Golf Drill- feel and touch

>>88 Shot Challenge


Learn to use the SEE, FEEL, TRUST mindset routine. Hit each shot
Below, working exclusively on the mind set routine, not the outcome of
the shot (trust me, not always pretty). NO MULLIGANS. Hit only the
shots listed.


Procedure:

1. Warm up hitting 10 shots to a target developing a feel for the mindset routine. Use a 6 iron.


2. Using 7,6,5 and 4 iron hit each shot listed below. (Hit all shots with one club Then move to your next club): Low hook High hook Low straight High straight Low slice High slice


3. Hit a full 8 iron to a target. Watch the point where the ball lands. Fly every club (7iron-3wood) to the same landing point.


4. Hit 5 shots with 5 iron from a baseball start (i.e. no backswing)


5. Hit 5 shots with 6 iron with eyes closed just before the swing.


6. Hit 5 shots with 7 iron with your feet together.


7. Hit 5 drivers from the kneeling position (use a towel under knees, trust me).


8. Hit 5 shots off tee with left arm only using 5 iron.


9. Hit 5 shots off tee with right arm only using 5 iron.


10. Hit 5 shots with a 7 iron out of a divot.


11. Finish with 10 normal 6 irons to a target.

Short Game Training

>>Short Game Training Drills
Think back to you're best round of golf, and most likely you're chipping and putting was on fire. Tom Watson, Phil Mickleson, Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, Annika Sorenstam, Juli Inkster, newcomer Lorena Ochoa, are just a handful of the players on tour with a credited short game.
If you don't have an iPod, get too distracted listening to your WalkMan, or simply prefer to focus on your rhythm and proper swing mechanics, check out several practice drills I've included below. Face it, losing stinks, so make your practice sessions competitive by teaming up against your friends or trying to beat your personal best each and every time you're at it.
Putting Drills
20- 3 foot putts10- 6 foot putts (make 8 out of 10 or better)
10- Right to Left 15 footers (keep score how many made of 10)10- Left to Right 15 footers (keep score how many made of 10)10- 40 foot putts (2 putt all)
10- 20 foot putts, and all must be past the hole as well as from the high side, but not more than 16" past the hole.

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Golf strength and nutrition

My mom's trainer sent me an excellent email geared towards golfers. Trent's an awesome trainer and a super-cool guy, so you have my vote to use him as a trainer if you live in the LA area:

GOLF – TRAINING THE X-FACTOR

Take a look at most of the professional PGA players today and you'll soon discover a common denominator; they work with a personal trainer. Their livelihood depends on how they perform week end and week out.
This article will explain the four components of fitness and how you can develop your body's optimal condition for peak golf performance. There are four components to a successful fitness program for the golfer. They are…

Strength & Power Training
Cardiovascular Training
Nutrition
Flexibility Training

We'll take a look at each of these components and how you can lower those golf strokes by implementing a program that gets results!


Strength and Power Training
The principal of specificity states that training is most effective when resistance exercises are similar to the sport activity in which improvement is sought. (Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Second Edition, NSCA). Thus, you wouldn't want a strength program used for football. You need one that's specific to the game of golf.
There is a difference between strength training and power training. Both are required to play your best. Strength is simply how much weight you can lift from point A to point B. Whereas Power is how much you can lift from point A to point B in a given amount of time. Time being the difference between the two.
Certainly, you don't need to be an Olympic lifter or Power lifter to play a great round of golf. That type of lifting won't do your game a bit of good. However, strength and power using the specificity principal is very important to the development of your game. A certain amount of strength is great to possess but I feel that power is especially vital to the development of your game.

