A simple solution to this problem is dispensed every week of the year to golfers at the Phil Ritson – Mel Sole Golf School. It’s called the Clear Key. When we are playing on the course, and not in practice mode, we want to clear all conscious thoughts of the mechanics of the swing from our minds so we can swing freely. After setting up to the shot and taking a practice swing, our students repeat a simple phrase that is unrelated to golf and this clears the mind of all swing thoughts. Some examples of this phrase or mantra are “have a happy day” and “hamburger, lettuce & tomato.” It doesn’t matter what your personal Clear Key is, as long as you focus on it only and swing the club while you’re saying it. The number of words one says should fit the physical rhythm of the individual golf swing.

It has been proven that using a Clear Key phrase removes the anxiety and tension that is almost every golfer’s bugaboo, and unlocks the very best swing that you are capable of. As long as you are truly into your release or Clear Key, you won’t be able to think about the last time you drove the ball out of bounds from this spot, and you won’t be thinking of future moves you’ll make in your swing.

One of my Instructors likened Kevin Na’s difficulty at The Players to the debilitating stuttering problem of George VI in The King’s Speech. When George VI played music with headphones on, he spoke clearly and without stuttering. This proves that if the conscious mind is occupied with something other than the task at hand, the body will produce the desired result quite easily. We can erase the mental clutter of how to execute something when we use our mantra to block all conscious thoughts. The true value of the Clear Key is that it forces your mind to train itself on the present moment only, so that your golf swing can operate on automatic.

Try it folks. This will be a huge help to those who hit it well on the practice tee (no pressure there!) and then head to the course where they sometimes play poorly. Just hit the Clear Key and let it go!

For more about Clear Keys, see my related golf tip, Swinging Smooth With a Clear Key.

The Mizuno Pro Am has been played every year for the last 25 years. The tournament features a golf pro playing with three amateurs. The best two scores count on each hole. It’s played in a Stableford format. The first three rounds are played on Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay. All competitors stay at the Inn at Spanish Bay. After three rounds there is a cut, and the top 10 teams play Pebble Beach again. The rest play Spyglass a second time.

They hold a wonderful welcome reception on the first night and a terrific dinner and awards presentation on the last night. There is a drawing for a set of Mizuno irons each day, and each participant receives a generous gift package on arrival and daily turn down gifts in the room each day. All-in-all a memorable experience not to be missed!

Needless to say my team and I had a great time.

I would like to take three teams next year, so I will be looking for nine participants. The Mizuno Pro-Am is held the week immediately following the AT&T National Pro Am, so the courses are in tremendous shape. The cost per person is $5995 double occupancy. If you’re interested you need to put your name down early as you’ll be registered on a first come first served basis. Deposits won’t be required until early November. For more details, download the 2012 Mizuno Pro-Am info sheet.

Here are a few pictures from this year’s tournament to entice you to consider playing in the Mizuno Pro-Am next year!

Any child 16 years or younger can enroll in a free 1 to 3-day golf school, followed by free on-course play in the afternoons — year round — when accompanied by an adult. If more than one child participates, the second (or 3rd) Junior’s lessons are half-price and his/her green fees are charged at regular cost.

Plus, when your family stays on-site with our “Best Ever Golf School Package” your kids stay at no extra charge. Enjoy spacious, fully-equipped golf villas that overlook the fairways of beautiful Pawleys Plantation; or, relax at the oceanfront suites at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, less than 10 minutes from the golf school.

Pawleys Island is a 30 minute drive south of Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach, SC is served by low cost, non-stop air service from over 25 cities. It is also renown for its number of exciting non-golf activities that are perfect for the whole family.

Make your 2012 family vacation the best yet! Golf lessons will make it fun, which is my number one priority when teaching kids how to golf. We start Juniors off by simply helping them to get the ball in the hole, and encourage them with lots of praise. This produces quick results and keeps them interested. As they progress, we give Juniors the chance to play some Par 3 courses. We also teach the basic rules of golf and golf etiquette, always keeping it fun. With more accomplished Juniors, we provide instruction on the mental side of golf in addition to physical drills.

