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Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.
The good news: I saw the true definition of Jekyll and Hyde. The bad news: It came after seeing my scorecard.
Embarrassingly, I shot a whopping 54 on the front nine, even carding a 10(!) on one hole after taking three shots to get out of a daunting greenside bunker. I was fuming, cursing, humiliated, and felt completely lost.
Then something magical happened — I improved my tempo and made some slight swing tweaks, leading me to a 1-over 36(!) on the back 9.
So what changed? My ball-striking on the back nine was superior to anything I’d ever seen before, with bombs flying off the driver, approach shots hitting the dead center of the clubface, and my putts rolling with perfect pace.
After recapping my round with a buddy, we joked about how wild of a day it was, and then kept things pretty simple as to why I shot the 9 holes of my life: I was hitting things pure, and when you do that, you give yourself a chance to score low.
If you’re someone who often struggles with ball-striking — something every golfer can probably relate to — there’s a simple solution that can help: A bucket from the range. GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Bender shares the details of how below.
“If you take the club too much to the inside in your backswing, then you’re causing it to ‘cross the line’ at the top,” Bender says. “This position, which has the club pointing to the right of the target, forces you to make compensations in your downswing to try and make solid contact.”
Since these compensations are hard to time during your sequencing, your ball-striking often suffers.
“These create inconsistency in your ball-striking and the quality of your shots,” adds Bender.
In order to avoid these common mistakes, Bender says this drill with a range bucket will help.
Step 1: Take your address position over a ball as you normally would before a shot. Instead of holding a club, though, hold a regular range bucket in both hands (which should have about 8 balls in the bottom).
Step 2: Next, make a mock backswing and try to get the bucket above your right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer) without disturbing the balls in the bucket. If you rotate inside too quickly, the balls will fly from the bucket immediately, and if you take the club across the line at the top, they’ll plunk you in the head.
Instead, you want the balls in the range bucket to fall out gradually just behind your right shoulder.
Step 3: Finally, move the bucket down towards impact as if you’re making a normal swing. If you’re able to point the bottom of the bucket at the ball on the ground as you approach contact, then you’re on the right swing plane.
“Your goal should be to simply swing the club from address to the top and then back down without having to reroute it or make adjustments on the way down,” Bender adds.
So by completing this drill consistently over time, you’ll feel the sensation you need to improve your ball-striking and hit shots more pure. Give it a try during your next range session.
$139.99
Sure-Strike
The golf swing trainer designed to help you master your swing mechanics to swing like a Tour Pro!
The Sure-Strike is not just another training aid; it’s a game-changer. This new golf swing trainer is meticulously crafted to instill perfect swing mechanics, creating a permanent shift in your performance. Say goodbye to inconsistent swings and hello to a new level of precision and power.
Key Benefits of the Sure-Strike Training Aid
Transform your timing for solid contact and an efficient swing.
Improve swing path and attack angle for optimal ball-then-turf contact and true compression at impact.
Enhance swing sequence, ensuring perfect coordination between body, arms, and club.
Train a shallow swing plane for true lag and increased clubhead speed.
Experience freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural athleticism.
Suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
Crafted with precision and durability in mind.
Elevate your golfing experience and unleash your true potential.
With the Sure-Strike, you’ll experience a transformation in your timing, resulting in solid contact with the ball and an overall more efficient swing. This training aid focuses on improving the path of your swing and attack angle, allowing you to find the ideal low point and achieve that coveted ball-then-turf contact. The result? True compression at impact and a newfound level of control over your shots.
One of the key benefits of the Sure-Strike training aid is its ability to enhance the sequence of your swing, ensuring that your body, arms, and club work together in perfect harmony throughout the entire motion. By training in efficient transition, impact, and follow-through, you’ll experience a level of consistency and fluidity you’ve only dreamed of.
The Sure-Strike empowers you to feel and train a shallow swing plane, leading to true lag and a powerful impact. This shallow plane not only promotes better contact with the ball but also generates greater clubhead speed, resulting in longer and more accurate shots. Feel the satisfaction of hitting crisp, penetrating shots that soar through the air with ease.
By incorporating the Sure-Strike golf training aid into your training routine, little and often, you’ll witness a remarkable improvement in your range of movement. This swing trainer helps you achieve a feeling of freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural golf swing and allowing you to unleash your full potential on the course.
Crafted with precision and built to last, the Sure-Strike is your trusted partner for transforming your golf game. It is easy to use and suitable for golfers of all skill levels, even for kids with the junior version. Practice with confidence and witness the evolution of your swing.
Invest in the Sure-Strike today and elevate your golfing experience to new heights. Experience the joy of a consistent, efficient, and powerful swing that brings your game to a whole new level. Order now and unleash your true golfing potential!
FAQs About the Sure-Strike
Do Swing Trainers Actually Work?
Yes! Golf swing trainers, like the Sure-Strike, teach you how to swing consistently while giving you instant feedback on your swing mechanics. Enough practice over time will build muscle memory that will translate to the course.
How Do I Train My Golf Swing?
In today’s age, there are an infinite number of ways to improve your golf swing. Golf training aids and repetition are some of the most popular and effective methods to improve your swing and your game overall.
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