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It is the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul "Bear" Bryant
Tom's Featured Tip: Par 3 - Squish or Sweep?
Lesson Comments: What Students Have To Say
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Par 3 - Squish or Sweep?
For simplicity, all advice on actual swings or drills is provided from a right handed perspective.
The Divot Board
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Par 3 - Squish or Sweep?
In last week's newsletter I mentioned the thought of "squishing" the ball into the ground when he was hitting his irons, and "sweeping" the ball with his hybrids, woods, and driver.
The article prompted this question from a newsletter reader as follows:
"Tom,
Good morning.
Thanks for your latest newsletter with the early season mistakes and fixes. I have one question about #5. When using an iron off a tee on a par 3 is it best to squish or sweep? By tee I mean the physical wooden tee not the ground.
I appreciate your tips.
Regards,
Kim"
Thanks for the question Kim.
In my mind, this isn't a simple "squish" or "sweep" answer because there are a few variables that can change it from one to the other.
The first variable is ball position.
We all swing on an angled circle that I refer to as your swing circle when I teach.
During the swing, there comes a point where you reach your low point, where you may take a divot or at least scrape the ground when swinging an iron, normally AFTER YOU HIT THE BALL. The ball first - ground second strike is a result of ball position and a good swing circle.
Your low point will normally be an inch or two forward of a center ball position.
When a ball is being played back in your stance, you'll be "squishing" most of the time.
Conversely, when a ball is being played forward in your stance, you'll be "sweeping" most of the time.
The second variable for me is the type of shot you want to hit, and this also relates to ball position.
When I want to hit a draw, I usually play the ball a little further back in my stance than normal (squish).
When I want to hit a fade, I usually play the ball a little further forward in my stance than normal (sweep).
It I want to hit it high I play it forward if the lie allows me to. I may even try to hit the ball on the upward part of my swing circle if I need to and if the lie allows it (sweep).
If I want to hit it low, I usually play it back in my stance and hit it like a punch shot (squish). That's actually one of my favorite shots into a wind.
Back to Kim's question "When using an iron off a tee on a par 3 is it best to squish or sweep? By tee I mean the physical wooden tee not the ground."
If you are playing the ball forward in your stance (ie: 4,5,6 and maybe 7 iron) and probably trying to hit it high (guessing here), think "sweep" and try to catch the ball right at the low point of your swing or perhaps even on the upswing.
If you are playing the ball in the center or back in your stance (8 iron or higher) and/or trying to flight it normally or low, think "squish" and position the ball so that your low point occurs after the strike. If you want to flight it low and your skill level allows it, also try to hit it low on the clubface. This will produce the lowest trajectory and the most spin.
I hope this answers your question Kim, and thanks for asking!
Comments: TomTuckerGolf@gmail.com
Love your practice, own your swing, own your health,
Tom
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Lessons are available for all ages and skill levels, please contact
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Sponsors and Affiliates
Buying a sponsored product through any of my affiliate links helps support this free newsletter, and I only affiliate with excellent products that I use myself. Thanks, Tom
Train with a Rypstick to improve your swing speed and gain more distance off the tee. If the versatility of three different swing weights in one club appeals to you, this is your swing speed training aid of choice.
Click here Rypstick.com to buy now, and make sure that you enter TOMTUCKERGOLF (case sensitive) in the Discount code box when you check out to receive a 5% discount.
Click here to buy your Divot Board to drastically improve your ball-striking. Combine your Divot Board practice and putting practice with the included putting lesson drills, and watch your scoring improve!.
Use your club or hand to re-set the board after your strike
Click here to buy now for outstanding Ball-Striking practice feedback
BONUS: when you buy through the newsletter link above, you'll also receive free access to my Putting Lesson Videos ($50 value) which cover: The Elevated Aimline Drill, The Squareness Awareness Drill, The Aimline Accuracy Drill, The Stock Putting Stroke Drill, The Barrier Drill, The Short Putt Channel Drill, and more.
Click here SuperSpeedGolf.com to buy this swing speed training aid and increase your distance off the tee.
SuperSpeedGolf.com Buy now and get to work on increasing your swing speed now.
Club Champion Don't waste another dollar on clubs until you've gone through a fitting at Club Champion, 1669 Pittsford Victor Rd., Suite 400, Victor NY 14564. Call Master Fitter & Builder Jeff St. John. PGA work: (585) 978-8513, cell: (585) 831-2292 to schedule your fitting today! Mention my name and you'll get special attention.
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All the best,
Tom Tucker
Teaching Pro, Plum Creek Driving Range & Practice Facility
WGTF ' "Top 100 Golf Teacher"
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Cell: (716) 474-3005
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