Ten Penny Tip

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Independence Day celebration and I thank you for the responses to the monthly newsletters. According to some readers, last month's stretch was just what they needed. Also, I owe a quick response to the May newsletter and the 9:00 toe up drill--"Yes, the feeling is a straight back takeaway of the club head." Now, for the July tip and the anticipated ten penny exercise!

One of the most important tips I have ever received was also one of the earliest tips I was given. Around the age of four or five, while growing up in Baltimore, MD, my grandfather, who was the golfer in the family, had me hit pennies in the back yard. My earliest experiences with golf had nothing to do with a golf ball, and I am so grateful! Thanks so much, Pops! Here is the lesson: My granddad would not let me hit a golf ball until I learned to hit a penny every time I attempted-- not just some of the time--but every time. If your goal is to become an improved ball striker, then your goal should be for your club head to hit a specific spot on the earth. As all my students know, that spot is after the ball (Ball then turf)!

Picture #1  shows the ten cent set up. You must learn  to strike pennies first, no misses, and hitting the ground then the penny does not count either.

If I remember correctly, it was an entire summer before my granddad ever let me try to hit a ball. However, I never got tired of chasing pennies around the back yard, and when he finally introduced me to the golf ball, I was an immediate divot taker. Ball then turf!

Picture #2 shows the ball then penny placement. All Pops told me to do was hit the ball then the penny. He said, "I need your club head to contact the ball first then continue to allow your club head to contact the penny as well."

I hope you all enjoy this drill as much as I did. The answer is in the dirt!  

For more of Ted's classic tips, 

 View previous newsletters here.