This Week's Video Golf Lesson - The Short Game

Click Here to watch 'The Short Game" Video Golf Lesson

This Week's Golf Tip - by Kevin Ferrarotti, Owner of the Premier Golf Academy

The biggest step to achieving a great golf swing is to know what a great golf swing looks like and feels like.  Frame by frame, we can learn by watching one of the best swings in golf – Tiger Woods – as we talk about our  Checkpoints to Success!

1) Address: The ball position is two inches off of your leading foot, feet are shoulder width apart for 5i – 7i, and is adjusted accordingly for longer/shorter clubs.  The club face is square to the target, and your body is parallel to the line in which you want your ball to travel.  Finally, your body is tension free and your body weight is divided in such that more than half of your weight is on the back side.

2) Hip High:  Like Tiger, your shoulders begin to turn, as the rest of your body begins to coil.  Make sure to maintain the same knee flex at this point as you had at address.  The key to this point is the toe of the club is pointing towards the sky at hip high, and the club head is slightly outside of your hands. 

3) 3/4 High:  You are near the completion of your backswing!  Your leading shoulder should be at or behind your ball, and the majority of the weight is on your back side.  Here, your leading arm (left arm for right handed) is parallel with the ground, and forms a right angle with the shaft of the club.  The butt end of the club is pointing down to the ground. 

4) At the top:  All of your weight is on the back side, shoulders have completed their turn, and the shaft is no further than parallel to the ground.  Your “levels” are still in the same position, and beginning your down swing, just relax and let gravity carry the momentum of the club, and the weight will transfer through. 

5) Impact:  Hands are slightly ahead, most of your weight has been released onto the leading side, and the position of your body and club face should mimic the address position. 

6) Follow Through:  FULL EXTENSION!  You will not hit a high percentage shot if you do not complete the golf swing.  Let gravity help, and extend through the ball, and follow through to a nice high finish, with all of your weight onto the front side; JUST LIKE TIGER!

Golf in the Business World  by Professional Golf Champion Mike Colandro

Client Golf Outings

Client Golf Outings are a day on the links with either business associates or customers.  I have performed at many Client Golf Outings, and since 1985, started a business in Australia offering my service to play with me.  To have a Pro on the course with your clients can really make a difference to that client.  For 3 VIP’s or clients to play alongside a professional golfer is an impressive aspect and can enhance your relationship with your guests.

Corporate Outings

Corporate Outings do a similar thing and most companies have one.  I have worked for companies such as:  BMW, IBM, Toshiba, Ford, Sheraton Hotels, Toyota, Genworth Financial, and many more.  Most Corporate Outings are a full day (18 holes) and a dinner with prizes and more.  The chance to bring many different people together for one day is now essential for most businesses.  One of my most interesting Corporate Outings I was involved in was in Adelaide, South Australia for Toshiba.  It was their annual sales meeting, and the night before, they had a gala dinner and awards presentation.  They even flew in from Japan a giant container of Saki and everyone had a drink or two.  The next day on the course there were a few heavy heads, but they all enjoyed both the evening and the golf.

Charity Golf Days

The Charity Golf Day is another very common event that many businesses get involved with.  Whatever the charity is, it is a good function to do for your company and it enhances your company’s image.  Each community has several Charity Golf Days to raise funds and have a good time doing it.  You can just play in it or you can be a sponsor.  As a sponsor, you usually receive a sign on a hole or a banner, and if you are a major sponsor, you get greater exposure.  The Charity Events are a great way to network in your local community and usually a tax write off. 

Networking on the Course

Being involved with a PGA Tour event is great, but it can be very expensive, and there are alternative ways to spend less money and still entertain clients.  Networking at the golf course is proving to be a great vehicle to acquire new business.  The key here is to become a golfer who can play a respectable game.  Whether you are new to the game or been playing a while, one needs to take some lessons.  Select an instructor who is similar in size and is someone who has been teaching for at least 5 years.  Professionals at practice ranges can be very productive because teaching is their main source of income and they need to get results.  Learning good golf etiquette is also important; business associates can tell how you handle yourself on the course and relate your actions to how you might handle a customer.  You should dress well and have a set of clubs that suit you.  Custom clubs are a big thing today, and I recommend getting clubs that fit you. 

Contact CTGolfTips for more information on how to use these events to your advantage