2004-07-12

Follow Through

Yesterday I hit a quick bucket with my father (who just shot 2 over from the blue tees at Calabasas Golf & Country Club and was hitting the ball great at the range with me)

After watching me hit a few shots, he told me to follow through more like Justin Leonard - with your hands low to promote the release:

Photo from: http://www.dmboyer13.com/athletics.htm

and less like Colin Montgomerie - hands high to promote a fade:

Photo from: http://www.esa.int/export/SPECIALS/Telemedicine_Alliance/ESA7APZUMOC_1.html

I had no idea I was following through like that so I started moving my hands lower trying to keep them more level with my left shoulder. After a few miss hits, I started hitting the ball very crisp, on target, and in balance. I think I will strive for a follow through position in between these two pro positions, but it is a good thing to keep in mind as a day to day adjustment.

My grandfather once told me "The first golfer to figure out what he is doing wrong that day and correct it will win the tournament." His theory was to slightly adjust your grip each day at the range while warming up. If the ball flight is tailing to the right - strengthen your grip a notch for the day. To the left ? weaken it. Just a notch is all it should take.

If you have to fade the ball, think of Monty. If you need a draw, think of Justin.

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