All of us who love the game of golf have once dreamed of playing at the highest level against the best in the business.  Of course, it’s a dream that very few get to actually live out.  But it is a dream that drives us to try to improve.  In reality, golf is one of the few sports that actually allows amateur players to use the same tools and play on the same courses as the world’s best.  Even the beginner golfer has brushes with greatness when they strike that one solid iron shot or hole a long putt, an experience that tends to get them hooked on the game for good.

There is, however, a good reason to not only admire, but also to study the techniques of the tour pros, and it goes well beyond the impressive natural skills they possess.  The best have mastered the fundamentals and spent untold hours honing their mechanics. 

Let’s face it, you don’t see too many tour pros with homemade grips and funky swings.  To be able to hold up under pressure you must have reliable tools to work with.  For this reason, here are some key elements that you can take to your next visit to the practice tee and how they will help you.

Delivery is the Key

Distance comes from clubhead speed and a solid impact position.  By establishing a solid inside delivery position on the downswing, both of these will be maximized.  Notice how firmly planted my feet are on the ground while the body appears to be comfortable balanced as the club gains speed in the delivery.  The right knee is kicked in slightly, pointing at the ball.  This shows a leveraged position with the right side firmly driving against a firm left side.  This is a critical position for solid iron play which helps create a descending blow into the ball. 

Straighten through Impact

Make sure your arms and legs are fully extended through the impact position.  This is a result of a strong push against the ground as the club is delivered and leveraged.  This effectively releases all the energy stored during the swing, creating an abundance of clubhead speed and power.  Don’t make the mistake of cruising through the impact position as this will only cost you distance.  Launch yourself into the ball!  Transfer all your energy into the ball by pushing down against the ground through the impact zone.

Maintain your Angles

Pitching the ball around the green is something many amateurs struggle with, but most pros find relatively simple.  The key is to maintain your body posture.  Maintain your spine angle and knee bend throughout the stroke.  This keeps the body quite and promotes a solid strike and better distance control.  The key is to allow the left elbow and wrist to bend immediately past impact.  This will allow the face of the club to stay open and create a very soft shot.  Your pitch shots will stop on a dime!

Stay Grounded Around the Green

A very common fault many amateurs have is they play the ball to far back in their stance for chip shots and allow the shaft angle to lean to far forward.  By keeping the shaft more upright the chip shot stroke is more low back and low through.  This allows a more solid strike of the ball with the true loft of the club rather than a stronger loft with the hands leaning forward.  Notice how close my feet are together.  This helps with keeping my weight evenly distributed and body in better balance.  Remember, these shots from around the green are all about touch and balance is the key. 

Release the Putterhead

Check and see that the butt of the putter is pointing at your belt buckle throughout the entire stroke.  The blade of the putter is allowed to get out ahead of the hands.  This is the absolute key to rolling the ball smoothly.  A well struck putt is a combination of the correct speed and line.  When a putter is not released, the putt is not struck solid and will waver off line.  Releasing the putter will keep the speed up and the ball is disappear.

So, the next time you are watching that golf tournament on television, look for the tour professional that that will help you paint the perfect picture of the above elements.  Over the next several issues of Southlake Style, we will also walk through other key variables that make a solid golf swing and short game.  You will be the envy of your foursome and play just like the pros.