Conference 7.286::golf

    	Tom, who said you're not supposed to hit a driver from the fairway?
    Depending on the lie and the circumstances, it can be a great advantage
    to hit the 1 wood from the fairway.  This doesn't mean I recommend
    anyone do so, just that there are quite a few people who do, and
    with good results.
    
                                                    Beak

>    pretty psyched to try out my new clubs on a real course.  The clubs
>    felt great (even when I mis-hit the ball), but it'll take a while

Tom, what are you new 'forgiving' clubs?

    
    As far as practice swings go, I only take them when it is a type
    of specialty shot, like half wedge, a chip or a bunker shot. Other
    "normal" shots I don't feel it is worth it, your swing is pretty
    much set in its ways and you don't (at least I dont) swing the same
    way when there is no ball there. I take them on specialty shots
    just to get my body thinking along the correct lines. 
    
    The most important thing to do is what ever you do, ie, line the
    ball up from behing, 2 practice swings whatever, is to do it all
    the time, for every shot.
    
    As for a driver off the fairway, as .1 said, it is a very powerfull
    weapon for those few gifted who can hit it straight consistently.
    Brings a couple more par 5's into range in two. It is very hard
    to hit accurately though.
    
    --Bob
    

    I agree with .3 about practice swings; my game improved dramatically
    when I stopped taking them for full shots.  However, where you have
    taken lessons and are trying to make some changes to your swing,
    a practice swing might help "remind" your muscles of what they are
    supposed to do.  Once the changes become ingrained, you probably
    won't need them.
    
    Bob-who-used-to-get-tired-from-too-many-practice-swings

    I'm in the process of "fixing" a broken swing; so when I take a
    practice swing, it's intended to remind myself of the changes I'm
    making. When (and if) I get the new swing mechanics in muscle memory,
    I will probably stop taking a full practice swing (just a waggle
    or two). But on a chip shot or short pitch shot, a couple of practice
    swings are still needed to "rehearse" the shot and fix the
    concentration.
     
    
    Actually, I've got a great golf swing - only problem is, I usually
    forget to bring it to the golf course with me!
    

    
    
    I had never used a driver in the fairway till last year when I
    was in a tournament and on the last hole, which was a par 5, I needed
    a Birdie to win and I was 270 away.  Well I can never hit my 3 wood
    straight and I couldn't reach with a five so I pulled out the driver
    and hit a great shot,  I put it on the green about 20 feet from
    the pin, I made the putt and won.  Since then I use it whenever
    I get a chance.  Sometimes I hit it better off the fairway than
    I do off the tee.  I do miss it every now and then, but when I get
    it there is no club in my bag that is better!
    
    jim

    
    Preswing mechanics are as important to golf as any other aspect
    of the game.  Someone pointed out as few replies back, do the same 
    thing each time.  So should you make a practice swing?  I don't
    know but one thing is for sure, you are NOT going to learn how to
    make a good swing on the course.  The course is for playing, the
    practice field is for learning.
    
    I'm not the best player in the world (or this conference) but one
    thing I do know about the game is that when I'm on the course and
    I worry about swinging the club I play poorly, when I think about
    the shot at hand and what I want to do, I play better.  (I'd like
    to say play well but I'll get enough flames as it is).  At any rate
    no matter what your playing level, when you're on the course think
    about getting the ball in the hole, the swing will follow.  When
    on the practice field, then think about your swing keys.
    
    
    				KO

    Rep -1...hmm, I have just the opposite notion: true, perfecting
    (or at least improving) your swing is done on the practice tee/
    driving range, and that is the place to burn the swing keys into
    muscle memory: but when I go on the course, my biggest problem is
    trying to steer the ball. If I start thinking about where I want
    the ball to land (or not land) I instinctively tighten up. I have
    my best luck when I think only of alignment (which ties in to thinking
    of where I want the shot to go) and swing keys (left shoulder and
    knee). Once I'm lined up, the worst thing I can do is start worrying
    about the outcome of the shot. Which is not to say I don't consider
    tactics and course strategy. I guess it all depends on your individual
    psychology. But Tommy Armour has said that only in golf does the
    dread of results wreak such havoc...

    In Florida I used a driver on the fairway at least three times every
    eighteen holes. I found the fairway grass there fluffier thus the ball
    sat up as if it was on a tee. The secret to my hitting any fairway
    wood (especially) the driver is to concentrate on swinging down
    and through the ball. It pops up each time unless the surface is
    wet.
    
    greg

    	I can not hit without a practice swing or two and find that
    when I have problems it is when I forget or am too lazy to take
    one.
    	I envy those who don't need a practice swing.  I avoid making
    contact with ground on practice swing.  Also as a public links golfer
    I find it impossible to slow up play any more than it already is.
    
    	Finally.  I am a lefty and just bought Bob Charles book.  Finally
    golf instruction without translation.

