The Importance of the First Move Away from the Ball

By Thomas T Wartelle, USGTF contributing Writer

A good backswing sets the body into a coiled position ready to return to the clubhead squarely and powerfully at impact. The backswing is a series of motions that set the club in position for a proper downswing. Golfers do not hit the ball with their backswing, but a good backswing is a simple, repeatable movement that starts the sequence of the swing to the moment of truth – impact.

Most good players have a starting “trigger move” that signals the start of the backswing. Common backswing starting trigger moves are:

• A gentle waggle movement back and forward with the club, hands and wrists, which can ease any tensions in the set-up, and encourage a smooth, rhythmic beginning of the backswing.

• A forward press by gently pushing the hands forward or kicking the non-target knee in slightly towards target direction. The recoiling movement that this creates making a smooth takeaway.

Some movement should be encouraged so as the swing does not begin from a static position. The goal of the move away is to get the golf club swing properly. This in turn will begin a chain reaction where the club will swing itself and the body into the proper positions.

After a slight “trigger move”, the backswing is initiated with a slight shifting of the pressure away from the target towards the trailing leg. This shifting or “pivot” away from the target includes the head and shoulders. Thus, the head is not kept perfectly still but actually pivots to a point somewhere over a line drawn following the inside of the back leg.

The body begins to shift and the clubhead swings back along the target line. Some people refer to this as the “one piece takeaway”. Many players initiate this with the hands. However, the feeling is as if the hands, arms and shoulders are moving away as a unit. No matter what the feeling is, the goal is to get the club initially moving on the target line with the pressure loading toward the inside of the trailing leg. All of this happens within a few inches of the club moving away from the ball.

After the fundamentals of a good setup, the first move away from the ball can be a major factor in helping the golfer achieve their goal of a proper impact position. The golf swing is a sequence of events leading to the moment of truth at impact. Poor impact postions are often a product of a chain reaction caused by setup and backswing flaws. The importance of proper setup fundamentals and first move away cannot be overstated. Both build the foundation of the dynamic motion of the golf swing.
Moving From A To B

Moving From A To B

By Bert Jones USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional Loomis, California

Have you ever wondered why some people can move from their current situation to a stated goal and some people can’t? Is it a matter of applied will, or just having enough knowledge?

If we reflect on the last 40 years, we have little to no improvement in the average golf score. In fact, professional averages are relatively stagnant, also! How can this be, even with the advent of new equipment, better agronomy, and the state of instruction using space-age technology for analysis?

Perhaps we can start by looking at how goals are developed. When developing a goal, it should follow the acronym SMART. The SMART acronym stands for specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time-based. Every goal will be based on one of three words: desire, want, and need. Each of these words is different and requires thoughtful consideration. Clarity around need, want and desire will provide you a vision of the goal.

Achieving goal specificity can be an elusive proposition. How many times have you had a student tell you that they “want” to improve their putting? Sounds pretty vague to me! To putt “better” requires analysis of where the student is with their knowledge, skill and ability. I normally put my students through an array of tests such as the Titleist Performance Institute LORD’s test or the Eyeline Skill Test (both of which can be found online) to determine a benchmark. Once the evidenced-based benchmark is achieved, I can then begin to assist the student’s specific goal.

An example of a specific goal could be to reduce the number of three-putts from four per round to two per round over a period of 45 days. The goal is measureable because we have created a starting and ending point over a period of time. It is critical that the goal be agreed upon, as the goal should be intrinsic by nature. The goal should be realistic as it is based upon a benchmark analysis of the player.

Sounds pretty simple, right? If it was, then we would have a nation of high achievers, and we know that is not the case. So why do so many good intentions fall short? Is it bad goal setting or just lack of will?

Perhaps the answer can be found in instruction and motor programming! Most students that I have encountered do not fully understand putting or their equipment. Their skill, knowledge and ability have to be built or reformed. In addition, I have found that many students don’t know how to practice. They think they do, but they don’t.

Explanation, demonstration, observation and correction on identified sub-elements help students understand how to practice. I like to have students use guidance devices to provide feedback when I am not able to stand and observe the player between lessons. A limited amount of drills are prescribed to ensure that students are working on changing their habits.

