Student Training Manual

2006 - 2008 by Chuck Evans, ES Golf LLC, Medicus Golf

TALENT RELEASE FORM: Medicus Golf I authorize the undersigned Company to make use of my appearance on: PROGRAM TITLE: Medicus Golf - website content PRODUCERS NAME: Medicus Golf PRODUCERS PHONE NUMBER: 1.800.732.4995 DATE OF TAPING: _______________________________________________ I understand that I am to receive no compensation for this appearance. The Producer shall have complete ownership of the program. I give the Producer the right to use my name, likeness and biographical material to publicize the program and the services of the Producer. The Producer may: 1. Photograph me and record my voice and likeness for the purpose of the production mentioned above, whether by film, videotape, magnetic tape, digitally or otherwise; 2. Make copies of the photographs and recordings so made; 3. Use my name and likeness for the purposes of education, promotion or advertising of the sale or trading in the photographs, recordings and any copies so made. I further understand the master tape remains the property of the Producer and that there will be no restrictions on the number of times that my name and likeness may be used.

Name (please print)_____________________________________ Date: _____________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________ State ________ Zip Code ___________

Talent Signature (Parent or Guardian if under 18 years of age)

_________________________________________ Date: ______________________

STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE In order to properly prepare to help you with your desire to improve, we would like to have a little advanced information about you and your golf game. Please complete the following questionnaire. We will review it with you before your session starts. Personal Information Name___________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Primary Email_________________________________Alternate Email__________________________________ Phone #s Home ________________________ Work ________________________Cell___________________ Occupation_________________________________________________________________________________

Background Information Do you have any physical limitations (back problems, heart condition, recent surgery, etc.) that I should be aware of? If yes, explain ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Hobbies other than golf ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Sports you play (other than golf) ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Golf Information Current U.S.G.A. Handicap Index or average 18 hole score____________________ Career best score ________ Where and when? _______________________________________________________ Years played ________ # of rounds/month________________________________

Have you taken lessons in the past? If yes, Where____________________________________________________________ When____________________________________________________________ How many________________________________________________________ With whom_______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Have you attended a golf school(s)? If yes, Where When Name ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

Do you read golf magazines or golf books? If yes, which ones ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you prefer to (check all that apply) _____ play by yourself _____ with your family and friends _____ with new people Do you play to (check all that apply) _____ compete _____ socialize _____ relax _____ for business purposes The best part of my game is my ______________________________________________ The worst part of my game is my ____________________________________________ Ball-flight tendencies _____ pull _____ hook _____ straight _____ slice _____ push

Expectations What do you want to achieve from your golf instruction?

___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

How long should it take to achieve your goal? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Personal Skill Level Evaluation Using a scale of 1-10 - (1 being the least effective and 10 being Tour Level) - rate your game as of today in each of the following categories.

Putting Long putts (over 20 feet) Fundamentals Reading greens _____ _____ _____ Short putts (0-5 feet) Putting routine Medium putts (5-20 feet) Practice habits _____ _____ _____ _____

Chipping Fundamentals Short chips Medium chips Long chips Chipping routine Practice habits Bunker Shots Fundamentals Short (less than 15 yards) Long (more than 15 yards) Buried lies Fairway bunkers Bunker shot routine Practice habits _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Pitching Fundamentals Short (less than 20 yards) Medium (20-40 yard) Long _____ _____ _____

(longer than 40 yards) _____ _____ _____

Pitching routine Practice habits Full Swing Fundamentals Short Irons 8-SW Mid Irons 5-7 Long Irons 2-4 Fairway Woods Driver Routine Practice habits

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Notes:

Notes:

Specialty shots Uphill lies Downhill lies Ball below feet Ball above feet Hitting it high Knockdown shots Right-to-left curve Left-to-right curve Practice habits _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Other Critical skills Course management Practice routine Psychological skills Rest Nutrition Physical conditioning Goal setting _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Student Evaluation Form

(To be completed by Instructor)

Instructor_____________________________________________________ Name________________________________________________________ Date_________________________________________________________

Hand Rotation Horizontal______Vertical_______Angled_______ Arm Stretch Horizontal_________Vertical_______Angled_______ Shoulder Levels - Level______R.Higher________L.Higher_______ Backstroke Length Shoulder______Above_____Below_______ Pelvic Tilt OK_______ Shake and Back________ Pelvic Rotation Good____Restricted to the right____Restricted to the left___ Torso Rotation OK_______Limited RT_______Limited Left________ Gait Pattern Functional______Right_____Left________ Posture Level I_______Level II_______Level III_______ 90/90 Shoulder Test (Left) OK___ Limited___ (Right) OK____ Limited____ Half Kneeling Rotation Test (Left) OK___ Limited____ (Right) OK___ Limited____

Additional Notes -

(Use the back side for additional notes)

Video Analysis Full Swing

Name_________________________________________________ Date_____________________________ Impact Alignments: Front________________________________________________________________ Target:_______________________________________________________________ Grip Left Hand_____W_____N____S Right Hand____W____N____S

Notes: ___________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Face-On Ball Position: Head Position - start Head Position top Head Position Impact Bobbing Swaying Impact ____ too far forward ____ too far forward ____ too far forward ____ too far forward ____ Yes ____ Yes ____ Flat left wrist ____good ____ center ____ center ____ center ____ No ____ No ____ Bent left wrist ____ too far back ____ too far back ____ too far back ____ too far back

Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Target Line Alignment Right Forearm Backstroke Hinge Action Downstroke Butt Line Plane Angle___________________________________ Club: ____________iron ____ open ____ on plane ____ on plane ____ horizontal ____ on plane ____ on line ____ square ____ above plane ____ inside plane ____ angled ____ inside plane ____ cross line ____ closed ____ below plane ____ outside plane ____ vertical ____ outside plane

Impact RF Exit

____ on plane ____ on plane

____ above plane ____ inside plane

____ below plane ____ outside plane

Notes: ___________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Corrective Actions:

10

Graduate Evaluation

FORM

(Remains Confidential)

Student_______________________________________ Email Address_______________________________ Address_____________________________________ Accommodations_______________________________ ______________________________________ School Session Dates__________________________ City State Zip ______________________________________ Handicap or Average Score______________________ Province Country Regular Course Local Area Resident __ Out of State ___ Resident of State __ Male __ Female __ Single __ Married __ Please rate the efficiency of our program: Poor 1 2 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Best 5 Poor 1 2 Best 5

CUSTOMER SERVICE Reservation Quality Call Center Response Special Assistance Courtesy/Friendliness

GOLF INSTRUCTION

Video Analysis __ __ __ __ __ Instructor Knowledge __ __ __ __ __ Instructor Presentation __ __ __ __ __ Courtesy/Friendliness __ __ __ __ __ Instruction Manual __ __ __ __ __ Instruction Quality __ __ __ __ __ Personal Training Plan __ __ __ __ __ Comments__________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ GOLF COURSE Practice Facilities Course Quality Scenery __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ PERSONAL (Confidential to help our marketing) Age: __ Under 25 __ 25-35 __ 36-46 __ 47-55 __55/up

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Feel free to make comments about your experience with us. Use the backside if necessary. Would you attend another Medicus Golf School? Would you recommend us to your golfing friends? If so, please list three friends that we may contact to help improve their game. __ Yes __ No __ Yes __ No

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Please include their phone number and email address use back side if necessary. 11

