Ask Golf Trainer Show #3
Fri, Jun 20, 2008
I got 3 really good questions this week and hope I answered them to your liking. I invite all comments (feedback) below. If you have a pressing frustration with your golf swing, please click the Ask Golf Trainer A Question at the top of this page, and I’ll do my best to answer it in an upcoming show.
Questions relating to “on-course” hydration and nutrition, to a golf swing fault and a simple solution and another question on whether to do a golf workout before or after golf. What do the touring pros do?
I’m really having fun with this, but want to make it as good as I can for you.
Oh…before I forget, I told I would post the link to the Golfers Weight Loss ebook. Lots of simple tips and strategies to have maximum energy for 18 holes, and easily lose 20 pounds if that’s your goal.
Until next time!
Hit’em LONG & Straight,
Mike
June 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
whats the best way to make sure i am aligned with the target? i know i can’t sset a club down everytime to make sure i’m square. when i think i’m lined up properly, my buddy says i’m usually left of the target. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Mark,
Instead of waiting several months for me to get caught up answering questions via my video, I’ll try to help in here.
I always get behind the ball, draw a line with my eyes from the flag or my target all the way to the ball, then I address the ball with my feet parallel to that line. Works every time
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!
Mike
June 20th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Hey Mike, thanks for the previous tips i have received from you so far, although i am a 14 year old boy, looking for more driving distance (i hit 200 - 210 and looking for at least 30+ yards more) and possibly accuracy with removing the “over the top” move.
Consequently, do you think i should go into a basic training programme to get stronger and more flexible, and if so, do you have any special exerices for this..
Thank you.
July 1st, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Jourdain,
At your age, you are ripe for the pickin. Yes, you should incorporate “golf-specific” strength exercises, targeting your core area for sure!
Just be careful there are a lot of so-called golf fitness products out there, and they are NOT!
Best of luck,
Mike
June 21st, 2008 at 12:20 am
Hi mike I have a problem every time I put a bit extra effort into my swing my shoulder drops and I drop kick the ball I know its my right leg that causes this problem what solution can you give me thanks
July 1st, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Charles,
If you know the problem…fix it
Seriously though…putting “extra effort” into your swing NEVER works out. NEVER!
It’s all about a relaxed swing that generates more clubhead speed. Less tension equals a BETTER golf swing.
Mike
June 21st, 2008 at 5:08 am
Well I was wondering how not to have Slices when I drive a Bsll?
July 1st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Matthew,
There are many potential causes of your slice, but the main thing is a glancing blow to the ball that creates “sidespin” making it curve or slice.
Find out if it’s your grip, body motion or just an open clubface at impact.
I recommend getting your swing on video.
Mike
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I have scoliosis and at mid 50’s wonder what stretches and exercises I can do to slow down the process? I love your DVD on stretching and use it but not as much as I probably should. Love this idea of yours.
Oh yes, I just started playing golf 2 yrs ago and your stretches have really assisted in my game.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Rick,
Scoliosis is a condition that is not too bad if you can find stretches and exercises that don’t cause pain or discomfort. Yes…you should be doing my golf stretching dvd at a minimum of 3 times a week to see good results.
Hang in there,
Mike
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 am
thanks for a great web site. I have a left shoulder bursa problem . I have had quartizone shot in the shoulder several times but and have no luck the shoulder getting better. I have had a MRI and theres not mechanical issues . I have been to physical therapy and still have the sore shoulder.. what should I do.. quit playing golf for 6 months and give it a rest.. OH im 52 years old
July 1st, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Pete,
Boy…that’s a tough call. If cortizone didn’t work and the MRI shows nothing…hmmmm????
You might have to take matters in your own hands, and go by “trial and error”. Take a week off, then ease into it and see how that works. If not, take 10 days off then ease into it.
You’ll slowly want to strengthen the shoulder joint as well, but that will be slow goin at first.
Mike
June 25th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Mike:
Tiger is one of a kind, and I agree he won’t last with that left leg snap. It’ll tear up his left leg and knee joint. With all his talent and self control, I’m suprised he doesn’t simply throttle down the mafority of his swings and use that leg snap only when necessary out of long rough. His accuracy would improve dramatically and the rest of his body would last a lot longer too. Sufficiently to outlast all the records in the golf books. [This coming from a little old (63yrs.) man who can’t even loose the 50lbs. gained after stopping smoking 5 years ago.] Hope somone can get through to him. He seems to be “the genuine article” as we used to say back in the day. Keep up the good work on this web-site.
Sincerely,
Jim Haubrich
10 handicap
July 1st, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Jim,
I agree with you! Tiger can easily “throttle down” and still hit it a LONG way and keep it in play. I just don’t understand why he goes at it so HARD!
Come on Tiger…we want to enjoy watching you for many, many more years!
Mike
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 am
Hi Mike,
In teh last 4 weeks I find myself waking up with my little finger on my right hand closed up or clenched. I am unable to open it without using my other hand. During the day it works normally but with some discomfort.
I changed this season from an interlocking grip to a “normal” right pinkie on top of my left hand grip.
Could this have caused the problem ?
Any suggestions ?
Thanks
Nick
September 18th, 2008 at 2:04 am
Hi guys!
I need help. I have always wanted to play golf, but I am not really sure if i can figure it out. I might have an advantage though, since I have been playing tennis for 7 year. So my question is, will my tennisexperience be in any help for me if i decide to start with golf?
September 28th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Mike: I had an operation on my right hand for carpal tunnel and wrist arthroscopy surgery along with wrist endoscopy surgery with removal of the wrist bone. I am 68yrs old and play to a 12 presently…Any suggestions that can help me…Thanks Pat Loughran
December 1st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Hi Mike,
I read a golf article that talked about training your lower body to use the ground for leverage on the downswing. It said that it is a difficult concept to teach. Do you have any thoughts about what drills I could do to perform this move?
December 11th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Mike, I’m just starting to play again after a 44 year absence from golf. Joined the military during Viet Nam and never played again. I’ve settled and worked for those 44 mostly in Germany, which is going through a golf explosion with new courses. One was completed recently near where I live, and all my tennis buddies are now golfing. So, I’m diving back into it. My question: Should I begin with the overlapping grip that I learned as a caddie, or now at 64, should I relearn the grip and use the 10-finger grip. I’ve heard it is better for older players, and gives then better power and control. Best from Bavaria! Rick
January 4th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Do you think supplements like “muscle milk” as a post workout drink help build muscle work? Or just snake oil? I would like to build more muscle weight.
January 12th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Hi, I have bought your Fitness Book & am finding it very beneficial, including a much smoother swing, because I can handle thetorsion better on the backswing without collapsing on the downswing. My question is “How can I stop starting the downswing with my head - thus losing some distance &accuracy. I have played to 7/8 Handicap for the past 20 years so I am reasonably consistent,but I know I can get better.