In this week’s column I would like to feature Mike and Heidi, a couple that I have been teaching a series of lessons this summer who for the past five years, have called Chestermere home. Mike is an electrical engineer and Heidi an electrical designer which led to them meeting each other through work. Perhaps you may see them tending to their community garden under the power lines in Rainbow Falls. What inspired them to take lessons this year was the mantra that so many of us have uttered at one time or other, whether it be golf or other pursuits, and that is “This is the year!” We can all relate to that!
What was on their minds entering this golfing season can be best expressed in their own words…
“We are less than 10 years to retirement so we would like to understand more common activities we might undertake as we approach our retirement. Now is the time to understand what we like to do in common. We like golf, but we want to be a little better when we come to the course to better enjoy our time together in our retirement years. We see this as a great activity for all ages and definitely something we want to do and continue to improve on.
We do not take anything too seriously, but we took lessons in order to have some success in this sport. This will help motivate us in our retirement.
The Lakeside course fits our needs as it has a 9 hole option and a walking option which appeals to us. Also, we like to have a drink and a snack after our venture. The Crusty Putter (our fun term) definitely meets our needs with decent food and great service.
See you at the course!”
Perhaps you are a couple out there with the same thoughts or desires as you approach retirement or if not near retirement, are simply looking to do a common activity together in your busy lifestyle. In either situation, golf can be a great activity to enjoy together!
What we work on with Mike and Heidi
What we worked on together are the very common things that all golfers can address and are challenged with. This is also a perfect time of year to readdress these issues as we enter into the backstretch of our golf season.
Heidi
What a great position Heidi achieves at the top of her swing, as you can see in the photo, but on the way down Heidi releases her wrist cock too soon resulting in a loss of power and fat shots. We also worked on her staying down longer through the shot “watching herself hit the ball” otherwise we see “peeking” and pop ups to the right or slices. All very common but can be corrected with concentrated practice.
Mike
Mike saw great improvement when understanding how important the timing of releasing the wrists or hands is. We are now working on completing his backswing (which was short) and tempo. Tempo is so important in the golf swing and most of us are too quick. One of the best tips I have ever heard of takes us back to the days of Bobby Jones (late 20’s). Bobby was struggling with his swing before a major championship and called in his swing coach who had to travel by train for a day to meet with him. Once they got together on the range and after watching Bobby hit a couple of shots his coach responded with “you’re trying to hit it on your backswing” in other words slow it down on your takeaway. That’s all he said, end of lesson and got back on the train. Bobby went on to win that championship.
I have recently suggested to students and friends who have tempo issues…and who doesn’t…to think “wait for it” at the top of the backswing. When Mike slows it down and completes his backswing great things happen.
Heidi and Mike are enjoying the challenge that golf brings but also the camaraderie that it can offers couples, no matter what age.
As a couple, who may be contemplating golf as an activity or have been golfing together for years, hopefully these tips and words of inspiration will lead you to…playing YOUR best golf!