Medicus Swingology Table of Contents

Chapter #1 Chapter #2 Chapter #3 Chapter #4 Chapter #5 Chapter #6 Welcome to Medicus Golf Swingology (The Science of the Golf Stroke) Phase #1 Putting Phase #1 Chipping Angle of Approach Phase #2 Pitching Full Stroke Grip Impact Alignments Stroke Training Hitting Swinging Practice with Purpose Tournament (Competition) Preparation In Closing Glossary (Terms & Definitions) Stretching Exercises Student Questionnaire Talent Release Form Video Analysis Form Student Evaluation Form Graduate Evaluation Form

Chapter #7 Chapter #8 Chapter #9 Chapter #10 Chapter #11 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G

12

Welcome to Medicus Golf Swingology

Thank you for choosing Medicus Golf as your golf school. We know you had a lot of golf schools to choose from but let me assure you that you've made the right choice! Our staff is handpicked from applicants all over the world and then personally trained by myself. Our Instructors go through a rigorous process to learn the science of the golf stroke and more importantly, how to train you to achieve maximum results. The curriculum, here at the Institute, is based upon science the indisputable laws of force and motion that affect everything we do every day of our lives. You see the hardest part of our job is not training you but helping you understand and change your perceptions about what actually happens in correct golf stroke. Once these perceptions are understood and changed, repairing or rebuilding your stroke is actually very simple. You see as humans we do everything to 100% of our ability and that ability is based upon perception. At the Medicus Golf we have a saying: Learn to control the hands and you will learn how to control the clubface. Control the clubface and you will control the golf ball. Control the golf ball and you will control the golf course. This control is done by first educating the hands to function in a proper manner for any given ball response. The education is called Hinge Action. Hinge Action takes place from Impact to the end of follow through both arms straight! There are only three possible actions available. Vertical Hinging like a pet door layback only highest trajectory Angled Hinging like the paddlewheel of a steamship closing and layback mid trajectory Horizontal Hinging like a door opening and closing the lowest trajectory During ANY length stroke the player executes ONE of these Hinge Actions on an Inclined Plane driving the clubhead downward and outward to Low Point. Low Point for ALL two-armed right-handed players is the outside edge of the left shoulder. Sothis means that divots are taken downward and outward as well. For irons smaller than a five iron divots SHOULD point to the RIGHT of the target line. Five iron and larger the divots straighten out but in NO case should the divot ever point to the left of target! That would indicate that the club is OFF Plane! To learn this process we start with the smallest strokes available, Putting and Chipping. Very simply, if the player cannot control the golf club in a two foot motion then they will NOT be able to control it in a twenty-two foot motionfull stroke.

Chuck Evans
Executive Director of Instruction

13

Science of the Golf Stroke

Before get started today we'd like let you know that everything you will learn while you're here is based on science and not theory. In order to change or enhance a golf stroke we must first change the players perception. If you think you must swing up at the golf ball to get in the air then that's exactly what you will do. In reality, almost everything in golf is exactly opposite of what our perception is. We must hit down to make the ball go up and we must swing to the right to make the ball go straight. So if you change your perception of what happens in a golf stroke you will hold the key to making everlasting changes. Every shot from the shortest putt to the longest drive all must comply with three primary concepts and we must control the three parts of the golf club from address, to the top, and all the way to the finish.

Clubface Control
The target side (left) hand controls the clubface; wherever it goes the clubface follows so it is important to learn how to control the target side hand so that you will be able to control the clubface which ultimately controls the golf ball. If you can control the hands, clubface, and golf ball you WILL control the game! These three parts are; 1. Clubface 2. Clubhead 3. Clubshaft The left hand and Hinge Action are clubface control. Wherever the left hand goes the clubface follows. The right hand, and more specifically the first joint of the right index finger, is clubhead control. Through this joint you can sense where the clubhead is at all times. If you cannot feel the weight of the clubhead against this joint then you are contending with clubhead throwaway the bane of all golfers! The Inclined Plane is clubshaft control and there are only two options here. You're either on or off Plane there is no in between! The definition of a golf stroke is - The Hinge Action of an Angular Motion on an Inclined Plane. Now before you get too excited we're going to explain this in a way that anyone can understand. The Hinge Action is simply the motion that the left hand makes to control the clubface. It can work three ways and three ways only with only two of them being absolutes. So Hinge Action is clubface control and on their own respective Planes they produce no roll effects. You see, the wrists can only produce combinations of three movements. They are either moving rotationally, vertically, or horizontally.

14

Angular Motion
Angular Motion is another term that just throws people off. By definition Angular Motion is an object rotating around an axis. In golf we have two ways to do this. 1. For Hitters it is a right arm thrust into rotating motion. (this is done by thrusting the right arm and right shoulder down Plane) 2. For Swingers it is turning the body to produce a "throw-out" action - Centrifugal Force. (this is done by the spinning of the right shoulder down Plane)

Key Geometric Alignments

There are four key geometric alignments that play a very vital role on the control of the golf stroke. The key alignments are merely straight lines that dont bend, curve, or change locations. If these stay precisely where they started, or are traced during the stroke, then the player has the best opportunity to hit precision shots. 1. 2. 3. 4. The Alternate Target Line which is an 11 degree angle going back and down the Plane. (See page 16) The Left Arm and Clubshaft forming a straight line from Impact to Follow Through (See page 17) A straight line from the Low Point (left shoulder) to the ground (See page 17) A straight line from the top of the head to the ground and centered between the feet (see page 18)

15

The Alternate Target Line which is an 11 degree angle going back and down the Plane.

The Sweetspot of the golf club visually traces the Alternate Target Line in the backstroke and downstroke. If the player strikes the small angled piece, just after the golf ball, then they have bent the Plane Line and will side-swipe the golf ball. This usually results in toe hits and shots off to the right of target.

16

The left arm, clubshaft, and left shoulder all in one straight line at Low Point.

The Left Arm and Clubshaft forming a straight line from Impact to Follow Through and a straight line from the Low Point into the ground.

17

A straight line from the top of the head to the ground and centered between the feet

18

The Magic of the Right Forearm

The right forearm raises and lowers the club, cocks and uncocks the left wrist, and stretches the left arm to maintain its radius.

19

The right forearm also needs to be in Plane with the clubshaft to give support in the downstroke, at Impact and into follow through. This support acts like the struts on an airplane wing to provide stabilization and is a strong deterrent to collapsing.

20

Geometry of the Circle

How many flat spots are there in a circle? NONE! So the old adage of low and slow is absolutely incorrect! That creates a flat spot and also disrupts the Geometry of the Circle. Now we have violated one of the Laws of Geometry. The hands should try to move in a straight line as we will illustrate later with the Straight Line Delivery. But while the hands are moving in this straight line the clubhead is moving on an arc circle. Let me show you how this works. Let's start with a circle and in the center of this circle is the Low Point, Left Shoulder. For right-handed players the Low Point is, and always will be, the outside edge of the left shoulder. It is the only place where the left arm hangs vertically. The spine is the center of rotation only. Ball position is based on the shoulders and NOT the feet. Why? Because the feet can change width of stance during the course of a round of golf but the shoulder width doesn't. OK, back to the Geometry of the Circle.

The arrow represents the direction of the force from Impact to Low Point When the Ball is struck prior to Low Point the clubhead continues downward and outward until it reaches Low Point the Vertical line in the center. Impact Plane Line is what we see on the ground visible - Low Point Plane Line is UNDER the ground invisible. The farther back from Low Point the ball is positioned the more downward, outward, and deeper the divot. Because the ball is Impacted BEFORE Low Point the divot should point to the right of the target line and goes from shallow to deep until it reaches Low Point Plane Line.

