Monthly News for the Lompoc Valley Golfing Community
December Tips from the PGA Champions Tour
Keys to success series from interviews with the best players in the world!
This months topic: Three keys to short game success
A visit with PGA Champions Tour great Miguel Angel Jimenez on the short game
Miguel Angel Jimenez’s golf philosophy reflects a balance of Olde School and New School thinking. He believes that it is important to take advantage of the new technology, improved equipment, data, etc, but the core of who he is as a player is about focus, fundamentals, feel and timing.
Regarding short game recommendations, he offered the same three simple tips as Rocco Mediate. For those who wish to improve their scoring ability and play the game better, “practice, practice, practice”!!! He stressed how important he felt it is for players wanting to improve their game, to simply devote more time to their work around the greens. “Everyone wants to hit it far, but they lack the skill around the green to be a better golfer”
He went on to discuss the need to 1. Learn to match the length of the swing for the distance needed. 2. Use different clubs to produce different types of shots (IE: low and rolling, medium, or high and soft. And 3, most importantly practice enough to develop your feel, rhythm and confidence in your short game. As an instructor, I am always looking for common denominators among the great players, and to learn from them. The three keys he shared are common to many greats of the game, and are sure to help you! Thank you Miguel…Great advice!
Cold Weather Golf Advice
I would like to make a couple of recommendations to those of you who wish to improve your game this time of year. When the weather cools down, dress warm with layers, take the time to stretch a little, and have at a short warm up, when you dont have time for a full range session.
A brief 5 minute routine of stretching, hitting a few putts, chips, and taking several full swings prior to playing can go a long way toward preventing pulled muscles, back issues, or other injuries. This practice will lead to good rhythm, confidence and a better round overall. It’s not a guarantee, but a common sense warm up will allow you to consistently play better than you would otherwise. Commit and prepare yourself to get ready and play better.
Next issue…
PGA Tour great John Cook passes along advice and insight he received from Byron Nelson and Ken Venturi on building a solid, consistent, and confident short game.
As always stay down, swing smooth, let it fly and have fun,
Bob K!!