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Newsletter - Issue 113 Date 09/16/09
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Equipment - Books - DVD's - Instruction 
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I just finished reading "Essentials of the Swing by Hank Haney" for the first time
(I usually read the good books at least twice), and I can wholeheartedly
recommend it.  It thoroughly covers the basics of the golf swing, and has 
several intriguing pages about how Tiger Woods practices - 12 hour workdays
at least. If you read the book you'll understand why Tiger's number 1 in the
world, his work ethic has to be unparalleled.

I give it two thumbs up, buy it you'll like it.

Enjoy,

Tom


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TCT Quick Tips - Deliberate Practice
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This thought is from another book I'm reading called "Talent is Overrated":
Great performance comes from deliberate practice. Evidence shows that by
understanding how a few become great, anyone can become better.

I personally think that this concept translates directly to anyone that is
really serious about improving their golf game.

Love the sport, do a little reading, and practice deliberately, it's
a sure-fire formula for success.


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Golf Tip: Two Putters?
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There has been some speculation that one needs a heavier putter than normal 
for slower greens. In addition, some golfers have suggested that you make contact 
on the toe of the putter face or use a light putter for fast greens or down hill putts.

I disagree with both of these notions for the following reasons:
First, it is important to groove your putting stroke to be as consistent as you 
possible can. Consistency is of utmost importance in putting. 

To be consistent you must not add an additional variable by changing the instrument 
for different course conditions. For a slow green, the ball must be launched a little
faster than for a fast green for the same length putt. This difference should be established 
on the practice putting green which should be similar in speed to the greens on the course. 

Second, making contact with ball on the toe of the putter-face, for fast greens, again 
introduces another variable leading to inconsistencies - how far toward the toe will you 
strike it and for what green speed or down slope? Will there be any putter head
deflection from the off center contact? 

To stroke a very fast putt, you are much better off to simply grip down a bit on the 
putter and use the same stroke.

The difference between a slow and a fast green, independent of the putter you intend to 
use, is that the faster green will have more break than the slower green for the same 
side-hill slope, and you must launch the ball faster for the slower green than a faster 
green for a specific length putt.

The speed of the putter head for a specific length putt is a judgment call based on your 
experience and pre-shot plan and routine. This will be different for every putt, so why try 
to complicate this further by introducing another variable by using a different putter for 
every green speed or missing the sweet spot intentionally for down hill putts or faster greens?

Develop a good stroke and use it every time.

Enjoy, Tom