, but I end up hitting it 1000 feet in the air. It's frustrating to say the least. I hit some good drives, but I don't really know how or why. I put it away before and only used my 3 wood in the past, but my game was bad all around. Now, the irons, pitching, chipping, putting are all better while the driver is the same or possibly worse.

One thing is hitting the ball on the upswing. I can down on the ball fine. I like hitting down on the ball. My swing is all about hitting down on the ball. Sweeping the ball off the is something I can't get a handle on. That and the flat swing plane. I'm going to keep working on it at the range, but I'm seriously considering getting a 1 hybrid to replace my driver on the course. I can fly my 4 hybrid 200-210 off the tee no problem so I should be able to spank a 1 hybrid pretty well.

I love this game.