10 Rules for 6 Footers (week 3 of 10)

Orginally published in October 2010 Golf Digest by Guy Slocum and Dave Stockton.  I thought it was so good with the stories I had to forward it on...

1. Take "try" out of the equation
When I faced a 15-foot putt to win the 1976 PGA Championship, the amount of time I took surprised a lot of people. Instead of grinding over it, I took less time than usual -- 15 seconds in all. But I did not rush. I knew that if I got hung up dwelling on how much the putt meant, my chances of holing it would have dropped dramatically.
The moment you try to make a putt, you'll miss it. Conscious effort doesn't work. Try this experiment: Get a pen and paper and jot your signature. Now write your name a second time, trying to duplicate your first signature exactly. Chances are you'll make a mess of it, because instead of doing it automatically, you're now applying conscious effort. Your approach to the six-footer should be like signing your name: Do it briskly and subconsciously.

2. Think speed more than line
Speed and line are equally important, but the amateur tends to be preoccupied with the line. As you read the green, do it with the idea that you'll roll the ball 16 inches past the hole -- if you miss. After you've set up and taken dead aim, don't give the line another thought. Avoid being too aggressive with the six-footer, because the edges of the hole might come into play and cause a nasty lip-out.

3. Stay away from dead straight
When Tiger Woods faced that 12-foot putt on the 72nd hole at Torrey Pines to send the U.S. Open into a playoff, he called in his caddie, Steve Williams, to help with the read. I'll bet Tiger saw the putt as breaking to the left but was bothered by a hunch that it might be dead straight. If there's one thing a good putter hates, it's an absolutely straight putt. The reason is, if you start the putt straight, you have a margin for error of only half a cup on either side. Tiger needed Steve to confirm that the putt would break left, because the entire cup would be exposed if Tiger started the ball to the right. The putt indeed broke a couple inches to the left, and Tiger snuck it in on the right edge of the hole.
If the putt for all the marbles looks straight, look again. Study the area near the hole. Remember, the ball will be rolling so slowly when it gets within two feet that even the tiniest slope will cause it to break. Try to at least favor one side.

4. You've already made the putt
You might have heard that it's helpful to form a positive image of the ball going in, but you should take it further than that. Imagine the ball tracking the entire six feet, as though you're watching a video replay of the putt dropping. This image should be so convincing that, if the putt doesn't fall, you should be shocked. That's how I feel when I'm putting well -- I'm absolutely stunned when the ball doesn't go in.
Do everything you can to place the six-footer in the past tense. How many times have you missed a putt, raked it back for another try and instinctively knocked it in? Adopt this "second chance" mentality on your first putt.

5. Be a painter, not a carpenter
For the good putter, the most common miss under pressure is the push. When the heat is on, there's a tendency to hit at the ball instead of stroking through it. Like driving a nail with a hammer, the putter stops abruptly at impact. It doesn't release to a square position, and the clubface is aimed to the right. Putt as though you're pulling a paintbrush, your hands leading and the clubhead trailing as you stroke through.

6. Your last thought: none at all
You should have no coherent thought as you draw the putter back. Avoid saying an actual word or phrase to yourself, even a seemingly positive one such as smooth. All it will do is block the overall sense of flow you must feel to make a good stroke. The only "thought" should be a vague feeling of relaxation, readiness and rhythm. All you're doing is allowing your subconscious mind to take over so you can invite that wonderful sense of feel where you know the putt is going to go in. Remember, there is no actual language when you're in that sharp mental state called The Zone.

7. Get your eyes over the ball
Putting mechanics are mostly a matter of preference, but there is one universal rule for putts from six feet and in: Eyes over the ball. For most players, that means standing closer to the ball. This simplifies things enormously. It'll help you swing the putter straight back and through. It'll make you less handsy and decrease your chances of fanning the face open and closed excessively. And you'll see the line better. Come to think of it, it's a good rule for all putts.