This year, come to Myrtle Beach and share in our commitment to provide a great opportunity for kids and adults to learn golf together at a great price! For more information please call 1-800-624-4653 or contact us online.

Long putters first appeared around 1980 and Johnny Miller is the first professional credited with using the long putter in competition. Notable professional golfers who have made the switch after their putting stroke left them are Tom Lehman, Bernhard Langer, Sam Torrance and Tim Clark. These players would have been unable to continue playing professional golf at the highest level without this new advantage.

More recently, we saw Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley win using long putters that are anchored to the body. With Scott at the Master’s, Bradley at the PGA, and now Bill Haas at the FedEx Cup, these putters have obviously gained more attention.

The R&A and the USGA have said that they see no increase in success for players using these putters, and that the issue of disallowing them has arisen only because of the high profile of the tournaments at which they have been used. Right now both bodies say they have no plans to prevent either long putters or belly putters.

I see this as a cop out. Those using the long or belly putter seem to be doing significantly better (see above) and that’s why even the young guns are using them! I agree with Mike Davis, executive director of the USGA, on this subject.  Davis said in GOLFWEEK magazine (Sept 23, 2011) “I’m a traditionalist. I don’t like it, I can’t stand the look of it.”

However, Davis also said that people are telling him that they’ll quit the game if their belly putter is taken away. They value them that much. Adam Scott says the long putter helps him with the rhythm for his short putts. Short game guru Dave Peltz says there’s less manipulation with a longer putter and that it’s also easier on the back when practicing.

I don’t have a problem with amateur golfers using long putters to help them clean up on the greens if it increases their confidence and enjoyment of the game, but I also think the time is coming where amateurs and professionals will be playing under different rules.

What do you think? Should all golfers be made to use traditional putters where only your arms and hands produce the stroke? Or, should Touring Pros alone be prevented from using the “nerve-numbing crutch” of a long putter?

Related Reading: Long Putter – An Affront to Purity or a Welcome Tool? – The New York Times Golf Blog, April 15, 2011

What’s the good news? Survey results showed that a whopping 92% of golfers who were custom fit for new equipment realized immediate benefits to their game. 80% of custom-fit golfers hit the ball more accurately and consistently. Proof of this success, from the ten guinea-pig golfers, whose progress was tracked for the first few months with new clubs, can be found here.

My belief in the value of clubfitting has led to my use of the Zelocity Launch Monitor and also the Mizuno Performance Fitting System at my Ritson-Sole Golf School in Pawleys Island SC. These computerized measurement devices have raised clubfitting to a fine art. Several of my custom-fit students have dropped five strokes per round, gained distance, and now hit the ball much straighter. What I like best as a golf instructor, is that these golfers can continue to improve their games following their lessons. Yes, they produce better swings under close supervision at my academy; but once they leave us, they need every advantage possible to keep the momentum going. Playing with clubs that fit their ‘swing DNA’ is a huge advantage.

Please leave me a comment below and tell me if you’ve been custom fitted for clubs or if that is still on your bucket list, as one of my students reported. I invite you to a free clubfitting for your irons and/or woods when you’re next at my Pawleys Island SC site. You’re under no obligation – it’s just a good idea to get all your specs recorded for any future purchases. A clubfitting for woods involves more set-up with our Launch Monitor, so please let me know in advance if you’d like to do a woods or irons fitting, and I’ll set aside extra time for you.

Further Reading:

Why Get Custom Fit?
Provides detailed results of the Sports and Leisure Research Group’s study, and includes the February 2011 article “Get Fit” from GOLF Magazine.

Quick Fit, Quick Fix by James Achenbach, GOLFWEEK Magazine, June 17, 2011
Achenbach is adamant that clubfitting and ballfitting provide the consistency needed for skilled players, as well as amateur golfers.

Consider Golf School!