21

Geometry of the Circle Continued

Now turn your drawing upside down so you can see from the players point of view. The arrow represents the direction of the force from Impact to Low Point

So why doesn't the ball go to the right? The force is being directed to the right but the clubface is looking at the target line. So the clubface acts as a Divergent Force to the clubshaft and the ball will always leave at right angles to the clubface NOT the path of the club as widely thought. We call the current ball flight laws Ball Flight Lies!

22

Horizontal Hinging
The Hinge Pin is mounted vertically to the floor a Horizontal Plane
The first Hinge Action is called Horizontal Hinging. Horizontal Hinging produces the lowest trajectory and is typically used in combination with Swinging and is a closing only procedure. This means that the clubface opens in the backstroke and closes in the follow through.

First on a Horizontal Plane -

It acts just like a door opening and closing and if I hold my left arm Horizontal to the ground, and with this club in my hand, you can see that by moving my left arm back across my chest and back to my left shoulder that the face of the club is not rolling. Yet, when placed on the Inclined Plane this no roll effect now takes on the effect of a full roll - with turn to the right in the backstroke and rolling to the left in the downstroke.

23

Now on the Inclined Plane

Address

Top the clubface lies on the face of the Inclined Plane during the backstroke

and in the downstroke

Notice how the racquet lies on the face on the Inclined Plane going up and coming down. This motion is produced by using Standard Wrist Action. The Left Wrist is cocking and turning to the Plane Angle in the backstroke so this means that it must uncock and roll in the downstroke stroke.

24

Vertical Hinging
The next Hinge Action is called Vertical Hinging and again on its on Plane there is no roll in either direction. You'll notice that when I place the Hinge pin on my left wrist that it is vertical, or perpendicular, to a wall - a Vertical Plane. Think of Vertical Hinging of how a pet door operates.

The Hinge Pin is mounted vertically to the wall a Vertical Plane

As I let my left arm hang to the side and execute this Vertical hinging motion notice that the face of the Racquet doesn't roll.

Vertical Hinging on it's own Plane

Vertical Hinging gives us the highest trajectory and is primarily used for bunker shots, lob shots, and some Pitch shots and produces a layback only procedure.

Vertical Hinging on the Inclined Plane

Now, when I place this on the Inclined Plane and execute this same motion there is a feel of a reverse roll.

(Notice how the clubface stays looking at the ground in the backstroke and then looks toward the sky on the Follow Through.)

25

Angled Hinging
The final Hinge Action is called Angled Hinging and again on its on Plane there is no roll in either direction. You'll notice that when I place the Hinge pin on my left wrist that it is vertical, or perpendicular, to the Inclined Plane an Angled Plane.

This is what Angled Hinging looks like in the downstroke.

Angled Hinging gives us a mid trajectory and is primarily used for Hitting. Angled Hinging produces a layback and closing only procedure and works like the paddlewheel on an old steamship.

26

Inclined Plane
The Inclined Plane is a flat surface positioned somewhere between Horizontal and Vertical. It is the Plane of Rotation of the clubshaft as established at address. The club can travel from one Plane to another during the course of the swing or it can just stay on one Plane. If the club starts on one Plane then shifts to another then it is called a Plane Shift. The more Plane Shifts you have the more hazardous it is. Imagine the sloped roof of a house with the gutter being the base of the Plane. If the club stayed on the roof angle during all whole stroke then it would have no Plane Shift. A perfect way to play golf! But if the club moved to a different Plane Angle then the end of club nearest the ground would always point at the base of the Plane to be geometrically correct. If neither end of the club is nearer the ground then the club shaft must be parallel to the base the Plane and Horizontal to the ground. While we are pointing the club shaft at the base of the Plane the sweet spot is actually covering the Alternate Target Line. Let me show you how this works.

All of the way to Low Point!

27

Putting Phase #1
In Putting we need to control distance and direction. Of these two, distance is the most important. The pace of the putt should carry the ball 12 inches past the hole if you miss the putt. Having said this, the player also needs to learn the first basic of clubface control. To start you will need a Putter, three golf balls, and one straight three foot 2x4. Select a ten foot putt that is straight. Set up the 2x4 in its side, the small 2 inch wide side down. Make a couple of practice putts to see if the 2x4 is set in the proper alignment and then place tees behind the 2x4 to keep it from moving. As you address the golf ball place the heel of the putter against the 2x4 so that it is flat, not open or closed. Now this next piece is where players get mixed up. Some players use a straight back and straight through stroke while others use an arc stroke where the putter moves to the inside and down to the ball and back inside again. While arc putting can be effective, there is one huge factor involved that make players miss putts. If you are putting on an arc how critical is ball position? If you answered it is very critical, then you are correct! If the ball is too far back, then you will push the putt, unless you roll face closed to the path. And if you have the ball too far forward then you will pull every putt, unless you open the face. What we have done is to take the arc stroke and place it on a vertical Plane. Because the Plane is vertical however there can be no inward dimension. So the putter goes Back and UP at the same time and then goes DOWNWARD to Low Point, and then UP again. While the putter is moving along the 2x4 the heel of putter must stay up against the 2x4 and NOT open or close. If the front part of the heel comes off, the face will open. If the back part of the heel comes off, the face will close. The training drill for putting is following what we have outlined here but with a twist. The player must make 100 putts in a row from 3 feet, 6 feet and 10 feet for a total of 300 putts. If you miss one from any of the distances then you must start over from that distance. These putts are made using the 2x4 for guidance. So if the 2x4 is set up properly to the line of the putt then there are only two ways to miss putts. You either did not control the putter face OR your pace was off.

28

The set up and drills for Putting are as follows:

Find the line by using the board then

Brace the board with tees.

29

Heel of the putter flat against the board at address This training drill should be done a minimum of 5 days per week and came be done at home as well as on the golf course.

Keep the heel flat, no opening or closing

Opening and closing the putter will result in pushed or pulled putts

30

More Putting

If you are pushing the putter then set up this way.

If you are pulling the putter then set up this way.

The right arm provides the power for the push stroke. This means that the right forearm MUST be in alignment, behind the clubshaft and and in the same line as the shaft, with the clubshaft and parallel to the target line. The shoulders, rocking up and down, provide the power for the pull stroke. The important thing to remember about using the shoulders is that the back of the head and the top of the spine MUST be horizontal to the ground! This allows the shoulders to rock vertically back and forth instead of opening and closing.

Opening going back and through.

Closing going back and through.

You do NOT want the putter opening and closing during the stroke! That will result in pulled and pushed putts!

31

Putting Notes:

32

Chipping Phase #1
Definition: The chip shot has minimum air time and maximum ground time. A chip is like a putt but with a more lofted club. The chipping grip is placed in the palm and not in the fingers, this helps to eliminate and unnecessary wrist motion.

A chip shot is from just off the green, not 20 yards out as most announcers say. Those are actually pitch shots. You can chip with virtually any club including the three-wood. The key is to make the same length stroke, with the same amount of power, each time. For chipping you will need (2) two foot 2x4s, a Vision Track, and the highest lofted wedge you carry. Find a 10-12 foot straight chip shot and place one of the 2x4s in line with where you want the ball to start and right on the edge of the fringe and green. Place the Vision Track approximately two feet behind, and inline, with the front 2x4. Once you have the Vision Track down place the other 2x4 on top of the Alternate Line. For chipping the golf ball should be six inches from the rear 2x4. The rear 2x4 is used to insure that the angles of ascent and descent are proper so if you strike it either on the backstroke or downstroke you will get immediate feedback!

