Tim Cusick's Teaching the Teacher

February 2012 Avid Golfer - Width=Length

2012-02-07T11:46:00.000-06:00

My latest article for Avid Golfer Magazine is about the importance of how width in your backswing can lead to more distance. However, width doesn't need to be overdone by hyper-extending your left arm. Focusing on maintaining the width you create at address throughout the backswing is a good recipe for optimizing distance and consistency.
Below is a link to my instruction article. Have a look.

February AG - Width=Length

Tony Romo Swing Analysis

2012-02-02T19:33:00.000-06:00

Tony is a frequent site on the driving range at the Four Seasons Resort & Club/Dallas during the offseason. He practices hard and has a very good golf swing and a game to match. Being extremely athletic he's able to incorporate feelings very quickly into his swing once he understands the idea.
His history is gettng the club trapped inside on his takeaway. On the downswing it gets stuck again from the inside. As a result he'll tend to miss with a block to the right or occasionally hit a pull hook. He's worked hard gettting his takeaway to come up the plane line more consistently as well as getting the club to match the plane on the downswing.
I know he'd much rather be at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis this week-end but playing in the AT&T Pro-Am next week with Tiger Woods isn't a bad consolation. Below is a link to his swing during a recent session.

Tony Romo Swing Analysis

January AG Article -Quality over Quantity

2012-01-06T21:32:00.001-06:00

Improving takes time but you must have a system to do it. First, have a plan of attack. Second, quality over quantity in practice. Third, you should measure your practice. Make it measurable. My instruction article for January's Avid Golfer magazine outlines how to take your practice to a new level. Give it a shot for 2012.

January AG - Quality over Quantity

Video Analysis - College Player Jordan Frye

2011-12-30T20:59:00.000-06:00

Jordan has been a student of mine for 5 years. He's a senior at Liberty University. His swing history is a flat backswing and then a steeper downswing. Recently he's overdone getting the golf shaft to not be so flat in the backswing. As a result he's hitting too many cuts and pull cut shots.
Today I had him hit shots on a slope where the ball was slightly above his feet and he was positioned on an uphill lie. Putting the ball above his feet helped round out his backswing and followthrough. Additionally getting him positioned on a slight up hill lie allowed Jordan to swing more up the hill, and to the right, in his followthrough. By doing this it also allowed him to flatten out the start of his downswing as well as angle his swing more to the right. Have a look.

Jordan Frye Video

2011 Top Ten Videos - #1

2011-12-28T17:52:00.000-06:00

The #1 video from my youtube channel in 2011 is a swing analysis of Anthony Paolucci. Anthony has been a student of mine for 4 years. He came onto the national golf scene in 2007 by making it to the finals of the US Jr Championships. A few years later he was AJGA's #1 golfer. He's currently a freshman at USC.
HIs tendency is to hit hooks and high right shots. He also struggles with starting the ball too far to the right. In the video you'll see that he gets the club open in backswing then the face shuts in the downswing. As well he has the club coming too far from inside on the downswing. Have a look.

Anthony Paolucci Swing Analysis

2011 Top Ten Videos - #2

2011-12-27T22:21:00.000-06:00

The video about hitting too deep into the ground or too far behind the ball was a big hit in 2011. This scenario goes misdiagnosed too often. Golfers think that just because they hit the ground that they've hit too deep into the ground.
There's a big difference between hitting too deep into the ground and hitting too far behind the ball. The link below is from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf. Enjoy!

Hitting the ground too far behind or too deep

2011 Top Ten Videos - #3

2011-12-26T21:48:00.000-06:00

Increasing your distance is something that every golfer would like to do. My #3 video for 2011 describes five ways to help increase your distance. Filmed this clip on TPC #11, a short risk/reward hole. Typical windy day in Dallas/Ft.Worth. Enjoy!

Increase Your Distance

2011 Top Ten Videos - #4

2011-12-25T14:06:00.000-06:00

Sang Yi is a Senior at LSU. He's been a very good player for a long time. Below is a link of his golf swing. He's always struggled with hitting the ball higher in the air. In the video I point out a few of the flaws that make it difficult for him to get more height.
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

Sang Yi swing analysis

2011 Top Ten Videos - #5

2011-12-24T20:01:00.000-06:00

Making a proper takeaway is critical to establishing consistency in the golf swing. Ideally you'd like the club to swing up the angle you set at address. If you're above or below the angle of the plane you must compensate somewhere in the swing to make the proper impact.
The video, from my youtube channel timcusickgolf, outlines how to make the proper takeaway. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

The Importance of a Good Takeaway

2011 Top Ten Videos - #6

2011-12-23T19:18:00.000-06:00

Continuing the countdown of the Top 10 videos from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf. Coming in at #7 is a video analysis of LPGA Tour Player Il Hee Lee. She's been a student of my for 4-5 years. Her tendency is to pull her shots or leave them out to the right with the longer clubs. As you'll see, Il Hee has very good rhythm and tempo. Overall her swing is very good but the analysis will stress a few areas of improvement. Enjoy!

Il Hee Lee Swing Analysis

2011 Top Ten Videos - #7

2011-12-22T21:41:00.000-06:00

Luke Kwon is currently a Freshman at Southwestern University in Austin, Texas. He's been a student of mine for 5-6 years. He was one of the top High School players in Dallas, Texas for 2011. Below is his swing analysis. His tendency would be to hit a 'high right' shot. I was working with him to hit a lower drawing shot. He can really swing the club. Enjoy!

Luke Kwon - Swing Analysis

2011 Top Ten Videos - #8

2011-12-21T22:41:00.000-06:00

Continuing with my Top Ten videos off my youtube channel for 2011, driving the ball longer and straighter is what everyone wants to do, even Tour Pro's. I have four keys that help you have the opportunity to hit longer, straighter drives.
Below is an instructional video that outlines exactly what you need to do to improve your driving for 2012. Enjoy!

Hit longer, straighter drives

2011 Top Ten Videos - #9

2011-12-20T17:37:00.000-06:00

Long greenside bunker shots are difficult. I like to take a less lofted club, a gap wedge or pitching wedge, to play this shot. Anytime you can stretch the distance to explode the shot vs. making contact with the ball you have a higher percentage to succeed. Below is a video clip I filmed for my www.youtube.com/timcusickgolf channel that described how to play the shot. Enjoy!

Long Greenside Bunker Shot

2011 Top Ten Videos - #10

2011-12-19T17:58:00.000-06:00

Over the next ten nights I'm going to post my Top 10 videos off my www.youtube.com/timcusickgolf channel.
Number 10 is a video on pitching the golf ball. This shot is necessary when you're faced with a tight pin, an elevated green or have to go up over an obstacle. Using the bounce of the club properly is critical in the success of this shot. Enjoy!

Pitching Video

The Correct Way to Practice

2011-12-19T17:01:00.000-06:00

Practice is not just about the time you put in. It's about the quality of practice you produce. It's also about repetition and practicing with purpose.
An example that coincides with another sport is Football. Every summer the NFL starts their training camps. The players at these camps have played football for 15-30 years. They're some of the best athletes in the world. As the teams introduce the playbook, each team conducts walk throughs to start ingraining the movements that each player is responsible for. As the players become more familiar they start running the plays at regular speed.
This process is no different than working on the golf swing. You must first know what you're working on, then you must practice it over and over to get the feel. Going slowly in your practice swings is a good idea. This allows you to get a feeling of whether you've done it correctly.
Repetition is crucial in implementing improvements in your game. They can be done with a club or without. As well, the can be done mentally. This helps you improve the picture in your mind. There's no substitute for practice. Practicing correctly gives you an even higher percentage of opportunity to improve.

