No Distance

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Ever Learning

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Brian -

1. I purchased and watched your new video today on "flipping." I certainly did this for a number of years but have progressed (I hope). I still can't be sure on the full shots, however. Chipping and pitching have become very good. It is a great video and I like the drills.

2.I assume it's OK to put the ball back further for chips? I think you were dealing with drills.

3. Since I'm fairly new to TGM I do get a bit confused trying to figure out what's Hitting and what's Swinging - I'm a hitter.

4. When I play short courses from the whites I score very well - mid 70's. However, when distance is added score goes down appreciably! I just have no real distance. You say you hit the punch 7 about 150 yards with a little swing - I'm lucky if I can hit a 7 125 yards with a full swing. I see people who are "horrible" (pardon the word) golfers hit it farther than me. Driver will maybe go 220 yards. Wed nite I hit a 8-iron 118 with a pretty full swing, slightly uphill, LW is about 60 and it takes about a 5 to get me from the 150. From 100 in I have a pretty good game. Obviously that kills my scoring.

I don't have a lot of hip turn (but I don't see much on you ?) and I may be guilty of "quitting". But even when I consciously try to complete the swing, little distance is added.

One person said I need to "release" my hands. And it's true that practicing the flat left wrist has maybe caused a chicken wing at times.

Anything I try, nothing really helps. No major physical problems. Just typical aches and pains of an older golfer.

Any ideas, suggestions, insight, past experience, with this problem is much appreciated.

The issue of distance came to my attention even more during the women's open. I am amazed how far some hit their irons.
 
Erik_K

Erik_K

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It's all about plugging up the leaks.

Ted Fort (lynn blake's assistant) as a 3/4 move for all shots, even driver. He hits the ball well over 300 yards and his move, on video, looks so short you'd think he was just trying to hit the driver 100 yards or something.

His swing is extremely efficient and precise. In fact, I think the modern swing, if there is such a thing, is gravitating toward more precise and compact movements. Most players on Tour, have in my opinion, compact swings that are usually deficient of any power leaks.

Thus, regardless of age, you can learn to hit the ball quite far when you retain the proper angles well into the downswing.

You have the right idea about learning everything with small pitches and chips. The idea is to gradually add more and more lag pressure. I never bought into this idea until recently. You certainly can hit 3/4 punch shots that travel a long, long way.

My advice to you:

1.) start with wedge/9 iron
2.) pick out a target and always be cognizant of that.
3.) hit pitch and punch shots to it.
4.) gradually do this with 8,7,6 iron etc
5.) trust me, you will be amazed on how little effort it takes to punch the ball out there
6.) for now, just let the hands to hip high and eventually go to the 9 o'clock position.

the idea behind this to just get the feel for lag pressure and impact. Focus on aiming point, address, and where your mind's eye is. Like when you are hammering a nail (borrowing this from Doyle), you watch the nail, but your mind knows where your hands are. That is what you must think about when you are getting into impact fix.
 
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Ever Learning

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Thanks, Erik -

It sounds too simple but I'll give it a try. It's very frustrating. And it was REALLY frustrating when I watched the ladies at the open.

I suspect I am probably casting which is more leaking. Are there any particular drills that are good for developing the lag?

Ever Learning
 
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EdZ

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It sounds to me that you are swinging with a mostly hands/arms motion?

You can still get a nice 'click' from the ball with a hands ahead/forward leaning shaft and downplane contact. There is an excellent post on Lynn's site that can help you get there with your chips.

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1273

That said, once you have reached a point where you can really 'hear' solid contact with your chip shots, it sounds like you've got some pivot work to do.

One of the best drills to feel where you are trying to go with the pivot is the Venturi Drill.

Have someone pull the clubshaft when it is at hip high, parallel to the target line, above the balls of your feet. Feel how your body, your FULL body, can be used to really support your pulling against their pulling on the shaft? You should be able to really get a sense of that if you do this drill often. Feel it most in your right hand index finger, where it touches the 'back' of the shaft. This is Pressure Point #3.

That feel is basically 'lag pressure', the support of the shaft as you change direction and MAINTAINING that support. If you have not already, read Brian's article on lag pressure, you should find it quite helpful. His 'twist away' move can also be very effective in learning lag because when done properly it assures your hands are leading into impact.

Additionally, if you are in need of getting your body/pivot more involved in your motion, a focus on getting your left shoulder 'behind' the ball, (while maintaining the angle your right leg makes with the ground) can be quite helpful. Don't be afraid to let your left heel roll up to get there.

The overall motion is quite similar to throwing a baseball to a spot on the ground about three feet in front of the ball and DOWNplane. Also, have a look at Lynn's site in the drills section, the EdZ Drills are a very effective way to learn the proper pivot, rotation, and hands to plane for hitters vs. swingers.
 
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Archie Swivel

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Ever,

Where is the butt end of the club at finish? When I want to REALLY go after one, I think of making the butt end of the club pull my left shoulder back behind me at finish, which actually makes me "recoil" at follow thru. It also causes me to smack the back of my neck with the shaft at finish. Not that I suggest this as the standard on shots, but it does guarantee a strong pivot and strong drive through the ball with the right shoulder. Don't 'slide' past the ball when you do it, rather keep your head behind the ball.

Arch
 
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Ever Learning

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EdZ -

You are probably right - mostly hands/arms motion.

Clicking is pretty good - I think - on the pitch/chips.

I can understand what you're saying about the pull of the shaft, but I can't really say I feel that against the pressure points (in an actual swing), though I have tried. Do I need a momentary delay at the top; it seems my club might be too quick and it doesn't give me a chance to feel it. Does that make sense?

I haven't read Brian's article but I'll look it up directly.

I will also check the EdZ drills. Sounds like I've got some work!

I've been told I have plenty of strength which is why I've been so perplexed; I'm not apparently not capturing my potential.

Thank you!
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Archie -

I'm afraid I'm not anywhere near that on the finish but if I don't have a significant pivot at the beginning there may not be a significant follow through? In other words, if I don't coil, I won't have a recoil?

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Thanks for ALL the great comments! I am Ever Learning.
 
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