Advice, Advice & More Advice

There are many ways to achieve a common goal and that is one of the big reasons why so many amateur golfers get stuck in their quest to improve. Think about it, you pick up the latest edition of your fav golf magazine and read an article on a particular topic, let’s say “proper set up.” Later in the day you turn on the golf channel and they’re giving their version of the “proper set up.” You go out to play with your Saturday group and your buddies (who are all closet golf pros) give you their version on “proper set up” after seeing you struggle through your first 9 holes. Finally you decide it’s time to see your local pro who no doubt has his/her version of yet the same topic. The best part is that all the opinions you gather are all different. Is there only one right theory in that whole bunch? No not at all, in fact each and every opinion on the subject probably yields reasonable results.

The problem lies in…what works for you! And that is the true quest towards improvement. One of the toughest things for an amateur golfer to do is subscribe to one theory and stick with it through both the highs and lows of the transformation. As soon as one technique starts to go sour we look for another, then another, and another and so on. Remember there is no quick fix or short cuts in golf yet golfers continue to look for that pot o’ gold, hence the reason so many golfers can’t control the urge to purchase the next greatest driver that claims to cure world hunger, only to end up ultimately as the back up to your trusty Wilson Deep Red. Believe me, I hear this dilemma all the time from my students and it is truly a problem for today’s golfers. Why do you think technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the last 25 years in all categories yet the average golfer’s handicap has barley improved by 1 stroke?

The advice I always give is simple…..find one source that fits your style of learning, understanding and personality and stick with that source…period. Testing the waters so to speak is inevitable but most golfers test the waters for years and years…..and years. Any teaching professional worth his/her salt should be able to get you hitting a driver from the discount bin (assuming the shaft is right for you but that’s for another topic) every bit as well as the $400 club that proudly shines like a beacon in your bag if you subscribe to their theory and STICK WITH IT.

Oh, I almost forgot…proper “Ball Position.” This should muddy the waters a bit.

•       For a driver place the ball on the instep of your left foot (for righties)

•         For all your irons (yes all of them) place the ball in the middle to maybe 2” forward of middle. If       you have a good solid weight transfer just forward of center if not more middle.

•         And for your fairway woods and hybrids place the ball somewhere between the driver and irons (some trial and error required)

We all know the best advice is FREE! Hope this helps J

Blog written by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Quality Golf Equipment You Probably Have Never Considered

I started this blog as another outlet to share with golfers, information that will hopefully benefit all those who play this game we love so much. Whether that be via golf tips, drills, best courses to play, golf destinations, equipment reviews etc. This blog is designed to be a potpourri of all things golf from one golf professionals prospective.

This latest entry is going to take a look at some of the quality golf equipment on the market today that fly’s under the radar or gets overlooked for a wide variety of reasons. Because the golf equipment industry is so dominated by the big names, smaller companies need to rely on specific (and limited) target advertising, word of mouth, quality customer service and of course quality of the product.

Being in the business for a number of years I have been fortunate to be able to hit, play, own and demo just about every club under the sun. With that said, I have gone out of my way to do so in many cases because inevitably a member, student, client or whomever will ask my opinion about driver X or irons Y or this ball or that ball and I have always made it a priority to be “UP” on whatever is out there that golfers need, want or think they want….It comes with the territory. Let’s get started……

Ray Cook Wedges & Putters: Ray Cook putters have been around for many many years having been in the winning bags of every major winner from years past. If you’ve played golf for at least 25 years you probably owned a Ray Cook putter at some point as they were as good as any back in the day. Fast forward to 2014, Ray Cook is still putting out quality equipment. And although RC is known for their putters, I can tell you they have some nice quality wedges (Premium Black Nickel Wedges) as well. They have even expanded their lines to include a full set of clubs and junior clubs, bags, clothing, some training equipment and other unique items. Also in the RC portfolio now is Solus wedges which I have recently hit and really like the feel and weight. RC putters still have the solid feel (I like the Blue Goose BG 10) they have always been know for and their wedges are very playable, eye appealing with that classic look …all for about a third of the cost of the other guys.

