golf tips blog

Date : 6/29/2018

Freund Friday - Back to the Basics

Around this time of the season I begin to hear a lot of players saying “I’m playing bad. I just can’t seem to hit the ball right”.  I know it is nearly July now, so it may seem like odd advice. But perhaps it’s time to go back to the basics.

If you find yourself in a bit of a slump then head down to the range and make sure your set-up is still correct. Start off by checking your grip. Too strong (or too weak) of a grip can affect many facets of your golf game.

Once you have your made sure your grip is correct, is time to address your posture. Look to hinge slightly at your hips with a slight bend in your knees. Your arms should be hanging straight down from your shoulders at address.

Another element to look at is your ball position. It often creeps up or back as the season moves along. Take a club and lay it on the ground perpendicular to your target line. Set a ball about 6 inches from the end of your club. When you are hitting your irons try to have the ball just left of center, while your driver should be played in line with your left heel.

The last thing to check is your alignment. Perhaps you are aiming left or right of your desired target.  Lay a club on the ground parallel to your target line. The club should be slightly left of the desired target for right-handed golfers (imagine the line your ball makes to the target and the line your club is on as a railroad track). Line your feet up with the club to ensure you are aiming where you want to be.

As the season wears on the fundamentals that golfers focus on to start the season begins to slip away. Every so often it is good to head back to the basics to make sure we are starting every shot off with the best chance to succeed.

As a friend of mine says, “Hit ’em straight, and not too often.”

Anthony Freund
Assistant Professional
Three Lakes Golf Club



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