The Axis of the Body Pivot

The way the body turns back and through in the swing is vital for solid contact.  The setup and the angle that club swings up and down the plane play a major part in how the body pivots throughout the swing.  Below is a video clip from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that describes in detail the components of the pivot during the swing.

The body pivot

Grip and Clubface

Controlling the clubface during the golf swing is essential for hitting straight shots.  Getting this control starts with having a correct grip.  A nuetral grip will allow the opportunity to have the clubface to be square throughout the swing. 

Below is an instructional clip, from my youtube channel timcusickgolf, that outlines how to control the clubface throughout the swing.

Grip and Clubface control

Assessing the skill of Hitting over Trees

When faced with a shot over trees you must be confident in the club that you pick to play the shot.  You're first order of business is to clear the trees.  Even if that means you don't get to your intended target, make sure you clear the trees.  If it's a choice between a 7 or an 8 iron, pick, not guess, the club that you're fully confident that's going to clear the trees. 

Below is a video clip, from my youtube channel timcusickgolf, that goes into detail the execution of this shot.

Hitting over Trees

A Working Vacation

Just back from 10 days of vacation in Northwest Indiana.  My wife's family is from the area.  The vacation actually was a working vacation as The Northern Amateur was being played at Sand Creek CC.  I had six of my college players participate in the three day event.
I've taught each of them for at least 4 years so it was a fantastic opportunity for me to see them compete.  Having spent time coaching college golf and teaching Tour Professionals from all the Major Tours in the world I can safely say there's a few glaring differences between the levels of play.
The two biggest areas that really stood out from watching all the players are the ability to lag putt and maintain their emotions/attitude for the entire round.  These two areas added strokes to almost every players  scorecard each day.  Lag putting is important on every putt that's struck.  Most players are good with starting the putt on line but don't put enough attention to the speed of the putt.  This really should be the last thought or feeling before the putter is taken back.
On the emotional side, few college players are able to battle through a bad shot or bad hole without it effecting them on the next shot or hole.  As a result, they aren't able to battle through tough stretches during the round.
Improving these two areas will undoubtedly lower any golfers score.  Both take attention and practice.  But it's certainly worth the reward.

Options for Greenside Bunker Shots

Bunkers shots are difficult for most golfers. When the distance for a greenside bunker shot is stretched to 25-30 yards the shot becomes even more difficult. If the lie and the lip of the bunker are favorable I like to use a less lofted club.
I've attached an instructional video from my YouTube channel, timcusickgolf, to illustrate the execution of a long greenside Bunker shot.

Long Greenside Bunker Shots

These Kids are Good!!

Lots of good playing this week from a number of my competitive Junior Golfer's this week. Kelly Grassel from Chesterton, Indiana won the AJGA Midwest Jr Players Championship shooting 74-75-74 for a 223 total.
Dallas, Texas native Luke Kwon tied for 1st in the Bob Estes Abilene Jr Championship shooting 67-67-66 for a 200 total. Unfortunately he lost in the playoff.
Southlake, Texas resident Matt Gilchrest made it to the match play portion of the USGA Jr Championships and lost lost in the round of 32.
All three of these players have been very successful with their games this summer. Congratulations to all.

Judging Distance Wedges

One of the most difficult shots in golf for most people is the distance wedge.  It's difficult because you're making swings that aren't the same length.  One way to learn to judge your distance wedges better is to practice specific length swings.  For example, shoulder high to shoulder high.  When you consistently make this swing you're going to replicate a certain yardage.  You can repeat this process with all your wedges.
Below is a detailed description of how to go about this process from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf.

Judging Distance Wedges