A Highlight from the 2010 PGA Show in Orlando

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I have just returned from the PGA Golf Show and came back with a very positive vibe. While it is always good to catch up with friends, old and new I feel that the game of golf is doing just fine even without Tiger. Here are a few notes on what I found to be the highlight of my trip:

Even though this is their second year at the show I found Swing Catalyst Studio to be the most exciting and positive piece of technology involving golf instruction. Last year I reported on the Swingia Balance Plate, but the Swing Catalyst takes the same idea to a new level.

The Swing Catalyst Force Plate seamlessly integrates with video analysis software and an optional launch monitor (TrackMan). The force plate is housed in a tee unit covered with artificial turf.

The Swing Catalyst Force Plate enables the teacher to view a student’s centre of gravity, stance and pressure distribution both live and recorded, in real time and in slow motion. Additional data on rotational force, tempo and rhythm are also available once the swing has been captured.

The best feature shows what percentage of a golfers' weight is on each foot. Many systems have this option, but none go so far as to indicate what part of the foot the weight is located on.

When integrated with a TrackMan system and 300 fps cameras, Swing Catalyst provides the optimal in instructional tools - an upper level viewing experience, all the numbers pertaining to the club and ball flight and now all the numbers pertaining to the body, force and weight positioning.

With integration this really is the Rolls Royce system available on the market today.

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Scotland's Links Sleepers

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It's not hard to find the best things in life - with a bag of money and a few of the right connections you can have it all. For me, the joy lies in finding hidden gems; things that are every bit as enjoyable as the best might be, but for one reason or another are not as mainstream or popular as the main attraction. A little secret or discovery that is all your own. These experiences very often are more memorable than experiencing, and paying handsomely for, the finest in life. Golf in Scotland can be the same way. We all know the Open rota courses of St. Andrews, Muirfield, Carnoustie, Troon and Turnberry; they are like Pebble Beach, Pine Valley and Winged Foot in the US; they are like Ruth's Chris, Del Frisco's or Shula's in steakhouse terms; or in wine terms like Caymus, Silver Oak or Far Niente. You don't need to be a golf, food or wine geek to know or experience these instituions, just connected or rich, or preferably both. The art is in being able to duplicate or upgrade the experience for way less money and with way more satisfaction.

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It's All About Impact eBook on Sale....25% Off!

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The eBook version of "It's All About Impact" is on sale through the end of February when you subscribe to www.andrewricegolf.com and then go to www.itsallaboutimpact.com  and enter the coupon code "IMPACT" at checkout. 

The eBook will be on sale for $11.95 - a savings of over 25%!

AAFinal Cover Shot

Here's how to get the sale price:

  1. Subscribe (for FREE!) at andrewricegolf.com (That's easy you're already there)
  2. Go to www.itsallaboutimpact.com and start the purchase process
  3. When you see the word COUPON on the checkout page, enter the word IMPACT in the space provided.
  4. And Voila! You're done.

You will receive the link to your eBook within 12 hours. (90% of the time waaay sooner!)

Thanks and I hope you are all enjoying your books. I know many of you who peruse this site have purchased a book or eBook - please let me know your thoughts and comments. (Whatever they might be....!) I value your input.

Staying Centered over the Ball

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This is one of the most integral elements of the golf swing - the upper body must stay centered over the ball. By doing so, you will increase your ability to get that weight on the front foot at impact and deliver a downward, compressing blow to the back of the ball.

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South Carolina Gator Attacks Man

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This is an event that actually occured in September of 2007 in Berkeley County near Myrtle Beach South Carolina, but has garnered increased attention recently due to the release of some fairly gruesome photographs taken at the scene.

Bill Hedden, 59 was snorkeling in a lake retrieving golf balls when he was attacked by the 12 foot 600 pound alligator.  He survived primarily due to the assistance of five nurses who were picnicking nearby. I will let the photographs speak for themselves:

The victim being tended to...

scgator1

scgator2

 

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scgator4

There is no golf ball or mountain of golf balls that can possibly be worth this experience. Once a ball gets wet leave it there.

