The OS Golfer's Thread!

[Matt10]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Went out yesterday at the course I now work at, and what a rough front 9.

It was a very impromptu outing. I was enjoying my day off hanging out at this girl's house, and my buddy called when he got off work and asked if I wanted to play 18 with him and our course pro, so I headed over there. The problem - while I did have my clubs in my car, I didn't have shoes, so I had to play in flip flops, and I didn't have my glove, so after about 8 holes, my hand was getting ravaged.

I managed to scramble around on the front, and shoot a 47, but it wasn't pretty; I was saved by some solid chips.

The pro was trying to help me a little with an apparently bad habit I have, but have never had "diagnosed". I had asked him about how he hits these low risers, whereas my ball just goes way up in the air. Turns out, I dip my back shoulder pretty drastically in my down swing. He tried to offer a few tips, but it was tough to adjust on the fly.

He left after the front 9, and my buddy and I made the turn. I was little looser (I had been playing a little uptight with the pro), and ended up shooting a 43 on the front, to finish at 90, but man, it was a rough day.


Do you guys have any advice or tips on the shoulder dipping thing? I seem to lose a lot of distance because of it. Rather than having the ball gradually rise when I hit it, it pops straight up, and gets no roll when it lands. I still drive the ball as far as most guys I play with, but this just tells me how much further I could be hitting the ball. It also explains my loss in yardage over the past year or so; I assume I hadn't been doing this for too long because the loss in yardage is fairly recent, and I hadn't ever had anyone bring it up before.

It depends on how you want your stock shots to go. I personally like the high ball. It allows the ball to quickly stop on the green faster, and more backspin as well if needed.

As far as the shoulder dipping though, it means you're either not transferring your weight to your right (right handed) and not turning correctly.

Try this drill.

Set up to the ball normally and just turn your shoulders so your back is facing the target.

Extend your arms out on your backswing, once that's done fold your arms towards you so the shaft of the club lays on your right shoulder. This builds the perfect backswing. If you are dipping, the club's shaft will hit more on your outer shoulder to even off of it.

This will help you maintain your spine angle a lot more.

A good set up tip that I use, and is just part of my routine is:

Set up to the ball with just your left arm aligned to the target (no right arm yet).

Instead of just placing your right hand on the club, let the arm just hang freely from your shoulder sockets. If you were to just reach for the club, you're already setting up open and chances are your back shoulder is going to take over.

So instead of just reaching for the club, kick your right knee in - this will naturally put your right arm/shoulder and hand in the perfect spot for your grip. The best part as well is that it will improve your set up to be more tilted - which when you do your backswing - there's less of a chance of your shoulder dipping.

Try those out - and let me know. I've done my tinkering with every golf method out there. I've found these two are the best ways to improve your set up for a great swing.

[st0rmb11]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

It depends on how you want your stock shots to go. I personally like the high ball. It allows the ball to quickly stop on the green faster, and more backspin as well if needed.

As far as the shoulder dipping though, it means you're either not transferring your weight to your right (right handed) and not turning correctly.

Try this drill.

Set up to the ball normally and just turn your shoulders so your back is facing the target.

Extend your arms out on your backswing, once that's done fold your arms towards you so the shaft of the club lays on your right shoulder. This builds the perfect backswing. If you are dipping, the club's shaft will hit more on your outer shoulder to even off of it.

This will help you maintain your spine angle a lot more.

A good set up tip that I use, and is just part of my routine is:

Set up to the ball with just your left arm aligned to the target (no right arm yet).

Instead of just placing your right hand on the club, let the arm just hang freely from your shoulder sockets. If you were to just reach for the club, you're already setting up open and chances are your back shoulder is going to take over.

So instead of just reaching for the club, kick your right knee in - this will naturally put your right arm/shoulder and hand in the perfect spot for your grip. The best part as well is that it will improve your set up to be more tilted - which when you do your backswing - there's less of a chance of your shoulder dipping.

Try those out - and let me know. I've done my tinkering with every golf method out there. I've found these two are the best ways to improve your set up for a great swing.

Yeah, I hear you on the underlined part. Hitting the ball high comes in great handy when I'm hitting an approach shot, with an iron. Usually, all I have to do is execute a solid shot, on target, and the ball ends up 2 or 3 feet from where it lands because of the height the ball.

But, with my driver, and fairway woods (from the tee and from the fairway), I'd like to hit the ball a little lower, so I can get more roll on the shots.

I'll definitely give those tips and drills a try.

The pro even suggested investing in a lower degree driver (mine is 10.5). He suggested looking into a 9 or 9.5 degree driver.

[Matt10]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Yeah, I hear you on the underlined part. Hitting the ball high comes in great handy when I'm hitting an approach shot, with an iron. Usually, all I have to do is execute a solid shot, on target, and the ball ends up 2 or 3 feet from where it lands because of the height the ball.

But, with my driver, and fairway woods (from the tee and from the fairway), I'd like to hit the ball a little lower, so I can get more roll on the shots.

