Divots

We have bentgrass fairways and I'm confused as to what to do with my divots.  Are we better off replacing the divot or just filling the scar with the sand/seed mix that's provided? Taken from USGA website.

If the divot has some soil attached and hasn't been blown into a hundred pieces, it will heal quickly if it is replaced immediately.  Be sure to replace the divot (green side up!) and step on it to establish contact with the soil below.  If the divot cannot be replaced, then the sand/seed mixture should be used in the scarred area.  Golfers who take the time to replace a divot properly or repair divot areas help keep the fairways in good condition for their fellow golfers.

We have bermudagrass fairways at our golf course.  I want to be mindful of the proper etiquette, so how do I handle any fairway divots that I might create?

When the bermudagrass is actively growing, applying straight sand or a prepared mix to the divot areas will help the scar heal rapidly and level the playing surface for your fellow golfers.  The same procedure can be used when the bermudagrass is dormant or if the surface has been overseeded for the winter months

Regain and Sharpen Your Fundamentals Indoors

This is the time of year that the clubs dont come out of the closet as much because the daylight hours are a bit shorter, football season is upon us and the temps are a bit lower. But this is also an excellent time to ensure that the fundamentals of grip, stance, aim and alignment and takeaway are solid.

You can do some outstanding practice on your grip, stance and takeaway while watching the football games on TV every saturday and Sunday (and Monday nights). It may even be some of the most effective practice that you can get as you wont be reacting to ball flight on a basis of " I like it " or " I dont like it"

You can also check your posture and overall stance near a mirror to see that you are still in a posture that will allow you to remain balanced and allow for a repeatable, powerful swing with all clubs.

Checking your aim and alignment indoors is as simple as setting up to an outside target (such as a tree in the distance) while standing in front of a window or sliding glass door. You can find a lot of ways to practice the basics of good golf indoors if you are truly focused on keeping your game alive and well in the colder months - and you don't have to drive anywhere to do it!

Plane and Simple Video

Mastering Your Grip

Master This First!!! 

Place the student's left hand on the golf club so that it is held in the fingers and so that the back pad of the hand rests mostly on top of the shaft. Place the thumb of the left hand just to the right of the center of the shaft. Then place the right hand on the club so that the club rests in the fingers. The thumb of the left hand fits perfectly in the lifeline of the right hand like a puzzle piece. From here the player may employ either the ten finger grip, good for players with small hands (children and women), interlocking grip (Woods, Nicklaus, and Lopez), or overlapping grip (Faldo, Duval, and Norman). All of which are acceptable grips and all have won a major championship.

Grip Pressure:
Proper grip pressure is one of golf's most elusive fundamentals - and it's as difficult to describe as it is to achieve. One method that has helped me set the proper pressure in my left hand is the 'short-thumb' technique.
Take your usual grip on the club, with your left thumb extended straight down the shaft. Now, slide the thumb upward, about a centimeter. Notice the effect this has on the tightness of the hold in the last two fingers of your hand. This is exactly where you want a firm, secure grip. Too firm - the club will not have the ability to be square at impact.

Most players hold on too tight - remember righties..........

If you hold on tight - your ball goes right!

This is one key that I check all the time. If you occasionally experience a looseness in your swing - or the inaccuracy it causes - I recommend that you too experiment with the short thumb.

Teaching Methods

I have don't have an ideal swing model, and I do not try to change student’s swings just so it will look a certain way. I try to get students to make their best swing based upon their body type and physical conditions.

The first thing I do with the student is sit down and talk to him about the state of his game, why he is seeking help, what his expectations are, and if he is able and willing to do the things that are necessary to improve enough to meet his goals.  This initial interview helps me determine what motivates the student and how I can best work with him.

In the full swing and the short game, I concentrate on looking at what the student already does well. Using that as my base, I then think about asking the student to make any adjustments, if necessary.

I do use some teaching aids. I use string, shafts, grips, markers, tees, range baskets, putting aids, swing trainers, and golf balls.  I use them to demonstrate a feel or a thought or an idea when it is necessary.  I do use video with some students. I have a video camera suitable for teaching combined with the Swing View Pro teaching software system to illustrate the lesson. I also use the P3 Pro swing simulator in the off season to teach indoors and to use as a swing simulator for entertainment for the members. I continue to look for other effective tools that would be beneficial to the students.

I teach verbally, visually, and kinesthetically.  I give each student homework at the end of the lesson, and I give him or her the lesson goals and homework so that he or she can remember what we worked on together.

Sample Lesson Procedure

Step 1:   Interview with student

Step 2:  Assessment of present situation

Step 3:  Instruction, Coaching and Feedback

Step 4:  Homework

Successful Students Include

• 1999 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier
• Boys & Girls Union County North Carolina Champions
• North Carolina Individual State High School Finalists
• Rolling Hills Men’s & Women Club Champions
• Regular State Amateurs Contenders, College and Mini-Tour Players
• Columbus, Indiana Men’s City Champions 2003, 2004, 2006
• Members of Columbus North Boys & Girls teams
• (Boys team 3rd in State 2003, 4th in State 2004 & 2007 Individual State Champion)
• Harrison Lake Men’s & Women’s Club Champions
• Indiana Section Assistant Golf Professionals
• Over 80 different local amateurs