8. Focus on that first inch
In determining the line of the putt, the only area of true precision is the first inch the ball travels. If you've read the putt correctly, all you need to do is make the ball roll over a spot one inch in front of it. Be painstaking about that inch. At address, keep your eyes riveted on the spot. Your biggest priority is to keep your eyes still until the ball has traveled one inch past impact. This will keep your head from moving, which is a cardinal sin. Even if you feel anxious, focusing on that all-important spot will guarantee a smooth stroke.

Stockton in 1971. Courtesy of the Golf Digest Resource Center

9. Forget about bad greens
Under pressure, all of your senses are heightened. There is a tendency to see more obstacles than usual along the line -- scuff marks, ball marks, footprints, disruptions in the grain and so on. Ignore them. If you strike the ball solidly and impart a true roll, the chances of anything knocking the putt off line are remote. If a spike mark is so significant that you're sure it will affect the roll, play a shade less break and roll the ball with a bit more speed to avoid it.

10. Take advice with a grain of salt
Most amateur golf is played at four-ball match play. If you're going to use your partner for reading greens, make sure he knows how you read putts and how firmly you hit them. The best partner I ever had was Al Geiberger. We did well in the old "CBS Golf Classic" series, because our putting styles were similar. When Al said, "It breaks half a cup," I knew he said it knowing how hard I would stroke the putt. Whether it's a member-guest or your weekend game, see how the two of you read putts. Make it a focal point of your partnership.

If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at john.grothe@gmail.com
Your friend in golf...
John Grothe, PGA

Healthy Choices - First Step (week 1 of 10)

Welcome to the first of 10 articles aimed at getting your game ready to play your best.  This week we discuss getting healthier.  This topic could be viewed as the hardest of the ten topics but IT IS ACTUALLY THE EASIEST and even the most important!

The Perfect Example
Bob was 72 years old and needed help with his game.  The transformation that happened with Bob was as eye opening for me as it was beneficial for him.   Bob was paying me $50 a lesson in order to beat his playing partners out of a $0.25 bet!! While his ROI was not very good the effect we saw was nothing more than astounding.

Bob was a classic older player and played once a week.  He was losing yards on his drives, he got tired on the 12th hole and he was sore after his round. He was slowly leaving the game.

We started by trying to increase Bob's distance through better technique and better efficiency.  Pretty quickly Bob gained 10 yards and he was HOOKED with improving his performance! 

I recommended Bob begin to walk more when he played.  He started by walking his second shot into the green.  He then walked to his ball on some of his shorter drives.  Bob found that he enjoyed walking and began walking on the beach with his wife 2-3 times a week.  Bob decided to take her out for 9 holes in the evening when it was warm.

Soon enough Bob was playing not just once a week but twice!  Again, he saw his distance improve by another 10 yards.  He began to take money from his playing partners.  Again he was HOOKED! This story ends with the results that Bob is still playing twice a week. Walks 9 of the holes. He plays with his wife and... he found out that he "actually likes HER!"

The lesson we can learn from Bob is that healthy choices can start slowly and build up over time!

Start slowly
The first step to better golf is, without a doubt, making better and healthier choices for your body.  I know the last thing anyone wants to hear or talk about is starting a fitness routine or joining a gym!  You can make significant impact to your golf game with just small, yet permanent, changes to your lifestyle.  Here are some great ideas to start...

1) Walk more during your rounds - build up to 9 holes walking without a cart.
2) Take the stairs and not the elevator.
3) Get more sleep - you'll live longer!
4) Reduce your stress by working out.
5) Stretch before, during and after your round.

For more information on simple healthy lifestyle choices check out Humana Insurance wellness tips.

