This Week's Video Golf Lesson - The Pitch

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

KEEP THE LOWER BODY STILL TO ADD POWER TO YOUR SWING

So many things we do as we swing the club prohibit our ability to maximize the distance our ball will fly.  We talk about a proper set-up with distributing your weight properly – with the majority of your weight on your backside – coiling your body on your backswing, and unloading (or uncoiling) on your downswing.  Where a key loss of power enters is a common tendency to slide (or sway) on the backswing, and slide your lower body thru on the downswing. 

BACKSWING

As you take the club back, imagine your body being on an axis, and you turn on that axis, feeling the rotation of your body (or twisting) away from the ball.  To really feel the rotation of your body, practice taking some swings with your back toe turned pointing in.  You will feel the resistance of your body from wanting to slide onto your backside, and instead force you to turn more with your shoulders and hips – making an effective backswing.

DOWNSWING / FOLLOW THRU

If properly coiled, you must just simply re-coil.  Great shot makers – Tiger, Ernie, Sergio – all swing thru the ball into a solid left side.  In other words, as they uncoil, they do not slide thru the shot, they keep their lower quiet, and uncoil their upper body – specifically their shoulders, arms, and hips.  You can feel the same resistance by hitting shots into an impact bag, or a stationary object – the desired position would be to have your club shaft and left leg square to the target immediately after impact.  The golf club stays out in front of your body – and club head does not pass ahead of your hands until after impact.   

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 are 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