Instructional Tips

 

Golf Tip from the Pro

PGA Professional

Golf Tip of the Month

From PGA Golf Professional Jerry Applegate

It’s that time of year again, unfortunately. Wet Wintry days where we have to hit the ball off of wet turf. Remember, we are looking to shallow out our swing arc and make it look like the letter C laying on the ground. Also remember, we want to see circles in the golf swing (body rotation) and not straight lines (lifting with the hands and arms).

One of the things about wet and muddy turf is that your margin for error is much smaller. When the turf is full and lush you have a larger margin for error when striking the ball. Think of how well you can hit it off a mat on the range.

Shallowing out your swing arc also increases your margin for error in striking the ball. It does this by flattening out the impact of your club with the ball. When doing this you strike that ball much more solidly even if your ball position is slightly off, if you hit it slightly fat or thin or if you have an uneven lie.

Think about how many times these things occur and you’ll see that it is on a lot of shots. So, it is extremely important to work on shallowing out your swing arc. Work on turning in your swing rather than lifting. This will go a long way towards your ultimate goal of a shallow swing arc.

Visualize yourself making a turn like your favorite Tour Pro (I visualize Ben HoganJ) and see the swing in circles. Create circles with your golf swing and you’ll hit some great shots even off of wet turf.

I hope this helps with your game and I hope to see you out at Ballantrae!

Jerry Applegate

PGA Golf Professional

japplegate@pelhamalabama.gov

205-620-4653