On the Green

I have just returned from the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida and am continually surprised by all the new, creative and innovative training aids that come out each year. One inventor worked 10 years in his garage with various mediums to create the PivotPro, a device currently endorsed by Jim McLean, a top 20 instructor, which encourages the “elimination of swaying and promotes a correct pivot.” 

The “pivot,” referenced here, might be interpreted by the average golfer as the weight transfer specifically during the “takeaway” move of the golf swing. Instructors often use the expression “load your weight into your right leg or instep” as you swing the club back away from the ball. The mistakes that many golfers make which this device is believed to help correct are: sliding, swaying, and reverse pivoting. These moves result in a variety of weak, short, and directionally poor shots, while an efficient load and transfer can generate greater efficiency and power. The short game can dramatically be improved by the device as well because proper weight distribution at impact in the short game dramatically affects how “crisp” a shot can be; which aids in proper distance control and spin.

A second new aid I found was the “TopperStopper,” which is a device made of rubber which serves a similar purpose as the Inside Approach training aid created a few years ago. This aid is simpler, smaller and less cumbersome to use and comes with a long and extremely durable tee; this device fits easily into your golf bag and is great for either grass or mat ranges. The errors that this device helps are: topped shots, slicing, hooking, or poor aim and alignment.

I also attend educational classes to enhance my instructional knowledge, which really excites me. An instructor can always learn something new; if learning stops, you really don’t know it all no one does, you just give up trying. I thoroughly enjoyed the class hosted by two top 100 instructors from Georgia.

The first speaker was Charlie King, Reynold’s Plantation and the second was Gale Peterson, Sea Island Golf Club. Both discussed how they became golf instructors and ironically neither of them even considered it from the start. Charlie King wanted to be a great player and win the Master’s. He worked with four different instructors and didn’t reach his playing goal, but from his experiences definitely was able to define what was needed in a good instructor.

Gale’s family had been in the golf business so she spent her entire youth at the club and became a good player. Her first instructor was Davis Love Jr., DL III’s dad. One day while she was at the club a student came for a lesson and the pro was unavailable. Davis Love Jr. told Gale to go give him a lesson and assured her that she knew more than enough to help him. She was apprehensive for sure; but upon completing the two-hour session she realized she had found her new love and passion.

The show was excellent and I am now energized for great golf in 2010!

Joyce Wilcox is a teaching professional and an LPGA Class A Member. Contact Joyce at 910-274-4767.