33

The set-up for chipping is designed to get the club to move upward immediately and NOT low and slow! Place the right foot directly in line with the golf ball so that it is in the middle of the ankle. Lean the clubshaft forward until the grip is in the middle of the front thigh. Shift your entire body left until you have 80% on the front foot. Your head should now be IN FRONT of the golf ball. Narrow the stance and open the stance line but keep the shoulders square.

By setting everything left you have now steepened the angle of ascent in the backstroke and the angle of descent into the golf ball.

34

Now simply bend the right elbow, while maintaining the length of the left arm, to take the clubhead away along the line of the Vision Track with no weight shift. The end of the backstroke is when the grip of the club gets to the right thigh. There is NO cocking, or uncocking, of the left wrist is chipping or putting so the left arm and clubshaft should be in ONE line.

For the downstroke simply straighten the right elbow pushing downward and outward until both arms are straight. If done properly there should be a small divot. The training drill for chipping is to hole out 50 chip shots from this distance. This training session should be done a minimum of 5 days per week and can be done at home as well as the golf course. (As a side note no one has ever holed these 50 chips in less than 4.5 hours the first time they have done thisnot even Tour Players! BUT after they had worked on this technique for a couple of weeks they can do it in about an hour and 20 minutes.)

35

Basic chipping set up using 2x4s

Chipping set up using the Vision Track and 2x4.

36

Standard chipping motion using Angled Hinging no roll in either direction

Clubface has NOT rolled and the leading edge to the golf club is square to the 2x4

37

Landing Spot for Chipping No matter how far the chip is, the ball always lands in the same spot one pace on the green. The target side 2x4 will also let you know if you are controlling clubface. If the ball takes off right or left of the 2x4, then you have either opened or closed the clubface OR you are off plane!

38

Angle of Approach Drill Impact Bag

Start by laying out the vision-track and Impact bag. The Impact bag is placed at Low Point where the Alternate Target Line and the base of the Plane intersect. To practice and get the feel of this stroke start with shafts only NO clubhead and use the Vision-Track and Impact Bag.

Trace the Alternate Line with the tip end of theclubshaft back and down into the Impact Bag. Start working on this Phase #1 stroke with a Pitching Wedge and now add the golf ball. Now execute the stroke tracing the vision-track, through Impact and into the Impact Bag. Make sure that the clubshaft is Vertical, or even forward leaning, at Low Point NOT leaning backward.

39

Chipping Notes:

40

Pitching Phase #2
Definition: Maximum airtime and minimal ground time. While there are numerous variations of the Pitch shot, including greenside bunkers and Lob shots, this curriculum is for the basic pitch shot. The basic difference between chipping and pitching is that in pitching we add a cocked left wrist. By doing so the player has added a second lever and velocity. The right forearm in a pitch shot should never exceed horizontal to the ground. It can be lower than this but anything higher results in a full swing and not a pitch shot. Wedges are for control and not for distance. So by shortening the stroke the player has more control and precision. Great wedge players have always had shorter swings when using a wedge and poor wedge players make too long of a stroke and try to hit too far! Case in point, when Tiger Woods first came out on Tour, he hit his wedges as he did with all other clubs, making full swings. This lead to poor distance and spin control and it didnt take him long to realize he needed to adjust his wedge game if he wanted control. Today he is one of best wedge players in the game and does not make those long swings anymore. As in ALL strokes, the clubhead must be moving downward and outward on Plane along the Alternate Target Line. The club continues down and out until it passes Low Point the left shoulder until both arms are straight follow through. Remember how we discussed the arms, hands, and clubshaft in chipping? It is the same principle with ALL strokes! We just add length of backstroke and a cocked left wrist for additional power along with your normal grip.

41

The setup for Pitching follows: The ball is the middle of the chest, weight 60% left and stays there during the stroke, minimal pivot motion in the backstroke with the option of turning through the downstroke.

In Pitching the Right Forearm should NOT exceed horizontal to the ground in the backstroke. It may be less than that but any more than that it becomes a full stroke.

42

Drills for Pitching

The best ways to get a feel for Pitching are the following drills.

Start by drawing a line in the sand. The Line now represents the golf ball so take your address position with the line in the center of your chest. Place the top of your sternum in FRONT of the golf ball and keep it there during the stroke. (The yellow line represents the top of the sternum) Now make a pitch length backstroke and strike the sand IN FRONT of the line making sure that you only go to follow through both arms straight. This helps to ensure that you are controlling the golf club. If the clubhead moves up, above your hands, into a waist high location then your hands need more work. The key is keeping the clubhead BELOW the hands and the clubshaft leaning forward! The insert picture is the clubhead in front of the hands this is NOT acceptable for striking downward!

43

The second drill is called the Great Wall of China. For this drill you want to build a wall of sand approximately six inches high and six inches wide.

Address the wall of sand with the wall in the middle of your chest. Make your Pitch length backstroke, while keeping the weight on the front foot, then swing down completely destroy the wall! Skimming top is no good, not enough downward motion. The club will feel like it stops, thats just the feel of heavy Impact. Continue through the wall to follow through keeping the clubhead below your hands.

This heavy feel of Impact is what EVERY stroke should feel like! Once again, the key is to have a very forward leaning clubshaft. The image players need to see is to take the entire clubshaft into Impact and NOT just the clubhead. From these drills you now move onto the Vision Track and the 2x4.

44

For Pitching the ball is placed eight inches in front of the 2x4. This does two things. One, it gives the player the proper angle of ascent in the backstroke and two, the proper angle of descent in the downstroke.

Now using the Vision Track start making Pitch length strokes and make sure that you are driving the club down, out and forward all of the way through Low Point and into FULL extension Follow Through.

The divots SHOULD point to the right of target if done properly!

45

Pitching Notes:

46

Grip
While this may be obvious to some, you would be surprised by the number of people that work on their swing without starting with their grip. There is only ONE neutral grip for any golfer! That grip is where YOUR arm hangs down from the shoulder socket and the angle of YOUR target side hand. It makes no difference whether you use an overlapping, interlocking, and ten-finger (baseball) grip. What IS critical is the angle the club lies in your hand. Ideally, the left wrist will be Vertical to the ground at Low Point. Then depending on what Hinge Action you are going to use the clubface/left wrist alignment at address will differ. For Swinging the clubface will appear open - pointing to the right of the target line. For Hitting the clubface will be square to the target line. The club should lie on the heel pad of the left hand. Some players prefer to place the club under the heel pad and that's okay, but the deeper the club is in the fingers the more angle between the left arm and clubshaft and the harder it is to maintain alignments. The thumb of the left hand lies on the aft (right) side of the shaft to provide support through Impact. When you close your hand the pressure is exerted from the last three fingers of the left hand. The right hand comes into the left and the left thumb fits into the lifeline of the right hand just under the thumb pad. Now you can interlock, overlap, reverse overlap, or use a ten finger grip whatever is comfortable to you. The first joint of the right index finger MUST be on the same line as the left thumb! These two being on the same line together produce a solid structure and give maximum support through Impact and the right wrist is also vertical to the ground, just like the left wrist. The pressure from the right hand is in one of two places (1). The first joint of the right index finger for Swinging, or (2) the thumb pad of the right hand against the left thumb for Hitting. You DO NOT squeeze with the middle two fingers of the right hand! Now having said this there WILL BE pressure from these fingers as a RESULT of either style but NOT an active pressure!

