Create Golfers

Don't Be a Superman!

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Here's a short video with a fun and simple message!

Enjoy!

Peace... Love... Golf!

Ted

Simple Keys for Better Chipping

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I've written about chipping previously, yet I think it's worth repeating. And this time I've added a video as well. While short in length (47 seconds long) it's filled with great info! But before you go on to the video... let me summarize what it takes to make a good chip shot...

In a good chip shot stroke... the club is striking the ball on a descending blow. Many Golfers that struggle with chipping try to "help" the ball in the air by "flipping" the club using their hands and wrists. There's no need for that unless you're trying to chip the ball up in the air using a 1-iron (remember those?). So if you've chosen the correct club with the loft you want... then let the CLUB DO THE JOB IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO... or else... choose another club!
To assist with striking the ball on a descending blow... address position is key. Begin with placing a bit more weight on your forward foot... about 55-60%. And remain with the weight on that foot throughout the entire shot.
I also like for Golfers to have their hands forward of the ball at setup position. Have the club handle pointing at the forward hip (left hip for right-handed golfers).
When you swing. focus on finishing with the club head low to the ground. For a simple chip shot like the one I'm demonstrating, the clubhead stays well below my knees. A good visual for you to use.
You'll notice in the video that my upper arms stay connected to the sides of my chest throughout the entire stroke. This assists with keeping my arms bigger muscles of my body working together which encourages me to use shoulders instead of hands AND keeps the club face on path and pointing to my target. When the left elbow separates from the body on the follow-through, it can cause the club face to open, causing the ball to go right or pop up too high. If the right arm separates, it causes the club face to close too soon, causing the shot to go low and possibly left of target.
A very important factor for successfully executing the chip shot is for me to keep my hands light throughout the stroke. I am VERY aware of where the clubhead is in the stroke and can FEEL it following my hands through impact. At no instance am I using the hands to push the club forward at the ball. Focus on keeping constant grip pressure on the club from beginning to end for better results.

Okay... off to the video!

Peace... Love... Golf!

Ted

The Latest from Create Golfers ...

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Hi Create Golfers Tribe!

As many of you know, I have the distinct privilege of being the PGA Director of Instruction at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge (OCN). I get excited every day I go to OCN whether to teach, practice, play, or just hang out with my family and friends there. The talented individuals that work at OCN daily are the true reason behind the success of the brand... they ARE the brand! And I'm privileged to be a part of something so big.

You can tell this is leading up to something...

Recently, an opportunity presented itself for which I couldn't resist. I was offered the opportunity of creating my own golf academy at another incredible facility called MetroWest Golf Club located in the greater Orlando, Florida area. It is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed property and managed by Marriott! Please check out the site for yourself to see the amazing amenities it offers (MetroWest Golf Club)!

My new golf academy will be called... what else... but Create Golfers Academy! You can see the logo in this post. I'm really excited to begin this new adventure and see how far I can take it. Who know? Perhaps one day there may be a Create Golfers Academy near you!!!

So it is with mixed emotions that I leave one great facility to launch a new endeavor at another great facility. I will be fully on board at the Create Golfers Academy at MetroWest Golf Club on March 6th, but until then I'll be giving lessons at both facilities.

Thanks to the great team at OCN, especially the incredible general manager, Bruce Gerlander, who gave me the opportunity and support in the first place. Without him, OCN would have never happened for me.

Peace... Love... Golf!

Ted

One Year From Now ...

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Two hunters decided to go on their annual Alaskan moose hunt. So they hired a pilot to take them deep into the far northern tundra wilderness and drop them off.

They had a successful hunt, each bagging a huge full-antlered moose bull.

As per the arrangement... the pilot came back to pick them up. He took one look at the huge moose and told the hunters, "I'm sorry, we will have to leave one of the moose behind. We wouldn't be able to make it back with that much weight."

But the hunters argued with the pilot, "That can't be! Last year we had the same plane model and weight capacity and the pilot had no problem getting our moose on the plane." Relentless as they were... eventually the pilot gave in and agreed to take both moose back.

The plane managed to take off, but it wasn't before long into the flight, as predicted by the pilot, that the plane started to experience trouble and eventually crashed in the wilderness.

The pilot was killed... but both hunters managed to survive and crawl out of the wreckage. One hunter asked the other, "Do you have any idea where we are?"

The other answered, "Yeah... it looks like the same place we crashed last year!"

Two questions for YOU dear reader ...

QUESTION #1: Where was YOUR golf game a year ago?

If your game is at the same level today as it was a year ago... WHY?

AND MORE IMPORTANTLY...

Where will YOUR golf game be a year from now?

If you are unhappy with the answer to question #1... what game plan do you (will you) have in place that will produce better results?

Today is the day to start your new game plan... and that probably (actually... most certainly!) means being open to change!

Peace... Love... Golf!

Ben Hogan Car Accident - February 2nd, 1949

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

For those of you who know me or who have taken lessons from me know that I am a huge admirer of Ben Hogan. Then again, who isn't?

Today (February 2nd, 1949), was the horrific day when Mr. Hogan and his wife Valerie, were involved in a head on collision with a Greyhound bus. Upon seeing the oncoming bus, Mr. Hogan threw his body in front of Valerie. That act of bravery not only saved her life, but his own as well. He suffered many broken bones and sustained many injuries, which included permanent damage to both legs. The prognosis from doctors was that he would probably never walk again and playing golf would not be an option.

But...

Drawing inspiration from the thousands of letters and cards he received from well wishers and fans, and sheer determination, he proved them wrong! Mr. Hogan not only returned to play golf, but he played in AND won the 1950 U.S. Open! He went on to play some of his best golf ever which included six majors (U.S. Open (3), the Masters (2), and the British Open).

For a brief history and accomplishments of his life, please visit the World Golf Hall of Fame's website by clicking on his signature below:

And here's a very, very brief video mentioning the car accident!

May his life and accomplishments inspire you as they continue to inspire me!

Peace... Love... Golf!

Ted

Tips for Finding a Good Golf Instructor

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Recently I was asked, "What should I look for when searching for a good golf instructor?" Fortunately, I wasn't asked in person, or I'd be "bent! (That would be like going to a restaurant and asking, "Are there any good restaurants you can recommend?")" But it's a valid question that I get asked via email, Twitter, Facebook, etc... a lot! I mean, what DO YOU look for?

Sooooooo... I gave it some thought and came up with a short list or "guidelines" that may help YOU choose an instructor that's right for YOU:

While I'm sure there are many good non-LPGA and non-PGA instructors out there, I'd start my search with professionals that are either members or apprentices of the LPGA and PGA. To become a full member, one not only has to have an understanding of golf instruction, but must also be able to demonstrate effective instruction techniques AND required to attend ongoing educational seminars to keep their membership. Visit the PGA or LPGA websites to locate an instructor near you.
You should try to find someone fairly close to where you live. It's kind of like a health club, if it's too far from home or work, you're more likely to find reasons of why NOT to exercise. Having said that, don't compromise quality instruction over location.
Reputation. If you were hiring someone for your business, you'd look for someone with an excellent reputation and proficient skills in the field you're hiring for. Same with golf instructors. Look for someone who is a good "junior" teacher or "adult" teacher, or someone who works well with beginners, or advance players. In other words, find someone who has a reputation for teaching someone like you! Ask around. And don't be afraid to "interview" the instructor you're considering.
Personality. There are lots of "knowledgeable" instructors committed to their students... and not ripping on anyone... but there are also some who teach JUST for the purpose of making some quick cash. You want someone who WANTS to work with you and treats you with the same respect (regardless of your skill level) as they would working with a TOUR player. Someone who's committed to seeing you improve and enjoy the game. You're going to be spending time with this person... perhaps quite a bit of time... so you want it to be an enjoyable experience.
Price does not always equate with quality. Look for knowledgeable yet affordable. Paying a lower price for a bad lesson doesn't justify paying the lower price (This lesson was horrible, but hey, at least I didn't pay that much). And neither does taking out a 2nd mortgage to pay for your lessons mean you're going to get an instructor that will get you playing on TOUR next week! Reputation (#3 on this list) trumps price.
Find an instructor that compliments your learning and communication style. If you don't need to know launch angles, ball speeds, centripetal versus centrifugal forces as they pertain to your swing, what Lower Body Power Package Accumulators means, etc... then an instructor who bombards you with too much details might not be the one for you. However... If you neeeeed to know the nitty gritty info... then search for one who wears a white lab coat and can help you with the diagnosis. In reality, all instructors need to be knowledgeable... It's how they communicate this info to you that makes them right for you.