Other Highlights From Ray Cook:

        Solus Tour 720 CS Wedges

MacGregor: Another blast from the past and once a fixture on the PGA Tour. Now-a- days, not so much. But what I think is important to note is that all things NOT on tour does not mean a lack quality. Case in point, the new MacGregor MT Pro-C Forged irons. Ball comes off the face solid with great feel in the hands and the overall appearance is sharp, with that darker gun metal look. For the budget conscious golfer these are overall a nice set of sticks….and forged!

Other Highlights From MacGregor:

        VIP Wedges

        Lytham Putter

F2: If you like different these may be the clubs for you. F2 is a company that brands itself on Face Forward Technology. What that means is the face has been moved forward and the hosel back. The look, just to give you and idea, at first glance reminds me of the old Cleveland VAS irons. For those who remember, VAS irons had a radical look but were really easy clubs to hit. I saw these wedges in a golf shop and asked the pro if he happened to have a demo because my curiosity was rather high. He had a 56* and was happy to let me hit it and asked for my thoughts as he was thinking about putting them in his bag. In short, very accurate, loved the weight of the club and how the ball felt coming off the clubface. Not sure about spin as I did not hit any shots into a green. The price point on these are in the same ball park (although slightly less) than a Vokey, but for those who purchase based on what feels best rather than purchasing based on what everyone else does or thinks, these might be something to look at.

Other Highlights from F2:

        No other clubs hit

Thomas Golf: I had heard about Thomas Golf but up until recently had never hit or tested any of their products. Now, as a golf professional I can tell you my students come to me with everything and anything ever made as you can imagine. And when I see something in their bag I have never hit, I have to ask myself …do I feel lucky….well do I? And as always the case in these situations, I inevitably asked if they mind me hitting a few.  This particular club was a 9* Driver (AT 460 if memory serves me correct) and to spice it up a bit it was a square headed club. Interestingly though, unlike some of the earlier square headed clubs this (although squarish in nature) club had a better eye appeal to me with much more rounded edges so the appearance of “square” was not so prominent. Hit my first shot straight, second shot straight, third shot straight…I was sold! Have never considered a square driver before but if Thomas Golf would like to comp me one I will proudly endorse it. Easy club to swing, nice feel and also liked to sound. Distance was every bit as good as my current driver. If you don’t know, Thomas Golf is a custom club company and builds everything to your specs. If you have thought about custom clubs, I would start here. Haven’t tried anything else by Thomas but you can bet the next time a student comes through my academy with one, I might not wait until after the lesson to try it!

Other Highlights from Thomas Golf:

        No other clubs hit

Powerbilt Golf: Again, another blast from the past. A company that’s been around a loooog time and in my opinion putting out quality equipment all the while. Companies like Powerbilt are like aging rock bands most people think their dead but in reality many are still putting out quality music….and PB is doing the same. I had the pleasure of hitting their AFO Players Irons as well as their AFO DF Driver. The PB mantra these days is NITROGEN! Yes, the clubs are filled with N7 to pressurize the heads, allow the face to be thinner, create solid feel without adding extra weight. Now I am not a scientist but I can tell you these irons felt awesome and great playability! I would go so far as to say this…if you could do a blind taste test  (like the old Coke vs Pepsi ads) or club test in this case and had X number of golfers hit these clubs along with 4 or 5 of the top brands and asked them to evaluate I would guess these clubs would get as good or in some cases better reviews than the big names

Other Highlights from Powerbilt Golf:

        AFO DF Driver

So there you have it! An honest review on some of the clubs I have recently hit and liked. I have always been one to pull for the smaller guy in hopes they will make it big, with most people that’s probably the way. So if you’re in the market for new irons, a flat stick or even a driver, with a little extra effort you may find a real treasure that you might otherwise have overlooked and the extra few buck you save you can take your significant other out for a nice dinner…it’s a win win!

Have something you’d like me to review…. clubs, balls, bags, whatever… contact me I would be happy to accept a “COMP” …shameless I know, but someone has to do it!

Blog written by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Looking For A Way To Elevate Your Game?

