RIduffer

What are your thoughts on playing iron shots back in the stance (just back of center)? If I try to play a 7i just forward of center (the way alot of people suggest) I will hit the ball thin about half the time. As much as I try to drive my hips forward, get more weight forward, maintain my flying wedges, I just can't seem to get the low-point of my swing forward enough. At the range it's no problem, but during a round I'm hitting too many thin shots. So far, the only fix I have found is playing the ball back in my stance. Anyone else do this?

I started hitting my driver off the fairway alot this winter, trying to get more yards on cold windy days. The driver I play is a smaller head (350cc) so it may be easier, as people mentioned. For me, it is difficult to hit anything but a low cut shot.

Yeah, if your standard putting routine is to: read the putt, have your caddy read the putt, read the putt again, make several practice strokes, address the ball, then back off and read the putt again...that has to be rough on your playing partners.

Arnie joked at one point about how he'd had "a shot and a beer at lunch" . I hope he really did. Totally unrelated, but for some reason Ernie Els is annoying the hell out of me tonight. I root for Ernie (he's on my fantasy roster) but his ass-waggling perfect-posture pre-shot routine is irritating...looks so rigid and mechnical. I'm glad he got a win this year, and I envy his swing, but why can't he just look comfortable over the ball?

83 at Swansea CC.

I used to play pretty slow--basically searching for my swing during a round (doesn't work of course). Thankfully, one of my friends mentioned it, because I actually wasn't aware I was that slow. It's tough when you're new to the game, because it takes alot more concentration than it does for people who are experienced and have a grooved swing. Especially when you are taking lessons, it can feel like alot to remember. But you might be surprised at how well you can play just stepping up and hitting the ball. After my buddy told me to speed up, I played my next few rounds without practice swings, and my scores improved. Even if your play doesn't improve, at least you won't be slowing down the guys in your foursome, and they'll keep inviting you to play.

Just wanted to say Happy B'day and thank you for everything you do here at SandTrap.

It's just tough to broach the issue with a guy who is my father's age, but next time I will offer to pick up the ball for him. Unfortunately, I see these things alot at the course I play (not fixing pitch marks, not replacing divots, etc.)

Happened today when I was playing...guy sinks a putt then scoops his ball out of the hole with the toe of his putter. It didn't come out the first try, so he dug it in again and clearly damaged the lip of the hole while retrieving his ball. I see people do this occasionally, and I think it is poor form. If you're too lazy (or injured) to bend over and pick up the ball, at least get one of those rubber ball retrievers on the grip of your putter, right?

It's not a technical tip, but when I got started in golf my father said, "It's important to be fun on the course, even if you're playing bad. Then people will always enjoy playing with you." That is something I try to remember, because even if I'm playing crappy, I don't want to ruin the day for one of my buddies who might be having an awesome round.

OK, thanks for reply. I will try what you suggested. Also, I will not post again in 'Playing Tips' without swing video (so probably never again).

Interesting. Thank you. I definitely found myself starting to roll the clubface--in the manner he says NOT to do.

Well I had a tough day on the links yesterday, but you put in perspective for me. All my best Cussin hacker.

I have been working on the hip slide recently with some positive results. I have always struggled with thin iron shots, and the hip slide seems to help me get more weight forward, and the low point of my swing more forward. No question my contact has improved as a result. I do feel like I'm fighting to keep the ball from going right though. As much as I try to slide the hips forward without spinning them open, the clubface feels like it is getting laid off on the downswing. The ballflight is not terrible...but I feel like I'm flipping a bit to avoid the big fade. Any suggestions?

lol, I also torture my neighbors downstairs with practice swings on the carpet. Glad you got out to play and hope you have a great season.

I've heard people on this forum mention playing 'virtual holes'. So pretend you're at your home course and hit the clubs you would need for each hole. I like this idea because you have to switch clubs after each shot...hitting ten 7-irons in a row is not something you'll ever do on the course.

I used to hit alot of balls keeping my feet together. Lately I am hitting alot of chip, pitch, and punch shots to improve contact. I focus on keeping my weight forward, and keeping the hands leading the clubhead (i.e. no flipping).

I guess "wife in labor" is a good enough excuse . Good luck with the lessons and post an upgraded swing at some point to show what you're working on.

Interesting though, I heard Ogilvy went through a time when he was really harsh with himself-- negative and sarcastic after every bad shot. Guess he had to learn some emotional control, and I'm sure it improved his game.

The few times I shot in the 70s my swing tempo felt awesome too. Unless your name is Tiger Woods, you are forgiven for having some mental lapses during a round of golf at the age of 15. (And for all his mental toughness look how Tiger is doing now ). But really, I would say just don't put any pressure on yourself to shoot a certain score. You know you are capable of shooting 75 or even lower, so just play with no fear and no expectations.

I think that's great to play 'simulated rounds' at the range. More practical than hitting 40 drives in a row. Also, 3-wood is just a tough club to hit IMO. I have trouble hitting my 3-wood well unless my swing is feeling really good.

What other schools did you apply to?

Did he give you any drills to work on? If it's a matter of keeping the arms and chest more connected, you could try hitting some shots with tees or gloves held under your armpits. Was there some emergency at home that he had to leave early? I wouldn't go back to an instructor who made a habit of leaving lessons early without good reason.

Congrats on Northeastern acceptance!

There is usually a gap between the trigger finger and the middle finger. The right hand will be more under for a strong grip, and on top for a weak grip. So it depends on your grip preference. As mentioned, having the palms facing eachother is recommended. I wouldn't go crazy trying to get your grip "perfect"...people play good golf with all kinds of grip variations.