47

Impact Alignments
The first thing we must do in ALL shots is to verify our Impact Alignments BEFORE we play the shot! Why is this important because precision golf requires precision Alignments and the ONLY way to try and achieve these is to know what they are and how to verify them. You see, we don't teach position golf we teach Alignment Golf. Of course we do tell you the club will have to be in certain locations but you could be in every position perfectly and still miss the ball because of poor Alignments. So these six alignments MUST be verified before any shot is played. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Clubface to target line determined by whether you are Hitting or Swinging Grip to Clubface determined by Hinge Action Hands to ball determined by Impact Hand location and Aiming Point Plane Angle determined by what Plane Angle you are using Pressure Points determined by whether you are Hitting or Swinging and how much Power is needed for the shot at hand 6. Right Forearm Position determined by whether you are Hitting or Swinging -

Rehearse all of the Racquet Drills and Hinge Actions from the previous sections making sure you understand the concepts and, CAN execute each motion. If you have questions ask your Instructor. Swingers we use Standard Wrist Action turned AND cocked in the backstroke. So this means that we must UN-cock and Roll in the downstroke. A karate chop type of motion For Hitting we use Single Wrist Action cocked but not turned. This means that the player simply takes the club up and down Plane without turning or rolling in either direction. It would be as though you are chopping down a tree.

48

Outdoor Drill Session

Stroke Training
For stroke training you'll need to lay down a couple of clubs grip end to grip end and that it forms a straight line for the target line. Now walk through address, backstroke, top, downstroke, Impact, follow through, and finish. When you are going through this Plane training make sure whether you are Hitting or Swinging that you are doing what you need to do for your respective strokes. This sequence is Swinging but if you are Hitting, the Plane is still the Plane, so all of the lines are the same.

49

Stroke Training Continued

Remember, which ever end of the club is nearest the ground must also point to the base of the Plane. If neither end is nearer then the clubshaft MUST be horizontal to the ground AND parallel to the base of the Plane.

50

Full Stroke - Phase # 3

For this session you will need a six iron and a pitching wedge. Set up at your practice station with the Vision track. We now go into Phase #3 the full stroke. For this we add a completed shoulder turn, a top position, a Straight Line Delivery path, and an Aiming Point. Imagine a stretch band running from the butt of the golf club to a spot even with your left foot and along the target line. Now direct your hands along the line of the stretch band and you'll not only get the feel of this straight line BUT where your hands should be at Impact - the Aiming Point. When used properly the Aiming Point completely replaces the golf ball. So you can think of Aiming Point and Impact Hand Location as one and the same. Some of the keys for striking the ball, and then the ground, are body positioning, weight distribution, and maintaining your head in the center of your feet.

Notice how steady the head is in the picture on the left. Now look how far the head is moved to the right in the picture on the right. This is certainly an option but requires compensation in the downstroke to actually strike ball, then turf. Too much motion!

51

Moving the head off the ball usually results in fat and thin shots.

Falling back in the downstroke results in the club striking the ground BEFORE the ball! No compression here and again results in fat and/or thin shots.

52

This is how you can strike the ball THEN the ground! Keep the head in the center, or even slightly ahead of the ball to help ensure that you have a descending blow coming into the golf ball and not before.

53

Another key to the Golf Stroke is the path of the hands during the backstroke.

The hands follow the red line during the backstroke. This red line is parallel to the Alternate Target Line.

The butt of the golf club should be pointing at the base of the Plane Line and NOT at the Alternate Target Line!

54

Coming into Impact the Right Forearm and clubshaft should be in the same alignment and the Left Wrist should be FLAT! At Impact the force should be going into the ground. There should NEVER be a feeling a helping the ball up! Instead, you are trying to drive the ball into the ground. The head still remains in the center of the feet.

55

Hitting - Grip

Hitters have the option of using a slightly stronger grip to promote Single Wrist Action.

56

Address
The Set-Up for Hitting Hitters start from the Preview Impact position and with the Left Wrist Flat, Level, and Vertical. The body is fairly squared away but the Hands are in Impact Position. The weight is 60 % on the front foot and stays there during the backstroke, the head is in the center of the body the Tripod and the ball is positioned to give a straight away flight. The clubface is square to the target line perpendicular. As with every shot the clubshaft and Right Forearm are in alignment with each other.

As you use the Right Forearm pick up turn your Right Shoulder back simultaneously while pulling on the left thumb, or clubshaft away from you upward and backward through the use of the right thumb pad pushing against the clubshaft. This keeps the left arm taunt and provides a steady radius throughout the stroke. The arms and shoulders MUST stop at the same time! If the shoulder turn stops and the arms lift, the Plane Angle will most likely be too steep. If the arms move but the shoulders do not then the Plane Angle will be too flat and too much around the body.

57

Start-Up

Hitters MUST pre-turn the right hip to make room for Right Forearm to go up and down the Plane Angle. Think of it as pulling the cord on a lawnmower.

58

The Backstroke for Hitting

Hitters also use single Wrist Action. This means that the Left Wrist cocks and uncocks but does NOT turn to the Plane. So the feeling very well may be that the clubface looks at the ball during the stroke. Dont worry, this is NOT a shut clubface but is merely a matching component for Hitters.

59

Top

At the top of the backstroke the clubface will be looking more toward the sky than the target line. Again, this is because of the Left Wrist action.

60

Start Down
The Downstroke for Hitting From the Top of the Backstroke Hitters have a small hip slide NO MORE then two inches using a crosslateral movement while the Right Shoulder acts like a backstop for the Right Forearm. This also takes up the slack in the Shoulder girdle and stretches the left arm and clubshaft into a taunt line. From there the Right Shoulder drives the Right Forearm downward and outward through Impact and all the way to Low Point. The Right Arm is driving but the Right Wrist stays bent back which keeps the Left Wrist Flat throughout the stroke. These two movements work on Plane using the Alternate Target Line as a reference and guide. Do NOT let the Right Shoulder work off Plane by either dropping vertically or coming out from the top too high. If the Right Shoulder is off Plane, you can compensate if you have Educated Hands but only up to a certain point. So LEARN to keep the Right Shoulder on Plane.

Hip Slide using the cross lateral movement.

61

Downstroke The Downstroke for Hitting

There is no need to roll the clubface via the Left Wrist because we are using Angled Hinging remember it's a No Roll feel throughout the stroke. Hitters do not have a lot of body movement because the Right Tricep is driving the club pushing. So if you feel like your body isn't doing anything then that's good! We want to keep the body as quiet as possible for Hitting.

62

Release Point - Hitting

Here you can see that the clubface is looking at the golf ball. There has been NO turning or rolling of the clubface in either direction.

63

Impact - Hitting

At Impact, the Left Wrist is Flat, Level, and Vertical and the Right Wrist is Bent, Level, and Vertical. The Right Forearm and clubshaft are in ONE line with the Right Forearm providing support for the clubshaft through Impact. The Tripod, (the head has remained in the center of the feet) has remained steady and is in place, NOT drifting back or forward and the clubface is square to the right of the target line to allow for the closing and layback only action of Angled Hinging.

64

Both Arms Straight Follow Through - Hitting

This is the only time that both arms are straight during a proper golf stroke. This is also called full extension and the feel is as if your arms are being stretched, downward from the shoulders, and into the ground.

65

Finish - Hitting

All done; now you can relax! Ideally, Hitters will finish facing the target instead of facing left of it. Think of the finishes of Tom Lehman, Arnold Palmer and others.