Even with these guidelines, you'll probably still have to take a lesson or two from an instructor to see if he or she is right for you. BUT... don't be a "tire-kicker" either! One who jumps around from instructor to instructor as soon as the game goes bad. If YOU TRULY believe in the instructor you're working with and what she's teaching you, stay with her! When it comes to learning golf, I find it's not a continuous upward climb. There are dips along the learning path, and oftentimes it's in the dips that you learn the most... EVEN when it seems that no progress is being made.

By the way... if you're ever in the Central Florida area... I know this great instructor by the name of Ted Eleftheriou that would feel privileged if he had the opportunity of working with YOU on your golf game... I'm just saying. You can email him at: CreateGolfers[at]gmail.com.

Peace... Love... Golf!

Ted

From One Golf Parent to Another…

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

From One Golf Parent to Another...

Recently my son Grayson, mydaughter Madison Rose, and I played 9-holes of golf on Crooked Cat at OrangeCounty National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, Florida.

Grayson was hitting the ballremarkably well and was one under for quite a few holes! Did I mentionhe just turned 13 years old?

Then, we came to the ninth hole. Aslight dog-leg left with water guarding the corner. He decided he was going tohit over the water (carry about 240yds) leaving himself about 50 yards to thehole. I suggested he lay up, but also told him the decision would be his and tostay committed to the shot. He went with the driver, went through his preshotroutine, lined up, and… hit it a bit too high and into the water. He was devastated.As Madison Rose and I could clearly tell by the way he dropped to his knees and yelled, “Noooooooooo!”

I’m not a psychologist,therapist, or counselor… but I am a parent to two AWESOME children who love toplay golf! And I’m happy because THEY (not me forcing it on them) want to playgolf. Hopefully because I’ve made the game fun for them.

So I’ll be speaking to you as aparent… AND… as a golf coach who works with a ton of juniors and who sees andhears some of the interactions parents and their kids have when it comes togolf, performance, tournaments, and practice. So here are some of myobservations… and how I responded to Grayson. Perhaps there is something herefor you.

It greatly hurt Grayson when he plunked his tee shot into the water… and his great score plummet with it. It stung! He was disappointed. Frustrated. Sad. He felt like his heart had been ripped out. PARENTS… for me to tell him that the round didn’t matter would have been an insult to his intelligence and his skill. He knew I’d be lying. Of course it mattered. It mattered greatly to him or he wouldn’t have reacted as strongly as he did. So I acknowledged his feelings and felt sad along with him and gave him a BIG hug! And if he wanted to cry… I would have let him… on my shoulder.
I praised Grayson for his effort over the result. For his club choice. For his reasoning. For his great preshot routine. I could have said, “I told you to lay up but you didn’t listen to me and that’s why you hit it in the water and ruined your score!” But that wouldn’t have helped… would it have? PARENTS… instead I SINCERELY told him how proud I was of how he went through the process, stuck to his decision, and how he handled the outcome.
I let him know that it was okay to be sad and that I understood because I have been there before (and will again) and yes there will be another day and that I loved him… unconditionally! PARENTS… Golf is not who Grayson, Madison Rose, or your child is. Golf is a game that they play. And if they decided to quit playing tomorrow… I would love them just as much. PERIOD! It kills me when parents walk off the golf course in disgust, anger, frustration… when their child has a less than stellar round in a junior tournament as if they tried to play bad on purpose! Sometimes I just want to shove a club in the parent’s hand and say, “Let me see you play!”
PARENTS… after the round… way after… and when he was ready to talk and had settled down… I asked if he had any thoughts on what HE thought happened. And when he talked about it… I listened… as a psychologist, not as his swing coach. Did he lose his concentration? Did he get nervous? Was he overconfident? Did the water psych him out? Immediately, he started talking about his swing mechanics and how he had to work harder on it and practice more. However, I suggested to him that he just lacked experience. Experience of feeling the pressure of a phenomenal round or being in the lead in a tournament and that he should play more golf. His swing was fine…
And finally… I told him that golf is full of near misses, changes in momentum, narrow escapes, creativity, and at times… luck. And that I thought it was cool that he put it all on the line and chose the shot he did and that he didn’t try to pretend like he didn’t care about the outcome… because he did. PARENTS… I wanted him to learn from this experience and we talked about his thought process… but I also want him to maintain his creativeness when playing… to take chances at times… to try things… even when others think it’s crazy… even when the outcome doesn't always turn out as expected.

Madison Rose and Grayson

I want to be inspiring,encouraging, and supportive of Grayson’s and Madison Rose’s golf game… really... theirlives! A parent once fired me as her child’s swing coach because she didn’t thinkI was tough enough on her. That if she didn’t go out and shoot a 44 or betterin her next 9-hole tournament, I’d make her practice harder. She was eightyears old. I’m not in the business of being tough on my students. Sorry… nevergoing to happen. Life is already tough enough on them. Instead, I want toencourage them and to show them how to enjoy the game more by introducing them tothe necessary skills needed. I want Grayson and Madison Rose to WANT to playgolf… not because I MAKE them play. I mean doesn’t that sound silly? You haveto MAKE someone PLAY? As in PLAY?

Peace… Love… Golf!

PGA Demo Day 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:45:00 +0000

The Eleftheriou Clan attended the 2012 PGA Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge (OCN)... the place where I teach! It was outstanding as always. The team at OCN did a phenomenal job!

Saw LOTS of friends (some from years ago) and made some new ones!

Enjoy the pics!

Peace... Love... Golf!

The Day Before the Event. It's Set up Time.
Thanks to the GREAT staff at Puma for hooking up
some of our Juniors with some cool "stuff!"

The Calm before the Storm!

It's TIME! Waiting in line to get in!

We DID feel Welcomed!

Oakley... one of our Favorites! First stop of the day!

Swung by Softspikes and had the spikes on our shoes changed... FOR FREE!
Afterwards, I really had to make an effort to pick up my feet when walking with new spikes!
Thanks Softspikes!

Orange Balls at Cobra/Puma at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge.
How appropriate!

Future LPGA TOUR Player Madison Rose 10-yrs-old being ball fit at Bridgestone.
Swing Speed Average - 83.1 mph

Future PGA TOUR Player Grayson 13-yrs-old being ball fit at Bridgestone.
Swing Speed Average - 109.3 mph

Lots of cool stuff! Honma had a driver listing for $2150!! I'll take two!
The head was colored gold... appropriate!

Over one mile of vendor booths, activities and of course food!

Started at Oakley and eight... as in EIGHT hours later... finished at Oakley!
Almost had to get another pair of Softspikes put in!

