Newsletter – September 2013
Upcoming special events: I will conduct an Adult Golf Clinic on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The topic is pitching and chipping technique. Cost is only $20 and you can just show up. My next Get Golf Ready Ladies Boot Camp will be held on October 3 through 6. Golf instruction will be on Thursday and Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will finish on the golf course on Sunday, October 6 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Total cost is only $99 for all sessions and space is limited. The Ladies-Only Golf Clinic will be held on 4 consecutive Friday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on October 11, 18, 25 and November 1. All four sessions for only $40! Both of the Ladies clinics are good for beginners. Space is limited so call me at (727) 692-4679 or email: jh@johnhayesgolf.com to sign up.
Manuel de la Torre often asks the student, “What are you trying to do?” The answer often comes back with results-oriented things like, “Hit my driver in the fairway.” Manuel would tell you, “You can’t do that.” If you perform your fundamentals and produce the correct swing then, yes, the ball will be sent down the fairway but that is not what you should be trying to do. Another question, what is your job in putting? If you said that your job is to make putts then you have failed the test again. Your job is really to just ROLL THE BALL ON THE LINE YOU SELECT AS FAR AS THE HOLE. If you are able to do your job correctly every time, will you be a great putter? No, you must select the correct line and this involves “reading” the greens. To improve your green reading you must hit lots of putts on greens with some slope so your golf instincts get a good education. So as you hit putts I want you to ask yourself some questions: 1) Did I roll the ball on my line? 2) Did I roll the ball the correct distance? Correct speed will roll the ball about 1 foot past the hole. 3) Did I select the correct line?
If you are having problems with rolling the ball on your line then you can practice by putting two tees in the green that form a small gate a little wider than the golf ball on the line of your putt about 2 feet in front of your ball. Now practice rolling the ball on the line so all of your putts roll cleanly through the gate of two tees. This may take some practice but you will be able to do it after a while. Now, if you roll the ball on your line as far as the hole and you have selected the correct line, then you have done your job. If you do your job then what will the ball do? It will fall into the hole!
As always, please email or call with your questions or comments and I hope to see you soon on the lesson tee at the Chi Chi Golf Range & Family Sports Complex in beautiful Clearwater, FL.