It is important to understand that habits are changed through ritual. Creating rituals in the pre- and post-routine are the means to integrating new neural pathways in the brain to create better performance. Visit the “Human Performance Institute” online for a deeper understanding of rituals and habit development.

No more three-putts!

Gifts From Golf

By Cole Golden, WGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional

Friendship can develop in many different areas of your life: family, church, school, work, hobbies and even competitors. I’d like to focus on the latter. In 2010, I played in the United States Golf Teachers Cup at Primm Valley, just outside of Las Vegas. One of my playing partners in the first round was Matt Smith, who hails from Ohio. To say I had a rough start to my game is an understatement. A cart came flying over a hill to our tee box to see me teeing off, and then proceeded to lock up their brakes, squealing across the cart path. Then my 3-wood went about 40 yards to the left into a pond. That triple bogey, plus another three bogeys in a row, mind you, made the blood boil to an extremely high level.

Not knowing Matt at all, he came over and patted me on the back, giving me a genuine smile. He didn’t have to do that; we were competitors playing against each other. It was an authentic gesture by a great person, which created a turning point for my game. Six birdies later, I signed for an even-par round. However, more important than a nice comeback, I made a true friend.

A few weeks ago, my Oklahoma Sooners (Boomer!) were traveling to play Matt’s Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. With some luck getting tickets for the game, Matt and I planned a great weekend together. He is the head teaching professional at the Pinnacle Golf Club, one of the most prestigious private golf clubs in Ohio. We played a few rounds at his club, met some of his students, and then went to the football game together.

Being able to build wonderful friendships through the great game of golf is one of its many perks. Through playing golf with people, you can develop bonds that last a lifetime. I cherish these rare friendships, which the game has provided me, and for that I will always be grateful.

2018 Membership Renewal Now Available Online

Online membership renewal is available for those who want a quick and convenient way to remain a USGTF member in good standing. USGTF membership offers many benefits, including continuing education opportunities, member communication via our monthly e-newsletter and Golf Teaching Pro magazine, as well as our online community at www.USGTFMembers.com. Equipment and other discounts, liability insurance, networking opportunities at our regional and national events are also features of USGTF membership, as well as the right to continue to call yourself a USGTF member.

To renew your membership for 2018, please click here.

US, World Cup Deadline Fast Approaching

Wednesday, October 4, marks the deadline for entries into the 22nd annual United States Golf Teachers Cup and the 13th biennial World Golf Teachers Cup at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada, October 16-19. These premier events bring teaching professionals from around the world together to enjoy a week of competition and camaraderie.

Teaching professionals Bruce Sims, Matt Smith, Michael Wolf and David Belling will be on hand to conduct a teaching seminar during the week. In addition, vendors will be onsite on Sunday, October 15, to showcase teaching aids and products. Although the deadline is near, if you haven’t yet made plans to attend, there is still time to enter. For more information and to enter, please visit www.WorldGolfTeachersCup.com. You may also call the USGTF National Office at (888) 346-3290.

Refresher Course Opportunity For All Members

Has it been several years since you achieved your teaching certification Since the art of learning is an ongoing process, a refresher course could be just what you need to “freshen up” those skills.

We are pleased to now offer a refresher course on the core training topics covered during your USGTF certification process. The online refresher course includes the following:

Teaching the Full Swing video

• Teaching Faults & Cures video

• Teaching the Short Game video

• Clubfitting for Teaching Professionals video

• How to Teach Golf – The American Golf Teaching Method – 2nd edition

The course is available to current USGTF members only and membership must be verified before course access is permitted. You may go to click here to enroll in the course.

2017 Canadian Golf Teachers Cup Results

Shafiq Masih took home his first CGTF Cup championship when he bested a stellar field this past September at Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club in Belleville, Ontario, firing a two-round total of 140 to run away with the title. Conor Hache and Brandon McLean finished a distant second at 149. Bill Hardwick and Peter Jaklic rounded out the top five. In the Ladies division, Lisa Fleming was a three-stroke winner over runner-up Jennifer MacKendrick, with Donna Dunbar placing third. Greg Salazar won the Senior division, also emerging victorious with a three-stroke win. Paul Duncan and Vito Cisternino tied for runner-up honors, with Don Sugden finishing fourth.