EAT HEALTHIER
Before you roll your eyes realize that I am not asking to change your diet over night.  Massive changes do not work in the long run.  My recommendation with your diet are as follows:
1) Small portions - Unlike what your mother says you are not required to finish everything on your plate!  Generally everything is o.k. but moderation is the key.
2) The beginning of a good diet begins at the store.  DO NOT BUY the nasty foods.  Get fruit and veggies to snack on!  You will also notice that healthier foods cost less.  If you have poor food choice at home throw them out tonight.
3) When playing golf:

• Drink water!
• Pack some trail mix for energy - not those sugar energy drinks!
• Alcohol tends to dehydrate you.  If you drink do so in moderation and consume water at the same time.
• Have a sandwich at the turn - not a hot dog!

Working Out
Ultimately my goal is you begin a directed routine of physical fitness for your golf game.  But we don't need to jump straight into p90x to do so!  First, let's make sure we have made small but permanent changes to your lifestyle.  Then let's get working out!  Here are some steps to look into for your fitness routine.

1) Stretching and injury prevention is our first goal.  Not necessarily to hit the ball further.
2) Remember golf is an explosive endurance sport.  In the game we make over 50 explosive movements over a 4 hour period.  That has unique properties we have to address.
3) A current fitness routine can become a "golf fitness routine" by simply making a normal exercise more like the golf swing or introducing a balance element in the routine.  Such as:

• Arm curls while in a golf posture.
• Arm curls while in standing on one foot.

 

 

The critical aspect here is to make small yet significant improvement to your lifestyle to be healthier. Taking on too much in these areas can be overwhelming and therefore can become temporary.  But step by step we can make positive changes and the results will allow you to become excited about making the next change.

If there is any questions you have regarding making healthier choices please do not hesitate to contact me.
Your friend in golf...
John Grothe
john.grothe@gmail.com

10 week plan to play your best - Oultine

Winter is the best time to begin to prepare for the golf season. But you are really look at this 10 week plan to help your game at any time in the year. Much like the PGA Tour player you too can use down time to make changes, re-evaluate your game and make improvements.  Over the next 10 weeks we will focus on your game in a systematic approach.

These 10 topics within 3 specific areas.  Taking this approach will have you ready to play you best at the beginning of the season in April.

Getting Ready:
Week 1 - Begin to make healthy choices - such as diet and fitness.
Week 2 - Schedule - Goals and Objectives for the upcoming season.
Week 3 - Evaluate your Equipment (Portland Golf Show).
Evaluate your game
Week 4 - Putting Test
Week 5 - Short Game Test
Week 6 - Evaluate your swing fundamentals
Get prepared for action!
Week 7 - Balance & Tempo
Week 8 - Improve you mind!
Week 9 - Playing golf or "building a effective scoring system"
Week 10 - Ready for Action - turn off the noise.


If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me as john.grothe@gmail.com.
Your friend in golf...
John Grothe, PGA

A Poem... By Tin Cup

"Well I tend to think of the golf swing as a poem...

The critical opening phrase of this poem will always be the grip, in which the hands unite to form a single unit by the overlap of the little finger.

Lowly and slowly the clubhead is pulled back, not by the hands but by the body, which turns away from the target, shifting the weight to the right side, shifting balance.

Tempo is everything, perfection is unattainable, as the body coils down at the top of the swing there is a little hesitation, a little nod to the Gods.

To the gods, yes... that he is fallible.

Perfection is unattainable as the weight shifts back to the left pulled now by powers inside the earth, it's alive, this swing, a living sculpture, and down through contact, always down, into terra firma, striking the ball crisply, with character.

A tuning fork goes off in your heart.

Such a pure feeling is the well-struck golf shot. And then the follow through to the finish, always on line."

by Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy

One of my favorite sayings....
Your friend in golf.
John Grothe, PGA
john.grothe@gmail.com

Changing a behavior means using P.M.P.

HOW HARD CAN IT BE...?

Changing one's behavior is quite difficult and, if not done properly, can be frustrating, slow and can feel impossible.  I have heard that in order to change a behavior it requires 1200 correct repetitions in a row.  That is, if you want to change your signature, you would need 1200 new signatures in a row in order to make the change.  If, at number 976, you revert to your old signature... return back to 1... 2... 3...  Changing a signature is a piece of cake compared to your golf swing!! So it can be very difficult to make a swing change.  But don't get too discouraged!  There is help!  It is called "P.M.P."

