Published: July 19, 2008 11:23 pm            

RUGGIERO: Correcting the wrong of going right

Good morning. Lots to talk about, so let’s get started.



Clarification

While at Hyde Park Golf Course this past week giving lessons, I was approached by several readers (and friends) who desired further explanation about last week’s column on pushing shots repeatedly to the right.

I have found over the years it quite challenging to explain body positioning in the written word. It’s so much easier to mimic the move in person. That said, I’ll attempt to explain a second time one theory as to why so many players hit their golf balls right of target time and again.

Simply, the clubface must return to the ball perpendicular to the target line at impact on the downswing. If the face is open, the ball will rebound off it to the right. If we place our hands on the grip so as to make returning to perpendicular difficult, then it stands to reason that we must adjust our grip in order to make it easier to square our clubface repetitively.

Now, let’s try again. Place your left hand on the grip (reverse if left-handed) and position your hand at your belt buckle. Look down. The left thumb and left forefinger should form a “V” which points to your right shoulder. The two knuckles above your pointer finger and middle finger should be visible to you. If they are, then you’ve got it.

This is the position I explained last week. Will it cure a push to the right? Not necessarily. You could be doing several other things incorrectly also, like simply aiming your alignment to the right. Golf is difficult. That’s why I get paid to teach it and write about it. Now that’s a good thing.



And speaking of Hyde Park …

Okay, so I’m bias. Hyde Park will always have a special place in my heart. I worked there for more than 20 seasons. I met some of the nicest people on the planet there and I matured enough to manage some of the few who weren’t. The courses present a terrific architectural challenge. Really. Its 36 holes provide a fair test to the average player.

So what’s the news story? Simply, it’s in fantastic condition considering the money allotted to it. I have not seen the course so manicured in years. It’s not perfect. Nothing is. Kudos to Mayor Dyster and his course staff for taking the steps necessary to begin an uphill climb to better days. Keeping the same staff as in previous seasons was a great beginning.



An e-mail Inquiry …

I received an e-mail this week from a reader asking advice on a slice. His note reads, “ Ken, having major problems with my driver lately. Everything I hit is starting off down the middle and then taking a severe turn to the right. Any suggestions?”

I’ve got to see it to analyze it because there is more than one reason why players slice their ball. That said, usually a slice occurs when hitting from the top, that is, starting the downswing with the upper body rather than with the legs.

The commencement of any good downswing occurs with the hips sliding and turning towards the target. Only after that shift of your weight should the arms be allowed to drop. Believe it or not, taking the club back too far inside the line can also cause an over-the-top swing, as your mind and body try to repair the excessive move inside and re-establish a more correct plane.

There is a very subtle distinction between good swing and poor one. To cure a slice, a visit to your local golf instructor is probably in order.



Daly

There’s a fine line between likable and boorish. Golfer John Daly has recently crossed over from oddly entertaining to simply annoying. He suggested this week that Butch Harmon, swing coach to the stars, lied about him and “kind of destroyed my life for a little bit.”

This statement coming from an acutely overweight professional who plays golf with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, occasionally employs a beer can as a tee, and doesn’t mind playing shirtless (it’s not a pretty sight) when the cameras are rolling.

Daly sought out the services of Harmon. The golf guru subsequently had the nerve to insist that Daly essentially take responsibility for his life and take Harmon’s instruction seriously. Big John’s response was to party some more.

The last straw for Harmon was a Daly no-show in the pro-am of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Daly of course blamed a tournament secretary for not giving him the correct tee time. He also blames tendinitis and cysts for his recent poor play.

I’ve always gravitated to the underdog. That’s why I’ve always liked Daly. Dysfunctional and talented. But there comes a time when acceptance wears out and all that remains is an irritated fan who has run out of patience and excuses for his once-favorite player.

Until Daly deals with his demons and comes to terms with his own role in his difficulties, he will be a mere asterisk in golf lore. But, far more importantly than that, he will have wasted so very much potential, both as a golfer and as a man.

And, until next week, keep it in the fairway.

Ken Ruggiero is a local golf instructor and can be reached at 298-0967 or by e-mailing him at radiomaniac1949@yahoo.com.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.