Page 63 - The Golf Guide, Summer 2017

Pro’s Corner

How to Take Your Golf Swing
from the Driving Range to the Golf Course

Bobby Lopez, PGA Teaching Professional
Pendleton Golf Club, Ruther Glen, Virginia

Transferring your perfect driving range swing to the golf course frustrates many
golfers. You kill it on the range, everything seems perfect. You’re convinced your
best round ever looms over the horizon, and then ... right on the first tee, you yank
it out of bounds! Some golfers can play well for the first three or four holes only to
lose their rhythm on the fifth hole and throw away a great start. Others play like
a dog the first four holes until they finally relax and start to play better. Does this
sound like you? If so, let me help.
Before anything, you need to see your swing by way of video analysis with a PGA
golf professional to reveal any major swing flaws that might be making it difficult
for you to control your swing on the golf course. With that said, a technique can
help any golfer control their swing tempo on the golf course. You MUST be willing
to get to the golf course at the very least 45 minutes before your tee time. If you’re
the kind of golfer that gets to the golf course rushing through the parking lot, then
flying to the first tee, there’s no hope for you!
The proper warm up will prepare you to perform your golf swing consistently on
the golf course. I like to begin my day with the short game warm up first. I start
out with very short putts of six feet or less. I find no use hitting my best golf shots
without the ability to get the ball in the hole from only four feet away. Then I roll
some 40 foot putts hoping to lag those within my four foot circle. I then move on
to chip shots. I head for the driving range and allow at least 20 minutes to spend
there. I hit some wedges about 50 to 70 yards, since I consider my wedges as
my scoring clubs. Once I’m convinced my short shots are accurate, I move up the
bag to my nine iron then seven and so on. I am careful not to get my rhythm too
fast, too early. If my swing does NOT feel right, I go back to my eight iron and
swing slowly until all the moving parts start to work together. When everything
feels right, I go to my driver and concentrate on rhythm and centeredness of hit.
I MUST hit the ball in the center of the club face consistently to control distance
and direction. My last swing with my driver gives me just enough time to get to
the first tee comfortably. Make sure it’s a good drive or hit another one until it is.
I want my last swing to be the first thing I can relate to or remember when I tee it
up. Leave the practice range on a positive note!
You need to understand that when you hit a good shot, all the mechanics of your
swing must have all come together at just the right time or sequence at impact.
If that’s the case, then you need to maintain that same specific rhythm or swing
speed you had on the range. At the first tee, picture in your mind that exact
swing speed or rhythm you had on the last great tee shot you hit at the range only
moments ago. If anything, attempt to swing the golf club a notch or two slower
than you did on the range.
If you have any questions about your game, give me a call (804-378-7456) or
send me an email (bobbylopez@quickfixgolf.com). I just may be able to get you to
playing better again.

SUMMER 2017 61