A few years ago at the annual Antique Golf Show in Portland I acquired these handsome primitive style golf depictions.  Displayed in a shadow box manner, these whimsical, fun golf portrayals are very unique and pleasant to the eye.  It would seem the artist knew all too well the foibles of the game and the cartoon like vulnerabilities of it's participants.  (The backdrops have been painted, but the actual figures themselves are doll like constructed.....very cool!) 

I instruct a lot of folks on how to chip a ball around a green.  I think the key to executing a chip correctly comes in three parts; the first part being the shot analysis, the second the physical set-up, third the swing motion.  It's not tough...you can do it!

1.  The shot analysis...The key elements to be considered are: a. the lay of the land, is there any slope to consider, b. what is the lie like, are there limitations to what I can do with the shot, c. where do I want to land the ball; how far in the air... how far will it run on the ground. d. lastly what club to choose? 

3.  The swing motion & execution...Create a pendulum swing of the arms, a slight cocking of the wrist is permissible especially if you need height.  I like the follow through to be much the same length as the back swing.  Always best with a quiet body!  Notice in the right hand picture below how the club face is still somewhat looking at the target at the completion of the swing.  

For confirmation of the set-up, do a reflection check in the mirror and compare my position to yours.  You can do this, it`s easy!

1. I keep hitting the ball low left...this is generally a grip problem... lower hand turned too clockwise which in turn keeps the face closed at contact
2. I keep topping the ball...maybe your head, but most likely you are straightening your spine on the downswing.  If you straighten your back, the club will lift out of position.
3. I slice the ball...this is an over the top move...need to initiate the down swing with the lower body, not the shoulders.  Some 90% plus golfers do this...you are not alone!
4. I sky the ball...most likely a reverse pivot or teeing the ball too high.  It`s all about not transferring your weight to your back leg on the back swing  
5. I keep hitting the ball to the right...open face at contact, check your release action..top hand grip may be too weak.  Is there too much lateral movement 
6. I keep hooking the ball...closed face at contact...generally a problem with back swing 
7. I pull the ball to the left on my tee shots...same as slice problem...generally over the top problem.  The upper body is too dominant in the swing 
8. I hit the ball fat a lot...are you moving up and down or dropping your right shoulder...check ball position too.  Are you letting go of the club at the top
9. I do not know how to hit a trap shot...check out my YouTube video below on Sand Play...Yes, you can do it! 
10. I hit the ball everywhere...check to see if you are letting go of the club at the top of your swing.  Perhaps moving too much laterally
11. I have no power...Power comes from torquing your body and creating power angles such as cocking the wrists
12. I have no power revisited...check your grip, a common fault
13. I keep losing my balance...this generally is a posture problem or a lack of lower body participation.  In many cases the golfer`s weight is on
     their toes during the swing
14. I sometimes miss the ball...are you moving laterally on your back swing...usually unnecessary body movement 
15. I hit a lot of putts and chips left of target...is your leading wrist breaking down in the hit zone.  Check out my chipping section of this newsletter 
16. I have alignment problems..check out my YouTube lesson on alignment...it`s easy to fix.  build a pre-shot routine...problem solved! 
17. I keep missing short putts...usually a problem with body movement during the stroke...the body must be steady.  Copy what you see on TV 
18. I am a troubled golfer...short cut the agony and come for a lesson with Scott...250-858-4887  Guaranteed fun too!

 

Seigniory Club, Montebello, Quebec

The Fairmont Le Montebello or simply Chateau Montebello is a hotel and resort complex in Montebello, Quebec.  The setting for the retreat is 65,000 acres of forested wildlife sanctuary and 70 lakes on the shore of the Ottawa River, between Ottawa and Montreal.

Harold M. Saddlemire, a Swiss-American entrepreneur envisioned a private retreat for business and political leaders.  He initially called the project Lucerne-in-Quebec, subsequently came to be known as the Seigniory Club.  The club`s grand opening was held on July 1, 1930.  The club was only open to an elite membership for its first 40 years of operation.  Canadian Pacific hotels purchased the Club in 1970 and opened it the the public as a resort.  In this period, it was renamed the Chateau Montebello.

In 1999, Canadian Pacific Hotels purchased Fairmont Hotels, and the companies were reconfigured as Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.  The Toronto based private company, now controlled by Saudi prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and Colony Capital of Los Angeles, continues to manage Montebello, but the property itself was purchased in 2006 by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System.

Across the span of its history, the resort has welcomed guests such as Governors Generals and Prime Ministers, Crown Prince Akihito of Japan, Harry Truman, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

 

If you follow my 3 line system you will become a better sand player.  THIS IS A FACT, I GUARANTEE IT!  If you do not improve phone me.  250-858-4887  When I do sand trap clinics I tell my students sand play is about two things only...technique and courage!  Good luck!

I love this cartoon...it makes me feel like I am needed! 

Please click on any month to read previous editions... 

2013

2012

January     February     March    April     May    June     July    August    September    October     November   December

2011

April     May     June     July     August     September    October      November     December 

Good golfing to all!