Swing Clinic
Today, I didn’t play, but instead went to the Golden Bear Golf Center to take the full swing clinic. The day was cool, 46 degrees, but the sun was shining brightly and only a soft breeze from the north, so it was very comfortable.
I was the only student 😉 so I got the full attention of the pro, Alan Niederlitz, for a 30 minute session. He started by having me hit some balls while he reviewed my swing. He confirmed that my setup, grip and alignment to the target were good. I started hitting balls with the 7-iron from a tee. He had me stop at the top, and then swing down. The only things he wanted me to do differently was more rotation of my forearms during the downswing and to complete the swing by bring my right leg fully around to face the target (less dragging of the right foot). Tempo, it seems, is my main issue right now, and that is what he wants me to focus on, and on that, we are in total agreement.
Time to get the iPod out and resume tempo training. I had dropped tempo training while I was getting my swing on the right plane. Now that it is, it is time to resume work on tempo.
I also hit some balls with the 3-metal, and the only thing he changed was to put a bit more tilt in my shoulders (right shoulder a bit lower than with the irons). That seemed to help, all the balls went straight down the fairway. I hit the ball very well with the 3-metal, until after the session was over, and then it was ugly.
I also practiced putting, but never did get the feel working today. As my stomach was growling from lack of nurishment, I quit and got some food…