IMPROVE YOUR TEMPO

Better Golf with the Golf Doctor

By Mike Calbot
Golf swing analyst and master golf instructor

Golf Tip – Tempo Drills

When golfers have days where they feel like they have lost their swing did they actually loose their swing? Usually is the tempo that changes, causing the loss of timing and swing techniques. Golfers have some days where they are swinging with 70 to 75% effort and getting 100% result where the ball is going the proper personal distances and the quality of the shot solid with the proper flight and spin. This is the day you wish to have every day, or in competition.

Well golfer’s good news, you can learn to improve your tempo with several drills. The first are called line drills, this is where you set up a line of golf balls say six to ten balls in a row (usually on a tee) running perpendicular to your target. Next take a seven or six iron and hit the balls with half speed and effort. Try to hit these balls with very little time in between each swing not giving you too much time to think but to feel the tempo needed to make the shot. You will soon develop a rhythm and you will start to be able to swing faster and slower and still hit the ball solid and under control. This may take around 75 to 100 balls but you will really get your grove going. The next drill is to once again set up another line of balls and hit the balls with your feet only three to four inches apart and you must say to yourself, turn and return! This drill will force you to keep your balance. The next is to set up a row of balls and try hitting some balls one handed first your left then your right. One key is to keep a light grip pressure with all drills. I guarantee if you do the drills or just the ones you can fit in they will improve your tempo.

Better golf with the golf doctor.
www.golfdoctorusa.com

Mike Calbot
Owner of the Mike Calbot International
Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools
at Old Corkscrew Golf Club.
239-482-0900
Mikecalbot@golfdoctorusa.com

BALL POSITIONS

Golf Tip – Ball Positions

Would like to be better? In some cases this can be achieved by a simple adjustment of the ball position. Many average golfers do not pay attention to their ball positions in there stances as they change clubs. The ball flight is directly impacted by the placements of the ball within the stance. Let us begin by stating that the foot closest to the target will be called the front foot and the other the back foot, this is to accommodate both the right and left handed golfer.

The driver should be played on the heel of the front foot. The fairway woods and some rescue clubs should be played about four inches inside the front foot and irons five through the wedges in the center of the stance. The position of the ball will allow the proper angle of attack to the ball and the end result, the proper impact.

The explanation would be that the irons five through wedge are to be struck on the down swing to allow the ball to spin up the face and create enough spin through the flight to hold its path and flight trajectory until reaching its target and upon landing stops quickly.

Golfers watch professional golfers on TV and see the ball spinning back with lofted clubs, the average golfer watches their ball hit the green and never stop and usually roll off the green leading to more strokes taken. The fairway woods and some rescue clubs need a little shallower attach this is why the ball is slightly forward of center. The driver,
Should be played close to the heel of the front foot and teed in a manner to impact the ball off the tee without scraping the ground. This will give you more carry and distance.

Try these three ball positions and make better ball contact and better control.

Enjoy,

Mike Calbot

Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Players Championship Starts Tomorrow!

Many great story lines heading into it. What will Tiger do? Will a dark horse win this one? Give us your picks and thoughts! We would love to hear from you. Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools

QUAIL HOLLOW CHAMPIONSHIP

QUAIL HOLLOW HERE WE COME!

Many big players are here this week. Some of these include Tiger, Mickelson, Furyk, Kim, and Singh. They all like this course. Is it a warm up for the upcoming Players Championship? Who do think will win? Give us your picks and thoughts!

Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools

BUNKER SHOT

How to handle the bunker shot!

When you approach the bunker it is important to understand that this is not a difficult shot as shots go. The four simple keys are:

1. Use an open stance and place more weight back in your heels.
   
2. Square the club in the intended direction that you want the ball to go.
   
3. Play the ball forward in your stance and your weight forward as well.
   
4. Hold the club with a weak grip. This means your top hand positioned more to the left with your thumb more on the twelve o'clock position and your bottom hand more on top of the club. This will allow the club to stay lofted through the ball allowing the club to do most of the work.

Remember to take a LONG SLOW swing from a green side bunker. You will be amazed if you stand to the ball correctly that this shot becomes simple to execute. Confidence is bred from practice. Take a little more sand for a close flag placement and a little less for longer shots.
If you still are having difficulties please give us a call and we will be happy to assist you with this simple shot. All the best.

Mike

Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools

2010 MASTERS - Here we go!

2010 MASTERS - Here we go!

This is it fans! Less than 24 hours to begin the 2010 Masters. The first major of the year. Lots of different story lines heading into it. We all know about Tiger. Ernie Els has been playing great. Phil Mickelson has admitted getting off to a slow start this year. David Duval has been getting more TV coverage, you know what that means. Who do you think will win? Maybe a dark horse? Lets us know, post your picks, your comments, or just give us your thoughts.

Jay Kragh, PGA Professional, Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools

THE RESULTS WILL COME!

Hi Fans:
This photo is a little older, but it is proof that a little dedication and commitment to the improvement process will payoff. The results will come. This win came after I embarked on the instructional process with Mike himself. He told me what to do, and I just kept doing it. You can do it to!

Jay Kragh

(click on photo to enlarge)