Releasing the Golf Club Through Impact

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I’m in a car… driving at 90 miles per hour… I’m not wearing my seatbelt.

I hit a wall… the car stops to zero miles per hour immediately… My body flies through the windshield at 90 miles per hour. UGH!

How does this relate to golf? This illustration shows the “transfer of energy” as it pertains to your golf swing and how power is transmitted to your golf ball.

The “wall” in the golf swing is the target-side leg (Left leg for right-handed golfers). Perhaps you’ve heard the expression of “hitting past your left side.”

My “body” in the illustration represents the clubhead.

My body separating from the car and flying through the windshield at 90 miles per hour represents the release of the clubhead through the hitting zone (impact and follow-through).

My point is, that when we speak of “releasing” the clubhead through the hitting zone… it’s simply a RESULT of the arms and hands abruptly slowing down as they approach impact… transferring the energy they’ve accumulated through the clubshaft to the clubhead… which eventually transfers the energy to the golf ball sending it on its way.

In a good golf swing… for this chain reaction to happen… the hands must be PASSIVE… holding the club lightly… ALLOWING the clubhead to release its energy into the ball. Any effort to manipulate the clubhead using the hands will result in deceleration and most likely mishit shots. When the hands try to manipulate a clubhead that’s traveling 90 miles per hour… to hit a golf ball that’s 1.68 inches in diameter… timing will be too much of a factor. And some days you’ll have it… but on most days you won’t.

Here’s a quote from Ben Hogan:

“The main thing for the average golfer is to keep any conscious hand action out of his swing. The correct swing is founded on a chain action. If you used the hands when you should not, you prevent the chain action.”

Read that again… and then say, “Amen.”

Correctly “transferring” energy to the ball (translated: POWER), should occur without effort. It’s part of the chain action Mr. Hogan speaks of. You don’t DO the release… you ALLOW it to happen.

Oh yeah… and ALWAYS wear your seatbelt!

Peace… Love… Golf!

10 Tips to Cure YOUR Slice

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

10 Tips to Cure YOUR Slice

At address, and without moving your head except to look down, check your grip and make sure that you can see 2-3 knuckles of your target-side hand and the fingernails and first knuckle joint of the middle two fingers of your trail-side hand.

At address, check to make sure that your ball position is not too far forward in your stance. With driver, a good place to begin is with the ball position about two inches inside target-side foot. For irons, middle to slightly forward of middle for shorter to longer clubs.

At address, begin with your shirt buttons facing slightly behind the ball and your upper spine a tad further away from the target than your lower spine. Maintaining this angle through the swing, and especially during the downswing, will promote a flatter downswing and attacking the ball from the “inside.”

Waggle the club prior to hitting to release tension in your hands and arms AND THEN… maintain a light (not loose!) grip pressure throughout the entire swing… especially as club comes to impact and beyond. This will allow clubhead to naturally release through impact. When you hold the club too tight, the tendency is for the clubface to remain open at impact.

Don’t “snatch” the club with your hands as you begin your takeaway. Focus on keeping the clubface facing the ball or at the target for several feet as the club moves away from the ball. Excessive use of your hands during takeaway oftentimes leads to fanning the club face open, which in turn means you’ll have to rotate the club back to square at impact. This is too reliant on timing.

Right Hip Pulled Back and Around

During the takeaway/backswing, the trail-side hip (right hip for right-handed golfers), should be pulled back behind and around over the inside of your trail-side leg/heel due to a good shoulder turn, NOT away from the target causing it to move “outside” your trail-side leg/heel. This prevents swaying excessively with the hips and prevents a “reverse weight shift,” which happens when the trail-side hip sways away from the target while the upper body moves toward the target. Opposite of what was mentioned in tip #3.

At the top of your backswing, stop and take a look at your target-side hand (left hand for right-handed golfers). If the wrist is “cupped,” flatten it so that the back of the hand is aligned with the forearm. Work this position out by taking practice swings, pausing at the top, flattening the wrist, then swinging to full finish position.

During downswing, begin motion with a “feeling” that the shoulders are pointing right of target OR that your back is facing the target as the club and arms drop OR that your trail-side (right hip for right-handed golfers) back pocket “sits” on your target a bit as the downswing begins. Try each one to see which “feeling” works best for you. This move allows the arms and clubshaft to “drop” in front of the trail-side hip, which in turn promotes a flatter swing and attacking the ball from the inside position.

Address Position

Learn what good impact position should look and feel like! Set up at address, and then simulate impact position without taking a backswing. Alternate between address position and impact position several times to feel the difference. Differences are:

· At address, your hips are squareto the target line… at impact, hips are opened about 45 degrees to target line.

· At address, shoulders are squareto target line… at impact, shoulders are still square or slightly open totarget line.

Impact Position

· At address, weight for most clubsis evenly distributed… at impact, hips have shifted towards target placing more weight on target-side leg than trail-side.

· At address, head is over orslightly behind the ball… at impact, head is still over or slightly behind theball.

· At address, arms are fairlyextended… at impact, target-side arm isfully extended while trail-side arm has some bend (arms arenot fully extended until follow-through position after impact).

Right Shoulder and Hip Closer to Target than
Left Shoulder and Hip

Finish what you started. Assuming you have no injuries and are capable of making a decent rotation, finish with your trail-side shoulder (right shoulder for right-handed golfers) and trail-side hip CLOSER to the target than the target-side shoulder and hip when posing in your finished position. This assures a good rotation of the body, which not only assists in squaring the clubface through impact… but contributes to a tremendous source of power… translated: more distance!

Well there you have it! Printthis tip sheet out and try one, some, or all of these next time you practice onthe range and say, “goodbye” to your slice!

Peace… Love… Golf!

By the way… if you Twitter (andeven if you don’t), check out my eBook: If Your Swing Thought is Longer Than aTweet… IT’S TOO LONG! Filled with hundreds of my most popular golf tipsfeatured on Twitter. Click here to purchase! THANK YOU!!

Persistence and Determination

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I recently came upon this popular quote by the 30thpresident of the United States, Calvin Coolidge:

"Nothingin the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing ismore common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewardedgenius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educatedderelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

President Coolidge had a pretty incredible life… clearly getting to theoffice of presidency through persistence and determination. You can read abrief bio and learn some facts about him by clicking here: Calvin Coolidge

Hiswords ring true regarding golf… don’t they? I mean, as an instructor, Idefinitely see Golfers in each of these categories. Let me explain… and perhapsthis may apply to the way you’re going about with your game improvement plan…

TALENTEDGOLFER:

Thisis the Golfer who is born with loads of talent. The person who practices verylittle… if at all!.. yet always seems to perform well on the golf course. Manyof us wish we could be like this Golfer, who oftentimes doesn’t even have agreat swing, yet kicks our butts!

YET…without practice to support and grow this talent… this Golfer will undoubtedlyplateau. They may experience moments of greatness, but oftentimes once theyachieve a certain level, they’ll remain there indefinitely. The talented GolferMUST practice just as hard as the not-so-talented-Golfer if he or she reallywants to reach their full potential. Talent will only take you so far.

GENIUS:

Thistype of Golfer knows about golf, their swing, the launch angle of their 7-iron,and the ball spin rate. They can evaluate and analyze their golf games (andeveryone else’s!) and know the causes of both successful and unsuccessfulshots. They can dissect the swing into minute components and talk aboutcentripetal versus centrifugal forces, linear thrusts, power package accumulators,and not only can recite the Pythagorean Theorem, but can demonstrate how itapplies to golf!

