Free golf
lessons: 4
Beginner golfer, Weekend golfer, Amateur golfer or
Professional golfer. Men Women, Seniors and Juniors. No matter how good or how bad you are
at this great game called golf it is imperative that the "basics" are known,
understood, and frequently reviewed.
The "simple things" are often overlooked as
the more technical aspects of the golf swing become known.
Measuring to the "bottom" of the golf
ball
Understanding the difference between
how the ball lies (ball level) in relation to the ground (ground level) is extremely
important. We encounter many varied "lies" out on the golf course. Calculating
the difference between "ball level" and "ground level" assures
delivery of the clubface with precision and consistency.
Tee
peg…
When using a tee peg the golf ball is obviously above ground level.
Good lie...
The golf ball comes to rest level with the ground.
Not so good lie...
The golf ball comes to rest below ground level.
Looking at the three images above you will appreciate
the variations in "ball level" versus "ground level", and
how important it is that you calculate and take into consideration this distance before
addressing the ball.
These variations are easily seen when the ball comes to rest in the
fairway or in a sand trap, but are not quite so obvious when the ball lands in the
semi-rough around the green, or the longer rough out on the course.
If the ball does land in the rough, bend down and make a close
inspection. What do you see? Is it plugged? Is it level with the ground? Is it just above
the ground? Is it nestled half way down in the grass? Is it sitting on top of the grass?
Note: ...if the ball is sitting half way down in the long grass,
its still above ground level.
How do you measure to the bottom of the ball?
Irons and Fairway woods.
First take a good look and calculate exactly where the bottom of the ball is. For example,
the ball might be "sitting down" ¼ of an inch below ground level
(indentation or old scrape mark in the fairway) or "sitting up" ¼ of an inch
above ground level (semi-rough). Every shot has its own brand new situation so you must
identify exactly how the ball is "sitting" in relation to the ground.
Now simply ‘add or subtract’ the amount of ground level to
ball level difference (for example ¼ inch), adjust your address position by simply
bending or straightening the legs (at the knees) the same amount (example ¼ inch).
Now go ahead and swing (as discussed in lessons 1 and 2) and deliver the club head back to
the ball with the calculation included.
The Driver
The exact same principle applies to the driver. Although the ball is now sitting up on a
tee peg, you still measure to the bottom of the ball. If you swing the driver at ground
level, you would then be striking the tee peg. Variations in both the height and
trajectory of your drive is normally the result of delivering the club face higher or
lower than the desired "measured" point of contact.
Two great golfers, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, immediately come
to mind as the experts in measuring to the bottom of the ball correctly. They both
meticulously position the driver behind the ball at address with the clubhead seemingly
suspended in midair. This also negates any ground contact and promotes a smooth takeaway,
but primarily sets the clubhead for great contact on impact.
Bunker Play
This lesson does not cover the complete technique of bunker play (coming in a future
lesson). There are basically two types of bunker shots, the long bunker shot and the
greenside bunker shot. The main difference being that on the long bunker shot the ball is
definitely struck first
(position the ball back
in your stance slightly), followed by the
clubhead entering the sand "after" contact is made.
The greenside bunker shot is more of an
"explosion of sand." In fact the clubface never makes contact with the
golf ball only the sand (central ball position, slightly open stance, cut underneath the
ball with a slight out-to-in swing path). The
ball simply rides out on the cushion of sand.
Measuring to the bottom of the ball obviously plays a major role in
executing great bunker shots. After checking the lie and selecting the appropriate club,
the "ball level to ground level" distance must be calculated exactly.
T
he same simple method of
calculating is used as for a normal golf shot, but with one additional factor. In bunker
play the sand is "loose" and therefore both feet have to be planted firmly below
the surface to create a solid foundation for the actual golf swing. This is done by making
a twisting type movement with both feet.
Once this is done, simply calculate the depth of
your feet in the sand. In this example we will say that the feet are 1/2 inch below ground
level and the ball also lies 1/2 inch below ground level. Now compare the two
measurements, in this example they are the same. The ball lies 1/2 inch below ground level
and the feet are 1/2 inch below ground level. This is a common bunker situation. It now
depends on what type of bunker shot you are playing, the long or the greenside. If playing
the greenside, then simply bend at the knees another 1/2 inch (total now 1inch). This
small movement now guarantees that the clubhead will enter the sand first and continue to
pass underneath the ball through the impact area.
Remember...with the greenside bunker shot you are not attempting to strike the golf ball.
You are in the "sand moving" business!
When playing the long bunker shot you want to strike
the ball first, so position the ball slightly back in the stance. There is little or no
"knees" adjustment necessary in this example, just keep your lower body
"quiet" and use more of your upper body strength to execute the swing.
W
hen putting the objective
still remains the same. Measure to the bottom of
the golf ball for correct and consistent striking.
Summary:
-
Check how the ball lie’s and select appropriate club.
-
Calculate the "ball level" to "ground level"
difference
-
Address the ball and adjust posture accordingly (slightly bend or
straighten at the knees)
-
Remember 60% of your bodyweight remains on the left leg/side for all
iron and fairway wood shots (lesson 2). That includes bunker play.
There are a multitude of "ball level" to
ground level" distance variations. Do not over complicate this process. Just take a
good look at how your ball lies, calculate the distance, take a practice swing including
the new distance (knee adjustments if necessary), then address the ball, relax and make
the same swing. Spend some time practicing under all types of situations,
bunkers, semi rough, rough, water hazards, loose debris, piles of leaves, pine needles
etc. Become an expert at "measuring to the bottom of the golf ball", it
will certainly make a great deal of difference in the quality of your ball
striking and your ability to shoot lower scores.
Ron
Tutt
Director
of Golf (MGP)