In 2005, when it came time for me to get “serious” about my golf game and accelerate my development, I decided that attending a multi-day golf school would be the best option.  I wanted a “boot camp” that would help me work on all aspects of my game under a focused and dedicated instructor.

So, what was the verdict?  Did the golf school improve my game?

Find out what happened with Kristian’s swing in his recent post at The Golf Genie Blog.

Barney Adams of Adams Golf, Golf Channel’s Dottie Pepper, CBS Analyst and Top Teacher Peter Kostis, and others in the golf industry are encouraging recreational golfers to move up off the tee and play from shorter distances. “Adams is pushing for at least 500 yards for men and 1000 yards for women – all in the interest of making golf a less daunting, quicker, and more entertaining pastime;” says Sam Weinman in the May 23rd issue of GolfWorld magazine. This new movement has been dubbed “Tee It Forward.”

Twenty years ago, one of my novice female students decided, all on her own, as a new golfer accompanied by her regular golfer husband, to play from only 100 yards in. Martha knew that her non-athletic nature plus a total lack of golfing experience, would not be conducive to an enjoyable 18-hole round for either herself or her husband, so she “shrank the course.” Even beginner golfers can usually hit short shots into the green, and then putt. My student and her husband played many enjoyable rounds on various courses this way.

I’ve since suggested to new golfers that they start playing from 100 yards in, and when they can regularly get the ball in the hole with 5 shots, to then move back to the 150 yard marker. When they can score 5 from 150 yards, they then should begin to play from the 200 yard marker. Upon getting it in the hole for 5 strokes from 200 yards, it’s time to start playing from the women’s tees. Comments from my beginners have included “You took the stress away” and “I gained some confidence, and had much more fun.”

Would you recommend Tee It Forward golf for beginner family members or friends? Would you object when finding yourself paired with someone who approached the game this way, or do you see it as a good way to make the game easier and quicker for newbies?

Leave your comments about Tee It Forward golf below and you could win a FREE half-day golf school. The winner’s name will be announced in the July edition of my Golf Soup From the Sole newsletter.

Related posts:

• Do We Need to Reinvent Golf to Save It?
• Why Do So Many Women Give Up On Golf?

Bobby Locke won four British Opens from 1949 to 1957, and likely would have won major tournaments in the USA if he’d been allowed more access. A big deterrent to Locke winning more in Europe was the advent of WWII, which interrupted him at the peak of his career.

Gary Player won nine majors, with his first at Augusta in 1961, and inspired Americans to think of golf as a global sport.

In the 70′s and 80′s several South Africans such as Bobby Cole and Harold Henning were a threat in the majors, such as the 1975 British Open where Tom Watson beat Bobby Cole at Muirfield.

But since 1992, when Nick Price won the PGA Championship and followed it with back-to-back wins at the British Open and the PGA Championship in ’94, the South Africans have been on a tear! Ernie Els has won three majors and Retief Goosen two. Trevor Immelman, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel have each won a major in the last four years.

As a native South African, my five reasons for this amazing golf legacy from such a small country are:

1. South Africa is a stronger sporting nation than many. Children engage in sport daily at school, and most are involved in leagues outside of school, where parents and communities provide strong support and coaching. Dedication and determination to excel is the result of an environment that nurtures and pushes athletes to succeed.
2. Climate is also a factor. One can play and practice golf year-round in South Africa.
3. The quality of golf courses in South Africa is very high. This country has hosted many international golf championships. Competitive courses help produce competitive golfers.
4. The Ernie Els Fancourt Foundation and Johann Rupert’s Golf Development Board have provided opportunities for talented golfers like Oosthuizen and Schwartzel to develop into golfers who can compete with the world’s best. Without this support, farmers’ sons like Schwartzel and Oosthuizen may not have the chance to reach their potential.
5. The European Tour. South African players don’t just stay home and play their own Sunshine Tour. They sharpen their skills and gain invaluable experience by playing the very competitive European Tour. Case in point: Charl Schwartzel won six times on the European Tour prior to his recent Masters win.

What do you think? All theories are welcome!