Golf requires more strength than most people realize. But having strong legs and arms are not enough to get you through. You need to develop strength from where it originates…the CORE.
The CORE is made up of the musculature of your neck, spinal column, thoracic and lumbar, buttocks and abdomen. When this CORE is developed, you'll see fewer strokes and smile a lot more!
How many times have you witnessed big strong looking individuals who can't seem to hit the ball that far at all, not to mention straight! In contrast, how many times have you witnessed another individual who didn't appear to possess any visible muscle that can stroke the ball a country mile? This individual has taught their body how to produce the maximal amount of power through their CORE.
Ian Pyka, MS, CSCS was a quest speaker at the 2005 Personal Trainers Conference held by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) in Las Vegas, NV. I was glued to his talk on Conditioning for Golf and learned about The Power Generator…THE X FACTOR.
Take a close look at how the muscles in your body are arranged and you'll soon discover that they work in an X-like manner. The obliques (side muscles) and adductors (inner thigh muscles) resemble the letter X in the way muscle fibers are arranged. Also, the gluteus (butt muscles) and latissimus dorsi (back muscles) muscles have a similar X fiber-like arrangement.
These muscle fibers are specifically arranged to create movement patterns in each plane of motion your body uses to accomplish its goal. It's not important in this article for you to understand planes of movement but suffice it to say that we don't just move in singular planes of motion (sagital, frontal and transverse), but in a combination of all three.
These muscles work by pulling and pushing in harmony together as a unit to produce power in your golf swing. As you go into your backswing a loading or coiling is taking place much like a rubber band that is being wound up on one of those old balsa wood airplanes. During the downswing an unloading or uncoiling is taking place to produce the power necessary to make your ball fly a long way. This is THE X-FACTOR!
For this articles simplicity sake, there are many other muscles that are vital but we'll stick to the basics. You'd be doing yourself a big favor though by studying the human body and how it works. If only how it relates to your golf game.
By understanding how the muscles work in your body during the swing, we can set up exercises specific to those movement patterns, thus producing a more powerful and efficient swing.

Cardiovascular Training
If your thinking that cardiovascular training is not important for golf then you are NOT IN on one of the secrets that most great golfers share. You cannot concentrate effectively if you're too tired to think!
Maintaining your energy level is vital to playing a round of golf. Think about that for a moment. A round of golf can take up to four plus hours to play; not including the half hour to hour on the driving range before. How much better would you play if you felt as fresh playing the back nine as you do playing the front?
The bogeys, double bogeys, etc. that usually finish your round will become pars and maybe a few birdies! I've seen it happen to many people who've worked on this important component of their fitness program.
Start out slow and easy with your aerobic program. This could just be a 10-20 min. walk each day. Then progressively increase your time to approximately 40-45 minutes increasing the intensity by walking more briskly and ultimately slow to moderate jogging. For a complete progressive aerobic program that would be individual to your particular needs, call Mitchell Fitness Systems.

Nutrition
You don't see too many overweight professional players these days. They know and understand that good nutrition plays a huge roll in their overall fitness program. How you fuel your body will determine how effectively you can train and play the game. You have to give your body the fuel it will need before you tee off. Without the correct fuel, you'll lose concentration and increase the strokes. Not what you want.
If you play in the early morning, just make sure you eat a balanced breakfast that may include hot cereal (oatmeal) with blueberries or other fruit, two pieces of whole wheat toast with a thin layer of peanut butter and a glass of milk. It's that simple!
Take along a quick snack during your round just in case you experience low blood sugar. A snack might be a piece of fruit, an energy drink, or an energy bar and top it off with some clean refreshing water. You'll notice that you will feel better almost immediately after taking in the nourishment.
After your round of golf, it's time to replace the lost glycogen in your muscles and liver. Glycogen is simply the stored fuel your body needs to function for work and play. Your meal here may consist of a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with tomato, lettuce. Instead of potato chips, eat raw veggies or a piece of fruit. Drink lots of fluids (non-alcoholic) to replace your body fluid after you play and don't forget to drink during
and after your round.

Flexibility
If you've been taking lessons for years and not getting the lower scores you desire, it could be that you are just physically limited by a body that is just not flexible enough (or maybe you're not practicing your game enough!). Most of my clients who play golf are over forty years young and they can't understand why their swing just doesn't feel good.
It may not feel good because they're not flexible. Golf requires fluidity. There's a beauty to a golf swing…maybe not yours right now…but a great golf swing not only looks good, it feels good! Ever notice how you feel when your ball sails straight and long?

A sufficient warm-up is necessary before you attempt to stretch your muscles. A warm-up could include high step walking with arm circles both clockwise and counterclockwise or any other warm-up using most of your body for at least 2-5 minutes. Now, you're ready for a quick stretch!
Stretching increases blood flow to the working muscles. It also lengthens muscles and this in turn produces a muscle that is stronger for use. Stretching increases the range of motion (ROM) around the joints of your body and may decrease the incidence of injury.
Make your stretching program one in which feels good to you. Don't overstretch or bounce. Ease into each stretch and hold for approximately 20 seconds each or more.
Your muscles come equipped with defense mechanisms that prevent injury if you stretch too far. Believe me, they'll let you know. You'll feel a quick `shock like' effect that tells you to back off. But, never try to get to this point. A time efficient golf stretching routine should only take a few minutes of your time and include stretches for your calves, legs, back and shoulders.
You will feel and see the results very quickly. Get your golf specific program and try it out before your next round and feel good hitting that first drive!

