Simple Tools to Assist Game Improvement
Without going into details, this has not been my most fun golf year - my game has pretty much been shut down all year. As a result though, this has lead me to do some thinking of what are a group of simple Game Improvement tools that golfers can use to help them improve their games. Here are some of the ones that I would suggest are worth considering...
A Putting String Line. If you are having issues with aiming your putter and also issues with your putting path, practicing with a String Line is a simple and effective way to see what you are doing and improve it. Here are links to two short videos that describe how to set up and use a Putting String Line: Golf Digest Quick Tip String Line Martin Chuck String Line VideoFoot Spray Powder - Club Face Impact. In the past I have talked about using MarkIt spray in my fittings to see club face impact - a great tool. However, for less money you can consider purchasing a can of foot powder spray, spraying some on your club head before some shots, and see if you are making the center impact that you desire. Video Recording Short Game Shots. Perhaps more than for other shots, knowing what you actually do when you hit small chips, pitches, and sand shots - versus what you think you are doing - can help you be sure you are hitting these shots with the technique you desire. Why not from time to time take some video when you practice short game shots, and critique your technique? Look at Your Wedge Impact Patterns. Here is a simple one that can help you improve your short game. The image below is of the wear pattern on a 60 degree wedge (name withheld to protect the guilty...):  Note that the wear pattern is midway between the leading and trailing edge of the bottom of the wedge. This means that this golfer is not using the bounce of his wedge effectively. The wear pattern should be very close to the trailing edge, at the bounce. He most likely can improve the consistency of his wedge game by changing his technique - to activate the bounce on his wedge - or decide to play with wedges with more bounce that fit his swing. An old 5 or 6 iron. Perhaps you have problems developing good technique to hit bunker shots. One of the best ways to work to develop bunker shot confidence is to make the shot a little harder! Take an old 5 iron or 6 iron and work on your bunker play with this club. When you get good with a 5 or 6 iron, you should see great improvement with your normal sand shots. Here is a short video showing a golfer hitting an bunker explosion shot with a 3 iron! 3 Iron Bunker Shot! If you have other suggestions for simple game improvement training aids let me know, and I will include them in future newsletters.
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Is an S200 Wedge Flex Shaft for YOU?
In doing a recent shaft repair for a well-known wedge brand, I discovered that the "stock" wedge shaft for that brand is a True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 shaft. My understanding is that this choice was made because this shaft provided good overall results for a majority of golfers. But are you one size fits all? It seems to me there are a number of considerations related to choosing a shaft for your wedges: - Distance control;
- Consistency of feel with your other irons;
- Feel for full and short shots; and
- Wedge spin.
There may be others but these are four to consider. Some golfers actually like the feel and performance of a very stiff wedge shaft - but this is not for everyone. And typical stock wedge shafts may in fact be way heavier than the shafts you are playing in your set of irons. You may or may not like the feel and performance of heavier shafts - but you at least deserve to try different shaft weights and flexes and see which give you the performance characteristics you prefer. Tom Wishon wrote a blog post about his approach to designing wedge shafts, perhaps this provides some food for thought for your wedge shaft decisions: Tom Wishon Blog Post on Wedge ShaftsBottom line - your wedge game is too important to use a one size fits all shaft in your scoring clubs. Find a wedge / shaft / weight combination that allows you to be confident with your wedge short game shots.
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Edel Wedge Testimonials - And...Here are two recent testimonials I received from golfers who are delighted with their new Edel Wedges:
"Everyone should try an Edel wedge fitting, I'm betting you will have a WOW moment. More grooves and higher bounce = I didn't know I was that good!" Randy Jacobs, Atlanta.
"Hi Tony. I am enjoying the performance of my new Edel wedges (54 & 60 degree). They were made for me based on my physical attributes and swing. Consequently there was no adjustment period required. I was able to start playing well with them immediately. However quite unexpected, due to their high performance and feel, I have improved my short game and thus lowered my handicap by two strokes. Most improved is my pitching game. I can now feel the distance required much better and hit my target more consistently. Thanks to you and your Short Game Improvement Center, I am having a much more enjoyable golf experience. Thanks again." Wendell Beliveau, Knoxville.
These are great wedges - visit Game Improvement Golf and find out for yourself.
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We are excited to be starting some advertising with the Knoxville Sports Animal FM 99.1 radio station on May 20. Listen to the Sports Animal on the web starting on May 20, and learn about our FREE short game improvement offer!
Knoxville Sports Animal Web Streaming Link
The Fit Is IT!!
Tony Wright (The Golfer's Clubfitter)
GAME IMPROVEMENT GOLF
Oak Ridge, TN
The PREMIER Short Game Fitting Center in East Tennessee!
tony@gameimprovementgolf.com
www.gameimprovementgolf.com
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