P.M.P.

P.M.P. is also known as POSITION, MOTION and PERFORMANCE.  Following this process, committing to this process and repeating this process.  The more times a student can go through the process the a) faster the change can be made, b) the more permanent the change will become and c) the faster the student will see results.

POSITION:

The first step is to understand the ideal or change in POSITION for the motion.  Let's take impact position as an example.  The student below is attempting to effect the change in his impact position of weight slightly left, hips slightly pressed to the left and opened and improved handle position forward of the golf ball.

For the player he is accomplishing quite a bit in just being in this position.  He is feeling the proper impact position.  The key is to understand the FEEL, the LOOK and be able to VERBALIZE this position.  Remember the student in this example is attempting to accomplish 3 changes at once!  Weight, hips and handle.  That would over load a performer without using this method of learning.

MOTION:

Golf is, after all, a game of motion.  Positions are important but only as checkpoints through motion!  The next step is to have the player replicate the change through MOTION.  This can be accomplished to a number of drills and exercises.  Some of my favorites are:
1) Full Swing practice swing without a ball and with a divot.
2) Use of an impact bag.
3) Slow swing drills (swing at 1/4 normal speed) or take almost 5 seconds to complete the swing moving through the position focused on initially.
4) 100 practice swings per day.
5) Swinging in front of a mirror.

PERFORMANCE:

Simply put performance is attempting to replicate the first two areas with hitting a golf ball.  The important aspect of performance is to not expect much initially.  After all making a change creates doubt, anxiety and, worse of all, tension.  Results will come by working the process.

WORK THE PROCESS:

 Normally players will hit 4-5 golf shots in a row and them MAYBE, if I am lucky, do one drill or a practice swing.  In order to make this process most effective it is important to make 2-3 positional drills followed by 2-3 motion drills and finally 1 or maybe 2 performance swings.  Notice the ratio is greatly focused on the position and the motion drills.  In fact 2-2-1 would be the minimum I would recommend of the process.

By working through this P.M.P. sequence a player has a fighting chance at making a significant swing change relatively quickly, permanently and effectively.

If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me.  I can be reached via email at john.grothe@gmail.com.

Your friend in golf.

John Grothe, PGA

Eight ways to keep your winter game sharp!

(a contribution from my friend and first Head Professional I had worked with...)

by Sean McGowan, PGA

With Autumn approaching quickly and even less daylight to see the ball fly, now is a great time to take stock in your game, your gear and develop a plan that will get you through the rainy months ahead.

First, take a look at your gear - not necessarily clubs but shoes, gloves, rain gear and warm weather clothing.  Are you using the same gear from years past that didn't really get the job done? Now is a terrific time to shop for golf clothing and accessories because pro shop managers are starting to mark down their inventory.  Don't hesitate to call the private clubs and ask for a deal, they are happy to sell off their stuff to non-members! Don't wait until the weather turns to buy that cool moisture-wicking, dri-fit undershirt or those waterproof shoes.

Second, make a practice plan for the coming months.  As many of you already know, I am a huge advocate of short game practice and hitting shots less than full.  Purchase a range deal and practice hitting 100 shots per day to 160 yards or less with all the clubs in your bag three times a week.  During cold and rainy weather the ball doesn't fly far anyway, so why practice long shots?

Third, take one more out of town trip to the coast or the mountains or your favorite course in the Willamette Valley or Southern Oregon.  You might find a deal on gear at one of these courses and extend summer at the same time.  It's good for your soul.

Fourth, stop playing stroke play.  The club championship is over and your handicap isn't going to change much in the next two months so forget about posting a score and change the games you play with your friends.  Match play games are a blast and the wagering possibilities are endless.  Alternate shot matches are especially intriguing.

