Junior Training
Event Review
Be Prepared In this the first of a three part series on tournament strategy, Brad outlines the key aspects of the pre-round routine with the help of talented junior Marcus Lam
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o ur pre-round routine sets the tone for the whole day. T h e ke y i s to b e prepared with your time schedule and finalize what you need for your round the day prior to the tournament starting. There is nothing worse than being in a rush and stressing out before your round. Arrive at the course an hour to an hour and a half before your tee time so you have plenty of time to check in and practice before heading to the tee. I would much rather have time to hit a few extra putts being early then rush through my practice because I didn’t allow myself enough time.
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HK GOLFER・NOV/DEC 2008
By Brad Schadewitz National Junior Coach
the pace and firmness of the greens. If they are not then pay more attention to where you are trying to land your shots. If there is a bunker area hit a few bunker shots to get a feel for the texture and firmness of the sand (Photo 3).
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Always end your pre-round warm up on the putting green. As putting accounts for around 40% of your shots it is vital that you get a good feel for the speed of the putting surfaces. Start with some lag putts from one edge of the green to try to get a good feel for the pace; concentrate on your rhythm and making solid contact. Finish with some straight 3 or 4 footers to create a positive mental image of watching the ball going in. This is much more effective than aimlessly practicing a bunch of 20 footers.
Start at the driving range or locker room with a stretching routine for about 10-minutes (Photo 1). This maybe longer in the winter months when it is cooler. It’s important to get your golf muscles warmed up. Start hitting some shots with your wedges, then move into your middle irons, long irons and finally the woods. I like to see players finish their warm up with a few wedge shots just to slow down their tempo and soften their grip pressure. After you have finished Brad’s Tip your warm up head over to Before heading to the first tee always give the short game area. Start yourself a positive mental boost. Telling yourself with some chips and pitches how much you love the course or that you’re (Photo 2) but also check the really looking forward to the competition green to make sure it is the within your group can really help your mindset. Everyone gets nervous before their round but same as the greens on the you can change the way you approach it. Smile course. If they are the same to yourself and enjoy the ride. you can get a better idea of
WWW.HKGA.COM
Master McBain Seals Hong Kong Open Berth Composed Aussie overcomes stellar Fanling field PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK LEUNG
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a t t hew McBain held his nerve to capture the Masters Golf Fashion Hong Kong Open Amateur Championship at Fanling in late October. The 24-year-old Australian, son of former international rugby great Mark McBain, fired a composed final round of 69 to finish the event on a total of 276 (4-under-par), four shots ahead of Taiwan’s Yang Fei-hao in second place. Lam Zhi-qun from Singapore placed third, a further two shots adrift. WWW.HKGA.COM
HK GOLFER・NOV/DEC 2008
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