Q. How high should I tee the ball?
A. When the ball is on a tee and you are using a driver or fairway wood, the rule of thumb is to tee the ball so half of the ball is above the top edge of the club; therefore, it would be teed higher with the driver than the fairway wood because the face of the driver is bigger. When using irons or hybrids, it is suggested that the ball be teed just above the turf creating “a perfect lie.” Do not tee the ball too high with an iron because if the ball is struck near the top of the club, it will not fly as far. As Jack Nicklaus said, “just create the perfect lie.”
Q. What do I have to do to become more consistent?
A. This question is by far the most common question instructors get from students. The answer is consistent golf shots are the result of consistent body motion. If a golfer trains his or her body to move in a prescribed manner, the ball striking will be more consistent. Common positions of better players are 1. Weight forward at impact. 2. Flat left wrist (right-handers) at impact. 3. A balanced position completing the swing. If golfers only worked at these three things, their ball-striking would improve.
Q. Putting Woes – Advice?
A. A question – Is it the long putts that you are not getting close to the hole or is it makeable short putts that are being missed? Distance control on first putts is crucial much more than line. If this is your problem, practice long putts by choosing the line and then look at the hole when making your stroke. This drill uses the same feel that you would use if you were tossing the ball to the hole. If short putts are your issue, pick a spot on the green six inches ahead of your ball and make your goal only to roll the ball over that spot. If you can accomplish that every time, more putts will drop.