Driving Range Tips

The driving range is a cheap and great way to work on your swing without having the added pressure of an actual course. Most amateurs crave using the driver at the driving range because, well, who doesn't like hitting the long ball? The fact is that on average, pros only use their driver about 4-5 times per 18 holes. That statistic becomes bloated for amateurs because they simply cannot hit it as far, however, there are other clubs in the bag which are relied on much more frequently.

 1. Start off you driving range practice session with a wedge. Wedges are the easiest clubs to hit in your bag, and have the most loft. I usually start off with my sand wedge (56 degree) then on to my pitching wedge. It's a great way to get your confidence up by getting good contact on about 10-15 balls.

2. By this point you are pretty warmed up and can start swinging closer to 100%. I usually move on to an 8 iron because it is my most frequently used club. For most amateurs, the second shot on most par 4's are in the range of 140-160 yards, with there generally being 10 par 4's per 18 holes.  So an 8 or 7 iron can account for 10-13 strokes per round.

3. After hitting about 15 more balls, I move into the mid-long irons (3-6 irons) and hit about 10 for each club. This gives you practice for each of the hardest clubs to hit in your bag; if you can master your long irons it will make every other aspect of the hole significantly easier.

4. After hitting about 60-70 balls you start to get tired so I usually take a 5 minute break. If you try to keep going your swing becomes lazy and slower and that can only develop bad habits in your swing. After the break, I usually hit about 15 balls with my 3 hybrid. Not everyone has hybrid clubs in their bag but it is one of the most useful clubs out there and is an easy way to get distance on your second shot on par 5's, which is always an issue for amateurs.

5. If you have any balls left over, hit some bombs with your driver, we all love doing it.

Top 5 PGA Golfers Right Now

5. Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland, Age: 24
- Rory had a bit of a down year in 2013, but still managed 5 top 10's in 16 events including a 2nd place finish at the Valero Texas Open. It would have been a tough task to follow up his phenomenal 2012 performance when he compiled 4 wins, including a PGA Championship victory. He still proves to be elite because of his stong performances in majors and that's why he comes in at number 5. Expect a bounce back year from Rory in 2014 now that he is healthy and playing better of late.

   
  4. Justin Rose, England, Age: 33

 - Justin Rose had his best year as a pro in 2013 by grabbing his first  major of his 15 year career at the U.S Open. Rose has always been a great talent, and a well known name on the PGA Tour but hasn't really had that career defining victory until this year. He compiled 7 top 10's in 17 events which puts him at number 4 in my rankings. He should continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come as he enters his prime.

                                      
 3. Adam Scott, Austrailia, Age: 32

- Adam Scott has gone from an under the radar "young guy" to The Masters Champion and the consensus #3 player in the world in just a few years. Ever Since Steve Williams (Tiger's former caddie) took over the bag for Scott, he has developed into a star. He finished top 5 in 3 out of the 4 majors in 2013, including another win in August at the Barclays. He has proven to be the most consistent golfer in the world and continues to creep up the rankings.

2. Phil Mickelson, U.S.A, Age: 43

- Phil continues to get the job done year in and year out, even at age 43. He racked up his 5th major championship at The Open back in July after a 2nd place finish at the U.S Open a month earlier (his SIXTH runner up finish at the U.S Open without a victory)... that's a record. His 6 top 3 finishes in 2013 put his earnings at a little over 5 million for the year. Perhaps the craftiest short game player in the history of golf maintains his well known reputation as the 2nd best player in the world.

1. Tiger Woods, U.S.A, Age: 37

- Even after all he's been through, and the fact that his major-less streak continues into its 6th year, Tiger is still the best golfer on the planet. He has shown signs of his old self over the past couple years and has come very close in numerous majors. His big win of the year came at the Players Championship, arguably the 5th biggest event of the year. He still led the Tour with 5 wins this year and now that he is fully healthy and mentally in check, 2014 could be the official return of the real Tiger Woods

The Perfect Swing

If there is any one person that you should try and model your golf swing after it is Tiger Woods. There are flaws in every amateur's swing and by analyzing the swing of the best golfer ever, and doing your best to mimic what he does, improvement will be seen. This video of Tiger's swing in slow motion is the perfect model.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9Wb9JKpTE

Step 1: Addressing the ball. When you address the ball you should make sure that the ball is in the appropriate position relative to your feet. Ideally, the ball should be positioned a few inches behind your front foot. The further forward the ball is positioned, the higher the ball flight; and the further back, the lower the ball flight. Both your left and right arm should be straight, sort of as an extension of the club up to your shoulders. This can be seen in the video at 0:01

Step 2: As the club is brought back, the left arm stays perfectly straight while the head virtually has no movement whatsoever, which is vital in maintaining consistent solid contact with every swing. This can be seen at 0:22

Step 3: The shaft of the club is parallel to the ground at the top of the swing, while the left arm is still straight and there has been no movement to the head. This can be seen at 0:30

Step 4: The shifting of body weight from the back leg to the front leg is executed while keeping the hips parallel to the ball. This can be seen in the downswing at 0:36

Step 5: Contact is made with the head in the same position it has been the entire time and with the left arm perfectly straight. 0:40

Step 6: The head and eyes stay down well through contact, which is very important. Most amateurs pick their head and body up through impact to try and help lift the ball into the air. In fact, keeping your head and body down through contact allows the loft of the club to do the job for you. This can be seen from 0:41-0:44

Step 7: The follow through is executed to perfection with both arms maintaining straightness and the club finishes high. The front leg up to the shoulders is a perfectly straight line, this can be seen up to the end of the video.

 Be sure to keep these little cues in mind the next time you hit the course, I'm sure it will take some strokes off your score!