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By Marc Lapointe, Senior Instructor, Dana Rader Golf School Photos by Ray Sepesy
ARE YOU NERVOUS ABOUT LOSING YOUR GAME OVER THE WINTER? Not interested in starting over with your swing in March? The solution is to use a short club
(two-feet long) with a molded grip. It will prevent you from breaking your TV or chandelier if used indoors, and will help you improve one of the most important elements
of good ball striking: a square clubface. Here are three steps to master this winter to have the best spring of your golfing career.
1. 2.
Get a Grip: Practice with a molded grip to hold your club like a pro. Follow the "V" on the grip and simply put your fingers in the grooves. Without a proper grip, you won't be able to perform the next two steps.
Square Up Your Takeaway: Start your swing on the right track by keeping your clubface parallel to your left arm (right-handed golfer). Many golfers misunderstand this position and point the toe of the club straight up. As shown in the picture, when the shaft is parallel to my feet, the clubface is angled to match my left arm and slightly outside my hands — which is critical.
3.
Don't worry about your game lagging this winter; improve it with a mirror and a short club. Use the molded grip to make the necessary changes to the way you hold the
WINTER 2011-2012
Stay Square: Achieve a picture-perfect backswing by keeping the clubface parallel to your left arm at the top of your backswing (right-handed golfer). As shown in the picture, my hands are also positioned nicely above my right shoulder.
club, and check out the mirror to improve your clubface position. Stay warm and polish your swing in the comfort of your home — and be ready for your next golf outing!
Check out the video version of this tip at www.ballantynemagazine.com and www.danarader.com. Short clubs with molded grips are available at the Dana Rader Golf School, 704-542-7635.
BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 9Î