THE GOLF SWING
Let's take a closer look at the golf swing and its segments. There are many exercises to use that are specific (specificity principal) to each component. Your personal trainer or golf pro can help you with these. There are four segments to a golf swing. They are…

The Address or Set Up
Backswing or Takeaway or Load
Downswing or Unload
Finish or Follow Though

The Address
This is a power position that necessitates complete balance on the heel-arch of your feet. The angle of your spine and overall postural position is critical in this segment of the swing. The strength component is about to be displayed in the preparation for loading during the weight shift.

The Back Swing
Balance is the key with the component of the swing as well as stabilization of the lower body during the loading phase on the rear leg. Flexibility and strength is the key in rotating the upper body into a loaded position.

The Down Swing
The component elicits the greatest amount of muscle force as the body accelerates the club to impact the ball.

The Finish
This component must contain proper acceleration through the power zone and a timely deceleration at the completion of the swing. Your hips must be facing the target here with your bodyweight at least 90% on your front leg at the finish.

Whether you're an avid golfer or a week end hacker, golf specific exercises will help you in your pursuit to condition your body to play the best golf your practice and genetic abilities will take you.

This article is a brief explanation of the four components of fitness necessary for you to understand each ones importance. You can obtain a copy of the golf specific exercises simply by requesting it from Mitchell Fitness Systems at (310) 325-8637. Good luck!
Trent Mitchell has been a fitness professional for over 16 years. He and his wife Vicki own and operate Mitchell Fitness Systems located at 23520 Telo Ave. Suite #3 in Torrance, Calif. Along with Sports Specific training, Trent works with people from all walks of life who want to make their life healthier and fitter!

Places to play golf and practice in LA

Southern California Golf Premier Los Angeles Golf Course Directory

Southern California is one of the most sought after and renowned areas for travel, vacationing, surfing, and better yet, golf. Born, raised, and living in the Los Angeles area, I was fortunate enough to practice and play at some of the most exquisite golf courses around growing up. Now you can too. Below is a directory I've compiled highlighting the top practice and play facilities in the area. Fight On!

Annandale Golf Course
One North San Rafael Pasadena, CA 91105
626.795.8253
Head Pro: Bill Carney, PGA Assistants: Ryan Slater, John GalliganPresident: Dr. Larry Door

Bel-Air Country Club
10768 Bellagio Road West Los Angeles, Ca 90077
310.440.2422
Head Pro: Eddie Merrins, PGAStarters: Andy Schaefer, Larry Linstrom

El Caballero Country Club
18300 Tarzana DriveTarzana, Ca 91356
818.345.2770
Head Pro: Mark Taylor, PGA Starters: Brent Fieland, Tim Caldwell

Hillcrest Country Club
10000 West Pico Blvd Los Angeles, Ca 90064
310.553.8911
Head Pro: Paul WisePresident: Frank MossStarters: Mark Rhoades, Scott Johnson .

Lakeside Golf Course
4500 Lakeside Drive
Burbank, Ca 91505
818.985.3335
Head Pro: Dave AllairePresident: Dennis Genova Starters: Eddie Gannon, Ernie Woolston

Los Angeles Country Club
10101 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, Ca 90024
310.276.6104
Head Pro: Jim Schaeffer, PGAStarters: Al Hendy, Eduardo Flores

Lost Canyons G.C.
3301 Lost Canyons Drive Simi Valley, Ca 93063
805.522.4653
Head Pro: Rick Adams, PGA Director of Golf: Jay Colliatie, PGAStarters: John Kossak, Craig Becker

North Ranch Country Club
4761 Valley Spring DriveWestlake Village, Ca 91362
818.889.9421
Head Pro: Mark WilsonStarters: Larry Stulac, Phil McGrath

Oak Creek Golf Club
1 Golf Club DriveIrvine, Ca 92620
949.653.5300
Head Pro: John McCook