66

Swingers - Grip

Swingers typically use a more neutral grip where the palms face each other.

67

Address - Swinging
The Set-Up for Swinging

After Previewing Impact this is where you verify your Impact Alignments Swingers address position is somewhere between Impact and mid-body location for the Hands. The Left Wrist, if it is anywhere except for mid-body location, will be Flat, Level, and Vertical and the Right Wrist will be Bent, Level, and Vertical. If the Hands are in the mid-body location then the Left Wrist is Bent, Level, and Vertical and the Right Wrist is Flat, Level, and Vertical. The weight is 60% on the front foot and the head is in the center of the body the Tripod, and as with every shot the clubshaft and Right Forearm are in alignment with each other (meaning that they are in the same line.) The ball is positioned to give a straight away flight and the clubface is open to the target line pointing to the right of the target line.

68

Start Up - Swinging
The Backstroke for Swinging Swingers use the Start up Swivel, Right Forearm takeaway, and the turning of the Right Shoulder ALL simultaneously - up, back and in all on Plane together while pulling on the left thumb, or clubshaft, away from you through the use of the right forefinger or right thumb pad. This keeps the left arm taunt and provides a steady radius throughout the stroke.

The clubface is opening to the base of the Plane and starting to lie on the face of the Plane Angle.

69

Backstroke - Swinging
The Backstroke for Swinging

The clubface is now fully lying on the face of the Inclined Plane.

70

Top - Swinging
The Backstroke for Swinging

At the top of the back stroke the back of the Left Hand and the Clubface should be lying on the face of the Inclined Plane, the head remains in the center of the body, and the shoulders have turned whatever amount your flexibility dictates.

71

Start Down - Swinging

The Downstroke for Swinging The initial move from the top of the stroke is a small hip movement lateral to the base of the Plane while holding the shoulders, hands, arms, and clubshaft back. This hip movement is only about two inches and NO more! This movement also takes up the slack in the Shoulder girdle and stretches the left arm and clubshaft into a taunt line. After this initial movement the right shoulder spins like a flywheel downward and outward on Plane while the Left Hand executes a karate chop like motion toward the Aiming Point Impact Hand Location. These two movements work on Plane using the Alternate Target Line as a reference and guide. Do NOT let the Right Shoulder work off Plane by either dropping vertically or coming out from the top too high. If the Right Shoulder is off Plane you can compensate if you have Educated Hands but only up to a certain point. So LEARN to keep the Right Shoulder on Plane. It is the motion of the upper body and NOT the lower body that produces a throw out action that propels the arms, hands, and club into Impact. The lower body provides ZERO power its ONLY job is providing stability throughout the stroke.

Some players may even feel a vertical drop of the hands and golf club in the downstroke while holding their chest facing AWAY from target. This move allows the golf club to stay back longer before it reaches the Release Point.

72

Downstroke - Swinging
The clubshaft, clubhead, clubface and hands ALL sliding down the face of the Inclined Plane. The yellow lines are meant to represent the roof of a house with a gutter at the bottom. As you can see everything is being dragged down Plane.

73

Release Point - Swinging

The Downstroke for Swinging

Again, everything is moving downward and outward on Plane with the clubface acting just like a door opening and closing. The Right Forearm is pointing at the base of the Plane and is providing support for Impact.

74

Impact - Swinging
The Downstroke for Swinging

At Impact, the Left Wrist is Flat, Level, and Vertical and the Right Wrist is Bent, Level, and Vertical. The Right Forearm and clubshaft are in ONE line with the Right Forearm providing support for the clubshaft through Impact. The Tripod, (head in the center of the feet) has remained steady and is in place, NOT drifting back or forward and the clubface is pointed to the right of the target line to allow for the closing only action of Horizontal Hinging.

75

Follow Through Full Extension - Swinging

The Downstroke for Swinging

Here both arms are straight, the clubface is being re-planed and the Left Wrist has remained flat. All of the energy is being thrust into the ground and the arms feel like they are being pulled out of socket and into the ground! (The insert picture represents the club just past follow through and starting to swivel back to the Plane Angle.) Follow Through is the ONLY place in the stroke that both arms ARE straight! Follow Through equals Full Extension!

76

Re-Swivel to Plane
Just as the right arm was bent in the backstroke the left arm now mirrors this on the target side of the ball.

The clubface, clubshaft, clubhead and hands are once again lying on the face of the Inclined Plane.

77

Finish - Swinging

All done, now relax and watch the flight of the golf ball. Be sure to watch until the ball hits the ground and stops moving. If you can hold your finish until that happens then you have swung in balance.

78

Practice with Purpose

A lot of players practice but in reality all they are doing is beating golf balls! The players focus is on ball behavior instead of learning how to do something correctly. That should be reversed! Learn to do something correctly even if you miss the ball until you dont miss it anymore! Mental game guru Cary Mumford, has shared with us what he calls the 32 ball drill. In this process the player hits four shots it can be putting, chipping, pitching, full swing, any shot on Manual or training devices, and then hits four shots on automatic. The automatic process consists of repeating the players Clear Key. When done properly the Clear Key eliminates swing thoughts, stressful thoughts, and allows the player to have a sort of freedom and calmness during the round and in practice sessions. Playing golf on manual however is just the opposite. The player is constantly thinking about their swing, the golf course, and how they are striking the ball. Manual is how MOST players play golf! After you have struck four shots on manual and four on automatic you have completed ONE set of the 32 ball drill. SoFour of these sets constitute doing a 32 ball drill. Remember, Four on manual and then Four on automatic. Learning to do this on the practice tee trains you to do the same thing on the golf course and during the round. If you a 3 putt green earlier, using the Clear Key will keep you in the present and not thinking about would have, could have, should have.

THE "32 BALL" EXERCISE

By: Dr. Carey Mumford BUILDING HABITS In order to build a habit, one must give conscious attention to what is being done. That is a MANUAL activity designed to build a skill. For a habit to MATURE, one must consciously replicate the (skill) action long enough for a habit to be formed. At that point, our systems transfer that learning to a "subconscious" or unconscious reservoir and our habit is ready for service. Habits function only on an AUTOMATIC PATH. It takes MANUAL activity to create skills from which to build habits and an AUTOMATIC process to release the habits, once matured. Using a Clear Key will open the automatic path. The definition of AUTOMATIC PRINCIPLE is: "When habits start, conscious thinking about action stops." However, it is vital to notice that all conscious thought does not stop. It just is not connected to the habit you are discharging. If you are thinking about what you are doing while you are doing it, or giving yourself any kind of action command, you will not be able to use your habits, no matter how many you have or how good they are. Like it or not, you will be left to skills alone, which require conscious thought for their action. So you must think about something other than the action you are using when you want a habit to function. It may be easy for brushing your teeth, but it takes a little planning, order and focus for golf.