In this latest entry I thought I would share some of the many drills and techniques I use when working with my students. Drills are a great way to train your muscles and create the motions you are seeking to develop a fluid and repetitive swing. In addition, not all drills require hitting golf balls, and in my opinion that’s a good thing. Believe it or not the ball can be the biggest distraction for many golfers during a lesson or practice session. And the nice thing about drills that don’t require a ball, most of them can be practiced in the comfort of you living room or office. Let’s take a look at a few……

Full Swing: The “Whoosh” drill is a great way practice proper release and can also be used to build up your swing speed.

How it works: Flip the club upside down so the grip of the club is pointing towards the ground. You will now be gripping the club just below the head of the club. Set up as if you’re going to hit a shot placing a golf ball in your normal ball position of your stance. Now make a full golf swing at your normal swing speed. You are not trying to hit anything (don’t try and hit the golf ball) you are only trying to create a sound, hence the “Whoosh” sound.

Listen for the whoosh and determine if you hear it before your club gets to the golf ball or after it passes by the golf ball. If the whoosh happens before the golf ball you are releasing too early and if the whoosh happens after the golf ball you are releasing too late. Try and create the whoosh right at the ball. This will help improve ball striking. As an added bonus the better you get at this drill the louder the whoosh will get which means the faster your swing speed, and faster swing speeds, when executed properly can equal more distance.

Chipping (using the same club for all chip shots): Many golfers feel comfortable using the same club for all types of chip shots. If you happen to be one of these golfers this might help.

How it works: Take your set up with a very narrow stance (feet close together). Place the ball towards the back of your stance and place about 60 to 70% of your weight on your front leg (that’s the left leg for righties) you will basically be leaning slightly towards your target. Press your hands forward of the ball so your club is also leaning slightly towards your target as well. During the swing try and use very little wrist motion as this will help develop consistency. The keys to a good chipping stroke are keeping your down swing and follow through just slightly faster than you back swing (but not by much) and try and keep both you back swing and your down swing and follow through equi distant. Try and avoid long back swings and short follow through’s and vise versa.

Chipping (using a variety of clubs): Some golfers like to change clubs when chipping depending on the situation at hand. If this is you keep these ideas in mind.

How it works: For set up see the above mentioned set up as it will be the same regardless if you are a one club chipper or multi club user. The difference here really is where is the hole location in relationship to where your ball sits relative to the green. If you’re chipping you are obviously somewhere around the green but the key is how far from the hole are you. The more real estate you have between your ball and the hole the longer club you may use (maybe a 6, 7, or 8 iron). Using the technique mentioned above this will allow you to get the ball started on your desired line much like an extra long put. And because you are using a less lofted club your swing will be shorten which means less chance for error.

Putting: The goal of all golfers once on the green is always…don’t 3 putt! But how many times have you had a 15 footer and left it 3 feet short or blown it 5 feet past? We’ve all been there. The “No Look” drill is one of the best putting drills to help you eliminate so many 3 putts and help turn them into 2 putts and even 1 putts.

How it works: A good fundamental practice of any good pre-shot routine usually includes a few practice strokes before you putt. But I have found that over half of the students I see, while taking their practice strokes are looking at the ball, but why? If you are one of these golfers try this; Start taking your practice strokes looking at the hole, it’s just a good habit to get into. If you watch golf on TV take note of where your favorite pro is looking when he/she takes their practice strokes. Now on to the drill… When on the practice green take it a step further. Start at about 10 feet from the hole. Take a few practice strokes while looking at the hole, then step up to the ball, take your set up, keep your eyes on the hole and putt! Putting while not looking at the ball will have you dropping putts and eliminating 3 putts in no time. This drill is amazing! Give it a try! GUARANTEE you'll make a bunch during your practice session!

Bunker Shots: For some this can be one of the most dreaded shots to execute, but when practiced properly it will be feared no more.

How it works: Most golfers over exaggerate their sand set up way too much by setting up way too open and generally swing too hard. Remember this; it’s regular sand not quick sand. Next time you find yourself in the bunker only open your stance slightly and open your club face only slightly. Place the ball forward of middle in your stance and put a little more weight on you left leg (for us righties). When you swing remember the 2 most important things: 1. Aim for a spot about 1 to 2 inches behind the ball (this varies depending on how dry or wet the sand is) and 2. Make sure you follow all the way through! Don’t stop your swing! And soon being in the bunker will truly be a day at the beach!