December Avid Golfer Article - The Belly Putter

2011-12-08T13:05:00.000-06:00

The belly putter stole the show in 2011 on the PGA TOUR. Lots of wins, with the biggest being a PGA Championship by Keegan Bradley. In past years the belly putter was reserved for the older guys that had the yips. It was a last ditch effort to salvage some type of game on the greens. Not so much anymore. Guys like Bill Haas, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar and of course Keegan Bradley made tons of money and collected lots of victories using it.
I've been experimenting with the belly putter the past month to get a feel for what it's like. Below is a link to my December article in Avid Golfer Magaizine. Read my account of testing the belly putter.

Avid Golfer Magazine, December Issue - The Belly Putter

November Issue - Avid Golfer Magazine

2011-11-20T13:33:00.000-06:00

When playing golf you have to have some sort of style or philosophy. I look at it as a three tiered approach. You must plan your shot through cafeful analysis of yardage, wind, terrain, pin position, etc...Then you must pick the shot based on your skill level for the given situation and last you must execute with total committment. Below is a link to my article in the November issue of Avid Golfer.

November Issue - AG Magazine - Philsophy of Playing Golf

Good Play Continues

2011-11-08T11:10:00.000-06:00

Junior Matt Gilchrest, from Southlake Carroll HS, won a very significant school event at Lakewood CC yesterday. He shot 69-73 in high winds on a difficult golf course. The field consisted of two other Top 50 players in the country.
Lakewood CC is a course where Matt has been challenged in the past. It's a very tight layout with lots of OB and very quick undulating greens. For Matt to be successful on a course like this requires him to change his normal game plan. The driver, which is the best club in the bag, is virtually taken out of his hands. From a coaching standpoint it's very nice to see a player adapt to different conditions and be successful. This was a good breakthrough for Matt.
And speaking of breakthroughs Matt's younger sister, Christina, placed 4th in a HS tournament yesterday as well. She's newer to the game but the round was hilighted with two birdies in the first six holes. A very good day for the Gilchrest family.

New Website - Added Feature

2011-11-08T09:02:00.000-06:00

I recently had my website, www.timcusickgolf.com, redone. It was completely overhauled and turned out fantastic! Many thanks to Deb Mielke on the work she did for me. One new feature that was added is the ability of my students to post pictures to the site, via the 4image gallery. In the media section under photos you can go in, register, and then add photos. I would welcome my students to post pictures from tournaments, golf vacations, swings or any memories on the golf course you feel compelled to share. I will be checking the section of the website frequently and look forward to seeing your memories.

Belly Putter Experiment

2011-11-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

The belly putter has really made alot of noise over this past year. As an instructor, I felt compelled to get one and practice with it so I could speak from experience to my students and members. I ordered a 44 inch, I'm 6'3", Scotty Cameron Kombi and received it yesterday.
Over the past few weeks I spoke to Champions Tour member Tommy Armour and Nationwide graduate Danny Lee, both advocates, about the use of the belly putter. Both have had very good success with it. Danny put it in his bag the Tuesday of the Nationwide Midland, Tx event and went on to win later in the week. They provided great insight on what feelings they have that have made the belly putter successful for them.
A few days ago I came across a short instructional video on www.eyelinegolf.com that really explains how the belly putter can be successful. After watching the video, I hit the putting green for about 45 minutes and was amazed how good the roll was on the ball. As well, I found it very easy to line up the putt and get it started on the correct line. The jury is still out, but it's certainly a promising start. I'll keep you updated on my experiment.

Belly Putter Instructional Video

Certain Glasses Make a Difference

2011-11-03T09:37:00.000-05:00

I helped a gentleman yesterday with his swing for a few minutes. He's an accomplished player and wanted to test a product. While watching him, he hit 5 shanks in a row. Finally, he looked back at me and said either this product is no good or I can't hit it anymore. I asked him if the glasses he was wearing were bifocals. He said yes, that he normally plays golf with a different pair of glasses. He took the bifocals off and proceeded to hit the ball the way he usually does.
The moral to the story is that bifocals and golf don't mix. With bifocals you have such a small window at the bottom of the lense to look through. It effects your posture and your depth perception. I always question my students if they have glasses on. If you do wear bifocals to golf, visit your eye doctor and get a pair of sport specific glasses. It will be worth the visit.

Four Seasons Golf Marathon

2011-11-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

The month of October is a special month for Four Seasons Worldwide. It's the time of year each property dedicates to raising money for charity. At the Four Seasons/Dallas we do a variety of different things such as a bake sale, chili cook-out, tennis marathon, spinning(cycling)marathon, golf tournament and a golf marathon.
Yesterday we had the golf tournament and the golf marathon. For the golf marathon myself, Paul Earnest(Director of Golf), John Cunningham(Director of Golf Operations), Abe Hernandez( Head Professional) and Alvar David( Outside Services Manager) set out to play 90 holes in the hope of making as many birdies as we could for our charity, the Irving Cancer Center.
The plan was to play two rounds on TPC and three rounds on Cottonwood Valley. Finishing at dark we were able to complete our goal of 90 holes. Overall the group made 30 birdies. I was able to chip in with 7 birdies and an eagle. The amount raised is still being tabulated but the day was a big success.
Aside from the monetary benefits there is a wonderful sense of giving while you're participating in the marathon. Don't get me wrong playing 90 holes in a day is not easy. But knowing that you might be saving a life or improving the quality of someone's life that is battling cancer helps keep you going during the day.

Victory for Camille Enright

2011-10-25T13:05:00.000-05:00

8 grader Camille Enright won the US Kids event this past Sunday at Keeton Park GC. She shot 78 and then was victorious in a one hole playoff, with a par. What makes this story even better is she overcame a 2 shot penalty for playing the wrong ball. So often, I hear golfers talk about when adversity hits they aren't able to overcome it. Instead, they go the opposite direction and shoot a less than desirable score. Camille is still a young golfer but she has figured out how to overcome adversity, shoot a good score and then be composed enough to make par in the playoff to win.
Golf is all about adversity. Very seldom do you play a round when at some point you're not faced with adversity. The better you deal with it, the easier it is to shoot a good score in spite of the adversity.

Matt Gilchrest - AJGA All American

2011-10-19T10:07:00.001-05:00

Southlake, Texas HS Junior Matt Gilchrest was named yesterday to the AJGA All American list for 2011. He earned Honorable Mention All American status with a solid summer hilighted by his first AJGA tournament victory in San Antonio. Congratulations Matt!!

2011 AJGA All Americans

Photo Gallery

2011-10-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

My website, http://www.timcusickgolf.com/, is in the midst of getting a facelift. One of the addtions to the new site is going to be a photo gallery. This gallery will contain pictures of me teaching, conducting seminars and demonstrating various aspects of the game. It will also be an interactive gallery in that you'll be able to comment on various pictures. Here's a sneak peek of into the future of my website.

Photo Gallery

College win for Kyle Grassel

2011-10-13T19:10:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to a longtime student of mine Kyle Grassel on winning the CCU Fall Invite in Colorado this past week. Kyle is a Sophomore at Colorado School of Mines. He shot 71-70-69 = 210 for a 6-under total and his first collegiate victory.
Very impressive as he wasn't really recruited out of High School but has continued to improve so much so that he won the Northwest Indiana and Chicago City Amateurs this past summer. He said the key to his victories was finally realizing this past summer that he doesn't have to hit it perfect just go out and play golf. Focus on shooting the lowest score possible. Sounds pretty easy but rarely duplicated.

