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 Using Correct Technique for Golf - September 2004 By David La Pour In last month's article I talked about the ingredients of consistency. Because the game of golf consistently has a small margin of error (and it likes to remind us of that), it puts the pressure on us to act accordingly. If you do not have good mechanics or technique, it's very hard to put a consistent game together- especially under pressure. You may have a few good rounds here and there that may bring your handicap down, but you may also have the sneaking feeling that it could leave you at any moment. Nowhere land. As they say in Minnesota, the ice may be a little thin. And what's worse, you will probably be out on the course when you discover that your latest swing thought has abandoned you at a crucial time, and you're left to the golf god's mercies. This becomes the defining moment as to whether or not you have the correct technique. If you do, you salvage the round; if you don't, you're probably toast. In grouping the game into three areas (putting, short game, and full swing), you can start to address proper grip, set up, and swing. For example, below is a list of proper mechanics in putting for the most consistent golfers in the world:  • Ball positions slightly forward in stance  • Pendulum like motion using shoulders or long putter  • Consistent green reading process  • Excellent speed This is just a small list of things the great putters do to help in their consistency on the greens. The main point is that mechanics and proper technique are the underlying theme in all parts of their game. That way when they do have a bad shot or hole, they can quickly recover, relying on all the correct practice that they have done in the past. If you're not sure about your technique in any part of your game, contact one of the WP Golf Instructors in your area or sign up for the Winter Golf Seminars being held at all the WP properties starting in December. Good luck and I'll see you on the course! MORE TIPS Home / Putting / Short Game / Full Swing / Mental / Health / Other "The main point is that mechanics and proper technique are the underlying theme in all parts of their game."