Fifth, plan a winter time trip right now.  I'm not talking about Hawaii or Mexico, although that would be great.  Look at St. George, Utah, Reno, Arizona and California - even Brookings, Oregon can be nice in February.  Lock in your rates now for the best deals.  Get a large group together and your rates get even better.

Six, it's never too early to eat right and exercise.  I highly recommend purchasing an Orange Whip.  This is the best warm-up and swing maintenance tool I have ever used.  No one is paying me to say this.  Incorporate the Orange Whip into your daily exercise routine and you'll be in top form come next March.  And, keep walking during the winter months.  If you can walk the golf miles around the golf course, you can walk to the store and back to buy bacon.

Seven, keep your brain active.  Golf is a very creative outlet with a great deal of input constantly arriving in your noggin.  When you stop playing golf, you not only stop firing shots, you stop firing creative energy.  Turn off the television and read a golf architecture book.  Do the crossword, jumble and Sudoku.  Play a musical instrument or paint.  Keep your creative mind fresh and you just might look at the course in a whole different way.

Finally, teach the game.  You know your way around the pro shop, the practice areas and the course so why not introduce someone you love to this great game?  One of the best ways to improve any activity is to teach others.  And if your student starts to question your sanity and method, that's when you send them to a professional.  We're always happy to help.

See you on the first tee!


PGA Professional Sean McGowan teaches at RiverRidge Golf Complex in Eugene. He can be reached at seanemcgowan@gmail.com or 541-510-1241.

The Power of Visualization

I was fortunate to observe a wonderful example of how visualization can be the most powerful skill in your golf game. Visualization is the skill to make a bad swing into a passable golf shot.  And maybe take a a good swing to a great result.

I was giving a lesson to a top level junior who was struggling with her swing.  Technically she was doing well but the results were not matching her, nor my, expectations.  She was 16, attending a high level private academy and was looking to do well in the upcoming Oregon State 6A champions.

On the 4th hole of Portland Golf Club, a 125 yard par 3, we decided to set up shop and work on her visualization.  I asked her to visualize her shot to the finite detail.

"I see a slight cut to the right..." she said.
"How much of a cut?" I asked
"2-3 yards" she responded.
"2 or 3 yards or 2 or 3 feet...?" I asked as I was looking for more detail.
"3 feet."

I had her practice swing over and over and over until she felt that swing type.
"Was that the swing?" I asked.
"Nope" she answered.
"Do it again." I directed.

I continued to ask for more detail...
"How many bounces?"I ask
"2 bounces." she says.
"And then?" I ask
"It goes in the hole."

"Was that the swing?"
"Not yet."
"Do it again."

For 20 minutes we sat on the 4th tee making practice swings... And more practice swings.

Finally...
"Do you see it?"
"Yes!"
"Do you feel it?"
"Yes!"
"Hit it!"

She then steps in to the shot.  She visualizes the shot one last time.  And makes a nice swing.  Not a great swing but a nice one - the best of the day.  The ball is struck well and begins to lift slightly to the left.  As it continues toward the green the ball begins to cut towards the hole.

She holds her finish well.  Her weight is fully into her left side.  She has committed to her swing.  She has swung heroically at her conservative target.  As the ball continues it's gentle curve towards the hole I take notice that it is going to be a petty good shot.

The ball lands to the left of the flag.  It hops softly to the right.  Takes 3 bounces.  And settles into the bottom of the hole.  YES!  A hole in one.  Her first!!!

We are both shocked.  She looks at me and says, "now what do I do?!"  We jumped up and down in excitement.

Now, here is the true beauty and magic of this experience... The next day I saw her she asks, "did that really happen? Or did I just imagine it?"

She was so entranced in the moment...  She was so absolutely committed in her visualization...  She saw it over and over and over in her mind.... That when it ACTUALLY happened she could not distinguish between REALITY and her IMAGINATION...

What a beautiful moment...  And I was fortunate to be there.

If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me.
Your friend in golf...
John Grothe, PGA
john.grothe@gmail.com