This will help you keep your ball out of the water.

An African Gem - Durban Country Club

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I have recently returned from a visit to South Africa where I had the opportunity to play the only course on the African continent rated in the Top 100 - Durban Country Club. And what a pleasure the old course is!

The course was constructed in 1922 and has hosted 16 South African Opens, with all of South Africa's greatest, from Locke to Player to Els, winning on her hallowed ground. The club will host the 100th South African Open, the second oldest championship in golf behind the British Open, in December this year.

During the round I came to learn that the course had not ever had it's greens replaced. In the courses almost 90 year history, the greens had never been redone! The greens, while being adequate, showed signs of being tired and the word is they will be resurfaced with a light redesign being done David McLay Kidd (An excellent choice I might add!) after the Centennial SA Open.

The 2nd at Durban Country ClubThis is an old school golf course that has everything I love. It places a premium on accuracy and ball striking - someting similar to Harbourtown Golf Links in the US. It is not long; there are birdies to be made; just don't make a mistake. All the holes are good here with my favorites being Nos. 1-5, 8, 12 and 17 & 18. Even the halfway house is exceptional, with some of the finest meat pies and curry gravy on the continent.

The 12th is a short par 3 that is called the Prince of Wales. It is so named because when the prince played the course he could not find the green and kept hitting from one side to the other eventually finishing with a 12! Looking at the picture, I think you can tell he was not the first or the last golfer to score in the double digits on the hole.

The Prince of Wales at Durban Country ClubThe 18th hole is unusual in that is an easily driveable par four of only 285 yards, but it had better be a straight 285 yards! Tony Johnstone came to this final tee box in the 1993 SA Open leading by 3 over Ernie Els. He convinced himself that he needed to hit driver and found the back of the green while Els hit two balls out of bounds and Johnstone won by seven! The type of finishing hole I would like to see more of.

The Final Swing....? Do all you can to play this African gem - a truly classic golf course that can easily be enjoyed by golfers of every caliber

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Distance: How to get more of it!

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There are three factors that go into making a quality golf shot; the distance the ball travels, the accuracy of the ball flight and the quality of the strike on the ball. Very often golfers are striking the ball well enough and hitting it straight enough, yet there is a definite lack of distance. In this case there is a need for speed. Jamie Sadlowski is the current World Long Drive Champion. He weighs in at 165 pounds and his longest drive in competition is 419 yards. He generates 140 mph of clubhead speed which equates to almost 200 mph of ball speed! I believe that hitting the golf ball further has very little to do with strength and everything to do with speed - and Jamie is certainly testament to that.

When running backs in the NFL train, they are often hooked up to wind resistance chutes behind them. They then run as hard as they can in an effort to overcome the wind resistance. This exercise gets them to run "stronger" but not necessarily faster. Sprinters on the other hand are hooked up to a device on the track that actually tows them down the track at a faster rate than they are accustomed to, thus getting their limbs to move faster than they are used to. This is the formula we need to apply to golfers who are in search of a few extra yards - and we all could do with that!

Try this drill consistently over the course of a month:

During each practice session count out 12 balls (and only 12

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What is Bounce?

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Think of the bounce on wedge as an insurance policy against digging the leading edge of the golf club into the ground. It is very important for any golfer to not only understand what the bounce is, but how to use it to their advantage. An excellent exercise to do every now and then is to hit a few pitch shots off of a lie board. This is a flat plexiglass board that most club fitters use in determining the correct lie angle a golfers irons should be set at. If you do not have access to a lie board, use a piece of plywood painted black. Just be sure to not hit any shots where the ball is too close to the edge of the board.

What you should see...If the markings on the sole of the club are as pictured above you are using the club correctly. Should they be closer to the leading edge you might be in danger of sticking the club into the ground on your next chip of pitch. The most important aspect of using the bounce correctly is addressing the ball correctly. Take a look:

The Set Up for a Chip or PitchIn the above image you will see the ball positioned in the center (watch out for too far back as it reduces the bounce at impact and makes it easier to do some gardening); the feet are fairly close together; and the hands and weight are just slightly in front of the ball, with emphasis on slightly.

