An Easy Cure for A Slice
Bent elbows like in picture 1 will open the clubface for a slice
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| Picture 1 |
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| Picture 2 |
The first thing that I would recommend to cure a slice is for the golfer to try and keep their elbows closer together as they turn through the ball. The classic slice position is that demonstrated in picture 1 which you have heard being referred to as the 'chicken wing'. This is not a tasty starter before the main course, but in golfing terms it is where the left elbow is bent pointing towards the sky instead of a straightened and turned under position. This position makes it extremely difficult to square the clubface at impact. If you can imagine you elbows being closer together through impact, your right forearm releases and the clubface will square up much easier only closing as you turn to a finish (picture 2).
Next time you are on the practice ground try to create this position through your practice swings as it is a great way to feel your arms fully extend past impact which will not only cure a slice but will give you more distance.
An Easy Way to Get Rid of Fat
A fat shot in golf is one where you catch the ground early and the ball only goes a fraction of the intended distance. Its a very common shot in golf and we all know how it feels. It occurs when you make the mistake of trying to help the ball into the air. You can see it happening; as a player starts the downswing their weight stays on their back foot and the upper body and spine begin to tilt back. The club gets stuck into the ground because of your wrist position at impact and the angle of your body.
Here is an exercise for you to try; try swinging to a finish. As you make every swing try to complete a full turn through the ball to stop hitting it fat. If you trust the club that you are hitting you will get the ball into the air. Aim to focus on finishing your swing with your weight on your left leg and your body over the left leg also (picture 3) and you will start to hit a much sweeter shot.
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| Picture 3 |
A good drill for you to practice to cure a fat shot is to try hitting some balls on a downslope (Picture 4). With the ground being that little bit higher it is much easier to catch it heavy, therefore you will learn much quicker to shift your weight forward.
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| Picture 4 |
I hope these tips from the article help you in some way with your game. Until next time happy golfing.
Tournament News
BPI bank recently held their sponsored tournament at the Santo da Serra Golf Club. The tournament which had over a 100 participants was considered a great success by all, which was reflected in the scoring on the day. The men's event was won by Crisóstomo Luís 43 points, followed by António Henriques 39 points and José Francisco Carreira 38 points. In the ladies section Lara Vieira won with 37 points, Nelida Agular was 2nd with 36 points followed by Manuela Hodge with 35 points.
Congratulations to all of you.
