The Round Table

Putting Drill

Monthly golf tip from Chris George, Head of Instruction at Kingsmill Golf Academy. Watch this quick video and learn how to maximize your practice time on short putts. Chris demonstrates a short drill that will enable you to make more putts from the 5-10 ft range. One view and you’ll be off to better putting!

For many players the combination of distance and accuracy has been illusive while hitting tee shots with the driver.  First, distance and accuracy are a result of a good set up position and the proper angle of approach into the ball.  In order to be efficient in your set up, you must:  1) play the ball forward in your stance 2) Tilt your upper body slightly away from the target, and 3) Allow 60% of your weight to be on your trailing foot.  This set up position allows you to launch the ball on the proper angle and achieve a proper low point behind the ball.  The average player should try to achieve an upward swing from low point to impact of approximately +5 degrees. (See Fig. 1)  In applying this set up and technique to your motion, you will launch the ball higher and reduce the amount of sidespin on the ball. 

 I would encourage all players to be fit for their driver.  The dynamics of the shaft and head design can play a huge roll in your success with the driver.  A driver fitting should consist of: 1) an experienced P.G.A. professional with extensive knowledge in shafts, club head designs, and teaching 2) launch monitor technology, and 3) multiple driver fitting systems with a wide range of shafts and head designs.

By Chris George
Head of Instruction
Kingsmill Golf Academy
golfacademy@kingsmill.com

There are several key ingredients to becoming the best player you can be. These ingredients revolve around developing consistency, efficiency, and repeatability of your golf swing. I would like to focus on specific golf fitness in regards to balance and stability. During the golf swing the body moves on three different planes of motion at the same time. These planes are the Frontal Plane (includes all movement from side-to-side), the Saggital Plane (includes all movements that occur front-to-back or perpendicular to the line of the body), and the Transverse Plane (includes all rotational movements throughout the body). As a result of these motions, it is imperative that there is balance and stability in the foundation. Creating this solid foundation can be done in the gym by focusing on balance techniques and stability exercises. Improve your ball striking consistency by working with a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor who can develop and implement an individual workout for you that keeps your strengths current and turns your weaknesses into strengths.

If you would like additional information on the Titleist Performance Institute or to enroll in any of our programs, please contact the golf academy at 757-253-3998 or e-mail golfacademy@kingsmill.com. or 757-253-3998.

By Chris George
Head of Instruction
Kingsmill Golf Academy
golfacademy@kingsmill.com

Most round analysis consists of fairways hit, greens hit, and number of putts per round. Tracking only these statistics is limiting your ability to truly focus and practice what is hindering your game. Analyzing your round is a big component to improving your player level and it should be done with detail. For example: In putting, your statistical categories should be on a specific distance, attempts, and putts made (Success).

Each area of your game should have a statistical tracking sheet measuring your success rate. Tracking your round with detail gives you a very clear picture on what areas in your game is limiting your scoring ability. You should keep your strengths current and make your weaknesses strengths. Areas in your game that have a low success rate percentage should be where you spend the majority of your practice time. For this type of analysis to be effective, you should look at each round individually and then combine seven rounds together to get an overall assessment. When you utilize detailed analysis and incorporate the information into your practice, there is no doubt that your scoring average will get lower.

If you would like more information on putting or would like to enroll in our Putting Academy, please contact us at golfacademy@kingsmill.com or 757-253-3998.

By Chris George
Head of Instruction
Kingsmill Golf Academy
golfacademy@kingsmill.com

While observing players on the golf course during the round, it becomes obvious why golfers have a great nine holes and then a poor nine holes or play six holes great, six holes poorly, and six holes super. The underlying factor is golf course management. Quality golf course management can be a great asset to your overall scoring.

Golf course management starts with making the appropriate decision for the shot at hand. For example: Your drive is in the right rough and there are some trees between your ball and the green. The distance to the green is 225 yards. Your decision here is crucial, in that, you have to determine the “risk vs. reward” factor. If you choose to go for the green, you have to ask yourself “Is there a 90% chance that I can pull this shot off successfully?” If your answer is no, then you should play into your strength. Your strength may be a 100-yard shot. Knowing that strength, you will then select a club that hits the ball 125 yards and gets the ball back in the fairway 100 yards from the green. In doing this you now have a shot you have confidence in and feel comfortable hitting. The objective of this scenario is for you to get the ball back in play and not let one poor shot hurt you more than once. You will soon find that playing into your strengths has great benefits.

If you would like more information on putting or would like to enroll in our Putting Academy, please contact us at golfacademy@kingsmill.com or 757-253-3998.