By Ken Martin, PGA
Director of Instruction

Getting started on track often makes a big difference in the final result of your round. A few simple stretching exercises with loosen up your muscles and help your swing. It’s important to step up to the first tee knowing that you’re as ready as you can be and feeling loose, rather than tight, is reassuring. All too often when we tee up the ball our ego kicks in; power becomes the concern because power gives us the chance to prove ourselves. But power can also send the ball to almost anywhere on the course except for the fairway if it’s not harnessed properly. So be certain to not let your emotions or ego get in the way of your decision making.

For example, if you are faced with a tight opening tee shot, choose a shot that will eliminate one side of the fairway. In other words, choose the shot that if miss hit, will find the side of the fairway where there is less of a penalty, say rough to the right instead of water to the right.

Some folks say distance isn’t everything, but that rarely stops us from wanting more. One way to get more is to first get the tension out of your grip. Too much tension in your hands will increase tension in your forearms and chest, causing a loss of independence in your arm swing. Remember, the Natural Golf Single Plane Swing is an arm generated swing meaning the speed and direction of the clubface is controlled by your arms and stabilized by your body.

So next time out:

1. Do some pre-swing light stretching
2. Choose a shot that eliminates one side of the hole
3. Check your ego…then pull the club from the bag
4. Relax your hands during your waggle
5. Comfortably Drive the Ball to Your Target!