Give these drills and techniques a try and soon you’ll be dropping strokes off your game before you know it!

Blog written by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Golf & Business.......Business & Golf

Playing golf has become more and more important as it relates to business and I would say that right now about 1/3 of my students/clients are pursuing instruction for just that reason, business. Donald Trump, one of the best known businessmen in the world has often spoke about the importance of using golf as a vehicle by which business is done.

This article looks to explore how business and golf can lead to opportunities that might not otherwise come along. Golf can be the porthole to people and possibilities that can help you flourish in business, regardless of what business you’re in.

Let’s start with the arena or golf course if you will. An average round of golf takes about 4 ½ hours to complete (give or take an hour... mostly give), you can learn a lot about a person in that amount of time. Think about it, you have a captive audience, like shooting fish in a barrel as long as your aim isn’t reckless. The amount of time spent on the golf course during a round can allow you to establish a foundation of common ground, business relationships and maybe even long term relationships.

So now that you’ve come to realize golf as a form of business opportunity it’s time to explore what opportunities may be out there. You could join a country club, typically the swankier the club the more likely you’ll find higher end business people although that is not always the case 100% of the time. However, if you’re not at that stage of wanting to join a club there are other avenues to make connections. One of the best ways is to get involved is local charity tournaments. Every community around the country has there fair share of golf events throughout the season whether it be a fund raiser, church group outing or local charity event….get involved! These types of events tend to bring out business people from all walks of life because it’s a way supporting local business. Also, make sure you have a stack of business cards in your golf bag and plan on handing them out. It is true that playing golf generally can/will help improve your odds on crossing paths with a number of business professionals.

Another avenue to help build your business contact portfolio is to join a local golf league. This is a great  way of networking to build long lasting relationships. Many public courses offer a variety of men’s, women’s and mixed leagues almost every night of the week. And because many leagues are 9 holes the time commitment isn’t as great (as opposed to 18 holes) but yet the business benefits can still be reaped.

So, wonder if you’re not a golfer but you like the idea of what the game can offer you from a business or even personal stand point? My suggestion is to do some research on locations in your area where lessons and/or clinics are given and get yourself signed up. Clinics are a great intro to the game but to get you comfortable with all aspects of the game I suggest finding a professional and getting yourself a series of lessons that will cover all facets of the game. I once had a female attorney contact me about lessons (for business purposes) and asked if the first couple of lessons we could not touch a golf club but rather spend the time covering things like how to make a tee time, what to wear and not wear to the course, what are the guidelines for gratuities basically get comfortable in the environment. Make sure your golf professional has the flexibility to work with you and your needs.

So, in these difficult economic times if you are looking for a way to have an edge in the business world, golf might just be the partner you’ve been looking for. Golf is kind of like technology in a sense. If you’re still using a rotary home phone, a 7 year old computer, and have no idea what Twitter is or means….you're behind the times no doubt. And if you are not using golf as a vehicle to network and build business, it’s kind of like being in that same boat.

 Blog written by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

"The Zone" - Rhythm and Tempo

A golf swing is like a fingerprint, no two are the same. And some days when we hit the links it all comes together, we call that being in the zone. But what exactly is “the zone?’
It’s a hard thing to explain and I bet if you ask 20 pros you’d probably get a variety of answers. My take is that it’s a combination of rhythm and tempo which are two separate things. Rhythm is the fluidity of the backswing and downswing and how it all moves as one motion while your tempo is the amount of time it takes to make the actual swing. When these two entities work together we enter the “zone.” Most amateur golfers have too much fluctuation between the two which causes inconsistency. Swing path and club face are the two most important factors in consistent ball striking and having good rhythm and tempo allows us to keep our swing path moving in the right direction while allowing the club face to properly square up through impact.
Now the question is how do we develop proper rhythm and tempo? First, its understanding what both represent and second it’s putting that knowledge to good use through proper practice. This can be achieved a couple of different ways. 1) Devote some of your practice time to swinging a heavy or weighted club. This forces the golfer to swing easier and develop the rhythm we spoke about earlier. 2) Another option is to use a metronome. Yes, we have all heard about this for putting but it actually works for full swings as well. And if you can get a friend to video tape your swing (make sure the metronome is positioned so it can be seen as well in the video) that’s even better. A good tempo to aim for is somewhere in the neighborhood of 0.7 to 1.0 seconds although every swing is different as there is no one size fits all.
And finally, have you ever gone to you local range or your clubs range and watched the golfers come and go? 8 out of 10 start with and spend a majority of their time hitting the driver. Not a good idea if you’re trying to develop good rhythm and tempo. If you are a low handicap golfer, professional or you aspire to be either… a good start would be to focus on rhythm and tempo which may also mean changing your practice habits.
Give these suggestions a try, and with good discipline and stick-to-itiveness I guarantee you will find yourself in “the zone” more often!

