vol. 5, number 2

In This Issue

"Must Read" Chapter in James Sieckmann's New Short Game Book

Game Improvement Golf Newsletter

Information to Improve YOUR Golf Game (March 2015)

Thanks, Peter Kostis!

Peter Kostis wrote an interesting little article on the value of custom fitting in a recent issue of Golf Magazine. If you have not read it, here is the link and I hope you enjoy it. Sergeo plays a 43 inch long driver and we all get to play off-the-rack 45 plus inch long drivers - is there a message there?

Golf Magazine Peter Kostis Article - Custom Fitting

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For years I have used a Bushnell range finder to measure shot distances on the golf course. I always thought it was more precise than using a GPS. However, when I was at the PGA Show this year, I realized that my "engineer brain" was over-analyzing things. I now believe a GPS watch will give distances that are close enough, and also realize that using one will help me speed up play. So a new Bushnell Neo XS Golf GPS Watch is on the way - many of my golfing friends have this and it looks like a great option!

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Many of you may have seen this short video already - but it is priceless and thought it was worth the link. Rory throwing his 3 iron in the lake at the PGA event this week. My goodness he has such good form - and watch his hips lead the throw, beautiful kinematic sequence!

Rory McElroy Beatiful 3-Iron Toss at Trump National

Some Launch Monitor Basics

Many of you know that I use a Flightscope launch monitor in my club fitting work. What you may not know is that it is the 3rd launch monitor that I have used - but far and away the best. I thought I would provide some information related to the types of information and the value of the information from great launch monitors (like Flightscope and Trackman).

I was doing a web search on "importance of center contact in golf shots," and found a good little summary document related to understanding information from Launch Monitors. It is called "Trackman's 10 Fundamentals," and is a pretty quick and interesting read. Here is the link to download it...

TrackMan's 10 Fundamentals Download Link

I hope you can take the time to read all of this, but there are a few myths that are worth noting....

Creating center contact is more important than increasing club speed to produce more ball speed;
Hitting down more on the golf ball does not necessarily increase ball spin rate; and
There is no such thing as "side spin" - the golf ball rotates around one spin axis.

For those of you who want to take a look at all of the data that a Flightscope measures, here is a document with this information...

Flightscope Data Parameters

While almost all of these are important in different fittings, for me the data I most often look at are vertical launch angle, smash factor, spin rate, spin axis, carry and roll distance, shot dispersion, club speed, club speed and club acceleration profiles, face angle, angle of attack, club path, and spin loft.

I also found an excellent article - by Tom Stickney - on how how using some launch monitor measurements can helpgolfers improve their games. Here is the link...

Tom Stickney Article - Flightscope and TrackMan Value

I hope this document and article give you a better appreciation on the value of launch monitor data to help you play your best golf.

MUST Read Chapter in James Sieckmann's
New Short Game Book

In early March I received a copy of a very good new book about short game improvement. It is titled "Your Short Game Solution" and is authored by James Sieckmann. James works with many tour pros to help them improve their short games, and there is certainly valuable information in it to help golfers improve their short games.

Here is an article that James Sieckmann wrote in Golf Magazine that discusses some of the elements of his short game swing approach:

Golf Magazine James Sieckmann Short Game Article

My purpose here, though, is to talk about one small part of his book - Chapter 7 - World Class Wedge Training. This chapter is pure gold if you want to learn how to practice correctly to improve any part of your game. This is the first golf instruction book I have ever read that provides a clearly described approach to practicing to improve. Just a couple of snippets from this chapter....

From the "Bulletproof Musican" blog - "We are hardwired to pay attention to change, not repetition."

James notes that what golfers do today does not affect what happens tomorrow - but does affect what will happen a month from now.

He notes that when golfers start playing poorly, it is because they are not doing what they think they are doing!

And he discusses the benefits and drawbacks of block and random practice, and how to integrate both into an effective practice plan.

If you are a golfer who truly wants to learn how to practice any part of your game to improve - buying this book just to read Chapter 7 is worth the investment.

AND MORE! - Since I wrote the above, I have read Chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 9 - Finesse Wedge Training Plan - has some of the best wedge training drills / tasks that I have seen. Another good reason to buy this book!

Thanks Ugly East TN Weather!

Not only did we not get to play golf here for about 3 weeks, but I was not able to do any substantial driver lie angle testing (as I talked about last month). I am still, though, looking for some volunteers - so if you have not done so yet and are interested, please get in touch with me.

I did recently have a driver in my hands that has a measured 64 degree lie angle - the lie angle golfers usually have for their wedges. Still puzzling - and hoping lots of you readers can help me get some data.

Come on Spring!

Taking YOUR Game To New Heights!

Tony Wright

GAME IMPROVEMENT GOLF

Oak Ridge, TN

The PREMIER Short Game Fitting Center in East Tennessee!

tony@gameimprovementgolf.com