Four Seasons Angela Enright

2011-10-11T13:52:00.000-05:00

The October issue of Avid Golfer has a wonderful article about the leading ladies in golf for the Dallas Metroplex. Four Seasons' very own Angela Enright is one of the women featured. Angela has been the PR Director for our resort for some 20 years. Angela is the one that keeps our property out front in the news and positioned well worldwide with our customers and the golf community. Her work in the Irving community is second to none on the non profit side.
Check out the link below as she speaks about her time with the Four Seasons and her passion for facility.

October issue of AG - Angela Enright

October Issue - Avid Golfer

2011-10-11T08:53:00.000-05:00

Shooting lower scores is what it's all about in golf. To do that you must minimize your mistakes. One way to do that is to play shots toward the center of the green. The odds are in your favor when you hit more greens. Playing this way does put more pressure on your lag putting skills. But I will take my chances with a putter in my students hand versus a wedge any day of the week. The article link below outlines this philosophy in more detail.

October issue - Avid Golfer

Kelly Grassel - Indiana HS Champion

2011-10-04T10:37:00.001-05:00

This past week-end Indiana State High School Junior Kelly Grassel won the individual portion of the State High School Championships with a two day total of 148. The seond round was played in 50 degree temperatures with wind Kelly started the final round with bogies on 3 of the first 4 holes. She rallied to play the final 14 holes in 2-under par to take the title by one shot. This is the second Indiana state accomplishment for her. In 2010 she was named the Indiana Junior Golf Player of the Year.
Kelly has been a student of mine since she was 6 years old. Her two older brothers, Kyle and Ryan are both college golfers as well. Working hard at her game is just what Kelly does. She's not the strongest or the longest player in junior golf. But she overcomes that with great technique, work ethic and an ability to play the game well. Kelly is currently being heavily recruited by colleges throughout the United States. This victory is just another feather in her cap to prepare her for college golf in a few years.
Below is an article that recaps her accomplishments.

Kelly Grassel wins 2011 Indiana State High School Golf Championships

Teaching Junior Golfers

2011-09-21T11:44:00.000-05:00

I always get asked when is it a good time to start kids playing golf. My answer is always the same, when they show interest. Kids learn much quicker than adults. They follow the program of show me and I'll copy you. However, there are some very important basics they must learn. I make it a point to always make sure they have a good grip and stance. When they swing I want the club swinging up over their right shoulder in the backswing and then over the left shoulder in the through swing. Balance is very key as well.
Below is a link to my latest article in the September issue of Avid Golfer. It goes more in depth about what's necessary to getting juniors started. BTW, the model in the pictures is my 9 year old son Carson. Can you tell he's a Rickie Fowler fan.

Teaching Juniors

Teaching Review

2011-09-17T07:50:00.000-05:00

Rick Arnett is the Vice President of Avid Golfer Magazine based in Dallas, Texas. Each month he writes a column for them called Wayward Shots. He approached me about taking a few lessons and then writing a review about the experience. I was 'game' and looked forward to the challenge.
Rick had not had any formal instruction in a long time. His game was slipping but wasn't keen on going through the agony some golfers face in adjusting his swing. He took three lessons from me over a 3 week period and the results were very impressive. Below is Rick's article in the September issue of Avid Golfer.
Check it out!!

Teaching Review of Tim Cusick

IonLoop - A New Association

2011-09-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

I've recently partnered with IonLoop to help promote their product. IonLoop is a magnetic sports bracelet designed to increase the amount of negative ions throughout your body. In nature, negative ions are created from plants, trees, oceans and rain. Being around these settings gives you the appearance of a lighter mood, better concentration, stress management and quicker sports recovery. IonLoop has created a sports bracelet, using earth's magnets, the most powerful magnets available to give you access to the benefit of negative ions. The very fashion foward bracelets are comfortable, stylish and come nine different vibrant colors.

Have a look at their enhanced website.

IonLoop Website

Using Drills in My Teaching

2011-09-13T14:46:00.000-05:00

Over the years I've been very guarded in giving students drills to improve their games. Instead I would have them practice their swing in a mirror hilighting the areas they needed to improve. To this day, I still follow this practice. However, I do have a few drills that I find very beneficial to improvement.
Below is a link to my August article in Avid Golfer. I've outlined the drills I feel are best for improvement.

AG Article - Drills for improvement

A Quick Lesson

2011-09-10T13:01:00.000-05:00

Below is a video, from my youtube channel timcusickgolf, of a quick lesson with Stacy Hardin, one of our fantastic employees at the Four Seasons Resort and Club and a very good golfer as well.
Her issue tends to be her impact. In the video I address what areas can improve to help her impact as well as giving her a game plan for a difficult shot.

A Quick Lesson

Bare Lies

2011-09-09T11:14:00.000-05:00

When faced with a bare lie, the impact is paramount. You must make solid contact or else the distance is drastically decreased. I focus on the ball slightly back in the stance with my hands forward, wristcock in the backswing and then letting the leading edge of the club make contact with the ground and ball at them same time. For the exacution of this scenario view the video clip below from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf.

Bare Lies Video

Tough Lies

2011-09-05T08:53:00.000-05:00

Golf can be cruel sometimes. For example, you hit a nice drive in the middle of the fairway with a short iron left to the green. As you approach the ball you notice it's landed in a sandy divot. Tough break but you have to deal with it. First, you must not let it effect you mentally. Deal with the scenario and come up with a game plan. You must make contact with the ball first. So, play it similar to a fairway bunker shot.
Below is an instructional video clip from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that describes the execution of the this difficult shot.

Sandy Divot Lie

Germany Trip

2011-09-03T08:31:00.000-05:00

Returned a few days ago from a teaching trip in Berlin and Hamburg, Germany. I've been making at least one trip a year to Germany since 2000. The main focus is doing small teaching seminars for golf professionals in the country to help improve their games and teaching skills. As well, we've devised a new program where the golf professional brings a student with them and I'll help set the game plan for that student with the instructors input. This allows the instructor an opportunity to cement the relationship with that student.

I've always been very impressed with the facilities when I go to in Germany. They're very expansive and have fabulous provisions for the inclement weather. The covered hitting stalls and enclosed teaching huts are really top notch.

This past trip I visited Berlin for two days and then on to Hamburg for another two days. In Berlin, both golf courses were on the East side of the city. So, as you head down the highway you pass under what's left of 'The Wall.' It looks to be a structure that was a look-out point. A very surreal reminder of how it was just a short time ago.

Paul Archbold was the host professional at Seddiner See GC and Gregor Tilch hosted at Gross Kienetz GC. Both facilities were very nice and accomodating. Seddiner See greeted me with summer like conditions while the next day felt like the first day of fall at Gross Kienetz.

After the second seminar it was a short train ride up to Hamburg to see my good friend Christian Kirchner who's the main teacher at Gut Kaden GC. Christian and I have taught together for about 15 years. He's one of the best in Germany and hosted to very nice teaching seminars.

The final day at Gut Kaden allowed me to wear a long sleeve shirt, sweater vest, sweater and jacket. And I wasn't too hot. Coming from the inferno in Dallas, Texas it was a very enjoyable feeling.

Many thanks to my hosts Paul, Gregor, the Berlin PGA and Christian for their time and effort. It's always good to pass on the knowledge you've acquired to allow someone else a chance for more success.

