Good news, I passed the core curriculum of the PGA certification exam on Friday, May 7th! I have now successfully completed all of the coursework and exams and have moved from the classification of Class 'A' PGA Member to Certified Class 'A' PGA Member with emphasis on Instruction. My next educational endeavor is to become a Master Teaching Professional through the PGA. I hope to complete that process in 2011.
For most of you the clubs are now out of the closet and may even have a little dirt on them. If you have been following the 2010 newsletters, you will recall that the January through April newsletters highlighted address verses impact alignments and we now have reached the separation phase of the golf swing. If you missed any of these editions and would like to catch up, please visit the archive of past editions on the Newsletter page at www.classicswing.com. This month's topic is post impact and heading into the follow through when the ball is separating from the clubface.
Separation is the point in the swing that has the greatest influence on the spin you impart on the ball! There are 3 distinct release motions, and each dramatically changes the condition of the clubface at separation and, therefore, the flight of the ball.
The three release motions are:
1) Reverse Roll- this imparts the heavy fade to slice spin (keeps club face wide open)
Reverse Roll
2) Half Roll- this reflects a neutral or slight fade ball flight (this club face is only slightly open and beginning to square up.)
Half Roll
3) Full Roll- this is used for power and produces more of a draw spin to the ball (club face is closing)
Full Roll
The remainder of this tip will focus on the full roll technique because this is the finest way to transfer momentum for distance. If you have all that stored up energy in the downswing (lag), then deliver the punch with an optimum blow!
During the release interval, the forearms pronate to put the right palm in a downward facing position. A common phrase heard on our lesson tee box is, "let the forearms cross to show the ball who's the boss." The sensation is to feel your right palm facing towards the dirt immediately after impact. It must be noted that during the release interval in a full swing, the back of the left wrist should still be flat as it is rotating. Therefore, for power and consistency, the mandatory flat left wrist applies from impact all the way into the follow through.
Next month we will highlight release drills.
Ted Frick
2005 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year
Owner / Director of Instruction
Classic Swing Golf School (Located at Legends Resort)
P.O. Box 50955
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-5560
1-800-827-2656
tfrick@classicswing.com
www.classicswing.com
Check the Internet Specials page on ClassicSwing.com to view complete list of current specials, including the Summer Sizzler Package.
