Susan Farron Golf | July Golf News 2021
Hi Golfers,
Welcome to my July golf update.
Spaces are still open and available for my end of year tours and I welcome you to join me at either Kauri Cliffs or Hawkes Bay or both. Brief details are below or contact me for more information.
These tours are extremely relaxed and enjoyable encompassing good food, great company and an opportunity to improve your golf knowledge and game along the way.
Over the next few months I will be refreshing my website, booking options and timetable. I look forward to sharing this with you soon. Until then please enjoy my helpful hints and tips.
My golf classes at Ellerslie are always popular and the Tuesday morning women's classes are always in high demand. Waitlists are running if you can't get a spot. Please note Tuesday late evening mixed classes on all full swing shots will restart during daylight savings time.
Sunday afternoon short game classes can be affected by poor weather in winter but generally these will go ahead unless the greens and bunkers are not playable.
A new class starting next week looks at a practical golf rules and golf game knowledge hour. There are many people taking up the game and this requires a need to up skill peoples knowledge on some of the key rules and options on course. If you think this class would suit you or someone you might know please sign up via my website, first in first served.
If you are a RAGGC member and looking for bunker or short game private lessons on the new short game course or if you need help with on course playing options at the club, please let me know or book via the club website on a Thursday afternoon from 1.00pm -4.30pm.
Stay motivated, head outside and enjoy your winter golf. Watch out for those frost delays. My winter golf warm up might help you get ready.
Susan Farron Golf Tours
Luxurious and Exclusive Golf Weekend at Kauri Cliffs:
Friday 4th through Saturday 6th December. Two half rounds of golf including great lodging and wonderful dinners. Please contact me for more information.
Fabulous Golf Escape to Havelock North:
Tuesday 16th- Friday 19th November. Staying 3 nights at Porters Boutique Hotel, playing 4 rounds of golf, including 9 holes at Hill Country Estate, Cape Kidnappers, Bridge Pa, and Napier GC. Contact me now to book your place basf@xtra.co.nz.
Hints & Tips
Why checking the position of your right elbow might just help your downswing and increase your chances of hitting the middle of the club-face.
Good elbow function is helpful when creating the shape of the backswing and also the amount of lag power during the downswing. The trialing elbow at address can be slightly relaxed and softened inwards to the body. This will help fold the right elbow downwards and assist the backswing position.
Watch my video to help understand this movement and why this could help you take divots in the right place with solid contact.
Left hand at bottom of grip
Placing your leading hand lower on the putting grip will eliminate the unwanted wrist twitch. If you are right handed try holding your left hand lower on the putting grip. If you are a leftie your right hand becomes the lower leading hand. Try it for the next 10 rounds. Be observant of the putter face. We all want to keep our head steady of course, but we also must be aware of the putter face and what it is doing through to the hole so watch and see what happens to the putter face when you follow through.
Time for your winter checklist reminder
Shoes - Good shoes are essential golfing items this time of year. Check they are waterproof, and that the soft spikes have good tread and in good condition. Reduce the chance of slipping and injuries on the golf course and on slippery paths and surfaces with good spikes.
Gloves - Wear a good winter glove on your leading hand or on both hands. If it's cold both hands need warmth. It is proving fashionable in the winter to wear two gloves. Keep one set for practice and one set for on course play.
Good Vest - If you don't like swinging in a waterproof jacket and feel restricted then a good waterproof vest is a must. A vest keeps the chill off your chest and keeps you warm and toasty while freeing up your arms and shoulder area.
Head gear - Wear a beanie, If you are not a beanie fan and don't like getting your hair messed up, wear a visor and put some warm ear muffs over the top to keep the ears and head protected.
Towels - Yes even golf towels need a wash occasionally. Give yourself a treat and smarten up your bag with a fresh look.
Warm golf balls go further than cold ones so keep it in your pocket before you tee off. Warm hands can also make you hit further so keep your hands warm all the way through the round.
If you are struggling with poor hand circulation, have reduced finger mobility or arthritis ask about getting arthritic grips at your golf shop.
Arthritic grips are wider and will assist you in holding the club securely and steady. Check your golf grips for wear and tear. If they are slipping and sliding chances are they need replacing.
Need a reminder of a golf warm up routine? Watch my winter golf warm up video below before hitting the first tee.
Question Time
Question: Where should my weight and balance be in an ideal golf set up?
Answer: You will here golf coaches talk all the time about balancing your starting weight in the balls of the feet. If you don't know where that is try curling your toes upwards in your shoes at set up.
Question: Why do I shank?
Answer: Firstly “a shank” is a shot where the ball is squeezed between the neck or hosel of the club head and the shaft resulting in the ball darting off at a right angle. If you do any of the following:
- Can't hold your finish
- Tip forward in your backswing
- Struggle to rotate your body both in the backswing and follow through.
- Feel your weight go towards your toes rather.than heels
Chances are your balance through the shot is changing and toe and foot exercises need improvement. Curl your toes upwards in your shoes and you will feel your balance change. It should now feel more on the balls of the feet.
Did you know your big toe plays an important part in your overall health and balance. When did you last look at your big toes and how to stretch and separate your toes for a great foot and balance workout.
Can you curl your toes upwards back and then roll and point under? How about separating your big toe backwards from your other toes and vice versa?
Good foot work includes having strong functional ankles and toes. This helps drive the weight from your trailing foot pushing against the ground creating speed and power.
Train your golf brain
What's Trending in Golf Psychology?
Visualisation is the season trend if you are wanting to improve your mental golf game and performance.
When is the best time to visualise?
Just before you nod off to sleep is the best time to picture the success of your shots and golf holes with positive imagery. Subconscious positive playing of golf rounds and golf shots and putts can actually play out in real time. Before nodding off to sleep use imagery and imagine you are on the first tee of your local course or playing a shot you wish to conquer. See yourself as a positive, strong, and confident player and imagine the first tee shot and what that might look and feel like.
Some brief golf thoughts for you to ponder:
Cope with the dreaded bunker shot by enjoying the opportunity to practice rather than fearing the worst.
The longer the grass the tighter you should grip.
Get your head in the right space and you may just play ok.
Let your inner voice have a rest and play a few holes without talking.
Let your inner brain have a rest and play a few holes without thinking.
Move between shots with purpose and confidence.
Golf burnout
Yes there is such a thing called "golf burnout." If you need a break, take it!
There is no harm in rest and rejuvenation. Returning to golf after a refreshed break can be beneficial, especially if you have lost your passion or perhaps have seen a slump in form. Often a break from your hobbies can rejuvenate the desire to jump back in and return with a fresh attitude and a rest on specific golf muscles. If you are looking for a good golf book to rejuvenate your passion.
My suggestion this month: Harvey Penick's series of simple golf books.
The late Harvey Penick, was well known as a legendary golf coach who intertwined simple thoughts into his coaching methods to his famous PGA Tour professionals including Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw.
His series of books included The Little Red Book, The Green Book and Blue Book, Teachings of a Lifetime including lessons and teaching specific for women series. The below book "The Wisdom of Harvey Penick" completes the series.