 Blog written by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Holiday Golf Gift Ideas for the Golfer Who Has Everything!

The Butt Putt Game: Give your boss a gift this holiday season and let him/her know what you’re really thinking. A backhanded compliment maybe?

Golf Puzzle Cube: Just when you thought golf couldn’t get any harder!

Golf Drinking Game: I thought that’s what the 18 holes on a golf course were for. Golfers will find any excuse to drink!

  The Tree Surgeon: A hatchet that doubles as a putter…genius! Way easier that trying to learn a knockdown shot! Clear the way and be done with it!

No Slice No Hook Golf Tees: I was reluctant to put these on the list because of the fact that 9 out of 10 golfers who come to me either slice & hook and this might cut into my business. I’ll take one for the team to help grow the game!

Thought I’d have some fun with the blog seeing how we are so close to Christmas and people are asking me all the time what can they get for the golfer who has everything? Of course LESSONS are my first answer especially with me! However, if you are looking for something different this may be the way to go.

Got these from the website http://www.golfun.net/ and thought what great ideas for that golfer that doesn’t need another $400 (which by the way can slice a ball just as good as the last $400 driver). Nice little website with some rather unique gifts! HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE PRO!

 Blog written by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Better Putting Equals Lower Scores

By now, if you're a golfer you have probably heard this stat before; 70% of all shots made in a round of golf are from 100 yards or less. In addition, 40% of all those shots are putts....that's a large percentage! Yet why do a vast majority of golfers spend a majority (if not all) of their time on the range? Worse yet, a large majority of those people focus primarily on the driver. Again, the question is why. A driver is used  approximately 14 times per round (18 holes) and your putter at least double that.

As someone who works with players of all ability levels on a daily basis, the rule of thumb I preach to all my students is this; for every 30 minutes you spend on the range you spend that times two (30 min on range = 60 min on the green) on your putting. Think about it, if nothing about your game got better EXCEPT your putting you would instantly score better. So now, if you're with me and you have conceded the fact that putting truly is "where its at" the next step is how/what to practice. Below is a list of a few practice drills I suggest to help you start putting better and lowering you scores.

1. When making your putting stroke try and keep both your back swing and follow through equal distant. So if you bring the club back two feet, only follow through two feet and so on.

2. During your pre-shot routine take a few practice strokes looking at the hole, this will allow your eyes to gauge the distance and send a message to your arms as to how hard/soft your stroke needs to be to cover the distance to the hole.

3. A more advanced drill is practice putting while looking at the hole from various lengths. As you stroke the putt, keep your eyes fixed on the hole, this will quickly start to hone your distance control. I know you may be thinking how do I hit the ball if I'm not looking at it which is a valid question. However, the nature of a putting stroke which should keep the club head close to the ground will make it rather hard to miss the ball.

4. Spend a good 5 minutes putting from 4  to 7 inches from the hole...that's right gimmee distance. Why? Because the eyes get use to seeing the ball fall in the hole and the ears get use to hearing the ball fall in the hole and the mind gets use to those senses being stimulated in a positive way and it becomes contagious! Sounds silly I know but it works and you will soon be making many more of those "testers" we all hate standing over!

I could spend days talking about putting and the short game however these are a few of the drills and techniques I teach to my students while working on improving putting skills. So if your looking for a scoring edge (and who isn't) keep the driver in the bag and get to know your way around the practice green, you'll be glad you did!