As you go through the motion of striking that chip or pitch try to feel that the handle and the clubhead get back to impact at the same time - in other words don't allow the handle to get too far in front of the clubhead at impact as you are then exposing more of that sharp leading edge to the ground. And we all know what that can lead to.....

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The Shoulder Pivot

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One thing I have been seeing in my lessons recently has been a tendency for golfers to rotate their shoulders on a flat plane (like a merry-go-round!). This is, I believe, in an effort to extract as much turn as possible from the backswing. By doing this you create a situation where the arms are too wide (stretched), the upper body is 'pulled' off the ball by the turning of the shoulders (the lead shoulder runs into the side of the jaw) and due to the flat pivot action the right forearm is visible below the left when the left arm reaches parallel (for right-handers) - all elements that none of the top golfers employ in their swings. Here is an excellent drill that will provide you with the appropriate feel for a correct shoulder pivot:

The Set Up for the Shoulder Pivot DrillThis drill is designed to help convey the feel of getting your body into the correct position at the top of your swing. Assume your address as if you are preparing to hit a 7 iron. (It is best executed

with a ball in position.) Place an iron across the tops of your shoulders and cross your arms to support. Be sure to have the grip end off your lead shoulder and the clubhead flat against the opposite shoulder. During the pivot action of your swing, try to get the butt of the club to point at -- or slightly above -- the ball. Feel how the lead shoulder moves down as the shoulders wind into the backswing. This drill will also illustrate how the lower body needs to free up in order for the shoulders to pivot on a steeper plane. Sure, this drill is slightly overdone, yet it is rare for someone to get the shoulders to pivot on a plane that is too steep. As you do this drill try to feel how the shoulders are now tilting more like a ferris wheel than the flat, merry-go-round plane from before.

The "Top" of the Shoulder Pivot Drill There are so many benefits to having the shoulders pivot correctly. Here are a few nice side effects:

- If your swing tends to get too long, the steeper pivot actually creates more tension in the backswing and this will serve to tighten/shorten the backswing.

- Due to improved shoulder action, the upper body is now more inclined to stay centered, positioning you properly for a sound impact.

- If you have a difficult time taking the correct divot, a steeper shoulder turn will enable you to be in a position where you are now able to deliver a more descending blow to the back of the ball.

Try this simple standby drill - I beleive it will help you to make better contact more often. Ball first, divot second!

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Thanksgiving

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Turkey

Give this a read - it sure helped me understand what this day is really about.....

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

                                                                                                               George Washington

 May you all have a peaceful, safe and happy Thanksgiving

2009 in Review

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That's all she wrote! The 2009 "official" golf season is in the books and while there were glimmers of excitement, I felt like the year was not one to write home about. Here are a few thoughts: Tiger Woods eclipsed the $10 million mark again - Steve Stricker, his nearest challenger was more than $4 million behind!

Steve StrickerNo majors for Tiger. If he does not win at Augusta next year I predict Hank Haney will be looking for some new students. Biggest surprises in the top 20 on the money list: Kevin Na; Z. and D. Johnson; Y.E. Yang; Brian Gay; Lucas Glover. How about this list of golfers outside the top 125: Chris DiMarco; Carl Pettersson; Stuart Appleby; Rocco; Chez Reavie; Johnson Wagner; Trevor Immelman; Ken Duke and multiple other tour winners.

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Dear Seve....

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Seve

I miss you.  I miss the way you played golf the "incorrect" way, yet managed to make it so exciting and seem so right.  The game of golf is worse off without you and it does not appear that there is currently anybody to take your place.

 I remember crying when you three putted the 10th green in the playoff for the 1987 Masters against Mize and Norman.  I remember watching you do your now famous fist pump when you defeated Tom Watson in the Open Championship at St. Andrews in 1984.

