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Golf Tips from Harvey Penick
I picked up a
delightful little book from the library this
week entitled
And If You Play Golf,
You’re My Friend by Harvey Penick. Not
only was the style warm and humorous, but
the book was filled with valuable tips!
Dubbed America’s best
Loved Golf Teacher, Penick offers golfers
the following advice.
-
Practice without a
ball. Try swinging your 7-iron at a
certain blade of grass until you can
consistently hit that spot.
-
Don’t be nervous
about playing your game. Change your
vocabulary from, “I have to play today.”
to “I get to play today!” Enjoy the
game!
-
When you’re trying
to decide which putter to use to chip,
try this. Toss a ball underhanded close
to the hole. Then ask yourself, “Which
club would create the same flight and
result of the toss?” Then pick that
club for the job.
-
Use your
intuition. The first club that comes to
your mind to hit a certain shot is the
right club to use. Don’t second guess
yourself.
-
Don’t listen to a
word your opponents say. Think only
about your game.
-
Most of the
problems golfers have with swings result
from a faulty grip or stance. Practice
these two basics when your game is off.
-
Practicing hitting
leaves and twigs can alleviate the
tension and help with your
concentration.
-
Don’t make an
adjustment immediately after hitting a
bad shot. If a pattern begins to show,
then change your grip.
-
Take your time.
Never rush a shot. Hit the ball only
when you’re ready.
-
Be decisive. When
your mind is confident of the shot
you’re going to make, your muscles will
follow through with what they’re
expected to do.
-
Keep your eye on
the ball as a whole, not just a part of
it.
-
Have regular eye
check ups.
-
One common golf
ailment is shoulder pain in the rotator
cuff area. Penick advises to ice it
after you’re done playing. It also
helps to swing your arms in circles
(slowly) throughout the game. This
will prevent muscle tightness.
-
Don’t try to hit
the ball hard or far. Develop a strong
belief that your ball will go a long
distance without you really trying.
Mysteriously, that’s what happens!
-
Absolutely,
positively keep your left arm straight
at impact.
If you want a fun and
inspiring read about your favorite sport,
check out Penick’s Little Red Book as
well. Warm and witty, Penick’s books will
bring a smile to your face and you’ll get
some priceless playing tips in the process!
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