| The mission once you are on the golf course is an | | | | hit the ball hard. This may be against your normal |
| obvious one. The goal is to hit each green in | | | | inclination. Don't give in to the desire to smash it. |
| regulation. If you are successful then you are putting | | | | Instead make a full and complete swing in a manner |
| for birdie with an almost certain at par (barring the | | | | where you can sense the club head throughout. This |
| unmentionable three putt). Seems so simple when | | | | is especially important as the club head passes |
| you put it that way doesn't it? | | | | through the hitting area. |
| Why is it so hard to do in reality? If you're not able | | | | Low and Slow Takeaway |
| to hit it straight, hooking or slicing your way down | | | | The first couple of feet of the takeaway will |
| the fairway, then reaching the green in regulation is | | | | determine to a great degree the success of the |
| little more than wishful thinking. | | | | shot. Your best chance for success is the keep the |
| On the other hand a good swing along the proper | | | | takeaway slow and low. Slow in order to maintain |
| target line will lead to a straight shot leaving you well | | | | control of the club through the backswing. Staying |
| positioned for your approach to the green. Fairways | | | | low will help you stay on the proper swing plane. |
| are better than trees, rough or bunkers. | | | | Smooth Transition |
| Here are five tips to hitting straight shots: | | | | Once you've reached the top of the backswing with |
| Use Visualization | | | | that low and slow technique you'll need to make a |
| I suggest you stand behind the ball and imagine the | | | | smooth transition into the downswing. Most amateurs |
| perfect line of flight for the shot. Choose the best | | | | struggle to get this right. |
| line based on weather conditions and the largest | | | | Allow the backswing to complete and then gently |
| margin for error. Commit this line to memory. | | | | bump the hips toward the target causing the hands |
| Relax | | | | to drop down back on plane. You're now in perfect |
| Relaxation is a very important swing key. You | | | | position to complete the swing. |
| probably have heard this before. Here we go again. | | | | While hitting the ball perfectly straight is nearly |
| As you address the ball, consciously think about | | | | impossible, most every shot will move either a bit |
| relaxing. Relax everything, hands arms, shoulders and | | | | right or left, the real goal is to hit our target area. Hit |
| torso. Tension ruins the golf swing like nothing else | | | | your shots within an acceptable margin for error and |
| can. | | | | you'll find the fairways and greens every time. |
| Think Swing Not Hit | | | | Be sure to take your time lining up those birdie putts. |
| Swings are better than hits. Avoid the tendency to | | | | |