Interested in playing golf in South Africa? Join Mel & Rosemary Sole on a 5-Star South African Golf & Safari Vacation this fall! Find out more »

Further reading:

• South African Golfers Rise While Americans Fade – Gwinnett Daily Post
• Ranking the All-Time Greatest Golfers from South Africa
• New South Africa Event Signifies Nation’s Power in Golf
• No Golf Major Winners From America?
• South Africa Outperforms Europe and USA in 2010

1. Myrtle Beach Is Affordable

From hotel rooms and dining to attractions and activities, there are affordable options for any budget in Myrtle Beach. Here are just a few ways you can save money on a Myrtle Beach golf vacation:

• Book online: Many hotels and travel providers provide online-only discounts.
• Look for packages: Check with hotels for available Myrtle Beach Stay & Play golf packages.
• Book accommodations that include a kitchen and make your own breakfast in-room.

2. Myrtle Beach Is Easy to Get To

Many people drive to Myrtle Beach, but now there’s also new, low-cost direct-air service from more than 20 U.S. cities, and also from Toronto, Canada. Some flights are available year-round, while others are seasonal only. See our Myrtle Beach map and directions for more information.

3. Myrtle Beach Attractions Abound

In addition to the beautiful beaches along the Grand Strand’s 60 mile coastline, you’ll also find a wide array of exciting Myrtle Beach attractions to choose from. Amusement and water parks, excellent shopping, dinner theater and live entertainment, casino cruises, festivals, great fishing, fabulous golf… Myrtle Beach has it all!

4. Free Summer Golf for Juniors

Children under 16 years play most Myrtle Beach area golf courses for FREE when accompanied by an adult. 16 and 17 year olds will be charged a cart fee only, when playing with an adult. This is just another example of how family-friendly (and golf-friendly!) Myrtle Beach is.

5. Top Notch Golf Instruction

The Myrtle Beach area is well-known for its high concentration of superior golf courses. Myrtle Beach is also home to one of the country’s top golf schools, Ritson-Sole. We offer a true bargain for golfers wanting to take their game to the next level.

Our programs are extremely affordable! We’ve been ranked a ‘Top 25 Golf School” for 10 straight years by GOLF Magazine, and our prices are half as much as what you’ll pay at other reputable academies. 3 day golf schools are offered at just $495. Juniors enrolled with an adult are eligible for HALF OFF, just $247.50.

Golf School packages at the host site, Pawleys Plantation, are just $999 per person this summer. These include 3 days of golf instruction, 3 nights accommodations in a fairway villa, 3 breakfasts, 2 rounds of golf with cart, and all taxes. (Single or double occupancy.)

You’d have a hard time finding a Myrtle Beach golf vacation package that includes this much quality golf, lodging, and instruction for less than $1,000 (yes, even in this economic climate). In our opinion, this Myrtle Beach golf vacation package is an excellent deal. — GolfVacationInsider.com

You get personalized instruction. Classes are four golfers or less in size, leaving plenty of opportunity for individual attention from your instructor.

Our students unanimously rate Ritson-Sole a 5-Star Golf School.

We’re easy to get to. The Ritson-Sole Golf School is in Pawleys Island, SC, just 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach.

Whether you’re thinking of vacationing in Myrtle Beach for the first time, or if you’re a Grand Strand regular, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about visiting this part of South Carolina. Don’t forget to check our Specials page to take advantage of our summer Myrtle Beach golf school deals.

For more information about our golf school programs, please call us toll free at 1-800-624-4653 or register online.

Mark King, President & CEO of TaylorMade-Adidas Golf, wants an alternative set of rules endorsed by the USGA that make the game easier for beginners and recreational players. King says that the USGA should maintain the current rules for tour professionals and for other serious golfers who want to abide by them.

Gene Yasuda, writing for Golf Week recently asked, “If we let golfers tee up every shot, swing clubs with ‘trampoline-powered’ faces, toss their balls out of bunkers, and putt into 15-inch cups, would golf still be golf? And would it matter?”

To Golf or “Not Golf”?