I remember watching you when I was just a boy shoot 31 on the back nine at Gary Player CC all while hitting only one fairway.  I remember the sound of the one-iron you hit on the 18th hole that day and rushing out onto the tee box to collect your discarded tee.

Seve, I know you will always love the Open Championship because it allowed you to play golf your way.  You were given the opportunity to recover, to hit amazing shots from seemingly nowhere, and that's why you thrived there.  The only thing I would have enjoyed more than watching Tom Watson this year (2009), would have been rooting for you down the stretch at Turnberry.

I don't think you would enjoy playing the new Augusta National.  It requires the same rigid style of golf that is a requirement for success at the US Open and PGA.  In the quest for difficulty they have managed to remove a certain element of excitement - particularly from the back nine on Sunday.

seve

 The game of golf is just not the same without you.  It has become a little boring actually.  There is this new guy, Tiger Woods.  He too has taken much of the excitement out of the game, simply because he wins so often that it has become predictable and, well, boring.  You see, when you played, there was nothing predictable.  I never knew if you were going to find the hole you were playing never mind win the tournament, and that is what made you so exciting to follow.

You have done so much for golf throughout the world - one might even say you are the "Arnold Palmer" of Europe.  Your swashbuckling style and flair launched a thousand careers.  The game has seen multiple young Spanish stars rise from what you started.  Spain has even become a golf destination because of your passion and love for this great game.

1980 Augusta National

Seve, the game misses you. Golfers all over the world wish you well in your latest battle.  And we thank you for what you have done for our game. Gracias Senor.

www.itsallaboutimpact.com

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www.itsallaboutimpact.com is now live and the hardcover book and eBook is now available for purchase.

Shipping is free for all books purchased in November - and should you prefer, they will be signed by yours truly. (Books will ship in time for Christmas)

To learn more about the book and it's philosophy please take a look at www.itsallaboutimpact.com.

If you would like to receive a free eChapter from the book: send an email to 10 or more of your friends telling them about the book and where they can find it (and cc me at andrew@andrewricegolf.com) or simply join the group "It's All About Impact - The Book" on Facebook.

"It's All About Impact" Update

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Many of you have inquired about where to purchase the book. It's about to be available - I promise! It is at the printer in Ohio and will be in-hand the second week in December. Getting the website www.itsallaboutimpact.com (it's not up yet, so don't click here!) up and running has proven to be about as challenging as writing the material for the book, but it should not be more than a few days before you'll be able to purchase the hardcover version as a pre-publication. Keep an eye on this space! The pre-publication sale will run during the month of November and will feature a signed first edition plus free shipping! All books will be shipped in time for Christmas.

We will also offer an eBook version for those of you who do not wish to deal with shipping and don't mind reading on the computer. This is a great option for golfers looking to get their hands on the book ASAP and international readers in particular.

As many of you know I will need all the help I can get in promoting this book - so please, please let all your friends, family and "desperate" golfing buddies know. I need your word of mouth. In fact, if you forward a link (http://www.andrewricegolf.com/?p=988) to this post to 10 or more friends I will send you a FREE electronic chapter from the book. Simply CC andrew@andrewricegolf.com and I'll gladly send you your free chapter!

This is what Nick Price had to say about the book after seeing it for the first time:

“I have known Andrew Rice since he was a young man growing up in Southern Africa. I have always been thoroughly impressed with Andrew’s dedication and passion to play, teach, and constantly discover the intricacies of our great game. I know you will benefit from his diligent pursuit of finding the most efficient manner in which to play the game and produce results. The quest for improvement at every level of golf is never ending, but I am sure you will find Andrew’s thoughts to be an efficient way for you to achieve your potential.”