ThisGolfer is a true genius in the sense… but the Golfer that falls into thiscategory lacks one major ability… the ability to shoot low scores. “Paralysisby Analysis.” For this Golfer to progress in their golfing abilities… he mustforego the title of “Golf Scientist” and seek the title of “Golfer.” This “rangepro” must get out and play to really test their genius abilities. And yes… asdoes the “Talented Golfer,” this Golf Scientist needs to practice as well. Bookknowledge and genius is one thing, but this Golfer should practice and develop shot-makingskills and simulate golf course situations in order to achieve their fullpotential. I truly believe score is still the best indicator of how wellsomeone plays… don’t you?

EDUCATED GOLFER

People sometimes ask me, “Who would you say is yourbiggest competitor?” Expecting me to list a “who’s who” of golf instructorsnear the facility I teach at, I catch them off guard when I say, ‘The Internet.”

I mean, now-a-days, there is absolutely no shortage ofinformation on the World Wide Web! Twitter, Facebook, blogs, LinkedIn, websites…UGH! And this doesn’t even take into consideration DVDs, Books, Magazines, ComputerSoftware, Phone Apps, etc… OR the bazillion training aids that can be found. UGH(redux!)!

The educated Golfer is the person who has tons ofwebsites bookmarked, arranged in alphabetical order, and has subscriptions toevery newsletter and RSS Feed.

She’s a seeker of knowledge. Looks for the next quickfix. The “secret.” Trying to find ways to shortcut the process. But to noavail. Because the “tip” that works this week… doesn’t work the next. Whetherit’s valid or not. Mainly because that’s how she treats the information she’sfound. As a tip… not a long-term solution. Not taking into consideration thatthe TOUR Professional who wrote that tip, probably practiced it for years forher to get it right.

Don’t be this type of Golfer who jumps around fromwebsite to website, article to article, training aid to training aid, teacherto teacher, and never truly discover their game. Find a good book on golf, awebsite, an instructor, a method, etc…, and be persistent AND determined to “getit” before moving on to the next.

Persistence and determination… sigh… it’s hard work. Probablythe reason why a Golfer will take a lesson from me who’s been playing 35 years,and I can’t help but think, How can he possibly have such a bad grip if he’sbeen playing for 35 years? Why hasn’t he learned it yet? The answer… lackof persistence and determination to get it right.

So hang in there… your persistence and determination willpay off!

Peace… Love… Golf!

Five Keys to Better Golf

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

To start off the year… I’d liketo share five keys or areas of focus that will assist you in improving yourgolf game. There are probably more…but if you focus on these five key areas, YOU will be on your way to golfing bliss!!

TECHNIQUE– Having good technique is a must… regardless if you think of yourself as a“feel” player. Feel is important… but it’s not always accurate. You must learnproper mechanics and methods to improve in golf. And I’m not just talking aboutfull swing. To improve in golf… you must develop sound technique in all areasthat make up your game. Check out your local LPGA and PGA golf professional forassistance.
PRACTICE– Sorry. There’s no way around it. To improve… you must put in some quality practicetime. PERIOD! Enough said.
PHYSICALCONDITIONING – You just can’t leave out physical conditioning andexpect to reach your full golfing potential. Not only will it improve your ballstriking ability and increase your stamina… but it will help prevent injurieswhich will add longevity to your golfing days. And this doesn’t even take intoconsideration the overall benefits of exercise in all areas of your life.
PSYCHOLOGICALTRAINING – Developing sound mental skills will assist you withcourse management, controlling fear, clarity and focus, staying in the “now,”mental toughness, tournament jitters, performance anxieties, learning, …let’s just say a BUNCH of stuff! I believe developing a good golf gameinvolves 100% focus on mechanics and the physical… and 100% focus on thepsychological. In other words, they’re inseparable.
EQUIPMENT– With the technological advances in equipment, playing with your grandfather’sHaig Ultra irons or your grandmother’s Patty Berg woods leaves you at a majordisadvantage (as in MAJOR!). You should consider having a clubfitting done with your currentclubs EVEN if you’re not currently in the market to purchase some new ones. Andthis includes having a fitting done for your putter and driver in addition toyour irons. Also… don’t forget ball fitting. Using the right ball can enhanceyour shot making experience!

Well that’s about it. Focus onthese key areas and make 2012 the year where your game leaps to new levels!

Peace… Love… Golf!

Ted

Amazing 2011 - Roll The Credits!

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Many of you may not know… butprior to becoming a PGA golf professional and instructor… I used to be in thefilm business as a freelance producer and production coordinator. SO… pullingfrom my past… I’d like to dedicate this post to AN AMAZING 2011 and

ROLL THE CREDITS…

WORLD WIDE WEB

To all the wonderfulpeople who have helped me spread the word and follow me on Twitter, Facebook,and who read my Blog

THANK YOU so VERY much!!You’re all ROCKSTARS!

Though I haven’t metmost of you in person… I consider all of you friends! Let's tee it up some time!

STUDENTS

To all the incredibleStudents who have taken lessons from me in 2011…

I GREATLY APPRECIATEEACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!

I hope I’vecontributed a little something to your golf games… and perhaps life!

Thank you for makingme a better teacher and person. In a perfect world I wouldn’t have charged adime for the privilege of teaching and meeting such great people like you! Again…I consider all of you friends!

I really believe..:

“I’m not in thegolf business teaching People…

but in the Peoplebusiness teaching golf!”

LOCATION

MUCH GRATITUDE toBruce Gerlander, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center andLodge (OCN) in Winter Garden, Florida, who gave me the incredible opportunityof becoming the Director of Instruction at OCN… my Playground!

A BIG THANK YOU toall the remarkable people who work at OCN making it the world-class facilitythat it is! Thank you for the kindness you’ve not only shown me… but to myfamily as well. I love you guys!

For those readingthis… come out and experience OCN for yourself!

ASSOCIATION

“PGA” three simpleletters that represent so much… The Professional Golfers’ Association (of America). Iremember how proud I was when I became a PGA member in 1998… and my pridecontinues to grow to this day! I am privileged to be part of an organizationcomprised of over 27,000 talented PGA members and apprentices dedicated to Growingthe Game of Golf!

FAMILY

I’m blessed to bepart of such a great family…

Married to Lisa, whonot only supported me on this path I’ve chosen (or has chosen me!), but for allher behind-the-scenes hard work (from setting up junior camps to schedulinglessons for me), making me look better than I could ever look on my own!

Father to two amazingchildren, my son Grayson and daughter Madison Rose who not only impress me withtheir incredible golfing skills… but more importantly… who WOW me daily with theincredible people they are. I’m VERY PROUD of you!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks to…well… EVERYONE who touched my life in 2011 and prior! I attempted to write alist but it kept growing and I’m sure I would have forgotten someone! But youknow who you are… a very SPECIAL THANKS ( X ) 1000!

Looking onward to 2012!

PEACE... LOVE...GOLF!

Ted

Controllable Versus Uncontrollable

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Michael Johnson, famed Olympic GoldMedalist long sprinter, mentions in his book “Slaying the Dragon,” that after arace or practice he would assess his performance by drawing a line down themiddle of a piece of paper making two columns and listing the things he couldn’tcontrol in one column and things he could have controlled in theother. I think this is excellent and have incorporated this into my teaching.You should incorporate it into your game improvement plan as well. Here’s how:

In your golf journal, after a roundof golf, draw a line down the middle of a blank page. On the top of the leftcolumn write, “Uncontrollable” and on the top of the right-hand column write“Controllable.” Recap your round and for every shot you didn’tlike, choose the appropriate column and write a detailed description of theshot.

