Home About Us The Instructors Clinics Private Lessons Junior Golf Instructional Tips Oak Marsh Golf Club Phone: 651-730-8886 Fax: 651-730-6711 institute@wpgolf.com Golf and the New Years' Resolution - February 2004 By David La Pour I'm not one to make New Years resolutions but I just couldn't help it when it came to my golf game. Take it more serious, work on my putting, straighten out that tee shot and hit it further, play more, and not feel anxious when that annual rite of passage (embarrassment) call the "company outing" comes around. Sound familiar? If some of these annual goals ring a bell you may want to check below to see how you can make some improvements to your game. Don't forget that golf is a game for a lifetime and having a small yearly goal is a better approach than trying to fix everything in one year. I suggest picking one of the subjects below and focusing on it through out the year. Full Swing  • Work on your grip with a molded training grip  • Stance and posture come from the knees and hip flexors, enough to let your arms hang. Use a mirror at home to check what you look like.  • This month the Winter Series focuses on matching body types to golf swings (not the opposite which is sometimes taught). You should have a certain model of your best golf swing.  • Goal: Get up near the green in 2 or 3 shots. Short Game  • Have 3 or 4 wedges  • Generally speaking:       Chip back       Pitch middle       Sand forward  • Goal 1 short game shot per hole. Putting  • Get putter fitted  • Work at home or in the office  • Number 1 work on your lag putting  • Number 2 work on your 6 foot and in putting lengths  • Goal: 2 putts per green (no 3 putting). Course Management  • Think before you hit (i.e. Play the hole in your head before you tee off.)  • Know your percentages (water and out of bounds are low percentages)  • Know your rules-buy a rule book  • Goal: Beat the course up instead of the course beating you up. Obviously finding out what and how to practice is important. The WP Golf Institute staff is offering clinics, private lessons, seminars, and golf schools through out the year at their 5 golf courses in the Twin Cities area. They create an opportunity to reach your New Years resolution and although you may not perfect that part of the game at least you'll have a working knowledge of what to do. And next year you can pick another part of the game to work on! Good luck with your golf/goals and I'll see you next month. MORE TIPS Home / Putting / Short Game / Full Swing / Mental / Health / Other "Don't forget that golf is a game for a lifetime and having a small yearly goal is a better approach than trying to fix everything in one year"