glbrum

I got in to golf at 8 [now 23], with the help of my dad. We played a whole bunch and I ended up playing 1 year of high school golf [sophomore year]. I then proceeded to quit golf and just picked it up again about 3 weeks ago [about a 7 year layoff]. I had zero pressure from the parents/dad to keep going and playing. they let me do what I wanted regarding keep playing/quitting. I'm the type that could have used a little bit of pressure/encouragement to keep playing. I think I would have kept playing/improving and really enjoyed it. The moral of this story: every person is different, but some times a little encouragement/pressure can be a good route. If he's good and good enough to do well in tournaments/make the squad [jv or varsity]/go to college with it [eventually] then tell him that. "put pressure" on him that way. It can go a long way if he's intrisically motivated.

I found a tip for wedge shots [probably 50-60 yards and in] while watching one of those "playing tips from the pros" or whatever it's called. It was with David Toms and Samuel L Jackson. I'll try to describe it... So let's say you're 50 yards out. Do a practice swing with your wedge as if you would hit a putt from that distance [no hip-turn; try and be as close to your putt stroke as you can]. Then work in the hip-turn to generate the power necessary to get the ball to the hole. The swing will a grow a bit with the hip-turn. Then, hit the ball. It's kind of weird to explain, but it really is just like hitting a putt [big swing in putting terms] with some hip-turn. I tried it today and got it pin high [although I pulled it; that's a whole different story]. I've been having getting the right distance on my 50-60 yd shots and this really helped.

A few off the top of my head: PGA West Stadium PGA West Nicklaus PGA West Norman Princeville [HI] Grayhawk [Phoenix, AZ] Troon North [Phoenix, AZ] Sadly, it's been about 8-9 years since I've played any of these courses. Hopefully I'll be able to get back out there sooner than later.