For example, if you hit a good drive,but the ball hit a sprinkler head and bounced into a bunker… that would be an“Uncontrollable.” If someone sneezed during your downswing… “Uncontrollable.”Ball landed in a sandy divot in the fairway… “Uncontrollable.”

However, if you missed a putt because youfelt you were lined up incorrectly, yet went ahead and putted anyway… that’s a “Controllable.”Coming up short on a par-3 because you used a club your opponent used ratherthan the one you normally would have used… “Controllable.” Miss-hitting a shotbecause you were distracted by your playing partner’s shadow from parking thegolf car too close to your ball… “Controllable.”

After listing all the miss-hit shotsduring your round… cross out each item under the “Uncontrollable” column… oneby one. What happened in each of these shots was beyond your control. There wasnothing that could have been done to avoid the outcome. So forget about them. Carryingthis “mental baggage” around with you to your next round… next hole… next shot…oftentimes contributes to poor performance.

However… the areas that need focus forgame improvement are the items you listed under the “Controllable” column. Ifyou stroked a putt knowing that you weren’t lined up correctly… chances are itcould have been prevented by stepping away and starting the alignment processover again until you felt you had the correct alignment.

If you hit a shot that came up shortbecause you chose a club your opponent went with rather than going with a clubyou would normally use… well… you could have put ego aside and hit the correctclub you knew you should have went with.

And if you hit a poor shot because yourplaying partner’s shadow was distracting you… you could have easily (andpolitely) asked him to move prior to hitting.

After charting your “Uncontrollable” and“Controllable” shots over several rounds… you’ll most likely start seeingpatterns in your “Controllable” column. You might be surprised to find out howmany times you’ve missed putts because you didn’t trust your alignment, inwhich case you need to develop and practice a better preshot routine that incorporatesa reliable alignment method.

Fix the “Controllable” items. That’swhere the real work to your game is. And forget about the “Uncontrollable”items!

Peace… Love… Golf!

KIDZ Winter Golf Camp by Ted Eleftheriou

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

EXCEPTIONAL Junior Golf Camp!

Still room for more signups... but don't wait too long!

Also... contact me to purchase holiday gift certificates for golf lessons. Many options to choose from for anyone's budget!

Peace... Love... Golf!

Practice - Objectives vs. Outcomes

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:00:00 +0000

I’ve had tough practice sessions(yesterday was one of them!)… and not-so-tough ones. And I could never predictwhich ones would be which.

And I’m glad!

Because had I known… I wouldhave probably skipped the tough ones… and YET… those by far were the mostproductive ones.

I mean… there’s no way aroundit. Improving skills requires practice. And practice isn’t reserved just forthose with little skill level. The Golfer with natural talent, in order toachieve full potential, must practice just as hard as the Golfer who has lessnatural abilities.

To get through the toughpractice sessions, I find that on days when little or no progress is apparent…if I keep my focus on “objectives” rather than “outcome”… mypractice sessions are productive. Objectives are different than outcomes. Outcomesare usually too general in nature whereas objectives are specific.

Case in point: My son Grayson (followhis blog as he journals his progress toward becoming a professional golfer at NextGreatGolfer ), developed asevere case of swinging “over-the-top” earlier this year, causing weak, high-slices to low snap-hooks. By devising a plan that focused onpractice sessions that were objective-oriented rather than outcome-oriented… hewas able to bring his game to a new level.

Here’s what we did.

First… we videotaped his swing so he could see what I saw and identified the problematic areas. It was important that he hadan accurate understanding of what the problem areas were that produced the undesirable outcome.

Then we created a list ofobjectives along with specific drills and use ofcertain training aids that would assist him in achieving these objectives.

Next… he practiced several timesa week focusing on the objectives… regardless of outcome (at times the slicesand pull hooks got worse!). He diligently worked on achieving and then maintainingthe objectives for several months. I can tell you first hand… it was hard! Practicing... videotaping... reviewing... adjusting... over and over again. Yethe persevered!

And then… it happened. As hecompleted his objectives, which included fixing his grip, stance, posture, takeaway, downswing, impact position, weighttransfer, and balance… the ball flight, (the outcome), improved. And althoughit appeared to happen almost instantaneously… we both know it was the unbelievableamount of hours invested both on and off the practice facility that eventuallyled to his success. The day when he achieved the desired outcome. Check out thephotos below. The left ones are the AFTER photos… the ones on the right…several months ago:

"After" Images of Downswing on Left... "Before" on Right!

Most of his practice sessionswere tough! YET… he persevered! I’m VERY, VERY PROUD OF HIM! Most Golfers would have given upearly on. But Grayson hung in there and now in addition to “fixing” his swing,he has confidence knowing that he can conquer the next steps needed to continueimproving… in golf and in life! He got through "the Dip."

DO THIS:

LEARN what is causing theproblem. Consider investing in a lesson or lessons from a PGA or LPGA GolfInstructor. Make sure you understand the problematic areas of your game. Do notgo to the next step if you aren’t! Practicing thewrong thing is death!! Again… I repeat MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND what needs to beaccomplished!
IDENTIFY what objectives need tobe accomplished in order to “fix” the problem(s) identified in Step 1. Developa series of drills and practice routines that will assist you in achieving yourobjectives. By knowing your objectives ahead of time… you’ll save yourself aton of time. Your practice sessions will have purpose and focus.
PRACTICE!! Objective-oriented practice.Don’t let yourself get off track because the outcome is not happening. Keep atit regardless! If you’re absolutely sure that you’ve identified the problemareas (Step 1) and you’ve created a plan with specific objectives (Step 2)… thenbe confident in knowing that you’re on the right path EVEN WHEN little or noprogress seems to be happening. Eventually, and no one knows when… you will berewarded with much success!! TRANSLATED: Desirable Outcomes! And your playing partners will think it happened over night!

Share your story of overcoming and/or how your game is coming along!

Peace... Love... Golf!

Karate ... Golf

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Never forget that Karate (Golf) begins and ends with respect.

From the book, "Budo Secrets: Teachings of the Marital Arts Masters" by John Stevens... Mr. Stevens lists Gichin Funakoshi's (recognized as the father of modern Karate) "Twenty Principles of Karate."

I'd like for you to read through the list and everywhere the word "Karate" appears... replace it with the word "Golf." In all other principles... see how golf could fit in as the theme.

How could these principles apply to YOUR golf? Perhaps not every principle does... then again... perhaps EVERY one does!! Don't just skim through the list... ponder these as you read them... again... and again. If you'd like to purchase the book, I've included a link at the end of this post. Enjoy!

Peace... Love... Golf!

Never forget that Karate begins and ends with respect.
There is no first attack in Karate.
Karate fosters righteousness.
First know yourself, then know others.
Rather than physical technique, mental technique.
Let your mind roam freely.
Inattention and neglect cause misfortune.
Never think that Karate is practiced only in the training hall.
Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
Everything you encounter is an aspect of Karate; find the marvelous truth there.
Karate is like boiling water; if you do not keep the flame high (with continual training), it turns tepid.
Do not think about winning; think about not losing.
Respond in accordance to your opponent.
Wage the battle with natural strategy.
Regard your hands and feet as weapons.
Step out the door and you face 10,000 foes.
Learn various stances as a beginner, but then rely on a natural posture.
The traditional forms must be practiced correctly; real combat is another matter.
Never forget your own strengths and weaknesses, the limitations of your body, and the relative quality of your techniques.
Continually polish your mind.

Rotating Through Impact

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Hitting high, weak shots with poor contact and no distance?

