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Tom's Bonus Tip: Choose To Be An Excellent Putter
Lesson Comments: What Students Have To Say
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Batavia Country Club
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Tom's Featured Tip: Q&A: Uphill, Downhill, Sidehill Lies
For simplicity, all advice on actual swings or drills is provided from a right handed perspective.
Q: Hi Tom! Just a question for a rainy day for you to consider.
Now that I am able to consistently keep my shots in the fairway, I have come up with a new problem. Are you able to cover how to hit the ball when you have landed either going up hill or down hill? I have no idea how to change my stance when I am on the down hill side or if I land on the up hill side and still have a significant distance to go.
Anything I try seems extremely awkward and my shots are terrible!
Are there any quick tips for this or is this lesson material?
Thanks Tom!
L.T. Batavia, NY
A: Below is my reply.
Hi L.T., here's a lengthy answer to your question - I think I'll make it a future newsletter article, thanks for the question!
We'll start with definitions.
Uphill Lie - The ball is level with your feet but the slope is uphill.
Downhill Lie - A ball that is level to your feet but the slope is downhill, probably the second most difficult shot in golf.
Ball Below Feet - The ball is below your feet, probably the most difficult shot in golf.
Ball Above Feet - When the ball is above your feet.
Don't get confused between an uphill lie, and when the ball is simply above your feet. These are two different lies, and are played differently. Same for the downhill lie, and the ball being below your feet. These are also two different lies, and are played differently.
The Uphill Lie
- Take a less lofted club than you'd normally hit for the distance. When you have an uphill
lie, it will make the ball go HIGHER and SHORTER.
- The ball will have a tendency to draw or hook, so aim accordingly.
- To avoid hitting the shot fat, check your shoulder alignment and
make sure they are parallel to the ground you are standing on.
- The ball should be positioned according to what club you are
using, as though you were on a level lie. (A bit forward for longer
clubs.)
- Follow through HIGH after impact.
The Downhill Lie
- Your ball will tend to have a lower trajectory, so take a more lofted club
to help the ball go a little higher.
- The ball will have a tendency to fade or slice, so aim accordingly.
- Set up with your shoulders parallel to the ground.
- Play the ball in your stance according to the club you are using
(again, a little forward for a longer club).
- Follow through LOW to the ground after impact.
Ball Above Your Feet
- Stand taller than your normal stance.
- The ball will have a tendency to draw or hook, aim accordingly.
- DO NOT BEND YOUR KNEES
- The golf club wants to swing more AROUND your body, go with the feeling...DO NOT TRY TO MAKE YOUR NORMAL SWING...let the club swing around you.
Ball Below Your Feet (Personally, I think this is one of the most challenging shots in golf)
- Bend your knees and bend WAY over at address.
- The ball will have a tendency to fade or slice, aim accordingly.
- The golf club wants to swing up and down, NOT around. Go with the feeling, DO NOT TRY TO MAKE YOUR NORMAL SWING, let the club swing more up and down.
Tom
Comments: ttucker@rochester.rr.com
Love your practice, own your swing, own your health,
Tom
Tour Greens: Tour Quality Synthetic Greens For Superb Short Game Practice
Our customers love their practice greens, here's what they have to say: Testimonials
Click on the image below for a video demonstration of how well golf shots hold on our Tour Greens synthetic putting greens.
If you would like a free, no obligation quote for getting a beautiful practice area or putting green installed on your property - indoors or outdoors - give me (Tom Tucker) a call at (716) 474-3005, or email at at ttucker@rochester.rr.com
For more information please click here: TourGreensWNY.com
Comments: ttucker@rochester.rr.com
Love your practice, own your swing, own your health,
Tom
Tom's Bonus Tip: Choose To Be An Excellent Putter
For simplicity, all advice on actual swings or drills is provided from a right handed perspective.
I really believe that putting well is a choice you can make.
When you walk up to the green to putt, you basically have two choices:
- Be confident and accept the challenge or,
- Be afraid of a three putt (or worse).
That leaves option 1. So when you approach the green feel confident that you can make your putt. Smiling actually helps, because it releases chemicals in the brain that promote confidence and fight negativity.
Please don't mistake this simple advice to be the end all for all that you need to be a great putter.
It goes without saying that it also takes a good stroke and practice, but those are easily acquired if you are willing to learn and put in the time.
I tell all my students that this is perhaps the only segment of the game where they truly can be as good as anyone if they are willing to put in the work.
Here's exactly what it takes:
- Get a good putter - one that fits your eye and your stroke style.
- Then either do the research yourself or take a lesson to learn and develop a good stroke.
- Then practice your stroke at least one hour weekly (winter included).
Comments: ttucker@rochester.rr.com
Love your practice, own your swing, own your health,
Tom
Golf Lessons
I conduct lessons at The Plum Creek Driving Range & Practice Facility
there's a link for Plum Creek info here: http://www.tomtuckergolf.com/
Lessons are available for all ages and skill levels, please contact
me - Tom Tucker - at (716) 474 3005 or email me at ttucker@rochester.rr.com
for more information.
Outdoor Lessons Details and Rates:
http://www.tomtuckergolf.com/lessonrates.html
Indoor Lessons Details and Rates:
http://www.tomtuckergolf.com/indoor.html
Driver Fitting Rates:
http://www.tomtuckergolf.com/indoor.html
Testimonials:
http://www.tomtuckergolf.com/testimonials.html
Sponsors
Plum Creek Driving Range and Simulator Outdoor range and play indoor golf on any of our 40 Simulator Courses. Call 585-993-0930 or email Mark at plumcreek4@rochester.rr.com to reserve time for simulator play or practice!
Batavia Country Club (585) 343-7600 www.bataviacc.com
Great rates, the best greens in WNY. Golf Digest Four Star rating for public courses to play in New York State.
Pre-Pay For 2018 membership now, and the rest of 2017 is included!
Tee times online or by phone in season.
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Call (585) 343-7600 or visit our website for details.
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THE WESTERN NEW YORK LEADER IN GOLF OUTINGS!
Only minutes from Buffalo, open to the public. Tee times online or by phone in season.
All the best,
Tom Tucker
Teaching Pro, Plum Creek Driving Range & Practice Facility
WGTF ' "Top 100 Golf Teacher"
USGTF Class "A" Teaching Professional
IGPA Certified Golf Psychology Coach
Cell: (716) 474-3005
Email: ttucker@rochester.rr.com
http://www.TomTuckerGolf.com
"There are no substitutes in the quest for perfection!"
~ Ben Hogan