The Golf Secret

The question of head movement during the back swing, has been one the most debated amongst golf teachers over the last 50 years, and right at the center of the golf secret.

When I started playing golf about 35 years ago, the advice was to keep the head still throughout the swing. In the 80's a new philosophy surfaced and a lot of teachers started to recommend some head movement in the back swing.

Curtis Strange was one golfer that moved his head more than a foot to the right during the backswing, and won two US Opens, and spent more than 200 weeks in the top ten of the official golf rankings!

Should you then - as a weekend golfer - move your head deliberately away from the ball on the backswing?

My answer would be... No, you should not!

Why? Well, just look at video footage of the top 50 golfers in the world right now. I would like to challenge you to show me one golfer that moves his head noticeably on the backswing. Look at Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els etc.

In the event that your upper body muscles are a little tight, it is ok to move the head slightly, but don't do it deliberately, and make sure your right knee don't sway to the right - causing your swing to be inconsistent.

Tip : Jack Nicklaus used to tilt his head slightly to the right just before his take away, making it easier to turn the shoulders without moving his head laterally to the right. Try it, especially if flexibility is an issue.

So, my advice then would be to keep the head as still as possible to ensure maximum consistency in your golf swing.

Golf is a rotational sport that strains one side of the body more than the other. The body is continuously being torqued in one direction, often creating muscular imbalance.

This week I will focus on effectively addressing core strength and core stability. With added flexibility and core strength, you are guaranteed to generate more clubhead speed, resulting in more distance and pain free golf!

1. The Cat Stretch.

The Cat Stretch is one of the best and easiest lower back stretching exercises, used daily by Gary Player.

Begin the Cat Stretch by placing both hands on the floor directly under the shoulders. Position both of your knees directly under the hips, eyes looking down and back flat.

Then begin extending your lower back upward towards the ceiling. This is the Cats Up position.

Continue to arch the lower back up until it is rounded. Keep the arms straight throughout the exercise. Hold the Cats Up position for 30 seconds.

Continue to the Cats Down position by rounding the lower back down towards the floor, extending your head upward during this movement.

Again, keep your arms straight throughout the entire movement.

Continue to round your back until a stretch is felt across the lower back. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.

Alternate between the Cats Up and Cats Down positions for 2-3 sets for a great lower back stretch.
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2. The Scissor Strengthener.

This is my favorite lower back strengthening exercise!

Lie face down on a carpet or exercise ball.

Raise your right arm and left leg off the ground so they are in a straight line with your spine. Hold that position for a count of five then lower.

Raise your left arm and right leg off the ground so they are in a straight line with your spine. Hold that position for a count of five then lower.

Do three sets of 12 reps, resting between each set.

One of the top golf fitness, flexibility and golf nutrition instructors in the world, is a guy by the name of Mike Pederson. In my opinion Mike is definitely the The Internet's top golf fitness instructor.

After a decade of research Mike has designed The Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide.

Addressing the 4 components to a golf-specific conditioning program, Strength Training, Flexibility, Cardiovascular Endurance and Nutrition for Golf, the "Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide" gives easy to follow, step by step instructions that will get you playing the best golf of your life.

This book is in downloadable e-book format - so you can start adding distance to your drives within minutes!

As a bonus to his book, Mike also give you his special toll-free number which will entitle you to spend up to 30 minutes grilling him on the phone with any questions you have, on any aspect of implementing your golf fitness program.

Mike also has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you read his book and apply it to your personal situation, and feel it has not improved your game, he will give your money back.

I highly recommend Mike's Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide to every serious golfer.

Arnold Palmer is playing in a big tournament and comes to a 235 yard par-3.
After some deliberation, he takes out his 3 iron and sails the ball 20 feet over the pin and backs it up to within 3 feet of the pin.
A fan in the crowd said "Mr. Palmer, how do you make a 3 iron back up like that?"
Mr. Palmer replied, "Do you own a 3 iron?"
The fan said, "Yes, sir I do."
"How far do you hit it?" said Palmer. About 160 yards was his reply.
Palmer calmly said, "What the hell do you want it to back up for?"
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Golfer: "I've played so poorly all day; I think I'm going to go drown myself in that lake."
Caddy: "I doubt that. I don't think you could keep your head down that long."
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Mac invited his friend Jimmy to play at his new club. Since Jimmy had never played the course before, Mac pointed out the trouble spots and where to aim on the first hole.

Jimmy teed up, addressed the ball, took a couple of waggles and took a vicious swing. He hit a foot behind the ball, tore up the tee box and totally missed the ball. Unfazed he stepped back, took a couple practice swings and again addressed his ball. This time his swing missed everything.

He stepped back from his ball again, looked at Mac and said,
"Boy, this is really a tough course!"
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It was a sunny Saturday morning, and Jim was beginning his pre-shot routine, visualizing his upcoming shot when a voice came over the clubhouse loudspeaker: "Would the gentleman on the Ladies tee please back up to the men's tee, please!"

Jim was still deep in his routine, seemingly impervious to the interruption. Again the announcement: "Would the man on the women's tee kindly back up the men's tee!"

Jim had had enough. He shouted: "Would the announcer in the clubhouse kindly shut up and let me play my second shot!"
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In his prime, Seve Ballesteros was a very aggressive player knowing that he could take uncanny risks because of his incredible short game.

He was an phenomenal putter.

One time when asked by a writer to translate "lag putt" into Spanish,
he thought for several moments then asked,

" What is a lag putt?"

Hi Largo, thanks for your feedback!

Here is a couple of pointers to get you started:

1. As a newbie - have you got clubs? If not - it is vital that you get yourself custom fitted. Your local pro should be able to help you or refer you. A club fitter will help you with the right club weight, heads, shaft flex, grip size etc.

2. My advice would be to start learning the basics from a reputable PGA certified pro. A series of 6 lessons will be a good start. Please don't venture off to the driving range on your own - you will only develop nasty habits and have the frustration of getting rid of it later.. or worse, give up in despair!

3. When you start with lessons, remember to practice what you learn in between weekly lessons. This is the only way to improve. This might sounds silly, but few do it!

4. Watch some golf on television to get a visual feel of the golf swing, as well as an idea of the rules and etiquette of this great game.

5. If you are a little weak in your arms, consider consulting a personal trainer to design a golf fitness and conditioning program, to enhance the muscles used for golf. Alternatively, have a look at Mike Pederson's Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide. . It is brilliant!

Hope these pointers help - please don't hesitate if you have more questions!