Power

2011-09-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

Power in golf is a wonderful thing. But it doesn't always come from just muscles. Flexibility, technique and speed are very necessary to create power.

Below is a instructional clip from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that outlines how to increase your power.

Power

Swinging on the Plane

2011-08-24T08:51:00.000-05:00

Golfers that hit the most consistently straight shots are the ones that swing the club up and down the plane. Swinging on the plane minimizes your mistakes and elevates your opportunity for good shots. Below is a detailed instructional video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that explains swinging the club on the plane.

Swinging the club on plane

Motivation

2011-08-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs motivation at some point during the day. Some for different reasons than others. It's a necessary part of everyday life. Unfortunately, alot of individuals don't reach for outside sources to motivate them. As a result, they turn to excuses to logic something out. Whether it's relationships, sports, business or just everyday life, to be successful, you would like to stay as motivated as possible in everything you do.

If you're looking for some extra motivation today, look no further. The link below will give you all the motivation you need to get up off the couch, drag yourself out of bed or dig in just a little deeper when times are tough.

All the Motivation You'll Need

Ball Against the Collar of the Rough

2011-08-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

In the summer time when the grass is growing and some rough is established around the green, the ball may come to rest against the collar of the rough. It's a difficult shot to chip because the ball is sitting below the top of the rough and you will tend to get too much grass between the ball and clubface.
I usually opt for a 3-wood in this situation. Below is a detailed instructional video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that outlines how to play this shot with success.

Ball Against the Collar of the Rough

High Pitch Shot

2011-08-15T08:57:00.000-05:00

Hitting a high pitch shot isn't the highest percentage shot around the green. But, it's a necessary shot when you're faced with an elevated green, shot over a bunker or a pin that's tucked close to the edge of the green. First, you must have a lie that allows you to use the bounce of the club. A lie with cushion under the ball allows you to hit the ground with the bounce of the club, which lets the club side under the ball.
Below is a detailed instructional video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that outlines the technique necessary for being successful at pitching the ball higher in the air.

High Pitch Shot

Off to School

2011-08-12T09:27:00.000-05:00

The summer is coming to an end and that means it's back to school for all the kids. For four of my competitive junior golfers it's back to school an entirely different way. They're off to college. For Anthony Paolucci, Phillip Rosengarden, Luke Kwon and Mary Cathryn Rau it's time to enter a new stage in their life. Each is entering college and getting ready to play college golf.

Anthony Paolucci - University of Southern California
Phillip Rosengarden - Lafayette University
Luke Kwon - St. Edward's University
Mary Cathryn Rau - Creighton University

All four students have worked very hard on their game for a number of years. They've been successful at the junior level and I'm confident they'll be successful at the college level as well. I wish each of them luck in their new endeavor.

The Axis of the Body Pivot

2011-08-07T07:47:00.000-05:00

The way the body turns back and through in the swing is vital for solid contact. The setup and the angle that club swings up and down the plane play a major part in how the body pivots throughout the swing. Below is a video clip from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that describes in detail the components of the pivot during the swing.

The body pivot

Grip and Clubface

2011-08-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

Controlling the clubface during the golf swing is essential for hitting straight shots. Getting this control starts with having a correct grip. A nuetral grip will allow the opportunity to have the clubface to be square throughout the swing.

Below is an instructional clip, from my youtube channel timcusickgolf, that outlines how to control the clubface throughout the swing.

Grip and Clubface control

Assessing the skill of Hitting over Trees

2011-08-03T15:01:00.000-05:00

When faced with a shot over trees you must be confident in the club that you pick to play the shot. You're first order of business is to clear the trees. Even if that means you don't get to your intended target, make sure you clear the trees. If it's a choice between a 7 or an 8 iron, pick, not guess, the club that you're fully confident that's going to clear the trees.

Below is a video clip, from my youtube channel timcusickgolf, that goes into detail the execution of this shot.

Hitting over Trees

A Working Vacation

2011-08-02T18:36:00.000-05:00

Just back from 10 days of vacation in Northwest Indiana. My wife's family is from the area. The vacation actually was a working vacation as The Northern Amateur was being played at Sand Creek CC. I had six of my college players participate in the three day event.
I've taught each of them for at least 4 years so it was a fantastic opportunity for me to see them compete. Having spent time coaching college golf and teaching Tour Professionals from all the Major Tours in the world I can safely say there's a few glaring differences between the levels of play.
The two biggest areas that really stood out from watching all the players are the ability to lag putt and maintain their emotions/attitude for the entire round. These two areas added strokes to almost every players scorecard each day. Lag putting is important on every putt that's struck. Most players are good with starting the putt on line but don't put enough attention to the speed of the putt. This really should be the last thought or feeling before the putter is taken back.
On the emotional side, few college players are able to battle through a bad shot or bad hole without it effecting them on the next shot or hole. As a result, they aren't able to battle through tough stretches during the round.
Improving these two areas will undoubtedly lower any golfers score. Both take attention and practice. But it's certainly worth the reward.

Options for Greenside Bunker Shots

2011-07-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

Bunkers shots are difficult for most golfers. When the distance for a greenside bunker shot is stretched to 25-30 yards the shot becomes even more difficult. If the lie and the lip of the bunker are favorable I like to use a less lofted club.
I've attached an instructional video from my YouTube channel, timcusickgolf, to illustrate the execution of a long greenside Bunker shot.

Long Greenside Bunker Shots

These Kids are Good!!

2011-07-22T11:29:00.000-05:00

Lots of good playing this week from a number of my competitive Junior Golfer's this week. Kelly Grassel from Chesterton, Indiana won the AJGA Midwest Jr Players Championship shooting 74-75-74 for a 223 total.
Dallas, Texas native Luke Kwon tied for 1st in the Bob Estes Abilene Jr Championship shooting 67-67-66 for a 200 total. Unfortunately he lost in the playoff.
Southlake, Texas resident Matt Gilchrest made it to the match play portion of the USGA Jr Championships and lost lost in the round of 32.
All three of these players have been very successful with their games this summer. Congratulations to all.

Judging Distance Wedges

2011-07-20T22:27:00.000-05:00

One of the most difficult shots in golf for most people is the distance wedge. It's difficult because you're making swings that aren't the same length. One way to learn to judge your distance wedges better is to practice specific length swings. For example, shoulder high to shoulder high. When you consistently make this swing you're going to replicate a certain yardage. You can repeat this process with all your wedges.
Below is a detailed description of how to go about this process from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf.

Judging Distance Wedges

Over the Top

2011-07-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

One of the most common mistakes in the golf swing is when golfers swing 'over the top' in their downswing. What this means is whatever path the backswing took the downswing is out and over the top of it. This motion leads to shots off the toe, deeper divots, pulled short irons and longer clubs that slice.
I've attached an instructional video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf that oulines correcting the 'over the top' motion.

Over the Top Video

Good Week for my Jr Golfers

2011-07-14T21:29:00.000-05:00

Three of my Jr. Golfer students played very well in competition this week. This past Monday and Tuesday at the Cowboys Golf Club in Dallas hosted the TJGT Allen Samuels Jr Championship. In the boy's division Four Seasons Resort and Club/Dallas member Ben Baxter finished in 3rd place shooting 76-76 for a 152 total.
In the Girls division, another Four Seasons member Elisabeth Rau shot 72-76 for a 148 total and then survived a two hole playoff to capture 1st place in the same event.
Today in Abilene, Texas Matt Gilchrest won his first AJGA event at the Genesis Shoot-out presented by the Valero Texas Open. Matt shot 73-72 and came from 4 shots back in the final round to shoot 67 and win by 3 shots! Not much rest for Matt as he boarded a plane back to Dallas and then was on his way to Seattle, Washington for the USGA Jr Boy's Championships. Congratulations to all. Well played!!