Chances are that you're "scooping" in effort to lift the ball in the air rather than using body pivot to deliver the club into the ball... allowing the loft of the club to lift the ball into the air.

To encourage good rotation through impact to follow-through... try this drill. The finish position of this drill is called the follow-through position or as I refer to it... "Position 8" (P8) in the golf swing. A video of me demonstrating the drill follows.

Here's the drill:
1) Begin by placing a ball on a tee and setting up to address position.

2) Take a second club or alignment rod and place it on the ground behind you and against the heels of your shoes. Now extend the club or rod out toward the target... maintaining the line established while it was against your heels. If placed correctly... the club or rod should begin at about the left heel, extend toward the target, and parallel to the target line.

3) Return to address position.

4) Now hit the ball using a swing that goes back only to about when the arms are about parallel to the ground and clubshaft vertical... finishing with the club at position 8 (P8). If finished correctly... look for the following:

a) The club should be parallel to the ground.

b) The club should be "over" and "parallel" to the club/rod you placed on the ground.
c) Both arms should be full extended. This is the only time during the swing where both arms are fully extended.

d) The club head, club shaft, and hands arrived over the club/rod on the ground at approximately the same time.

e) The club shaft should be pointing to your left hip.

f) The body is turned enough so that the buttons of your shirt are facing the target.

g) Your spine tilt should be about the same as it was at address.

h) Your rear foot heel should be partially lifted off the ground... an indication that you've transferred your weight to the left leg AND used adequate body pivot.

Practice this drill often... not focusing on distance... but on technique with emphasis on holding and evaluating your finish position. If you've missed any of the above checkpoints of the finish, correct it/them before attempting the drill again.

Once you've practiced this drill successfully, hit full shots and try to "feel" the body turning and the club going left after impact. Not because you're "trying" to make it do so... but because of good body pivot... which combined with light hands "allows" the club to do so.

Below is a quick video of me demonstrating the drill.

Peace... Love... Golf!

5 MORE Checkpoints for Proper Setup Position

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Proper Setup For Wedge

In my previous post, I addressed10.5 checkpoints for a proper setup position, from the “Down the Line” pointof view. Today’s post is a follow up with five additional checkpoints… thistime from the “face on” view or what I call “Caddy View.”

I encourage you to practice thecheckpoints from my previous post and this one whenever you have a chance. Everyone(AS IN EVERYONE!) can have a great set up position regardless of strength,flexibility, coordination, and ability! So why WOULDN’T a Golfer want to masterthe setup position?

So without further delay… hereare “5 More Checkpoints for Proper Setup Position.” (from Caddy View). Again,use a mirror for instant feedback when checking these positions.

CHECKPOINT - 1

Feet should be about shoulderwidth apart… meaning lines drawn from outside the shoulders to the ground wouldfind the feet directly beneath them. With wedges (as in the image of me below)and shorter irons, the feet may be a bit inside these lines. Mid- tolong-irons, directly beneath the lines and with hybrids, woods and especiallythe driver, the feet would be outside these lines…

Shoulder Width Apart

CHECKPOINT - 2

Since hips are a bit narrowerthan shoulders… the feet should be directly under them or wider… with theexception of shortgame like chipping and pitching. Notice in the image below…that my left shoulder is in line with my left hip… yet the right shoulder isoutside of my right hip. Hmmm… why would that be? …

Hip Width

CHECKPOINT – 3

… Because the shoulders areslightly tilted… with the target-side shoulder (my left) higher than thetrail-side shoulder. This makes my upper spine (head area) tilt slightly away fromthe target than my lower spine… due to the simple fact that my trail-side hand(my right hand) is lower on the club than my target-side hand.

CHECKPOINT - 4

Notice also in the image below, thatwhen lines are drawn from my shoulders… there’s a bit more gap between the linefrom my right shoulder and my right hip… than the line between my left shoulderand left hip. This is because my hips are counterbalancing the backward tilt ofmy shoulders by leaning ever-so-slightly toward the target. This is how I keepmy weight distributed evenly over both feet.

Hips Counter Balance for Even Weight Distribution

Players with more shoulder tiltoften have a bigger gap between the line from right shoulder and right hip asSean O’Hair does. His hips are a bit more toward target to counterbalance andkeep his weight evenly distributed.

Sean O'Hair Hips Bit Forward Toward Target to
Counter Balance Shoulder Tilt for Equal Weight Distribution

Players with less shoulder tiltare a bit more equal in gaps of hips from shoulder lines… as does Lorena Ochoa.Because her shoulders are a bit more level… her hips don’t have tocounterbalance as much to keep her weight evenly distributed.

Lorena Ochao... Less Shoulder Tilt so Hips More Centered
Over Feet

So who’s right? The answer: Bothare! I see professionals set up both ways! HOWEVER… I can’t find a professionalwho has a wider gap when lines are drawn from LEFT shoulder and LEFT hip. Notone! Not for a “normal” shot…

CHECKPOINT – 5

I know there are several schoolsof thinking when it comes to ball position. One… the ball position varies withdifferent clubs. Two… the ball remains in the same position (about two inchesinside the target-side foot) while the trail-side foot widens or narrows. Bothhave great reasons as to why and this post isn’t to argue who’s right.

However, my preference isthat the ball position varies depending on club. My reasoning is that as aninstructor, I find that students who play the ball forward in their stanceoftentimes have shoulders that are “open” (pointed left of target for righthanded golfer) which promotes an “over the top” move on their downswings.

Feel free to experiment on yourown with ball position. In the image of me below, my ball position for a wedgeis under my left cheek or left ear. From there… as my club gets longer… my ballposition will move slightly forward in my stance… with my driver ball positionbeing under my left armpit (the yellow line in the image below). That places myball position about two inches inside my left heel.

Ball Position Varies with Wedges and Short Irons More
Middle of Stance and Longer Clubs More Toward Left Armpit

CHECKPOINT – 5.5 (Bonus)

And finally… notice my hands inthe previous image are slightly ahead of the ball. All pros have their handseither ahead of or directly above the ball. NONE have the hands set upbehind the ball. I believe the more shoulder tilt, the more the hands are forward(Review Sean’s picture), and the more level the shoulders (Review Lorena’spicture) the less the hands are forward. When in doubt… go moderate… but again…NEVER behind the club and ball!

Whew! Okay… VOLUMES could be writtenabout the setup position. Which I almost accomplished! But the setup is THATIMPORTANT!!

Work on perfecting (usually Ihate to use that word but this time it applies) the set up position and your overall golf game can onlyimprove!

Till next time! Peace… Love…Golf!

10 Checkpoints For Proper Setup Position

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:43:00 +0000

As an instructor I see Golfers practicing on their swings all the time. Unfortunately… many of them practicing on the wrong things and showing very little improvement.

One universal area that EVERYGOLFER should continuously work on and review is the set up position. That’sbecause a flawed set up produces a flawed swing. PERIOD!

Here are TEN CHECKPOINTSthat I look for in a Golfer's set up position when giving a lesson. Chances are if you play Golf, you probably have many of the proper checkpoints already. Or perhapsyou’re a beginner and need to learn all of them. In either case… review and practicegetting into these positions and you’re on your way to better golf!

It’s best if you use a full-lengthmirror (your reflection in a sliding glass door will work as well!) and a golfclub. Digital cameras work fine… but you’ll have to get out of your set upposition to review it on the camera… rather than the instant feedback you getwhen looking at your reflection.

I’m going to break this subject upinto two posts rather than one long one (oops... too late!). This post is written from “Down the Line”(DTL) point of view… the other post is written from “Caddy View” (CV) and will be available in the very near future! So don't forget to check back... or simply subscribe to my feed or enter your email so you never miss any! It's simple!

