Jason Whitehill and Peter Boyce
Q. My putting has been very inconsistent and I am having trouble hitting the ball in the center of the putter. What is a good drill?
A. Check your alignment by placing a club across your heels, as they should be parallel to your target line. Then take two thick elastic bands and wrap them around the putter so they frame the impact zone on the face of the putter. (They will be approximately 1.5 inches apart). Now, practice your stroke and if you hit the ball slightly off center, the elastics will give you instant feedback. Remember that on putts that are five feet and less, the impact of the ball on the center of the putter contributes more to making the putt than does the face angle.
Q. My wife is just learning the game and has had a few lessons and, in my opinion, is ready to try her skills on a golf course. She, however, is afraid that she will hold up play and will embarrass herself. What advice can you give her?
A. If a person’s game is to the point where the ball is contacted most of the time, sure it is time to try out the golf course. For those playing with a beginner, make sure they understand that there is no rule that they have to start at each tee and finish each hole. I would start them at the 150 yard mark on the first few holes and get them away from the crowd on the first tee. Also, if a new golfer is having trouble making contact (sometimes the swing just disappears) tell them to pick the ball up and walk 50 yards then try it again. Also sometimes it may be necessary to pick it up and drop it on the green and learn the putting procedures. This will take the fear away and also keep the groups behind you happy.
Q. A friend of mine drops his club on the ground and uses it to align his feet properly to the target line. At that point he picks the club up and adjusts slightly and hits the ball. Isn’t this illegal?
A. No, it may be odd to see a player do this continually but as long as he picks the club up before making his swing, he is not in breach of any rule. This is similar to a caddie standing behind a player helping with alignment. As long as the caddie moves from the line between the player and the target, it is legal. The only problem with dropping the club on the ground would be the speed of play so make sure you remind your friend if the pace is slowing down.
Q. How much should I bend my knees in the address position?
A. The leg flex is simply that – a flex. You want your knees just out of the locked position and feeling slightly bouncy. You do not want to feel as though you are squatting as you cannot maintain the position throughout the entire swing. Remember that the right knee (right-handers) straightens but stays partially flexed throughout the entire back swing.