The Master of Hole In One Accuracy

Originally printed in Golf Tips Magazine

When people learn that I've had 51 holes in one and 10 double eagles, they invariably ask the same question: "why aren't you on tour". The answer is, "I was", albeit briefly. There's more to winning on tour than accurate irons - much more. Nevertheless, the most important requirement of the game of golf is hitting the ball where you want it to go. If you can't, only the worlds greatest short game is going to help you

I've always been a pretty good iron player. Even at a young age my shots seemed to zero in on the flag (when I got close enough to reach the green).

Over the past 30 years, I've spent a lot of time trying to establish a connection between my swing and the success it produced. Truth is, I don't have a clear cut answer as to to why. What I do have, however, is a planned, sound approach to hitting more accurate golf shots. With it, you may make an ace or two of your own.

ACE BASICS:

Before I hit any golf shot, alignment is foremost in my mind. After all, you can't hit a target if you are not aimed at it correctly. Most weekend players aim well right of the target at address and make the dreaded "over the top" move to compensate. we all know this usually produces a slice or the big pull left. I prefer to keep things simple. First, align the leading edge of the club to the target and then the body (shoulders, hip and feet) to a point just left of the target. Such a setup position is often referred to as the "Railroad Track) setup, in which the golfer imagines a railroad track running toward the target. The outer track is your guide for the clubface and the inner track is a reference for your body. From this stance, it is my belief that the golfer is in the best position to make a free and more complete swing with less restriction.

An easy practice drill to learn correct alignment is to lay clubs on the ground and creat a mock railroad track. After just a few shots with the "tracks" in place, you'll begin to see your targets more clearly and feel as the club is moving towards them.

DOMINANT HAND:

Another important aspect of the swing is the lead hand position. I play and teach a dominant front hand. This may be contrary to other modern swing theories and the power style of golf played by many of the Tour's leading money winners. but I truthfully feel that a dominant front hand will enable most golfers to enjoy more consistent and solid golf shots.

When a typical (if there is one) golfer tries to fire the right hand (for right-handed golfers), the result is often a distorted, inconsistent clubface angle.In contrast, when a player uses the front hand to control the swing, it makes it easy to "push" the club away from the ball and keep it traveling low to the ground, allowing extension and a longer takeaway. Second, the lower body, which is naturally inclined to follow the front side, establishes the much needed transfer of weight to the back side for leverage. From the top, I encourage the player to "pull" with the front hand to initiate the downswing. Again, the body follows the clubhead and works through the shot. There's no feeling of extreme effort in this type of swing, as one motion simply creates another. The lead hand pulling hte club will make it easier to swing down the target line, leading to more accurate shots and consistent contact. While there may be a slight loss of distance as compared to the right-hand hit, the improved accuracy will more than make up for it when you total out your scorecard.

This push-pull motion may feel awkward at first, as I am asking you to use your less dominant side. The only way to become more comfortable with this motion is to practice it. Often, I have my students swing with just the front hand on the club to ingrain front-side control. Then, I ask them to hit balls from a normal address position with both hands on the club, but remove the back hand as the club starts its downward motion. Try this drill next time you are at the range. You'll be surprised how solidly and straight you can hit your shots with just your front hand on the club.

As you perform these drills, pay particular attention to grip pressure. The tendency here is to over-grip with the front hand in an attempt to better control the club. All you need is just enough pressure so that the clubface won't turn at impact. The "Grip it and Rip It" strategy may work for John Daly, but softer hands will ultimately produce the best results.

PACE:

A third crucial component to accuracy is swing pace, which tends to vary from golfer to golfer. Just compare Nick Price and Lanny Wadkins to Ernie Els or Loren Roberts. A dramatic difference exists between them, yet each is an outstanding ballstriker. My take on this is that for most golfers, a smoother, slower swing leands itself to much more consistent and solid contact. A deliberate takeaway will actually encourage your hands to work into a more solid and cocked wrist position at the top of the swing. From there, the front hand pulling motion will allow you to maintain the cocked position throughout the downswing and release the clubhead at impact. Because the body follows the hands, the smoother pace better allows the body, hands and club to work together to create clubhead speed. Furthermore, a controled swing facilitates better balance from start to finish and leads to more consistency.

MENTAL NOTES:

I'd be remiss if i did not acknowledge the mental aspect of the golf swing. I truly believe that my mind is as much of - if not more - responsible for my aces than a decent golf swing. For many years, I knew that i felt "different" when hitting a tee shot on a par-3 hole - much different than when faced with a 200 yard approach on a par-4. The "difference" I refer to is that on a par-3 shot, I seem to visualize in vivid color as the ball goes into the bottom of the cup. On other shots, the color isn't as vivid, although I still see the ball going into the hole. I don't have an explanation for this, but years ago, Sports Illustrated performed as study on my brain wave activity during my swing. The results showed that my brain waves were in fact unique on par-3 tee shots (at least I proved I had a brain). What I found interesting was that mt par-3 brain waves were consistent with those produced by other golfers when they faced 30- or 40- foot putts - a situation where the hole itself is the definite target. Visualization is a powerful tool. I implore you to use it. Combined with a mastery of the three swing factors discussed here, I'm sure you'll find yourself with more accurate approaches.

Hit 'Em Straight....