Avid Golfer Article - Reading Greens

2011-07-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

Very little is ever spoken about the ability to read greens. There's not just one way to read greens rather a variety of things to put into an equation. Below is my July instructional article for Dallas based Avid Golfer Magazine. It outlines four ways to improve your green reading skills.

Avid Golfer Magazine - Reading Greens

2011-07-10T19:17:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to student Kyle Grassel, from Chesterton, Indiana, on winning the 107th Chicago City Amateur today. Kyle shot scores of 69, 64 and 67 for a 10 under total and a two shot victory. A Sophomore on the Men's Golf Team at Colorado School of Mines Kyle also recently won The Northwest Indiana Amateur.
Next up for him is the Indiana Open which starts tomorrow.

A Budding Track Star

2011-07-09T17:47:00.000-05:00

This blog is usually reserved for my golf knowledge and experiences. Today I'm going to post from a different perspective, a father.
Vicki, my wife, and Carson, our 9 year old son are in Northern Indiana visiting her father and step mother for the month of July. The weather is much cooler and it's a chance to see old friends and spend time with family.
Vicki's stepmother, Polly is an avid and competitive runner. Carson and Polly went to Michigan City early this morning to run a 5K race. Polly trains regularly and is no stranger to a race competing in the 60-64 year old age bracket. Carson is an active 9 year old who plays Lacrosse, Hockey and Baseball. He has no experience running competitive races. His reason for going was to hang out with Grandma Polly.
Well, 32 minutes later Carson won the 9-10 year old boys age bracket AND beat his Grandma. To say he was 'fired up' is an understatement. Outside of winning, he was excited that a good portion of the race was on the beach of Lake Michigan where he could run in the sand and water. Carson picked up a very cool trophy and a story to tell al his buddies when he returns to Dallas.
To me, it is a great accomplishment and memory for him as well as gaining some tremendous confidence for being successful. As a father I'm very proud of him and can't wait to see the trophy and hear the recap again in person.

Shank

2011-07-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

Shanking the ball gives many golfers the cold sweats just thinking about the miserable shot. I have heard more corrections for fixing a case of the shanks than I care to repeat. Most of them have nothing to do with the mistake.
The first thing that golfers must realize is when you shank you're not hitting on the clubface. You're hitting off the hosel. So you can eliminate the correction that the clubface must be too open. That one doesn't make sense as you're not hitting on the clubface, you're hitting off the hosel.
Three mistakes cause a shank. Below is a video, from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that covers the reasons for a shank.

Shank mistakes

Levels of development

2011-07-05T13:09:00.000-05:00

People learn at different levels. Some take a while to digest information, put into their own words or feelings before applying the information. Others adjust 'on the fly' and often times overdue their corrections.
As an instructor, it's important that I pay close attention to the individual learning needs of each student. When students learn at a slower pace I'm careful to encourage and re-confirm that they are on the correct path. I can be very patient when students learn at a slower rate. But the student must also be patient as well.
When a student moves quickly with their improvement I must be careful to not give too much I formation too fast. Otherwise they might be on information overload.
Some golfers need to exaggerate more, some have to be careful that they don't over exaggerate too much.
Understanding how you learn is important. Which way it is doesn't matter. Just be patient and stay the course.

Risk vs. Reward

2011-06-29T15:33:00.000-05:00

So often during a round you're faced with a shot that involves risk. Most golfers natural tendency is to 'go for it' without balancing the potential outcome. To me, when you take a risk there must be a viable reward. As well, the success of the risk must be balanced in your favor. These are questions you should ask yourself before you play the shot.
By following this exercise, it will help to minimize 'blow up' holes as well as killing any momentum you had built in the round.
Below is an instructional video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that outlines risk vs. reward on a short par 4.

Risk vs. Reward

Uphill Greenside Pitch

2011-06-24T15:50:00.000-05:00

When you're faced with an uphill pitch shot around the green you can attack it two different ways. The first way would be to set your body with the slope and get the club to swing down the slope and then up the slope in the followthrough. This will produce a very high, soft pitch shot with virtually no roll.
The second and higher percentage way is to place the ball back in your stance and play the shot like a chip. This will help take some of the loft off the shot that comes from the uphill lie.
Below is a link from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf. It outlines the two options in playing this shot.

Uphill Greenside Pitch

Improving Consistency

2011-06-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

Being more consistent is something virtually every golfer is looking for. Consistentcy comes from good technique and practice. Having good technique allows you to repeat the same motion time afer time. Practice cements the feeling that you're working to hone.
Below is a video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, on improving your consistency.

Improving Consistency

Shaping your finish

2011-06-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

The shape of your finish is a good indication of the direction you've hit your shot. When you see a higher finish with the hands and the club across the back of the head, this usually indicates a draw. Conversely, when the hands finish lower and to the left with the club positioned higher than the hands the ball will typically fade.
Rehearsing your finish to shape your shot is a good way to get a feeling before you execute. Below is a video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, on shaping your finish to play specific shots.

Shape your finish

The Takeaway

2011-06-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

Being consistent with your ball striking involves a fundamentally correct golf swing. Part of that formula is a good takeaway. The proper takeaway sets up the rest of the golf swing. It allows the swing to start on plane and gives you a good chance of continuing the club up the plane to the top of the backswing. Below is an instructional video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that outlines how to create a proper takeaway.

The takeaway

Increasing your Distance

2011-06-19T07:39:00.000-05:00

Every golfer wants to hit the ball farther. The first step is you must hit it solid. The longest shots are the ones hit in the center of the clubface. The more times you hit the ball in the center of the clubface the more confident you become. As you become confident, you're able to swing the club faster without concern of the result. Just a few mph more can make a difference. As a general rule every mph, plus or minus, equates to 2.5 to 3 yards.
Below is an instructional video from my youtube channel, timcusickgolf, that outlines hitting the ball farther.

Increasing your distance

Minimizing mistakes to shoot lower scores

2011-06-17T09:59:00.000-05:00

Scores of double bogey or worse are the result of making more than one mistake on a hole. Once you've made a mistake, for instance hitting it in the trees, you would like to get out of trouble in one shot and go about your business. Below is a video that details escaping from the trees.

Escaping from the trees

Improving

2011-06-15T16:59:00.000-05:00

Alot of my junior and college students are now into their summer tournament schedule. Most are playing on a weekly basis in some form of competition. It's amazing how short sighted the players and their families can be about just one bad round. To be really good at golf you must be able to withstand bad shots, holes rounds and even tournaments. It's all about the process of getting better.
Something positive has got to be taken from every practice session to competitive round. That's what you build on. But in order to withstand some short term anxiety you must have a plan as to what you're trying to accomplish. Without a plan you can become very lost in your direction. The plan helps you stay the course on days that are a little rough.
Lastly, you must be realistic of your expectations every day. When expectations get out a whack, impatience and frustation sets in. Neither of these two characteristics are any good for golf. Review your plan and expectations often. This will help keep you on the straight and narrow road to success.

Four Seasons Resort and Club/Dallas

2011-06-14T09:53:00.001-05:00

I've been the Director of Golf Instruction for six years at the Four Seasons Resort and Club/Dallas. It's a fabulous facility. Cottonwood Valley is the members course and our TPC course plays host the HP Byron Nelson Championship each May.

