Today we are talking with Todd Ellison, Director of Instruction at TGM Golf Academy, http://www.tgmgolf.com ...
GIWhat is the number one problem that you see that your clients are doing wrong?
TGMThe clients that I have tend to keep their club at too steep an angle on the way down.
GIWhat do you mean by too steep?
TGMIn setting up the golf ball we have a certain swing plane that we like for that person to be on-as it relates to that person's set up position with a particular club. Most people swing above their shoulders; we love to keep the club under the shoulders the whole time they are swinging.
GIBy having a swing that's too steep, what problem does this cause?
TGMSlice, hitting a lot of shots fat.
GIHitting a fat shot, what does that mean?
TGMHitting an inch or more behind the golf ball; making contact with the ground before contact with the ball. Hitting behind the golf ball.
GIIs a slice the main problem with the vast majority of golfers?
TGMYes...
GIJs that because of their swing plane?
TGMYes, the golfer has a tendency to cast the club out or to put it another way they have an outside in swing with the club face up.
GIIs that because they are over swinging?
TGMNo, they don't understand what the club is to be doing; we at TGM Golf Academy read what the body is to do. The body takes over which takes the club outside; the golfer really forgot to be swinging the golf club, not turning the body; having the body to respond to the golf club; not letting the club react to the body.
GIWhat exercise can you do to help to learn not to cast out or come over the ball?
TGMSimple fix: place a water bottle 7-10 inches behind the ball; if you hit the water bottle you did it wrong.
GIHow important is the grip. Is the interlocking vs. the overlapping grip better?
TGMIt's a personal preference; it's the only relationship the golfer has with the face of the golf club. It is most important part of the golf swingwhat kind of ball flight are you looking for? The main thing is for the club to be in the fingers with the palms facing each other; stronger in the fingers than in the palm of the hand. Club needs to be in the fingers.
GI-I've heard of people talk about the V in the index finger and the thumb pointing in different directions, is there any truth to this?
TMG- The V needs to be pointing in the same direction with the palms lined up. The palms need to be facing each other.
GI-If I'm a right hander, which way should the V be pointing?
TMG-Depends on ball flight you are looking for. A stronger grip--the V should be pointing outside the right shoulder, a neutral grip--the V should be pointing at the chin or between the chin and right shoulder.
GI-Ball placement from driver, 9 iron,pitching wedge-- is there a big adjustment that you need to make depending on the length of the shaft of the club?
TMG-We recommend to play the ball from center of stance to two inches in front of center of stance. With wedges, just move the feet closer together. This will move the ball back even though your eyes see it in the same place. With long irons move up in your stance,not moving the ball. The eyes are seeing the same thing. With the driver never position the ball past the left foot. Width of a person's stance creates a different approach to the golf ball
GI-The average golfer, 85 or above, should they have a 3 or 4 iron in their bag versus having a hybrid?
TMG-Everybody should have a hybrid. You see it on the tour now. All of the pros have a hybrid. Most have a 20-21 degree hybrid. Hybrid now takes the place of the 3 iron.
GI-Why do we shank the ball?
TMG-The common reason is that we're out onour toes on the down swing, spine angle turning and the club face is open. To fix it you get back on your heels a little more, back up from the ball and try to hit it on the toe.
GI-Different pros about putting. Some look at the ball with their practice swing, other look at the hole, which is better?
TMG-Looking at the hole in order to judge tempo to the hole. This helps with the speed that it takes to get the ball to the hole, as well as, the line of the putt.
GI-New products that you use. What are your thoughts on the orange whip?
TMG-It helps you create the same tempo for every swing that you take. It's the best teaching tool out there. It helps you understand the feel of the club and helps the path the club should take. It helps create balance, tempo and keeping you on the right swing plane. It helps you to learn to lead with your hands.
GI-Thanks so much for visiting us and helping to answer some of the most common questions. If you enjoyed this issue of Palmetto Golf Insider, please forward it to a friend. If you'd like to suggest products for future Insider Reviews please let us know!
