Impressions of the HP Byron Nelson Championship

The 2011 HPBNC has a new champion in rookie Keegan Bradley.  He survived a one hole playoff with Ryan Palmer to pick up just a little over 1.1 million dollars.
It was a long and wild week.  Below are some of my impressions and memories of the week.

-  The golf course went into the week in spectacular condition.  Most said it was the best condition it's ever been in.  Director of Golf Operations, John Cunningham was so satisfied with his product he sent his entire staff home last Friday, at noon, as all the surfaces were ready for the world's best players.

-  Tuesday night was one of the more wicked nights of weather that I can remember in my 20 years as a Dallas resident.  I had just finished up an event for our club members and was trapped in the hotel parking garage for more than an hour with tornando's in the area and baseball size hail.
-  Wednesday morning the greens on the TPC course were trashed with massive ball marks from the hail storm.  Two teams of 15 went out on both sides of the course to fix the marks and then a roller followed to smooth the greens out.
-  Had the opportunity to moderate an event for our membership with Steve Elkington and Stephen Ames.  For 90 minutes they shared their insights of playing the tour.  Both were very engaging and offered up many stories that entertained the group.
-  From Thursday through Sunday I did 5 1/2 hours of talk radio.  It was something I really enjoyed.  My thanks to Steven Gribin, Courtney Connell and the crazy guys at Tee It Up in Los Angeles for allowing me to share my thoughts and insights.
-  The TPC course was in fantastic condition all week and weathered 3 inches of rain, massive hail, 35 mph wind and 100 degrees temperatures.  In the end the golf course won as the 3 under score was the highest in Nelson history since it moved from Preston Trail in the early 80's.
-  The TOUR is changing so much.  Gone is the days of Tiger and Phil dominating.  Young unknowns are popping up every week to challenge and win.  Golf fans have been used to the superstars winning and it's just not happening.  It's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the year plays out.
-  Keegan Bradley's 2 under 68 yesterday was fantastic!   He made only a 3 putt bogey early in his round.  Birdied #10 and parred in from there.  He certainly made the least amount of mistakes and that's a main reason why he won.
-  Last, Jordon Spieth.  This kid just continues to deliver.  He knows how to play the game at the highest level and is doing everything he can to get to the next level.  He very poised for 17 years old and is going to be around for a long time.  To help carry a PGA TOUR event for two consecutive years with his masterful play is just remarkable.

Looking forward to sending the rest of this Memorial Day with my family.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all military families and those who have given their lives in the line of duty to make this world a little better.  

PGA Magazine Article

In this month's PGA Magazine I have a feature article about my teaching techniques and Coaching Champions seminars.  I get a chance to travel to Europe a few times a year to give training seminars to other golf instructors.  It's one of the most fun things for me to do as a Golf Professional.  I love to share my thoughts and ideas about the game with other instructors.  I've provided a link to the article below.

PGA Magaine - May issue

Deep vs. Shallow divots

An area that sometimes confuses golfers and instructors is analyzing divots properly.  There's a distinct difference between hitting too deep into the ground and hitting too far behind the ball.  Too deep into the ground stems from a swing that's too steep or a body motion that sinking as you approach impact.  When the divot starts too far behind the ball the swing is coming in on an angle too far from the inside, the wrist cock has released too early or the lower body isn't turning through with the club.
It's important to analyze this properly so the proper correction can be made.  Below is a video supporting my written explanation.  You can find more video clips on my youtube channel at: http://youtube.com/timcusickgolf

Deep vs. shallow divots

May Avid Golfer - Working on your Posture

Each month I write an instruction article for Dallas based Avid Golfer magazine.  This months' article is on the importance of posture throughout the swing.  Have a look.

2011 May AG - Posture

Chipping

The use of the word chipping often times gets misused.  To me, chipping is when you use the front edge of the club to contact the ground at impact.  You may use any club to chip with.
The set up in chipping is critical to get the proper strike on the ball.  Narrow your stance and have it slightly open.  Stand closer to the ball, similar to a putt and place the ball off the inside of your back foot.  The club is going to stand straighter up and down at address as a result of this set up.  Have your hands in front of the ball and lean your weight toward your front leg.
The motion of the chip should be similar to a putt with the handle of the club remaining forward of the ball at impact.  The video below supports my teaching style of this shot.  For more of my instruction videos go to:  http://youtube.com/timcusickgolf

chipping video