DAN’S PAPERS
danshamptons.com
July 27, 2012 Page 67
Junior Golfers: Here’s How to Wow By darren demaille
One of my favorite aspects of teaching golf is spending time with my junior golfers. We play lots of different games and use funny analogies to help expedite the learning process. My juniors range from 2 to 18 years of age. Most adults would learn the game better if they were taught like a junior. However, most are too proud to be spoken to that way. Put your pride aside and learn like a kid. Here are a few of the games and phrases that we use. Shutasauraus A Shutasauraus is a player who plays golf with a severe closed (or shut) clubface. Playing golf with a closed clubface causes the golfer to make un-athletic compensations to get the ball in the air and toward the target. Lack of loft will prohibit release of the golf club and cause the player to help the ball into the air. Don’t let the fate of your golf game be that of the dinosaurs and fix your clubface. Mr. Fallback One of the most common flaws I see with my junior golfers is Mr. Fallback. This is a motion to swing up on the golf ball to get it into the air. This attempt causes the golf club to hit the forehead of the ball with no chance of making a
ground swing. These students need to focus on making a finish forward clipping the ground in between. The only way to make a golf ball to go up is to swing the club downward. Ping-Pong This game should be played on a table and not on the putting green. Ping Pong is a term when a player hits their putt past the hole several times ignoring distance control. Distance control is essential when you are putting. If you play PingPong, try to keep the ball from rolling past the hole each time. If you approach putting this way you will have less putts. The Alligator If you find yourself being chased by an alligator, the old saying advises to run in a zigzag motion because alligators cannot change direction quickly. The reason being is that an alligator cannot straighten their arms or legs. To create speed and a consistent ground strike the arms must straighten and extend through the hit, unlike the alligator. The Elevator Maintaining a steady head throughout the swing is essential for solid contact. Elevators go up and down—in your golf swing your head should not. The head and spine need to maintain the same angle and position in the swing until the ball is struck. Think of your head and spine as an elevator and make sure it stays on one floor.
and
Presents Our Tenth Annual
Oldies Spectacular
“Lightning St ied” Cr “The Gypsy
The
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2ND 1 PM—5 PM Design Symposium: 11 AM–12 NOON
Fools Fa y” “Why Do od “Goody Go
Marshall Watson, moderator
Lewis Lymon “Honey Honey” “I’m So Happy”
al Orlons The Oriong’tin Hang Up”
Symposium tickets: $75 in advance, $90 day of the event House Tour tickets: $60 in advance, $75 day of the tour Joint tickets: $125 in advance, $150 the day of the tour The Fireflies “You Were Mine“ “I Can’t Say Goodbye”
“D i” “Wah Watus
SAT.
Darren deMaille is the Head Golf Professional at The Bridge in Bridgehampton. Darren has had many top 100 instructors influence his philosophy but most of his principles are based on Jack Nicklaus’ way to play golf.
Hosted by St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton )RU WKH %HQHÀW RI WKH %ULGJHKDPSWRQ &RPPXQLW\
ers y TeenInagLove” r a d n e g e L ll
With Special Guest
Rear View Mirror Golf needs to be played in the present and not in the rear view mirror. You are going to have bad holes and one must move on. Concentrate on the shot at hand, because you cannot change what is behind you. Keep your eyes on the road ahead. Golf is a difficult game and sometimes the easiest way to understand complicated concepts is to think like a child. I have great success using some of these concepts to help my juniors understand swing technique without getting them confused. Too many magazines and television tips use fancy wording and contradictory phrasing. The simpler you can make the game the better you will play. Next time you see a Junior clinic occurring, listen to what is being said and you might learn something.
44th Annual Bridgehampton Charity House Tour and Design Symposium
SOUTHAMPTON LIONS CLUB Charitable Trust
tie Lou Chris rikes”
Happy Feet Swinging balanced and using good footwork are elements of a great golf swing. Many times my juniors try to hit the ball too hard, causing them to lose their balance and shuffle the feet like they are happy. I endorse swinging the club as hard as you can as long as your feet and balance are not affected.
Purchase online at www.bhhousetour.com or by calling St. Ann’s at (631) 537-1527
AUGUST 11, 2012 7PM
Southampton High School Auditorium 141 Narrow Lane Southampton, NY
DONATION – $45.00 For Info and Tickets Call:
BOX OFFICE 631-587-3565 Produced By:
LEADERS IN PACKAGE ENTERTAINMENT
10655
17771