by Daniel Bilodeau

Golf enthusiast, it gives me great pleasure to start this new collaboration with Tremblant Express. Various topics will be covered during the golf season in articles focusing on you and maximizing your chances to have fun playing this amazing sport. For this first article, I would like to review three crucial points that you may have worked on over the winter season in a closed environment: alignment and positioning of the ball, rhythm of the swing and pressure of the grip. Now the big challenge is to transfer all those sensations to your play on the golf course, in an open environment. I consider these three points to be the main elements of underperformance for all golfers.

Alignment and positioning of the ball. These are easy inside on a golf carpet but it’s extremely difficult to be consistent on this point during the whole game of golf. I suggest you play nine holes every two weeks with an alignment rod or club on the ground for all your swings in order to realign.

Rhythm of the swing. The intention to hit hard and far seems to be an obsession for golfers and can interfere with your ideal rhythm. When you feel that your arms are leading your swing, try to use one club more for the same distance (an 8 iron instead of a 9 for example), if the situation allows it, in order to reduce your swing speed, and then stay connected by keeping your arms and your torso in sync during the swing.

Pressure of the grip. This is closely linked to your frame of mind on the golf course, and heaven knows it doesn’t always go well in our head while we’re playing; remember that we don’t hold the golf club like we hold a hammer. Try to play a few holes with very loose hands and you will notice a big difference.