Below is a short video that describes our facility in more detail as well as delivers the essence to what our club is really about.

Sports Club at the Four Seasons video

U.S.G.A qualifiers

2011-06-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Recently two of my students, Emily Collins and Matt Gilchrest, qualified for USGA national events. Emily just finished her Freshman year at University of Oklahoma and is a member of the Women's team. She shot 76-66 at Prestonwood CC at the Dallas qualifier for the Women's US Open and advanced through the site and will play at the Broadmoor Resort July 7-10.
Matt recently finished 3rd in the Texas 5A State HS Championships for Southlake HS and was selected 1st team All State. Yesterday, at Vaquaro Club in Southlake, Texas, he shot 71-72 to advance to the US Junior Championships July 18-23 at the Gold Mountain Golf Complex in Bremerton, Washington.
Both are fantastic accomplishments and a tribute to their hard work and their parents dedication to their respective golf games.

June Avid Golfer Article

2011-06-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

Good putting is critical to lower scores. In the June edition of Dallas based Avid Golfer I talk about the importance of distance and direction in putting. Controlling these two items on every putt will undoubtedly allow you to take less putts each round you play.

June Avid Golfer Magazine article

Impressions of the HP Byron Nelson Championship

2011-05-30T08:18:00.000-05:00

The 2011 HPBNC has a new champion in rookie Keegan Bradley. He survived a one hole playoff with Ryan Palmer to pick up just a little over 1.1 million dollars.
It was a long and wild week. Below are some of my impressions and memories of the week.

- The golf course went into the week in spectacular condition. Most said it was the best condition it's ever been in. Director of Golf Operations, John Cunningham was so satisfied with his product he sent his entire staff home last Friday, at noon, as all the surfaces were ready for the world's best players.

- Tuesday night was one of the more wicked nights of weather that I can remember in my 20 years as a Dallas resident. I had just finished up an event for our club members and was trapped in the hotel parking garage for more than an hour with tornando's in the area and baseball size hail.
- Wednesday morning the greens on the TPC course were trashed with massive ball marks from the hail storm. Two teams of 15 went out on both sides of the course to fix the marks and then a roller followed to smooth the greens out.
- Had the opportunity to moderate an event for our membership with Steve Elkington and Stephen Ames. For 90 minutes they shared their insights of playing the tour. Both were very engaging and offered up many stories that entertained the group.
- From Thursday through Sunday I did 5 1/2 hours of talk radio. It was something I really enjoyed. My thanks to Steven Gribin, Courtney Connell and the crazy guys at Tee It Up in Los Angeles for allowing me to share my thoughts and insights.
- The TPC course was in fantastic condition all week and weathered 3 inches of rain, massive hail, 35 mph wind and 100 degrees temperatures. In the end the golf course won as the 3 under score was the highest in Nelson history since it moved from Preston Trail in the early 80's.
- The TOUR is changing so much. Gone is the days of Tiger and Phil dominating. Young unknowns are popping up every week to challenge and win. Golf fans have been used to the superstars winning and it's just not happening. It's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the year plays out.
- Keegan Bradley's 2 under 68 yesterday was fantastic! He made only a 3 putt bogey early in his round. Birdied #10 and parred in from there. He certainly made the least amount of mistakes and that's a main reason why he won.
- Last, Jordon Spieth. This kid just continues to deliver. He knows how to play the game at the highest level and is doing everything he can to get to the next level. He very poised for 17 years old and is going to be around for a long time. To help carry a PGA TOUR event for two consecutive years with his masterful play is just remarkable.

Looking forward to sending the rest of this Memorial Day with my family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all military families and those who have given their lives in the line of duty to make this world a little better.

PGA Magazine Article

2011-05-09T21:31:00.000-05:00

In this month's PGA Magazine I have a feature article about my teaching techniques and Coaching Champions seminars. I get a chance to travel to Europe a few times a year to give training seminars to other golf instructors. It's one of the most fun things for me to do as a Golf Professional. I love to share my thoughts and ideas about the game with other instructors. I've provided a link to the article below.

PGA Magaine - May issue

Deep vs. Shallow divots

2011-05-05T12:27:00.000-05:00

An area that sometimes confuses golfers and instructors is analyzing divots properly. There's a distinct difference between hitting too deep into the ground and hitting too far behind the ball. Too deep into the ground stems from a swing that's too steep or a body motion that sinking as you approach impact. When the divot starts too far behind the ball the swing is coming in on an angle too far from the inside, the wrist cock has released too early or the lower body isn't turning through with the club.
It's important to analyze this properly so the proper correction can be made. Below is a video supporting my written explanation. You can find more video clips on my youtube channel at: http://youtube.com/timcusickgolf

Deep vs. shallow divots

May Avid Golfer - Working on your Posture

2011-05-04T13:25:00.000-05:00

Each month I write an instruction article for Dallas based Avid Golfer magazine. This months' article is on the importance of posture throughout the swing. Have a look.

2011 May AG - Posture

Chipping

2011-05-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

The use of the word chipping often times gets misused. To me, chipping is when you use the front edge of the club to contact the ground at impact. You may use any club to chip with.
The set up in chipping is critical to get the proper strike on the ball. Narrow your stance and have it slightly open. Stand closer to the ball, similar to a putt and place the ball off the inside of your back foot. The club is going to stand straighter up and down at address as a result of this set up. Have your hands in front of the ball and lean your weight toward your front leg.
The motion of the chip should be similar to a putt with the handle of the club remaining forward of the ball at impact. The video below supports my teaching style of this shot. For more of my instruction videos go to: http://youtube.com/timcusickgolf

chipping video

Lag Putting

2011-04-25T20:49:00.000-05:00

Lag Putting is one of the most ignored skills needed in golf. Golfers, on a whole, pay far too much attention to the line of the putt and not nearly enough thought to hitting the putt the proper distance. It's safe to say that most 3 putts are a result of at least one of the putts being hit with the suspect distance control.
As you get further than 20 feet from the hole, pick a general line and be very specific on hitting the putt the proper distance.
In my video below I go into more detail on the importance of lag putting. To view more instructional videos, go to http://youtube.com/timcusickgolf.

Lag Putting Video

Pitching

2011-04-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

Pitching the golf ball requires you to use the bounce of the club. When you make contact with the ground, the bounce of the club should be the part of the club that hits the ground. This contact will allow the club to slide rather than dig. To play this shot, use must have some cushion under the ball. At impact you want to maintain the loft of the club as the bounce hits the ground. Just past impact, the clubface should still be facing the sky.
For more information on playing this shot watch my video below from YouTube. To view more instructional videos go to: http://www.youtube.com/timcusickgolf

Pitching the golf ball

Fairway Bunkers

2011-04-15T18:41:00.000-05:00

Maybe the hardest shot in golf for most golfers, is the fairway bunker shot. The most important key is making contact with the ball first. A few guidelines to getting the proper contact are:

1. Playing the ball slightly back in your stance.
2. Establish good footing at address.
3. No more than a three quarter backswing.
4. Holding onto the angle of your wrists in the downswing.
4. Clearing your left hip and releasing your right foot through the shot.