I'll definitely give those tips and drills a try.

The pro even suggested investing in a lower degree driver (mine is 10.5). He suggested looking into a 9 or 9.5 degree driver.

Definitely could be the degree. The higher the swing speed (mine is 105) the less the degree. Get your swing speed, and assess correctly what driver would be correct. Shaft is important as well, I hit a stiff shaft - anything by diamana or proforce is good.

But yeah - definitely find what your swing speed is. I hit a 9 right now, drive on average about 270-280 with roll - I'm only 5'7, but like I've said on here - I incorporate a great swing method by Mike Austin.

[st0rmb11]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Definitely could be the degree. The higher the swing speed (mine is 105) the less the degree. Get your swing speed, and assess correctly what driver would be correct. Shaft is important as well, I hit a stiff shaft - anything by diamana or proforce is good.

But yeah - definitely find what your swing speed is. I hit a 9 right now, drive on average about 270-280 with roll - I'm only 5'7, but like I've said on here - I incorporate a great swing method by Mike Austin.

I may go back to my old driver - a 9 degree, extra stiff shaft that I got custom made. As far as swing speed, I've never had that looked at. Working at a course now, I may see about these things.

[Skyboxer]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

It depends on how you want your stock shots to go. I personally like the high ball. It allows the ball to quickly stop on the green faster, and more backspin as well if needed.

As far as the shoulder dipping though, it means you're either not transferring your weight to your right (right handed) and not turning correctly.

Try this drill.

Set up to the ball normally and just turn your shoulders so your back is facing the target.

Extend your arms out on your backswing, once that's done fold your arms towards you so the shaft of the club lays on your right shoulder. This builds the perfect backswing. If you are dipping, the club's shaft will hit more on your outer shoulder to even off of it.

This will help you maintain your spine angle a lot more.

A good set up tip that I use, and is just part of my routine is:

Set up to the ball with just your left arm aligned to the target (no right arm yet).

Instead of just placing your right hand on the club, let the arm just hang freely from your shoulder sockets. If you were to just reach for the club, you're already setting up open and chances are your back shoulder is going to take over.

So instead of just reaching for the club, kick your right knee in - this will naturally put your right arm/shoulder and hand in the perfect spot for your grip. The best part as well is that it will improve your set up to be more tilted - which when you do your backswing - there's less of a chance of your shoulder dipping.

Try those out - and let me know. I've done my tinkering with every golf method out there. I've found these two are the best ways to improve your set up for a great swing.

Also to add to what Matt said (Great points BTW).... st0rmb11 make sure you aren't teeing the ball up too high. On higher trajectory shots (I use a 9.5 driver) I'll tee it up to roughly 1/3 of the ball is above the club head. When I want a lower flight will more roll I tee it up even with top of club head.

[DonkeyJote]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Last summer, I lost distance on pretty much all my clubs. It was kinda weird. About two or three months after I first started playing regularly, I was probably averaging 240 or so with my driver, the 20 yd into a tree shots off the heel notwithstanding, and could occasionally hit 275 or so. Last summer, it dropped off, a lot. I lost distance on all my clubs it seemed. So far this year, especially in the three rounds I played last week, I've gotten my distance back. I could be a little more accurate, but I've been pretty straight and have been getting more distance with every club - except my driver. I'm still slicing it really bad, and only getting about 220 on a good hit - about the same as my 5 wood seems to be going now.

I'm probably golfing with some friends on Sunday (it'll actually be the first time in 6 months I haven't played alone). I'm probably going to go to the range on Saturday and try and work on my driver. It's driving me nuts. I know I would play better if I just put the club away, but I want it to do well. On my last round, I only used it on 8 holes and shot a bogey or better on one of them (and it took a nice punch shot from the trees 180 yards out onto the green to get the one par). But I'd rather fix the problem than put it away.

[Jr.]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Taking the day off of work on Thursday to play 18 then watch the Opening Day games. It's been in the mid 70s here in Denver the last week, but they're calling for a chance of snow and rain tomorrow and Tuesday, then back into the 70s by Thursday.

Hopefully the precipitation softens up the courses a bit since there's been no rain/snow here in almost a month.

[orthostud23]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Was finally able to hit the C510 Forged Irons that I bought at GigaGolf. I must say that I was very impressed with the way they felt. I instantly noticed when I didnt hit it quite flush and that was new for me. On the same note when you did hit it flush you felt nothing it felt so pure which again was very pleasing. I was able to work the ball and noted that on my normal swing/setup it seemed the ball flight was not as high as it used to be. Very happy with the purchase and look forward to hitting them on the course on Friday.

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Alright, here's some swings I took today...club I used is in the title of the videos:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bfvFwRJmXqo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IhqW1uzn0x8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QwHw0BzYmN8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MA7EcrFhUhk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D01TyLKI-j8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Matt10]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

JJ - how long have you been playing, man?

You've got a pretty over the top action - primarily a result of your set up at address - and thus the takeaway sets everything up from there.

