Putting Drill

Spring is in the air here at The Cliffs Resort, and another great golf season is upon us. Everyone should have their PGA Professional check on the basics like grip, posture and alignment, early in the season. I think everyone should also look hard at their short game and especially their putting. Here's an early season drill to get you off to a good start. As a right handed putter, place your right hand on the putter where it would be if you had both hands on it. Hit 5 footers for 5 to 10 minutes with just your right hand. Keep your left hand behind your back or in your hip pocket. Hit putts from four different directions to the same hole. You will find a good putting stroke quicker this way and it will help you feel the dominance of the right hand in a proper putting stroke.

Getting Started on the Right Foot

After having your PGA professional check your basic fundamentals and you're ready to start practicing for this golf season, here's some advice on how to get started on the right foot. At the start of the first few practice sessions, hit balls with your feet TOGETHER. Start with a wedge then a 7 iron and even a teed up 3 wood. This will accomplish a couple of things. First, it will help you feel the balance that is absolutely necessary to develop a good golf swing, and secondly it will allow you to feel what a proper release is with the hands and arms. Try it and have some fun.

Alan Alison, PGA

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