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The Golf Swing and Foot Work

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Let's take a look at each slide and the corresponding position of Lee Westwood. Address: I like the way the weight is evenly spread here. The head should be centered between the feet and if this is the case the foot pressure will be matching and thus correct. Takeaway: It is interesting to note that there is not a tremendous amount of shift here - notice how the right shoe only has one segment that is absorbing more pressure than the left foot. Top Position: While the right foot is clearly under more pressure than the left this is due to the coiling and wind up of the body vs. a huge weight shift or slide. Remember there should be no (or very little) lateral motion as you pivot to the top of the backswing. In fact, if you looked at Ben Hogan's feet when his club reached the 'top' he would clearly have more pressure on the left foot due to his very dynamic swing. Impact: What I love about this illustration is how impact only has two more pressure points than the follow through! The weight is clearly on the front foot - just as it should be. Follow Through: The weight is all the way up on the front foot, but not significantly more than where it was at address.

Tom Watson at Turnberry Sam Snead at WentworthThe moral of the story is that in order to shift the weight correctly, the lower body and particularly the feet, need to work. Just like Watson and Snead - the lower body must make its contribution to the motion and energy generated in the golf swing.

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Golf's Greatest Challenge

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I believe that the game of golf is too difficult, too expensive and too time consuming. By the time you can earn a living to be able to afford the game, you don't have the time to play. Not to mention all those years you missed out on learning how to play. For years I have envisioned a particular type of golf course that is challenging and still maintains the essence of the game, yet addresses three of golf's greatest challenges - difficulty, expense and the time it takes to play. Here's what it would look like:

Difficulty:

This golf course will be based on the model of St. Andrews - an open field style course with a limited number of hazards. There will preferably be no water and a limited number of very shallow, firm shell-based traps that encroach on the tee shots. These shallow traps will be in play for multple holes as they straddle the space between prefered avenues of play. The length will still be there as every golfer loves to swing away at the driver, but there will distance specific tee boxes vs. ego or gender specific options. For example, if you hit an 8 iron 150 yards+ you'll play the back tees (which would never measure more than 6,500 yards long), if you hit an 8 iron 125-150 then you play the next set up and all the way to somebody who hits an 8 iron less than 75 yards. There will be no rough on the golf course. Closely mown fairway from wall to wall! The greens will not have any bunkers or other hazards around them. They will be raised and feauture tightly mown grass swales as their interest feature. This is most important as it is still a challenge to the better player who must make par, yet for the average golfer it is a decidedly easier shot than the one played from a sand bunker. Putt the ball onto the green, two putt and make a net par! Alister Mackenzie once said that out of all of golf's hazards, undulation is best. Whether it's water, sand, rough, or wind I love a golf golf course that utilizes this subtle hazard as its primary defense. The course will feature fairly severe undulation countered with flatter lies in the optimal playing areas. Once again, still challenging for the good player, yet easier than traps or water for the higher handicapper.

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Golf's Best Betting Games

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There are very few things in life better to me than a great day on a fun golf course with my closest friends. The camaraderie is truly what this game of golf is all about. The only thing that can make the day much better is a really good betting game, and of course collecting the $$$ and earning bragging rights!

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Golfers Beware!

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This picture was taken at Cordrays Meat Processing and Taxidermy in Charleston , South Carolina. This big daddy weighed 1,000 pounds and was 14 ft. long. I am sure many of you heard or read about the golfer in South carolina who recently lost his arm to a 10 foot alligator on Fripp Island, South Carolina. Here is the story:

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Officials say an alligator bit off part of a golfer's arm as he leaned over to pick up his ball at a private South Carolina course.

Kate Hines with the Fripp Island Property Owners Association says the man was picking up his ball when a 10-foot alligator pulled him into a nearby pond.

The man's golf partners were able to free him. Workers from Tracks Wildlife Control in Beaufort killed the alligator and removed the man's arm in the hopes it might be reattached.

The man has not been identified. He was being treated at the Medical University of South Carolina, but officials there would not release any information about him.

Apparently he walked into the golf shop with his arm bundled up in towels and said, "I've really messed up now!"

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Chipping: One Method & Three Clubs

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Golfers love to chip with their favorite club. Regardless of what the shot or situation calls for the majority of golfers are going to use their 'go to' club. That is fine if you are a genius around the greens and have the talent and touch to create any shot with that one club, but I am sorry to say that there are very few golfers who can hit those shots and you are more than likely not one of them. There is an easier way.

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