I've provided a link below to successful fairway bunker play. For more instructional videos visit my YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/timcusickgolf

Fairway Bunker Instructional Video

Greenside Bunkers

2011-04-12T21:26:00.001-05:00

Greenside bunkers play havoc on most golfers. Something about not making contact with the ball really throws them for a loop. Check out my YouTube video on playing this shot. For more instructional videos go to http://www.youtube.com/timcusickgolf#p/u/2/XlB6BTYTJ9E

Greenside Bunkers - YouTube video

Minimize your Slice

2011-04-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a video clip from my YouTube Channel, Timcusickgolf, to help minimize your slice.

Minimize your Slice

Dallas' Best Instructors

2011-04-09T19:17:00.000-05:00

Lots of very good golf instructors in the Dallas Metroplex. The April edition of Avid Golfer did a feature on the fine instruction available. Check out the talent.

Best Instructors in the Dallas Metroplex

April Avid Golfer Instrtruction Article

2011-04-09T18:59:00.000-05:00

Here's my instruction article for the April edition of Avid Golfer. Check it out! Hope you enjoy it.

April Avid Golfer Article

Tempo Teacher

2011-04-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

A training aid product I'm involved with called Tempo Teacher today made a significant jump in it's awareness by being featured in the top training aid catalog, http://golfaroundtheworld.com/. The product clips onto the left side of your belt, is about 18" long and runs parrallel with your left foot. As you swing, the device helps synch your body, arms, hands and club at impact. No thinking is required. It works well with both the fullswing and the short game. I've seen great improvement with my students as well as my game. A number of my instructor friends are using it with their students and getting execellent results. Visit http://tempoteacher.com/ to check out my training videos and the product.

Patricia Cornett - 2012 Curtis Cup Captain

2011-03-31T20:29:00.000-05:00

I had a visit yesterday from a long time student, Patricia Cornett. She's from San Francisco and was in Dallas on business. She organized some free time and we spent two hours working on her fullswing, chipping, pitching, sand play and putting. At 56 years old she's still very competitive. Her talents are very good although the distance isn't quite what it used to be.
Pat's played in more than 50 USGA events and has played in the last three US Senior Amateurs. Recently she was named the Captain of the 2012 Curtis Cup Team. The matches will be played at Nairn Golf Club in Nairn, Scotland. She'll be a fantastic captain, one that her players will enjoy competing for.
I've attached a video of her swing from yesterday. Pat's two biggest obstacles are too many shots to the left and an inconsistency at being able to hit the ball and the ground at the same time.

Clubface vs. Swing Path

2011-03-28T13:42:00.000-05:00

The clubface vs. swing path has been debated for years. Which is more important? Which has more influence? The first tests that I became aware of on this issue was in the mid 1970's. In the book 'In Search for the Perfect Golf Swing' Alastair Cochran did a study supported with high speed cameras. His study showed that about 75% of the initial direction of the golf ball was determined by the clubface and 25% was determined by the swing path.
This study went against what the PGA of America was stating in their business schools. Recently Trackman studies have supported even more influence from the clubface on the initial direction of the golf ball. Their readings are showing up to 90% can be related to the clubface and only a small amount to the swing path. My understanding is that the PGA of America has changed their approach to this debate as well recently in the business schools.
In the short video I've attached I go into some details regarding this debate. Basically if you have a curvature problem you have a clubface problem. For more videos like this one go to: http://youtube.com/timcusickgolf.

Clubface vs. Swing Path video

Feeling the Swing

2011-03-27T11:34:00.000-05:00

One of the key components in my teaching is the ability to give students the exact feel they need to make a better swing. I have a very 'hands on' approach to giving them this feel. I'll move the student through a certain area of the swing so that they can better grasp how the movement should feel. I may do this a number of times to help ingrain the feeling.
This also benefits me as well. By moving the student I can get a sense of how ingrained the mistake is. This will help me in my approach to the lesson. I might have to move the student more if I really feel the mistake ingrained. If I can't give them the correct feeling through my guidance, there's no chance they'll be able to do it by themselves.
Feel is of huge importance in replicating swings for all shots. When I can transfer the feeling to the student, a big impact is made with their improvement.
This videos gives a small demonstration as to my 'hands on' approach.

Video of my 'hands on' approach

The Longest Guy on the Planet

2011-03-22T15:42:00.000-05:00

Jamie Sadlowski is the longest hitter on the planet earth. I know he didn't win the LDA Competition in 2010 but he did the two previous years 2008 and 2009. I've personally witnessed him driving a number of greens at the Four Seasons Resort and Club. For starters the par 4 18th hole on TPC. The hole measures 429 yards. He flew it in the greenside bunker. Then there was the day he was helping with a corporate golf school on Cottonwood Valley, our members course, and hit the green on the fly 4 out of 6 times on hole 4 measuring at 440 yards. Not only is he long but accurate.
The topper is the day he took 5 steps out of the golf school and hit a 19 degree hybrid approximately 350 yards over the back fence which measuring a 100 feet in the air.

Jamie has incredible speed, strength, width, a long backswing, tremendous lag, fast trained hands and a very good golf swing. Check out this video of his swing with a 23 inch driver off the 1st tee of TPC that he flushed about 310.

Greenside Bunker Philosophy

2011-03-18T19:49:00.000-05:00

Often times golfers don't fully realize that a greenside bunker is indeed a hazard. They 'get' the idea that you can't ground your club in a bunker. Believe me, everyone 'gets it' now after Dustin Johnson's mishap. But what they don't often realize is that when you in a greenside bunker your first goal should be to get out in one shot. You would always strive to have a putt for the next shot. Initially it doesn't even matter how long the putt is. Once you're assured of getting the ball on the green then you can be more specific how close you can it the ball to the hole. This pertains to all levels of golfers. I see low handicap golfers every week who don't put enough emphasis on having a putt for their next shot after being in a bunker.

At any level, minimize your times when you take multiple shots around the green and you're guaranteed to shoot lower scores.

Kathy Whitworth Girls Jr. Invitational

2011-03-15T20:59:00.000-05:00

I had an opportunity to go over to Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas yesterday for the 1st round of the Kathy Whitworth Girls Jr. Invitational. One of my students, Kelly Grassel, from Chesterton, Indiana participated.
Kelly is a Sophomore in High School and a very good junior player. She won the Indiana Girls Match Play Championship in 2010 and at the end of the year was named Player of the Year for the state of Indiana.
She shot 79-74 to finish tied for 21st in the years first national event. The first round conditions were very difficult. She had an early tee time and was faced with 20 mph north winds and a temperature of 45. She struggled a bit but for not playing virtually any golf in 4 months she turned in a decent performance. The tournament was sort of spring training for her as well as a barometer for how she stacks up against the nations best.
I expect big things from this girl in 2011. Have a look at her swing from our lesson on Saturday, March 12.

Starting the downswing

2011-03-13T22:36:00.000-05:00

All good golf swings start the downswing from the ground up. The movement starts with the feet then knees followed by the hips. This movement allows the arms and club to lower into the slot.
Moving the lower body forward and then turning through helps delay the uncocking of the wrists and holds the clubface open until just before impact. By making this motion all the energy of the swing is moving in the correct direction and helps create more force at impact by hitting into the left side.
You see this motion repeated time again when watching the golf telecasts on all the Professional Golf Tours.

An Old Friend Visits

2011-03-11T21:55:00.000-06:00

A good friend and student of mine when he used to play the Champions Tour, Bruce Crampton, is in Dallas for a few days. Bruce helps Elise Smedinger, a junior golfer from Maryland with her golf game. Elise is scheduled to play in the Kathy Whitworth Invitational at Mira Vista Country Club Monday and Tuesday.
Both were out at the Four Seasons Resort and Club today getting a little practice in before the event. I had a look at Elise this afternoon and was very impressed with her game. Bruce is not a teacher but has done a fantastic job developing her game.
It's been a treat for me to watch the PGA TOUR event with him the last two nights and get his perspective on the game and what it was like to play In the Doral event a few decades ago.