79

To BUILD a HABIT from a skill, AND an AUTOMATIC PATH to put in on, it is necessary to BALANCE MANUAL & AUTOMATIC activity. That is accomplished through a series of "32 Ball" exercises. It could also be "32 Swings," since no ball is required for the movements to be learned. Your natural system doesn't know and doesn't care whether a ball is there or not. FIRST - Execute four shots (or swings) while thinking about what you are trying to do - on MANUAL. SECOND - Execute four shots using a Clear Key. MANUAL input is made pre-shot. The actual shot is made on AUTOMATIC in this sequence. THIRD - Repeat steps one and two, three more times. (4+4) x4=32. FOURTH - Duplicate this process for each skill, regularly, until you can take the habit to the course. When you can use your clear key and get shots off that match what you ask for in pre-shot, those habits are formed. That takes as long as it takes. Expect at least a week just to become acclimated to anything new, like using a Clear Key. FIFTH - When playing after a building session, play on AUTOMATIC, using a Clear Key in order to evaluate your progress. Remember that growth is an UNEVEN process. It rarely follows a straight, upward line. Do not be alarmed by occasional regressions. Use the range to BUILD. Use the course to practice the AUTOMATIC PATH and evaluate the progress of your HABIT development. MAKING ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS require as much BALANCE of MANUAL and AUTOMATIC as BUILDING. However, there is a difference in WHEN they are implemented. Since adjustments are only appropriate with habits that are already in place, manual thinking at the moment of shot-making is rarely necessary. All manual thought pertaining to an adjustment is best done as part of pre-shot activity. BEFORE stepping over the ball, one gives direct attention to the desired alteration. From that point, the normal procedure for going on automatic is initiated. Minor adjustments can be made during play, to the extent they are considered only within pre-shot timeframes. Major adjustments are best left to the practice area. Players must decide individually what is major or minor for them. The "32 Ball" exercise remains valid for adjustments. It can be carried out (4+4) x4, or it can completed by making all 32 shots using a Clear Key, so long as the proper manual input for the adjustment is clearly inserted.

80

Outline for Tournament Preparation

On practice round days - CHART the greens! Start by dividing the greens into 4 equal quadrants and then chart the undulations, how different areas of each quadrant break etc. This will be invaluable once the tournament starts. You'll be able to know WHAT part of the green to hit your approach shots. AND how the putt ACTUALLY breaks! GET A YARDAGE BOOK! You MUST know what the yardages are from every point on the course! Without a yardage book you're playing golf like an amateur. What is the yardage to the front, middle, and back of the green? What is the yardage to clear a bunker - either fairway OR greenside. It is not at all necessary to play every single hole as if one is playing a round of golf. The idea of a practice round is to acquire local knowledge of the golf course and to chart ones path for success by the collection of data. The warm-up procedure that is presented below for day of tournament should be likewise adhered to for a practice round and also that of Post Round.

Tournament Days:
Arrive at least two hours BEFORE the round! If you're going to eat now is the time to do it. Then start with 15 minutes of stretching followed by 30 minutes of putting and chipping. From there move into ball striking for 30 minutes - lay a club down for alignment while hitting shots. In ball striking start with hitting pitch shots and work your way up to full strokes. After this session move to bunker and lob shots for 15 minutes and finally back to the putting green. I would also recommend that you take 10-15 minutes getting your game face on! Clear your mind of any other thoughts, don't get caught in who's playing the tournament or who's in your group. YOU are the one that THEY should be enamored with! On the course, TAKE YOUR TIME (this is NOT Beat the Clock or first in Wins) and make good decisions, evaluate the shot, picture the shot, use the clear key process and play the GOLF COURSE...NOT the other players!

Tournament Day Sample every day of tournament! (Tee Time 8am)

6am 6 6:15 6:15 6:45 6:45 7:15 7:15 7:30 7:30 7:40 7:40 7:55 Arrive at Course Stretching Putting & Chipping Ball Striking Bunker and Lob Shots Quiet Time/Game Face ON! Putting Green

GAME ON!!! USGA Rules state that the player MUST be ON the teeing ground with club AND ball in hand when their name is announced.

81

POST ROUND SESSION: ONE DAY EVENT

Check and sign scorecard and turn into scoring tent. IF you dont have to make a long drive back home then this is the procedure. Get something to eat and relax. After lunch go to the practice tee and work on the shots you had difficulty with that day. If you played a great round, CONGRATULATIONS, now hit some shots to keep that feel and sense of the day. There really is not a set time frame for after round practice for a one day event but time enough to get the work done.

POST ROUND SESSION: TWO DAY EVENT

Day 1 - Check and sign scorecard and turn into scoring tent. Get something to eat and relax. After lunch go to the practice tee and work on the shots you had difficulty with that day. If you played a great round, CONGRATULATIONS, now hit some shots to keep that feel and sense of the day. This time frame could be an hour or it could be several hours depending on a couple of things your mindset and what youre working on. Day 2 Same as day 1

82

In Closing
There you have it, the Science of the Golf Stroke - Medicus Geometrics. Remember, the key to consistency is clubface control. This is done through using these drills we have outlined. As your Chipping gets better your Pitching gets better. And as your Pitching gets better your Full Stroke gets better, but it all starts with short shots! We have covered the basic geometry and motions your Medicus Instructor will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that you understand AND can perform them. If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact us. Thank you and maximize your compression! Chuck Evans, Executive Director of Instruction Medicus Golf Institute www.medicusgolfinstitute.com 800.732.4995

Medicus Golf Institute, ES Golf LLC, and Chuck Evans 1968-2008 all rights reserved. This publication may not be duplicated, scanned, or otherwise shared without the express written consent of Medicus Golf and Chuck Evans

83

Stretching Exercises
Before every round or practice session you must make sure that you are loose. These exercises are designed to not only accomplish this but also to increase your range of motion and flexibility. When doing stretching exercises it is important to NEVER make quick, jerky motions. Instead, make the movement slowly until you reach your limits then hold the stretch for a few moments and proceed to stretch it a little farther. Be sure to consult your physician before taking up any exercise or fitness programs.

Left Arm Stretch grab a club then place the right arm under the left elbow and pull the left arm to the right.

Right Arm Stretch same procedure as the Left just reverse the process.

Left Wrist Rotation hold the club in your left hand with the left wrist flat and the shaft horizontal to the ground.

Left Wrist Rotation now rotate the left arm to the left maintaining a Flat Left Wrist.

Continued

84

Stretching Exercises

Right Wrist Rotation - hold the club in your right hand with the right wrist bent and the shaft horizontal to the ground.

Right Wrist Rotation now rotate the right arm to the right while maintaining a Bent Right Wrist.

Left Tricep Stretch hold the grip end of the club with the right hand and place the left thumb under the clubhead as shown. Now pull in opposite directions creating an isometric stretch.

Right Tricep Stretch now hold the grip end of the club with the left hand and place the right thumb under the clubhead as shown. Now pull in opposite directions creating an isometric stretch.

Continued

85

Stretching Exercises

Rotator Cuff Stretch take your address position with the club as shown.

Now lift the arms as shown you will feel a tightness in the triceps and rotator cuff.

Lower Back Stretch stand with your feet apart & holding the club as shown.

Now bend over while keeping the knees locked and reach as far down as you can go.

Continued

86

Stretching Exercises

Shoulder Stretch Hold the club as shown above.

Now raise your arms as far up and back as possible.

Quadricep Stretch Use the club for balance as pictured above. Grab your right foot, place your knees together and pull the right foot up toward the back of your leg. You will feel tightness in the right thigh.

Quadricep Stretch same process as the right

Continued

87

Stretching Exercises

Ham String Stretch place the right foot forward and up on the heel.

Now bend forward and touch your toes while keeping the left leg as straight as possible.

Ham String Stretch place the left foot forward up on the heel.

Now bend forward and touch your toes while keeping the right leg as straight as possible.

Remember, NEVER bounce or make quick, jerky movements when doing stretching exercises! Once you have reached your initial maximum range, hold this position for a few moments then try to extend the range. You will find that after a few weeks of these of exercises that your range of motion will increase and you will become more flexible.

