Golf Tips From Harvey Penick Revised

Harvey Penick's Golf Tips (437 Words)

This week I picked up a wonderful little book from the library entitled And If You Play Golf, You're My Friend by Harvey Penick. The style was warm and funny and the book was filled with wonderful golf tips!

Harvey Penick, known as America's Best Loved Golf Teacher, offers the following advice for golfers.

Practice your swing without a ball. Swing your 7-iron at a certain blade of grass until you hit that spot consistently.

Try not to be nervous about playing your game. Change, "I have to play today" to "I can't wait to play today!" Have fun playing golf!

When choosing a putter to chip, try this tip. Toss a ball close to the hole underhanded. Then ask, "Which club will create the same path of flight and results?" Choose the club that will give you the same results.

Use your intuition when choosing clubs or making a shot. The right club to use is the first club that comes into your mind. Try not to second-guess yourself.

Try not to listen to your opponents. Concentrate on your own game.

Many of the challenges that golfers have with their swings is due to an incorrect grip or stance. Practice these basics when your game seems to be off.

To alleviate tension and aid in concentration, practice hitting leaves or twigs.

After you hit a bad shot, you don't have to make an adjustment immediately. If you start to have a pattern of bad shots, then try a grip change.

Take your time making a shot. Don't rush a shot. When you are ready, hit the ball.

Stick with your decision. When you are decisive, the rest of your body will follow through with what it is expected to do.

Keep your eye on the whole ball, not just a part of it.

Be sure you have eye check ups regularly.

Rotator cuff area pain is a very common golf injury. Penick says to ice it after you are done playing golf. It may also help to circularly swing your arms slowly while you are playing. This can help prevent your muscles from getting tight.

Don't swing too hard. Try to believe that your ball will go a far distance if you swing correctly and solidly and that will miraculously happen.

It is very important to keep your left arm straight upon impact.

If you are looking for an enjoyable and inspiring book to read about golf, check out Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, too. Penick's books will make you happy and you will get some great tips too!