Avid Golfer Article - March 2011

2011-03-10T10:07:00.000-06:00

Just out, my instruction article in the March edition of Avid Golfer. Check it out!

March Article - Avid Golfer Magazine

The Perception of Words

2011-03-09T09:44:00.000-06:00

In teaching, I've found that not only your diagnosis but how you word your correction makes or breaks the students' improvement. A good example of this comes in the short game. Pitching the ball in the air is often difficult for many golfers. The concept they sometimes have is one that the ball must be scooped up to create height. A comment that a student often makes is 'I didn't get underneath that last shot.' That might be true but I feel it's a bad way to view the missed shot. My verbiage to them is ' don't try to get underneath it, just try to get down to the ball.' Let the loft of the club do the work. This verbiage gives the student persmission to swing the clubhead down to the ball and ground instead of sliding the club underneath the ball.
It may be semantics but I've had alot of succes phrasing my corrections in the short game this way.

Characteristics of Good Putters

2011-03-07T08:17:00.000-06:00

Putting largely still is a very individual area of the game. However, there's some common characteristics that all good putters seem to adhere to.

1. The length of their stroke tends to be about the same on each side of the ball.
2. The pace of their stroke, to their feel, remains relatively the same. In reality the paces quickens slightly at the start of the forward motion then remains constant.
3. Their eyes are positioned over the ball or slightly inside of the ball at address.
4. The stroke on putts inside 5 feet is mostly straight back and through. As the stroke lengthens more arc is apparent.
5. Ideally, the more body parts aligned in the same direction the better at address, but the most important is the eyes. Make sure they're level with the target line.
6. The arm and hand closest to the target leads the stroke. For a right handed golfer that's the left side. You'd rather have a pulling motion then a pushing motion.

Final thought...If you don't make the putt leave it on the high side with a tap in.

Curvature mistakes and the Grip

2011-03-04T16:36:00.000-06:00

I had a very informative teaching seminar this past week with 6 German PGA Professionals. One of topics that came up was the grip. To me, the grip is an extremely important part of the golf swing. It's the only direct link the body has to the club. Unfortunately, often times the grip is used as a compensation for misses that curve too much to the right or left.
If a student is curving the ball too much to the right and the grip is weak I'll adjust the grip to make it more neutral. However, if the grip is too strong I can't fix the grip until the shot allows me to. In other words, I need to get the student almost get some hook into their shot before I can fix their grip.
When a student is hooking the ball too much and a grip is too strong, then the grip is the first thing I'll work with. By making the grip more neutral it helps to soften the hook tendency.
As a student's golf swing becomes more on plane there's an increased need to have a more neutral or fundamentally correct grip. A good golf swing needs a good grip.

YouTube Channel

2011-02-28T22:52:00.001-06:00

I've started a YouTube channel to host video analysis clips of my students. You see #1 ranked junior player Anthony Paolucci, LPGA Tour player Il Hee Lee and many other swings of top amateur players. Go to www.YouTube.com/timcusickgolf to check it out.

Training Students

2011-02-27T21:00:00.000-06:00

Big day today on the instruction front at the Four Seasons/Dallas. I have a group of German PGA Professionals in town for a week's worth of training. Today's itinerary consisted of some video analysis training. I did a comparison of their swings from this past Friday vs. today. Some nice improvement with all of them. Also had a chance today to see them on the course for 6 holes. It's nice to see that their technique is transferring well from the driving range to the golf course.
This afternoon I had training with the High School golfers who are members at the Four Seasons. 7 players went through some very extensive lag putting drills for an hour then LPGA Tour player Il Hee Lee joined us for 9 holes. It was a fantastic chance for the kids to play with a Tour player. Had one player, Ben Baxter, tie Il Hee at even par. Main focus in watching the High School players is to eliminate 3 putts, multiple chips around the green and penalty shots.

Teaching the Teacher

2011-02-20T20:05:00.000-06:00

Finished up the first day of my Teaching the Teacher at the Four Seasons Resort and Club/Dallas. Attendees included pro's from Sweden, Austin, Texas and others from the Dallas area. Great energy amongst the group.
The seminar centered around the for main components I use in my diagnosis of the golf swing; trajectory, curvature, contact on the clubface and impact. We also covered my 'hands on' approach to moving students in positions, specific types of shot mistakes, a 'live lesson' and the attendees got a chance to work on their games as well.
Tomorrow is the final day with an action packed schedule including a 'live lesson' with a Tour Pro. Should be fun!

German Teaching the Teacher

2011-02-16T12:40:00.000-06:00

Two of my German Teaching Professional friends, Fabian Buenker and Chris Webers have organized two teaching seminars this coming September in Germany. The Golf Club Rheine will play host to the seminar.

The first seminar on September 17-18 is geared toward the professional who wants to improve his own game. The attendees will get insight of my teaching philosophy and how it pertains to their game. I'll also spend time going over how I fix faults, my 'hands on' approach to teaching as well as insight in my views of the golf swing.
The second seminar is scheduled for September 19. This one day session will be intensive training on my teaching philosophy and techniques. The day will be invaluable for improving your knowledge of the swing and also raising the level of your own teaching abilities.

A link is provided to gain more information on the special three days of training.

Facts: German Teaching the Teacher

Tempo Teacher Training Device

2011-02-11T21:05:00.000-06:00

http://www.tempoteacher.com/

The Tempo Teacher is a new device that allows you to synch up the body with your arms and club. The 18 inch device hooks on to your belt opposite your left hip. It's designed to guide you through impact. As a result you create a much more solid hit which in turn will increase your distance and accuracy.
The beauty of the device is you don't have to think about anything.

What to expect at Impact

2011-02-09T13:42:00.000-06:00

To me, the standard shot in golf is one that starts out slightly right of your intended target and then draws into the target. This is due to the fact that you're standing to the side of the golf ball and the club should be swinging on an arc. You see a similar motion when a field goal is kicked in football. The kicker stands to the side of the ball as his leg and foot swings on an arc.
How much the ball curves is largely dependent on which club you have in your hand. When you have more loft on the clubface, short irons and wedges, the tendency will be to hit down and create backspin. The backspin will counteract the sidespin that can be produced on the ball so the curve is minimized. When you have a straighter faced club, like a long iron or wood, you have more potential for curvature.
A draw isn't the only shot nor the correct shot for any given situation. It's the standard shot that's produced with a neutral golf swing. My experience is that when you're able to draw the golf ball correctly it then makes it much easier to play a fade. You make some minor adjustments in your ball position, stance and angle of swing to produce the fade.

Rate your Pin Placements

2011-02-05T18:09:00.000-06:00

Not all pin placements are created equal. I ask my students to rate them like a stop light. Each pin is either a green, yellow or red pin placement. A green light pin is typically in the center of the green. Get your yardage and aim directly at it.
A yellow light pin placement moves away from the center of the green. You should be cautious of this pin placement and aim away from impending trouble.
A red light pin placement is tucked behind a bunker, is in the extreme front or back of the green, close to a body of water or on the far left or right side of the green. When faced with this type of pin placement you should act as though the pin is not even on the green and play to the middle of the green.
Being decisive in rating pin placements will help in your decision making process for the shot at hand.