On the Green

Hopefully, many of you had the chance to see some of the Masters this past weekend. I was personally disappointed that there wasn't more of a contest for the coveted Green Jacket. The conditions were so difficult with the gusting wind that everyone struggled and the players were all backing up. Congratulations to Trevor Immelman for not buckling under the pressure.

I have been talking to you about the fundamentals and would like to share with you what is happening with my most recent lesson. A young senior gentleman that is trying to improve his overall golf game enough to compete with his family members. So far, all corrections have been centered on his fundamentals. The first fundamental we worked on was "Alignment" which is based upon aim.

Our first lesson was on putting; which is where the fundamental of alignment was glaringly off. Usually, if I see the aim and alignment off track in putting I see the same problem for all strokes. Incorrect alignment will cause a compensation move; this move will cut or spin the ball causing a weak shot that affects distance and direction. Incorrect aim and alignment affects millions of golfers including the tour players. If you watch carefully, there are several players on all tours that use their caddy to help line them up correctly. Those of us without a caddy struggle on our own.

The second fundamental that my young senior has been struggling with is the fundamental of "Posture." The correct posture is a 45-degree tilt of the spine beginning with the tailbone. The chin and chest should stay up and be in line with the spine if at all possible. Some people understandably struggle with this position due to physical weaknesses; however, if you do not have a spinal or muscular condition that prohibit you from getting into this posture then I ask that everyone try to improve in this area.

There is nothing comfortable about change; in fact it is work to make it correct each time. My student has found it to be physically tiring to get into the correct posture but he is very willing to keep practicing it correctly. There are several stretching exercises and abdominal strengthening exercises that can help you. Please ask your LPGA or PGA instructor to help you

My student's posture error is similar to many with rounded shoulders and head down. The head down prevents an efficient rotation and turn of the shoulders; instead it promotes an up and down movement that causes fat and topped and a loss of distance shots. When he has the correct posture and alignment and swings to the new set up the ball just explodes off the clubface, which generally results in a big smile from him and an expression that it was so effortless.

Please everyone get a "Fundamental Check-Up!" The poor shots you may currently be making are not always swing flaws; often they are silently caused by the poor fundamentals. Don't struggle long with inconsistent shots ask your professional for assistance.

Joyce Wilcox is a teaching professional for Topsail Greens Golf Club and an LPGA Class A Member.