88

APPENDIX A Glossary (Terms & Definitions)

Adjustment: a small change; a minor correction; a modification In golf we are always making adjustments to fit the situation at hand. Changing the grip, ball location, clubface motion, or even Plane Angles and Plane Lines in order to get the ball to do something. Aiming Point: the direction of anything towards a particular point or object, with a view to strike or affect it. The point intended to be hit, or object intended to be attained or affected. Intention; purpose The Aiming Point in golf is where we direct thrust via the right index finger and completely replaces the golf ball. For example; when a player is in the greenside bunker he/she is looking at a spot behind the golf ball because this is the spot where they want the club to enter the ground. Alternate Target Line: one designated to take the place of another in performing some duty. The Sweetspot of the golf club travels along the Alternate Target Line (ATL) back and up, down and out, during the golf stroke. The Target Line (TL) itself is only used for a reference for alignments and has no other use in golf. The ATL is approximately an 11 degree line that runs from the Low Point, the left shoulder; all of the way back and down the stroke. The ATL and the TL combine as one at Low Point. The ATL is also called the Right Forearm Angle of Approach, and Right Forearm Impact Alignment because it is the angle that the Right Forearm should trace during the stroke and at Impact. Angled Hinging: A hinge connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them. In biology, many joints function as hinges but the one we are referring to is the wrist joint. Angled Hinging produces a simultaneous Closing and Layback procedure (the clubface is closing AND tilting back) that holds the Flat Left Wrist vertical to the Inclined Plane. This means there is NO turn or roll during the golf stroke. Angled Plane: A line that is somewhere between the horizontal and the vertical. Example: the sloped roof of a house. In golf we play on an Inclined Plane neither a vertical one like croquet nor a horizontal one like hitting a baseball. Automatic Principle: Playing golf on Automatic instead of manual. The automatic process replaces the manual mode and allows the player to NOT have swing thoughts during their swing. This is done by using a Clear Key. Backstroke: The movement of the hands from address to the top. This is performed by using a Right Forearm takeaway. Body Position: The players choice of how their pivot works and the positioning of the body at address.

89

Bunker: A hollow comprised of sand or grass or both that exists as an obstacle and, in some cases, a hazard. There are three types of bunkers: Greenside, Fairway, and Waste bunkers. Bunkers are designed by golf course architects to be a one and one half stroke penalty. Chipping: By definition means no cocking of the left wrist. Chipping is simply putting with a lofted club. Chip shots are from just off the green and are in and around the fringe areas. Clear Key: A phrase or a saying that contain no actions words and bring a smile to your face. Example, Mary had a little lamb. I wish I had one too. Club Face: The part of the golf club that strikes the golf ball. One of the three parts of a golf club that the player MUST control! Club Face Control: Controlling the part of the golf club that strikes the golf ball through the use of the left hand. Club Head: The weight at the end of the clubshaft that has a front, back, top, and bottom. The second part of a golf club that MUST be controlled! Club Shaft: The length of steel, graphite, or any number of substances that is attached to the clubhead. The clubshaft is Inclined Plane control and is the third part of the golf club that MUST be controlled! Cocked Left Wrist: When the left wrist is in an upward condition from level. The cocked left wrist adds velocity to the golf stroke. Direction: The most common relative directions are left, right, forward, backward, up, and down. Distance: A numerical description of how far apart objects are. For example; this hole is 462 yards Divergent Force: A product of at least two forces. One is outward and the other is downward. They are held in balance by either Clubhead Lag (Hitting) or by Centrifugal Force (Swinging). Divot: A chunk of grass, and turf (either fairway or rough) displaced when the golf club enters the ground. Downstroke: The movement of the hands down plane after they have reached the Top of the backstroke. Follow Through: The ONLY time both arms are straight in a golf stroke. Full Stroke: The players length of stroke for any full shot. Geometry of the Circle: Simple shapes of Euclidean geometry consisting of those points in a plane which are at a constant distance, called the radius, from a fixed point, called the center, or Low Point. A gyroscope is a perfect example.

90

Golf Club: The equipment used to strike the ball; driver, iron, wedge, or putter Golf Stroke: Any golf club moved in an attempt to strike the golf ball. Green Side Bunker: A bunker or sand trap is a hazard in the game of golf. It is a depression near the green that is filled with sand. Grip: The placing and positioning of the hands on the club. The various types include the Vardon or overlapping, the interlocking and the 10-finger or baseball grip. (The Vardon grip is the most popular grip today) They hands can also be placed in a neutral, strong, or weak position relative to the clubface. Habit: An action performed repeatedly and automatically, usually without awareness. Hinge Action: Example: All types of swinging doors. In golf, the player holds the flat Left Wrist vertical to one of the three basic planes to impart the same motion to the clubface. Hinge Pin: A pin attaching two levers. The golfers equivalent is an imaginary pin running through the left wrist that allows the wrist cock (a vertical motion) but NOT bend (a horizontal motion). Hitter: A golfer that pushes the golf club. Horizontal Hinging: A door opening and closing. This creates a closing only motion to the clubface. Horizontal Plane: A floor or the ground. Impact: The force or energy of a collision of two objects - the golf club striking the golf ball. Impact Hand Location: The location of the hands relative to the golf ball at Impact. Impact Plane Line: A line on the ground (the visible Plane Line) Inclined Plane: The angle of the clubshaft as it sets at address. Inward Dimension: One of the three dimensions of the backstroke (backward, upward, and inward.) Long Shots: Normally full length shots with maximum distance. Low Point: The lowest point of a circle or arc. For golfers this is the outside edge of the left (target side) shoulder. Low Point Plane Line: The point reached after a golfer has struck the golf ball and continued moving the clubhead down plane. This Low Point Plane Line is UNDER the ground (the invisible Plane Line). Major Adjustment: Doing something, or several things, that the golfer has not done before to dramatically improve their golf game. 91

Minor Adjustment: Adding the final touches to an already decent golfer to allow them to take the next step to great golf. Off Plane: The golfer is either on or off Plane. Bending the Plane Line creates off Plane motion. On Plane: The majority of great players are on Plane at least from hip high to hip high in the downstroke. Pitching: For shots that are less than full but greater than a chip shot. The Right Forearm should NOT exceed horizontal to the ground for Pitch length strokes. Lob shots and bunker shots are variations of Pitch shots. Plane of Rotation: The clubshaft rotates around the sweetspot. Plane Shift: The golf club leaving the original angle of inclination to another. Pull Stroke: Swinging Push Stroke: Hitting Putting: A shot played on the green, usually with a putter. Sand Bunker: A sand filled bunker as opposed to a grass or waste bunker. Science (of Golf Stroke): Swingology is the science behind ALL golf strokes. These include geometry, physics, and biomechanics. Short Shots: Any stroke less than full power. Straight Line Delivery: The hands take a straight line from the Top of the backstroke directly to the golf ball or Aiming Point. Stretch Bands: An elastic band Stretch Band Drills: Drills using a stretch band to simulate a Straight Line Delivery Swinger: A golfer that pulls the golf club. Swing Plane: An imaginary surface that describes the path and angle of the club during the swing. Target Side Hand: The hand closest to the target (left hand for right-handed players). Vertical Hinging: The motion of the wrists to impart a reverse roll to the clubface. Example, a pet door. This is a layback only procedure. Vertical Plane: A wall 92

Weight Distribution: The apportioning of weight at the address, top, and finish of the golf stroke. Yardage Book: A book with the layout, yardages, and contours of the greens. 32 Ball Drill: The process of taking your golf game from manual to automatic.

93