GolfTips well worth a look.

Tom van der Ham B.Ed

Teaching has always been a passion of mine. At first as a football coach and manager to more recently that of a full-time golf instructor. I am enjoying every minute of it and get a lot of satisfaction from seeing students improve their game.

During the many hours that I have taught golfers of all different levels I realised that certain aspects of the golf swing can be improved by most players. Although not unique, these tips will most definitely improve your game.

I believe that you learn better with video analyses, it gives you great feedback.

I recommend that you visit your local pro or perhaps we can work together when you're in Portugal.

You can book a lesson through the play-better-golf office. (a little plug!)

If you have any comments or questions regarding these golf tips please get in touch.

tom@play-better-golf.co.uk

Good Luck!

1) Swing tempo: Many players start the downswing with too much force in order to hit the ball hard. Instead, look at Ernie Els's swing, an acceleration of clubhead speed through the impact area. This will ensure greater balance and a better release of the clubhead.

Ernie Els

2) Footwork and balance: it is important to shift your weight to your target side

( left foot for right handed players) early in the downswing. Some players are committing the weight less to the non target side during the backswing in order to make sure the weight transfer is never late. Don't start the downswing with your arms but instead think of loading up your weight to your target side and turn out.

4) Sequence: In order to create a swing that repeats itself make sure you establish the right sequence of the golfswing. Start with a 1) full shoulder turn taking 2) the weight to the non target side. Your first priority in the downswing is to 3) move your weight back onto your target side and continue 4) turning the hips out of the way. 5) Your arms and hands will follow and are ahead of the clubface through impact .

taking a divot

5) maintain your wrist set

3) Quality of striking the ball: It comes as a surprise, even to low handicap golfers, to learn that we strike the equator of the golf ball on and around the sixth groove from the bottom of the clubface. In other words we need to hit down on the ball to achieve maximum ball flight with each club.

5) Chipping and pitching: the difference in the two techniques is how much wrist break you play with in the backswing.

The more you set the club in the backswing the higher it will come out.

For a proper chip and run keep the arms and hands in a straight line.

Maintaining the wrists: A problem often seen by a short pitch or chip shot is the player releasing the right hand before the clubhead gets to the ball. In order to achieve the best compression onto the ball pull the hands through and hit down on the ball. Maintain your wrist angle throughout the shot.