The event was held September 18-19 at the Bay of Quinte Country Club in Bellevue, Ontario. The CGTF Cup is an annual event and brings together teaching professionals from all over Canada, as well as from the United States and other countries.

Son of WGTF/USGTF Professional Wins National Title

Gabriel Augustin Wartelle, son of longtime WGTF/USGTF member Thomas T Wartelle, won the USSSA 11 & under National Championship. Gabriel also garnered the Tour’s Leading Points Winner award for this age group. The national championship was held at the TPC Louisiana in Avondale, home of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic.

Gabriel held the lead from day one of the three-round event. However, he had to hold off two surging competitors during the final round. He sealed the win with a 10-foot putt on the last hole. Gabriel’s solid play during the week provided him the advantage to overcome the other competitors, as he lead the field in driving accuracy and ball striking.

In addition to his recent win, Gabriel was named to the Louisiana Golf Association’s River Cup team, which is a junior Ryder Cup-style format competition, to be played against Mississippi’s best junior golfers. The event will be held at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, Louisiana.

Gabriel trains under the tutelage of his father, Thomas. His current home course is TPC Louisiana. As a French citizen, Gabriel normally represents France. However, he holds dual French/American citizenship and will represent Louisiana in the LGA River Cup.

“Pro” File – Touring Professional Anirban Lahiri

Golfers from India have yet to make their mark as a superstar in the game, but Anirban Lahiri may be out to change that. He has played on the last two Presidents Cup teams for the International team, and is growing more comfortable on the American tour. Lahiri, nicknamed “Ban” (pronounced bon), learned the game when he tagged along with his father, a doctor. He began his professional career on the Asian Tour in 2008 at the age of 20 and scored his first win in 2011. He continued to do well on that tour with several more victories before moving on to the European Tour. A two-time winner there, Lahiri made his way to the United States after working his way into the Official World Golf Ranking’s top 50. He played in the Masters and PGA Championship, where he finished fifth, in 2015, and qualified for the PGA Tour after participating in the Web.com Tour final series. He has secured his playing privilege for 2017-18, and many believe he has a game capable of winning multiple times in his career. Lahiri also represented his country in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The 30-year-old Lahiri is fluent in three languages and is married to the former Ipsa Jamwal.

Editorial: Do You Have A Good Caddie Or A Bad Caddie?

This past Labor Day weekend, Justin Thomas won the Dell Technologies Championship for his fourth tournament win of the year, which includes the British Open. (He would also later win the Tour Championship for his fifth win.) When asked what had changed this year, Justin emphatically stated it was his caddie, Jimmy Johnson. Justin’s caddie keeps him focused on the present shot at hand, which keeps his emotions under control regardless of situation or score.

While most people do not play golf with a caddie, you really do not need one to perform at your best. Ultimately, you must be your own best caddie.

When the pressure hits, you must tell yourself to stay in the moment, be positive, forget the past, focus on the present and remain calm. This is called self-talk, and all the great athletes and business executives have mastered their self-talk to be their own best caddie.

But when the pressure hits, does your bad caddie come out? It is easy to get into a bad caddie habit. Here are four easy steps to fire your bad caddie:

Step 1: Get a rubber band and tie it around your wrist.

Step 2. When you make a negative self-comment, snap your rubber band. Not so much as it hurts, but enough to startle you.

Step 3: Replace your negative comment with a positive one.

Step 4: Repeat as often as necessary.

Remember, you hired your bad caddie by creating a bad habit. You can un-create this habit by snapping your bad caddie out of existence.

By Dr. Gregg Steinberg, USGTF Sports Psychologist

About the author:

Dr. Gregg Steinberg is the USGTF sports psychology and is recognized by Golf Digest as one of the world’s greatest performance psychologists. He has worked with stars such as Brandt Snedeker and Brian Gay, and is a regular on PGA Tour Radio on Sirius/XM. He has also inspired companies such as Toyota, Hughes International, TRowe Price and Bank of America. His website is www.DrGreggSteinberg.com. See more articles like this at www.MasteringGolfPsychology.com. Also, please check out the USGTF-certified golf psychology course at this site. You can take this course for 1/2 off for the month of October with the promo code iggy199. On this site, there is a free mental game e-book, as well as many free videos and articles.