One of the advocates for real change is Scott McNealy, avid golfer and former CEO of Sun Microsystems. McNealy introduced the Alternative Golf Association, which presented a game called “flogton” (‘not golf’ spelled backwards) at the PGA Show. Though still in the planning stages, flogton permits equipment that allows faster and easier play, like golf balls embedded with microchips, so they can be found in the woods.

McNealy likens flogton to snowboarding, which rejuvenated ski resorts when skiing participation was steeply declining. Remember when traditional skiers (like some of us!) were annoyed by the early snowboarders who seemed reckless as they weaved in and around us on the slopes? It wasn’t long before snowboarding integrated with skiing, and we all accept it now.

Two Games of Golf Can Co-Exist

I tend to agree with those who suggest two games of golf can coexist: a professional one and a recreational one, which is more fun-driven than rules-driven. Golf could attract a whole new demographic, which would fill the void we’re currently experiencing.

Besides the degree of difficulty inherent with golf, some newcomers are also put off by the cost of playing golf, and the time it takes to play a regular 18-hole round. A couple of creative alternatives I like, that are less costly and less time consumptive, are Power Play Golf and golf-by-the-hour.

Power Play Golf

Power Play Golf is a reinvention of golf by a couple of Englishmen. You play 9 holes only and scoring is by the Stableford system, which means 4 points for an eagle, 3 for birdie, 2 for par and 1 for bogey, with half of one’s 18-hole handicap applied. Each green has 2 hole locations for you to choose from: an easy one with a white flag and a difficult one, marked by a black flag. You double your points if you make net birdie or better when shooting for the tougher pin – known as a Power Play. (6 Points for birdie, 8 for eagle). Each player is entitled to three Power Plays only in the first eight holes. On the 9th tee, you can choose to take a bonus Power Play, but if you make net bogey or worse, you lose 2 points. Highest 9-hole score wins.

I like the risk-reward angle of the game, which adds to the positives of playing in less than 2 hours and of paying less than $20 at most venues. This game has expanded to Europe, South Africa, South America and Japan. There is even a world ranking of Power Play golfers. Several U.S. Golf clubs feature Power Play, and you can learn more at www.powerplay-golf.com.

Golf-by-the-hour

Feel like playing a few holes after work some days, but don’t even really have time for the required minimum of 9 holes? Golf-by-the-hour is being offered at Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club in Winchester VA. Area residents and hotel guests pay a fee of $20 to play any of several 4 and 5-hole loops that return to the clubhouse. This is especially appealing to families with children, which is where growth in the game really begins.

Free Golf for Juniors

Another concept that addresses cost has been implemented by golf companies such as Myrtle Beach National, owner of Pawleys Plantation (my headquarters in Pawleys Island SC) MBN offers free play at all their courses for Juniors, when accompanied by a paying adult. This has been a terrific complement to the Ritson-Sole Golf School’s Parent/Child Program, where a Junior’s 3-day school costs only half when joined by his/her parent or other adult.

Sacrilegious?

Now, for those of you who feel that all of this is perhaps sacrilegious to the traditions of golf, look at it this way: if we can make the game more fun and less intimidating, maybe the new players will stay with it and even graduate to playing 18 holes by traditional rules.

So, what do you think? Do you have friends or relatives who you think would be interested in playing a different game to the one you play? Email me your opinion and I’ll enter your name in a raffle to win a FREE 1-DAY GOLF SCHOOL. The winner’s name will be announced in my May newsletter. If you’re not receiving the monthly email newsletter, containing free golf tips, news of international golf trips I host, monthly giveaways and more, please click here to subscribe.

Further reading:

• The New Testament of Golf: Bump the Ball, Toss It Out of the Bunker. It’s ‘Flogton,’ and Its Backers Say It Could Save the Game
• Is Scotty McNealy and his Flogton onto Something or Just on Something?
• Flogton And Saving Golf Through Non-Conforming Equipment
• Comparison of USGA Golf vs. SortaGolf vs. TeeGolf