Got out today at lunch. I'm not sure what kind of statement it is when Torp., and Eagle get out on Phalen, and play nine, before I even see my first trip to the range, but such is life.
Like I said, I went at lunch, so I only had about 30 minutes. I took only a seven iron, and didn't plan any huge practice regimen. Hit about 30 balls.
Not a great day for it. Very windy. Into me, and quartering from my left. Bad slicers wind, and I would say, an easy 2 club wind. In fact on any given day, a guy would say 'It ain't worth the 7 bucks, to try to practice in this.' But I had waited long enough. I also hit off of artificial turf. Fine by me, I don't mind it, and this place is pretty new. It was not "mats". Fact the reaction from them, coupled with the lie, is kinda better than I usually see on the course I play.
Plan: Well, here's the deal. First, I took Aske's advise. I hit the entire bucket, with what I would describe as a 1/2, kinda knock down shot. The way he described to do in my video. Not for the wind, but more to find better control of the club head, shaft, plane, etc. The majority of the swings, I did not take the club much passed say 9 o'clock.
Second. I took Clive's advise, and left behind any attempts at focusing on my finish, or trying to "finish" a shot. I let the action of the club, and the tempo, with correct body rotation, and plane, dictate where I would end. I finished well in balance, with a good turn, and my hands going naturally high, and just forward of my left shoulder. Felt good. Not forced, and I didn't even think about after a while.
Results: This was the best I have hit a golf ball in years. When I took a normal swing, I had a beautiful high ball flight, and could count on a 5 yard fade. Given the wind.
When I would concentrate on shaft parallel with my target line, and coming back down the same plane, it was even better. Dead straight, and many holding into the wind. So dead calm, I could see maybe a 5 yard draw.
One of the biggest things I worked on was trying to return the club face to the ball, exactly as I had drawn it back. Very difficult for me to do. I always "hang on", and when the hips are fired, I return the face to the ball open. When I really concentrated on rotating the face back to "what I felt" was where I was at in address; I could really move the ball. I hit some decent draws, and If I wanted, a screaming hook.
Conclusion: Great outing. I appreciate the input from all of you. This was a decent step. I plan to continue this 1/2, 3/4 easy tempo regimen for a while, until I can get the feeling of a good swing, and contact back in. Then, as the weather starts to warm, I know I won't have to think at all about bringing a full swing into it.
I also hit balls to the Tour Tempo tracks, I mentioned in my other thread. What I did today, doesn't really relate to those teachings (doesn't conflict) but I would rather do a full Tour Tempo workout, and then I'll give an update in that thread.
Damn, I ain't typed this much in a long time. Is it 4:00 yet? I need a beer.
Peace!
