Happy Holidays

 

 

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Greetings, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and this newsletter finds you doing well. I really appreciate all the support and nice words that were expressed to me in regards to my mom's passing, it meant a lot!

It's hard to believe that 2014 is right around the corner, hopefully you were able to accomplish your golfing goals for 2013 and are equally excited about the upcoming year.

As you can see in the picture below, my two boys are starting to get in the holiday spirit and have already completed their list for Santa. If you are looking for a gift for that golfer who needs to improve their game, I have a few that could work well.


 
In the rest of the newsletter, you will see the following features:
  

*Video Tip on Misconception #4, having the ball be the target.

*Video of  2013 WGC-HSBC Winner Dustin Johnson.
*Honor Roll Students
*Upcoming dates for the Short Game School.

 

  Misconception #4

The ball is the target 

Misconception #4, the ball is the target: www.hicksgolf.com

 

One of the biggest differences I have found in my 18 years of teaching between the skilled and not so skilled golfers is where their focus is. The lesser the skilled golfer, the more the focus is on the ball. You will never see a highly skilled golfer have their focus be on the ball...for them, the ball is nothing more than an after thought. It is simply what they are sending TO the target, never the target itself. This way of thinking is identical for how you would play any other sport, whether it be shooting a basket, serving a tennis ball, throwing a football, etc...the ball is NEVER the target, just simply something that you are sending towards your target.
 
If your tendency has been to focus a lot on the ball, I highly recommend that you place much less focus on the ball and much greater emphasis of the target. This will encourage you to swing freely and give up control, enabling you to have the best chance of swinging the club as efficiently as possible.
 
The example I use most to illustrate this point is from the 2005 Masters where Tiger Woods chips in for birdie on the 15th hole. As you will see in the video (especially at the 50 second mark and 1 min 10 second mark), his focus is never on the ball, but where he wants the ball to go. 
Golf-Tiger Woods Chip at the 2005 Masters
 
 

PGA Tour Player Swing of the Month

2013 WGC - HSBC Winner

Dustin Johnson

Dustin Johnson 2013 WGC- HSBC Champion: www.hicksgolf.com 
This footage is from practice rounds at the 2012 Farmer's Invitational. A couple of unique things you might notice in his swing are 1) His bowed left wrist at the top of his back swing and 2) Very wide arc.

I was lucky enough to play with Dustin for two rounds during the 2009 Buick Invitational and what I found most impressive about his game (besides his length!) was his demeanor. I think this is his biggest asset as he never got too excited or down after any shot...including a triple bogey on his 25th hole, which put him in jeopardy of missing the cut. He ended up birdieing 7 of the last 11 holes to easily make the cut.

 

Honor Roll Students

  • Mark Noah- Mark broke 100 for the first time with a 90 at Eastlake Golf Course.
  • Kate Pasterkiewicz- Kate finished in a T 9th at CIF with rounds of 73-76 to finish in the top 12 and qualify for Southern Cal CIF. She will continue her golf next year at Sonoma St.

If you have had a great round or accomplishment in golf, please share it with me so that I may put it in the next newsletter. 

Upcoming Programs
  
Short Game School
Saturday, January 4th 8-10 AM
 
(Please let me know if there are other days/times that work better for you to do a One Day Golf School, Play with the Pro, and/or Short Game School)
  
To sign up for these schools, please email me at Justin@Hicksgolf.com or call (858) 254-0889.
  
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help your game. I look forward to hearing back from you and hope all is well.  

Justin Hicks

Mobile: (858) 254-0889