General Help.

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm a 13 year old golfer with about an average score of 89-94.

I have a few questions for you:

I was just playing a tournament today, and I was watching some other people who really just hit their irons and woods way high in the air and solid. I was wondering how I could make a better solid hit with my swing.

Another question:

Toward the end of the round, I started getting a bit tired (partly because I've been playing so much and it was so hot) and I just did really bad the last 4 holes. I started topping balls and all that. Is that normal?

And my final question:

Chipping and putting - How do i chip out of lies that are in a small hole/divit? Because whenever I try it ends up rolling

And putting - I just need some advice on how to put better.

Sorry if that's too many questions :P But thanks for your time and hope you can help!

ANSWER: Jeffrey,

I would need to see your swing in order to comment on your first question. See a local PGA pro in your area to improve your swing.

As far as getting tired and topping shots late in the round, I would have to say that is normal. You probably were mentally tired and that's the reason you topped those shots. Make sure before a tournament, you get a good night sleep, wake up to a good nourishing breakfast, drink plenty of healthy fluids (water or gatorade)throughout your round, and have some healthy snacks during the round.

Chipping out of a divot. Play the ball back in your stance. 85% of your weight should be on your front foot. Hands opposite your forward thigh. Make sure you hit down on the ball. This should help you hit out of those tight lies.

Putting better. Make sure you use the reverse overlap grip. Grip the putter lightly. Use your shoulders and not your hands or wrists to move the putter. Spend plenty of time on the practice green.

Thanks for all the questions Jeffrey. Keep playing and send me another question if you'd like.

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional
[email protected]

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the answers!

I have one more question ...

Sometimes when I use my five wood or three wood off the tee, it goes wildly off to the left. Like after 20 yards it just swerves off and goes into the trees. Any tips on that? My other shots are just fine.

ANSWER: Jeffrey,

It sounds as if the shaft may be too flexible on these clubs. Are they the same flex as your other clubs?

The other possibility is that you're overly active with your hands just prior to impact.

Thanks for the follow up and best of luck to you.

Michael

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for all that information :]

I just played a round today and shot a record, 84 :]

Although I did pretty good (in my opinion), my driver on a few holes went left a lot (pulled it a bit). Other times it was fine. What's wrong?

Answer
Jeffrey,

Congratulations on your record round of 84. The next challenge is to break 80. With determination and hard work you'll get there.

As far as a few pulled shots that you hit during the round. It could be that you are aiming too far to the right. This would cause you to compensate and pull the ball on line. if you over compensate, a pulled shot would result. Check your alignment and make sure that you are parallel left of your target line. Then railroad tracks is a good visual to use. You are standing on the inside rail and the outside rail is the target line.

Check this out and let me know if your alignment is the culprit.

Thanks again for the follow up,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional