Weather woes and Putting stretches

The weather isn't cooperating, yet... In the meantime, something to think about from about.com: Stretching exercises to do so that you can become a better putter by practicing longer. Lord knows I need both the better putting and the exercises to keep me from stiffening up after a surprisingly short time practicing with the short stick. The short article does make it sound like work and to date I keep away from the sore muscles by practicing for short periods several times a day - my living room putting green is very handy. Do like the back massage part of the routine - might try that. Might try each of them - I'm reminded of Sam Snead's very long and successful career and the fact that he was extremely limber well into old age (whatever that is!). So, go stretch, practice your putting, and then dream of hitting your approach shot close enough so that all you have left is a gimme putt.

Chipping from high grass video

Well, I think we could have used this earlier in the season but, what the heck, still plenty of golf left in this season and maybe we'll actually make a good shot or two. From about.com, a video on chipping from high grass here.

Friday morning video

For a refresher on a more powerful swing, try this video from about.com. I mentioned the other day about getting lazy with our basics and this video is a reminder that the arm straight applies both to the back swing and to the forward swing. At least for a part of it.

Golfing tip for the day

Was watching a bit of the BMW Championship yesterday when the camera showed a head on shot of Tim Herron hitting an approach shot. I was struck by the almost locked position of his left arm and the following very straightness of that arm in his takeaway. Of course, he then hit the ball beautifully just as a lot of them were doing out there yesterday. But I did take that thought back to the golf course with me and made an effort to have a similar straightness in my own backswing. And, by golly, it made a difference with my ball striking sharper and the loft higher and the landing softer. Guess we get ourselves in a routine when playing golf and sometimes get a little lazy in the basics. So, a little piece of paper with the words "left arm straight" goes into the pocket as a reminder for my next outing. Got a bunch of those little slips of paper all over the place - just ask Diane.

Better Iron Contact

Something we can always do just a little better especially in the early part of the season. Here's a very short lesson clip from The Golf Channel and Tina Mickelson.

John Daly's Swing Routine

Pretty good check list from John Daly on shot routine from espn.com. I don't remember ever seeing the '90 degree line between chin and forehead' check. And have you ever noticed that the Big Boys and Girls do not take a full swing as part of their pre shot routine? I mentioned that to Eric once as we were playing a round of golf and he commented that people like us don't average three hundred swings a day in practice either... Good point by the young man.

Golf Tip: Suggestions on hitting a 460 cc driver

Golf Tip:

From about.com, these suggestions on those using a 460 cc driver:
-use a longer tee
-move the ball forward even as far as in front of your left toe (for right handers)
-move back to ensure you are hitting the ball in the center of the face

First and third seem like no brainers. Second one surprised me and is something I'll have to try.