Let’s get started….

CHECKPOINT - 1

Feet approximately shoulder widthapart and slightly wider than hips (more on this in the Caddy View post)…

CHECKPOINT - 2

Focus on keeping the lower back(the Lumbar area) fairly straight while…

Lumbar Region of Spine

CHECKPOINT - 3

… allowing the upper back region(the Thoracic) to curve a bit, encouraging the shoulders to be relaxed and thearms to hang…

Thoracic Region of Spine

CHECKPOINT - 4

As a result, you can see in mypicture that the entire back/spine is NOT totally straight, but contains somecurvature. This curvature by the way is NOT INTENTIONAL… but a RESULT ofkeeping my shoulders relaxed…

Spine is not Totally Straight

CHECKPOINT - 5

The total spine tilt should beroughly at about a 1 o’clock position. The head should naturally be in aposition where the eyes can see the ball clearly. Not trying to keep it up toohigh… yet not burying the chin into the chest either. A good measurement is tomake a fist and place it between the chin and chest. That’s approximately howhigh the head should be at address…

1 O'Clock Position

CHECKPOINT - 6

If bent correctly, the rear-end shouldbe out and past the heels by about four to six inches…

Rear-End Past Heels

CHECKPOINT - 7

With proper spine tilt… a Golfer’sbelt line should be angled toward the ground…

Belt Angled Downwards

CHECKPOINT - 8

The clubshaft should be pointingto the belt buckle or slightly above it…

Club Shaft Points to Belt Buckle or Slightly Above it

CHECKPOINT - 9

The hands should be roughly afist length away from the body. If they’re too close… the spine tilt is eithertoo upright or ball positions too close to body. If too far… well… it’s theopposite of being too close! J …

Butt End of Club About A Fist-Length From Body

CHECKPOINT - 10

The spine tilt and clubshaftangle should be roughly between 90 – 115 degrees. This is not an exactmeasurement but more of a guideline and varies depending on Golfer’s height andclub used…

Club Shaft and Spine Angle - Between 90 - 115 Degrees

CHECKPOINT – 10.5 (BONUS!)

If properly set up… the knees areslightly flexed and the front of the shoulders… the hands… and the toes… should be on top of each other. Also... toes, knees, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to the target line.

Shoulders... Hands... Toes... on Top of Each Other

Well… that’s it! It’s simple… yetmost Golfers DON’T have a good set up position either because they don’t pay attentionto it OR… I hate to say this… but they don’t WANT to change.

If you need to make a change… here’sthe formula….

Five Minutes X Six days a week =30 Minutes.

30 Minutes X Four Weeks a Month =Two Hours.

Two Hours X 12 Months = 24 HoursOR ONE FULL DAY!!

Five minutes a day… that’s all Iask!

Peace… Love… Golf!

Keep a Golf Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I encourage my students to keep a golf journal. I have since February 23rd, 1994. Wow... I can't believe how long ago that is. Yet at the same time, as I search through my notes for this post, I can remember each one as if it was only yesterday.

What goes in my golf journal? Well pretty much anything... Lesson notes, practice notes, impressions, inspirational quotes, sketches, round statistics... anything. Anything that will help me improve... help me remember... help inspire me.

In today's post, I'd like to share some notes from some of my journals. Enjoy... and I encourage you to keep one as well. You really should.

Peace... Love... Golf!

February 23rd, 1994 (my very first one)

"REMEMBER ... Hands don't square clubhead. It's the clubhead squaring that turns the wrists. After impact, the left arm rotates (forearm) the clubhead. It's not the wrists doing the rotating. Rotation comes from the left elbow...."

April 4th, 1996

"During a full drive, the head, shoulders, and upper chest DO 'stay back behind the shot' and never actually sway past the ball before the clubhead strikes it...."

September 7th, 1996 (notes from Mike Hebron Seminar)

"Faults are caused by trying to force what should be allowed. Grip... Posture... Alignment... Are caused to happen. Backswing... Downswing... Impact... Are allowed to happen."

August 8th, 1999

"'Everyone has the will to win, very few people have the will to PREPARE to win.' ~ Bobby Knight I need to determine the weak areas of my game, work on them, and prepare myself to win!"

February 2nd, 2001

"My right heel should not be lifted off the ground intentionally, but pulled off the ground as a result of good pivot and forward weight shift... and then... No more than necessary. Lifting the heel intentionally accomplishes nothing. Work on this. When I push or lift off my right foot, my right knee goes outside my toe line toward the ball causing power loss."

January 16th, 2004

"The ball should be struck prior to the low point of the downswing, even when using the driver. The clubshaft is never normally at right angles to the Plane Line through Impact - it leans forward. Hitting "up" produces duffers and most topped shots." - Golfing Machine

May 11th, 2005

"When I move my head forward too quickly, I get into trouble. Also results in right heel popping up way too early. I need to make conscious effort of downswing beginning with gravity "dropping" my arms down first... NOT forward. DON'T PUSH forward! VERY important for me."

December 9th, 2006

"Work on moving right hip slightly toward target on downswing... Resist the urge to uncoil too quickly from the top of the backswing. This way... body stays coiled a bit longer. Once feeling of weight shifting to center of stance, then uncoil aggressively.... "

September 15th, 2008

"Practice felt too mechanical... just couldn't let myself go. Thoughts of allowing arms and club to drop down not forward helped... along with "feeling" lower body reacting to upper body during backswing. Also... Focusing on hugging chest with left arm on takeaway helped me feel more connected and kept club on plane better...."

June 25th, 2010

"Problem: pulling putts!

Cure: Play my ball position more toward the middle of my stance. This makes my shoulders more square to target line. Putts started on line much better! Now just let putter do the work. Maintain constant grip pressure...."

November 10th, 2011

"I really like feeling as if my right elbow drops down to right hip... then "feel" as if forearm and clubshaft pivot around my right elbow while rotating through with body. Doesn't actually happen this way, but "feels" this way."

It's HARDER ...

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Orange County National GC & Lodge Practice Facility - My Office!

It’s HARDER to invest in a lesson than it is to buy thelatest and coolest looking driver…

It’s HARDER to make a grip change than it is to keep playingwith that slice…

It’s HARDER playing from the forward tees, which better suityour game level, than playing from the “tips” because everyone else is…

It’s HARDER after taking a lesson, and not experiencinginstant success, to hang in there and work through it, than it is to just goback to doing things the way you used to…

It’s HARDER to practice for four hours this week than it is toplay a round of golf that takes four hours, even though you’ve been hitting itbad…

It’s HARDER to put ego aside and choose an extra club onthat par three, than it is to hit the same club as your playing partner andcoming up short. You can always say, “I didn’t catch it all…”

It’s HARDER to practice your short game than it is topractice your full swing, even though 60% of your score is from 60 yards and in…

It’s HARDER working on that drill that your golf instructorgave you than it is to hit balls without much thought or purpose…

It’s HARDER to take five minutes after a practice session orlesson to write down your thoughts, impressions, things you worked on, etc… ina journal, than it is to say, “I’ll remember…”

It’s HARDER …

Yes… it’s HARDER sometimes… most of the time… I agree. But Ipromise it’s worth the hard work if you want to improve.

Peace… Love… Golf!

Which One of These Students are You?

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Here's an excerpt from Dr. Joseph Parent's book titled, "Zen Golf" (If interested in purchasing... I've provided a link at the end of this post.). As an instructor... I can relate to the four type of students. I've had them all.

