Why do you think it is so easy to hit perfect practice shots on the practice range? Being relaxed helps but the consistent flat surface makes all the difference. Taking your game from the practice range to the golf course is all about your ability to relax and adjust for the changing slope of the ground that you are standing on.
Flat Contact on a Flat Surface: Flat contact with the toe and heel of your club is critical to ensure that your club face is not opening or closing at impact with your ball and the ground. If your club hits the ground before impact with your ball you may lose control of your club face and the direction of your shot. Setup with your club edge lying flat on the ground.
Club Fitter Adjustments: It’s easy for a club fitter to test for your natural angle of impact on a flat surface. They measure you impact point with tape along the lower edge of your club. If you are impacting with the heel or toe of your club they can change the angle of your club head by a few degrees to help you eliminate your “built in” draw or fade.
It’s easy to practice on a driving range flat surface. How do you take those shots to the course?
Every Tee Box Should be Flat: Your driver is the most difficult club to hit as you are trying to add power and distance from the tee box. Make sure that the surface from your feet to your ball is DEAD FLAT. If the surface is sloped to the left you will tend to pull left and if the surface is sloped right you will tend to push your shot right (for right handed golf clubs). Shift your trailing foot in or out to compensate for the direction of your launch direction.
Your Tee Height and Forward position Affect Your Ball Flight: On a flat tee box, you setup your ball on a tee (higher than the ground height) and you line up the ball directly out from the heel of your leading foot. If you don’t shift your weight properly to your leading foot you will typically pull your shot left. Let your body shift forward as you swing through the shot.
Fairway Slope Problems: Small adjustments can create a huge impact on every shots. Be very aware that the surface of the ground that you stand on is rarely dead flat. The slope of the ground from your feet to the ball has a major impact on the direction and distance of your shot. Adjust for ground depth with your knees or by choking down on your club. Reduce the loft of your club for an uphill lie and increase you loft for a downhill lie. Attempt to align your body so that the trunk of your body is perpendicular to the ground Feel your swing with a practice swing before you address your ball.
One of the major factors in setting the Slope Rating for a course is the rugged terrain of the fairways. With the right setup and club selection you can improve your changes for excellent shots. Adjust and make a practice swing to FEEL your shot before you move up to your ball. Practice with GOLFSTR+ for every swing in your game. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com
GOLF LAW #15: Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.