    It's a matter of personal preference (practise swing or no). Until
    I get the new swing grooved (which could be a long time coming)
    I'll take at least one practise swing before attempting the shot.
    You're probably right about not having any effect on the speed of
    play on public courses; but I have a semi-regular golf buddy (also
    coincidentally, a lefty) who goes through so many gyrations and
    little hitches and twitches before he even starts making his practise
    swings (never fewer than 3, usually 4 or 5) he reminds me of the
    baseball player who used to be known as the Human Rain Delay because
    he took so much time in the batter's box, adjusting his glove, cap,
    pants, shirt, etc. between pitches. (Does anyone recall this
    ballplayer's name?) Watching my friend prepare to hit a shot sometimes
    makes me feel like Ralph Kramden watching Ed Norton endlessly shuffling
    and cutting a deck of cards as he gets ready to deal the hand. It
    can really get on your nerves after a while!

    On normal shots I'll sometimes take a half swing, using just the
    hands and arms to remind myself to get them into the act.  This,
    in my mind, is my most glaring fault (not enough hand action).
    Generally, I try to visualize the shot I'm attempting.  I suppose
    I get this from reading Jack Nicklaus' stuff.
    
    re.11
    I can see it now.. "Cut it ooouuut!!"
    
    re.10
    What's the name of Bob Charles' book?  I'd like to get it for my
    nephew who has finally gotten a set of left handed clubs after years
    of hacking around with righties.
    
    -Alan-

    I believe Peter Gammons referred to Carlton Fisk as the "Human Rain
    Delay".
    
    The Bob Charles (on Golf) book was at Nevada Bob's.  It looked like
    they were going fast.  The exact title escapes me except it was
    simply "Bob Charles on Golf". 
    
    bb

    No, not Fisk (though he was another fidgeter who took his sweet
    time). This guy (I think) played for the Texas Rangers...and he
    made Pudge look like a speed demon by comparison...
    
    It must be tough being a "wrong-sider," and having to translate
    everything. My wife, who writes lefty, started off golf as a lefty
    also, and couldn't manage anything. Finally, at the driving range
    one day, after watching her struggle with her left-handed clubs
    and get nowhere except frustrated, I handed her my 3-wood. To her
    (and my) astonishment, she made a nice smooth swing and knocked out
    her best shot of all time. She's been a righty golfer ever since,
    and seems no worse for the experience! Strange, but not that un-
    common, I guess.
    

    
    
       I guess like most of you have stated, it's up to the individual.
     My preference is, take as few as possible. I tend to get tense
     when I start taking practice swings, and become less fluid. Not
     that I'm fluid to begin with, but it tends to break my concentration.
    
       Then again, the way I shoot, maybe I should change my way of
     thinking. 8^)
    
    George

    re. "The Human Rain Delay"
    
    	Right, it wasn't Fisk, though he was slower than cold molasses.
    The guy you're trying to think of, once the T Rangers was mentioned,
    was Mike Hargrove. He was slooooooooow.
    	Please weather, clear up, I want to play this weekend.

       Yea, Mike Hargrove, that's him. I was at a game when ol Mike
    was playing for the Indians. Got up at the beginning of his AB,
    went out for a brewski and hot dog (long line), climbed back in
    my seat and the guy was still up!! Hargrove at bat and Pudge 
    behind the plate, what a pair of slow motions.
    
        Back to Golf, regarding a few back about the lefthander
    trying unsuccessfully to play lefty and switching to righty and
    seeing great results. Not unusual at all. If you are a right
    handed golfer, most of your power is generated by your left side.
    I am constantly struggling in my swing to keep the right side
    from dominating. Each time I let it, the results are not good.
    Cheers to all southpaws!
    
    -rick 
 

    Re -1: So, by that logic, all us righthanders should turn around
    to lefty?? Hey, maybe that's the answer! I think my wife's lefty
    clubs are still kicking around the house. What have I got to lose?
    

    
    
      Talking about switching sides....my son (13) just asked if he
    could play golf, he is a lefty, when asking the pro which side
    should he play from, he answered quickly, the right! errrr, but
    first I have to see how he swings.  This won't be too bad if it
    turns out he plays from the right, I have old clubs he can have.
    And it only cost $24 for his "membership"!  He can play during
    the week and after four on weekends, can't go in the clubhouse
    or men's locker room.  One thing I asked the pro to do first,
    spend the first lesson(s) on golf rules and ettiquette(sp?).
    These old yankees hate young kids with bad golf manners. Since
    he is at an age where authority still has some merit it'll
    probably be the best start for him.
    
    
    Any advice on how to help develop a good golfer???

    Speaking from a lefty who plays right handed golf...
    
    I think it is an advantage because the left arm is your control
    arm in a right handed golf swing. I *never* have a slice problem.
    Of course, I sometimes have a hook problem! That's the only curse.
    
    As most will tell you: do what feels comfortable/natural (not that
    the golf swing is the most natural thing in the world).
    
    Mike

      The club professional at my course is now taking me on the course
    for my lessons.  I am often complemented on my approach to each
    shot.  I ALWAYS take at least one practice swing and never more
    than two(I HATE slow play).  Line up your shot.  Back away from
    the ball and swing EXACTLY as you wish to swing when you go over
    the ball.  Move back over the ball and duplicate the swing you
    practiced with.  You should have two identical divots to fix if
    you follow this.  I GUARENTEE this will help you if you are having
    consistency problems.
    
    Rick