What is your ball flight - what is your average 7iron distance? Misses?

If you want to keep the way you swing - that can be done, but you have to change a couple of things in your set up.

I recommend reading Jim Hardy's Plane Truth book or find the DVD. This is a good starting point to determine what type of swinger you are. The over the top movement is a natural for most beginners - but it's not necessarily bad thing if you are working on swinging left (like tiger woods currently does with Sean Foley) - you just have to set up the right way.

Okay man - good luck -apologies ahead of time if I'm way off base. I personally try not to record my swing anymore - it's always different feeling than how it really looks.

[Skyboxer]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Was in market for new bag. I love my Callaway bag but its a few years old and VERY heavy.
Didn't want to spend a whole lot and after looking around I decided to not go with a Callaway or any other club specific brand mainly due to I use Taylor Made Woods and Callaway Irons and Cleveland Wedges...

Went with an Ogio bag (Spyke) and love it. Very light and all the storage I need. I tend to fill evey pocket up if there's a pocket to fill up. lol

I was like a little kid last night putting everything away.

I could have spent a little more but for what I wanted/needed I'm happy.

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

JJ - how long have you been playing, man?

You've got a pretty over the top action - primarily a result of your set up at address - and thus the takeaway sets everything up from there.

What is your ball flight - what is your average 7iron distance? Misses?

If you want to keep the way you swing - that can be done, but you have to change a couple of things in your set up.

I recommend reading Jim Hardy's Plane Truth book or find the DVD. This is a good starting point to determine what type of swinger you are. The over the top movement is a natural for most beginners - but it's not necessarily bad thing if you are working on swinging left (like tiger woods currently does with Sean Foley) - you just have to set up the right way.

Okay man - good luck -apologies ahead of time if I'm way off base. I personally try not to record my swing anymore - it's always different feeling than how it really looks.

If I hit it right my 7i goes roughly 130-140, but that's rare.

I'm aware of my outside-in swing, but I have no idea how to fix it. Am I standing too close to the ball?

[Matt10]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Was in market for new bag. I love my Callaway bag but its a few years old and VERY heavy.
Didn't want to spend a whole lot and after looking around I decided to not go with a Callaway or any other club specific brand mainly due to I use Taylor Made Woods and Callaway Irons and Cleveland Wedges...

Went with an Ogio bag (Spyke) and love it. Very light and all the storage I need. I tend to fill evey pocket up if there's a pocket to fill up. lol

I was like a little kid last night putting everything away.

I could have spent a little more but for what I wanted/needed I'm happy.

Very nice! Ogio is a great brand for golf bags. Is it a stand bag or cart?

I actually just purchased two golf items, one from TGW and one from Amazon.

1st is the RJ 14-way divider stand bag



And second, I'm very excited for (since my wife approved as well) - is the PUMA Jigg golf shoes



rated pretty well as a very comfortable shoe. It's my first that I really took some time on.

both should be here tomorrow!

[Matt10]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

If I hit it right my 7i goes roughly 130-140, but that's rare.

I'm aware of my outside-in swing, but I have no idea how to fix it. Am I standing too close to the ball?

Yeah, what about a mi**** 7 iron? Do you miss right or left? Top the ball or fat?

If you know that you swing outside-in; do you want to keep swinging that way, or do you want to swing inside out?

I personally prefer to swing outside-in; but swinging left is tough to get accustomed.

If you want to have a rotational swing (swinging left) then here are some steps that I have been successful in.

1- Set up to the ball by standing a bit further away. Bend a bit more at the hips. Press your upper arms to your chest to create a solid connection (this is going to restrict your arm movement).

2- Kick in your right knee, make sure it stays there, so when you swing - you have that tension that will create some torque.

3- For irons, you'll want the ball farther back in your stance (towards right foot) and woods/driver further up. If you feel the irons are towards the left side more - just think of pushing it further back (perception messes up at times)

4- To start the swing, I personally like a hip start that promotes a smooth take away. The way you do this is just rotate your left hip slightly, which will result in your right hip moving back (remember rotation, not sliding back and forth)

5- As you rotate - open up the club slightly (do not use your hands, use the upper left arm, this will create a slower rotation, so you don't hook the ball)

6- Once you feel that torque, just let it all go left. Try to keep your arms out of the swing as much as possible.

There - you will start off hitting some toppers if you don't keep your spine angle (bending of the waist) in tact - this is what the torque (through the kicked in right knee) should help you with. If you keep your arms out of the downswing, you will really start to compress the ball.

Refer to this video for what you want to look like. ANd if you really want to dive into this method - it's called the SLicefixer method (guy named slicefixer on golfwrx forums).

This is one of his videos of his many students:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/12KHR1xr2SA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Thanks for the tips. When I shank my irons I usually hit them fat and to the right. I'll try what you listed above the next time I go to the range. I'd prefer to have a more traditional inside-out swing, but if I can hit the ball consistently with a few slight changes, that'd be great.