Oakmont Country Club
3100 Country Club Drive
818.542.4292
Director of Golf: Greg Frederick Head Pro: John Milligan

Pelican Hill Golf Course
22651 Pelican Hill Rd. South Newport Coast, Ca 92657
949.760.0707
Head Pro: Gary Newman

Robinson Ranch
27734 Sand Canyon Road Santa Clarita, Ca 91351
661.252.7666
Head Pro: Rick SmithStarters: Aaron Frei, Josh Pickard

Riviera Country Club
1250 Capri Drive Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310.454.6591 Ext. 300
Head Pro: Todd Yoshitake

Palos Verdes Country Club
3301 Via Campesina
Palos Verdes Estates, Ca 90274
310.375.2759
Head Pro: Jim GormlyDirector of Golf: Mark Pfeil, PGAShop Staff: Manny Shi

Rolling Hills C.C.
27000 Palos Verdes Drive East Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
310.326.7731
Head Pro: Jason StockDirector of Golf: Jack HollisStarter: Will Reigadas

San Gabriel C.C.
411 East Las Tunas Drive San Gabriel, CA 91776
626.287.6052
Head Pro: Alistair PhilipStarter: Rudy Alva

Wilshire Country Club
301 N. Rossmore Avenue Los Angeles, Ca 90004
323.934.6050
Director of Golf: Rick Rielly

Los Angeles Area Driving Ranges:
Arroyo Seco
1055 Lohman LaneSouth Pasadena, Ca 91030
323.255.1506
Head Pro: Bob SatherStarters: Richard De La Torre, Gary Bailes

Dominguez Hills Driving Range
19800 Main StreetCarson, Ca 90745
310.719.1942
Head Pro: Eric Manley**Also has a 3-par 18 hole course

Harbor Golf Practice CenterDriving Range
1700 W. L Street Wilminton, Ca 90744
310.835.3000
Teaching Pro's: Don Brown, Brad Sherfy

The Lakes
400 South SepulvedaEl Segundo, Ca 91356
310.322.0202
Head Pro: Jennifer Jones**9 hole executive course as well

Long Beach Golf Practice and Learning Center
3701 Pacific PlaceLong Beach, Ca 90806
562.988.0846
Head Pro/Owner: Tom Schauppner, Assistant: Steve Andreason

Pelican Hill Driving Range
22651 Pelican Hill Road South Newport Coast, Ca 92657
949.759.5170
Head Pro: Gary Newman

College Golf Guide and Ranking

Below is a list of what I feel to be the most detailed and informative sites discussing college golf on the web- with a little bit of fun mixed in. If you're a junior golfer looking for a way to market your golf game to the top Division 1 golf schools in the nation, or you're just a fan of college golf, check our the resources below. Make sure to visit each site's links page to locate other golf pages that might interest you.

www.golfstat.com
GolfStat.com is one, if not the most comprehensive college golf guides available on the net. Track teams and individual player's scores live as they compete, get a complete breakdown of putts per round, greens hit/missed, and pretty much every other way to analyze a player's performance on the course. In fact, GolfStat.com is highly relied upon by college coaches and their players because of the sheer amount of information and detail generated from their findings. A report card for the golfing world!

www.mindunderpar.com
Perhaps one of the single most overlooked factors in junior golf is achieving a mental balance- at least that's what one of Golf Magazine's top 100 instructors Dr. David Wright might tell you. Apart from numerous accolades (Southern California PGA Teacher of the Year, recipient of Golf Digest's Top Teacher in California) Dr. Wright holds 2 doctorate degrees in Psychology, making him one of the most knowledgeable and well-rounded teaching pros around. If you are looking to really take your game to the next level, I suggest you check out his Mind under Par book and CD series.

www.golfopinions.com
Not too many golfers know about this one. GolfOpinions.com is an awesome blend of PGA/LPGA/NCAA news and scoring, chat forums, a golf-only buy and sell arena, and equipment reviews. A truly awesome site if you're looking to shoot the breeze about the latest controversy or check out equipment ratings.

www.ajga.org
What they say: "The American Junior Golf Association is dedicated to the development of young men and women through competitive junior golf." I can't say it any better than that. If you're a serious golfer or you're looking to one day compete in college, chances are you've already heard how important the AJGA is for your resume. Think of the AJGA as a stepping stone for college and professional-level play.