My first question to you is... which one of these students are you?

My second question to you is... if you're not already... how can you become more like the fourth one?

Regarding the fourth student... I'd add that he or she not only learns... but takes what he or she learns... and applies it as well.

Peace... Love... Golf!

FOUR KINDS OF STUDENTS

There’s a saying, “Golf can’t betaught, it can only be learned.” That doesn’t mean we can do withoutinstruction. The point is that no matter how good the instruction is, it isonly as useful as the student’s interest and effort in learning. In describingthe learning process, the Buddhist teachings once again make use of themetaphor of the cup. Four types of cups symbolize four kinds of students.Instruction symbolized by water being poured.

The first cup is upside down.This represents a student who is supposedly there to learn, but pays not attention.You may had experienced something similar while reading a book: Your eyes moveacross the words all the way down the page, but when you get to the bottom, yourealize you were daydreaming and have no idea what you read. That’s whathappens when a cup is turned upside down. No matter how much is poured, nothinggets in.

The second cup is right side up,but has a hole in the bottom. We hear what’s being taught, bet we forget it alltoo soon. We don’t chew on it and digest it and take it to heart. For example,we might attend a golf school, and when we get home, asked by a friend, “Whatdid they teach?” And we say, ah, well, it was… Actually, I don’t remember.” Thisis the classic case of “in one ear and out the other.”

The third cup is right side upand doesn’t have a hole in it, but the inside is covered with dirt. When theclear water of instruction is poured in, the dirt makes it cloudy. Thissymbolizes the way we can distort what we hear, interpreting and editing it tofit into our preconceived ideas or opinions. Nothing new is actually learned.When we take a lesson, if the instruction matches how we already see things, itis taken as confirmation. Anything new that doesn’t match our opinion it is resisted,ignored, or disregarded.

The fourth cup represents theideal way to be a student. It is upright, receiving what is taught. It has noholes, retaining what is taught. It is clean, open to learning something new. Towhatever extent you can, be like the fourth cup.

Don't "Cement" Your Lower Body When Chipping!

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

When I was a junior… I was taught that the lower body shouldnot move… as in AT ALL… when chipping. So I really, REALLY worked hard on notmoving the lower body.

And I succeeded!

I succeeded… in feeling my back twinge in pain as I attempted to finish my swing.

I succeeded… in becoming "handsy" and scooping mychip shots causing everything from high shots, thin shots, and shots where Ihit behind the ball.

I succeeded… in my head moving backwards in effort to staystill… again causing me to hit behind the ball or on the ball’s equator as myclub went UP through the impact zone.

I succeeded… in becoming a poor and inconsistent shortgame golfer (sigh…).

As I grew older… I noticed that a lot of good players didNOT "cement their legs" when they chipped. There was movement in the lower body!At first I didn’t want to believe it! It’s like being told, “It’s okay to allowyour head to come up during the golf swing!” (It’s true!! You should never tryto keep your head down. Check out a previous post where I address this verysubject: Keep Your Head Down... UGH! ). But as I saw more andmore players, allowing their lower body to move… I started experimenting andwith great results!

The funny part is, that while I was taught as a junior thatI should keep my lower body quiet… cemented... I was also taught that the chip shot was amini-version of my full swing (So let me get this straight… I’m not supposed touse my lower body in the full swing?).

Actually… I DO agree that the chip shot is a mini-version ofthe full swing and I DO agree that there is body movement... in the chip shot as well as the full swing!

Like in the full swing… I believe the pivot of the biggermuscles of the body (hips, abs, chest, shoulders) move the smaller ones (arms,hands), which eventually move the club. What Ben Hogan called, "A chain reaction." Who am I to argue with Mr. Hogan!

So it’s okay to move the lower body… I encourage it! Look at how my right hip pocket pivots as I move to my finish position of this chip shot. Notice my legs,hips, and chest. Also look at how much my knees moved on the image taken frombehind. All these photos were taken during a Senior/Junior competition at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge… where Iteach at.

Free up your lower body. Allow it to react and do what it’ssupposed to do and you’ll find yourself chipping the ball better.

Enjoy! And don’t forget to check out my new book at the topof this page. For Kindle users, it’s now available on Kindle for a mere $4.99.Even if you don't have a Kindle... you can download the app to your phone, PC or Mac! AND you can download a free sample of the eBook! Here’s the link:

"If Your Swing Thought is Longer Than a Tweet... IT'S TOO LONG!!"

Peace… Love… Golf!

Ted

True or False: Hips Slide During Downswing.

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Eleftheriou) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

True of False? The hips should slide laterally toward thetarget during the downswing.

“True?”... “False?”…

Golfers fear “sliding” or “swaying their hips toward thetarget to initiate the downswing… and rightfully so! Many golfers overdo thelateral movement leading to problems! Such as:

LOWER ball flight (as in too low!)…

LOWER BALL flight that GOES RIGHT (for a right handedgolfer)…

TOPPED shots…

DIVOT that happens TOO FAR FORWARD of the ball…

POOR ball contact...

STEEP divots...

LITTLE or NO BODY PIVOT… translated: DISTANCE LOSS!

(ugh!)

As an instructor, I see this quite a bit in juniors andlong-ball hitters, often caused by the obsession with distance (none of usadults obsess about distance… do we!?!?). In effort to get more distance theyslide their hips aggressively toward the target… sometimes overdoing it andresulting in one or more of the shots mentioned above.

BUT…

The hips DO slide! Limiting forward hip movement limits akey power move. Try throwing a ball by just rotating your hips with no forwardmovement and you’ll see what I mean.

Check out this quick video by Jim McLean commenting on BenHogan’s hip movement:

Check out the pictures below. The white lines indicate wherethe hips were at Address…

Aaron Baddeley at Impact with Hybrid

Freddy Couples at Impact with Driver

Ted Eleftheriou at Address

Ted Eleftheriou at Impact

(For those of you who don’t know who Ted Eleftheriou is… sigh…)

Here’s another video this time of Luke Donald… you know… the World’sTop Ranking Golfer! Check out the drill he’s performing. I’m guessinghe’s working on a bit of hip “bump.”

Wow! As in WOW!!

So…

Allow the hips to move laterally toward the target andtoward the left heel as you transition from the top of the swing to thedownswing.

Try this:

At address position, place a bag stand, umbrella, clubshaft, or something that’s about hip high… outside of your target-side hip(left hip for right-handed golfers). The position should be right up againstand outside of the target-side foot. If placed correctly, you’ll have aboutthree to four inches of space between the object and your hip.

Now… without a ball… take the club to the top of yourbackswing… and like Luke in the video above (maybe not as exaggerated… thenagain… maybe so!), s-l-o-w-l-y start the downswing by laterally moving the hipsand “bump” the object before pivoting to impact position. Do this several time.

Now remove the object (so you don’t impale yourself and upin the Emergency Room!), hit some half shots. Hold the finish position andcheck to see that your hip is over the target-side leg and you can feel yourweight transferring to heel of your target-side foot.

Eventually work this move into your full swing.

When doing this drill… although the hips move laterallytoward the target… the head should remain back and over the ball at impactposition. Review Luke Donald’s video. Notice how his head doesn’t move forward?If your head moves forward past the ball at impact… you’ll most likelyexperience one or more of the miss-hits mentioned at the beginning of thispost.

If done correctly… you’re shots will start a bit lower butthen climb to a nice trajectory (known as “tour flight”). You’ll also probablygain a few yards! Yay!

Let me know how it goes!!

Peace… Love… Golf!

Ted

BTW… the answer to the “True” or “False” questions is…“TRUE!”