As we look at the first P.G.A. Tournament of the season, after we get past the fact that we would love to be in Hawaii, we take a closer look at what champions do and how golf is played at the highest level. As I continue my quest to make you a more educated viewer of golf tournaments in attempt to learn something to help your own game, let’s see what we can learn from the final group in the SBS Championship. We have two top players that have both won U.S. Opens and had an excellent 2009. So why did Geoff Ogilvy shoot 67 and Lucas Glover stumble to a 76 after leading the tournament after 3 rounds? As a teacher of the game, I know that Lucas did not suddenly lose his golf swing as many of you think you do at times. After shooting 17 under for 3 days, he didn’t all of a sudden forget how to play. Taking a closer look, it was evident that he got out of his Pre-shot routine. As Nick Faldo astutely pointed out(repeatedly throughout the telecast) after a few loose swings early on, he (Lucas) never appeared comfortable before many of his shots. Conversely, Geoff Ogilvy’s routine never wavered. In my opinion, this is why he was able to hold his round together and hold off the rest of the field. I have included two clips of both players that show you what I am talking about. Here is what we can learn from each players situation. Watch each clip and then read the keys at the bottom to apply them to your own game. Ogilvy (the good) and Glover (the bad).
The Good: Geoff Ogilvy
Geoff has really worked on his temperment. He used to have a temper but not any more. He has the great ability to be cool under pressure. Here is what I like about his routine. 1. His rehearsal swings are way above the ground as if he was hitting a ball off of a tall tee. This is great for those of your trying to flatten your swing plane, definitely somthing to copy. 2. The small skip into the ball activates his tempo and triggers him to focus. Find your trigger: It could be pulling up your sleeve, the velcro on your glove for example. (key) The pace that you walk into the ball can dictate your swing tempo, keep it slow and smooth like Ogilvy. It is almost as if he was listening to slow ballad as he plays. 3. His long look at target as he waggles imbeds a great picture of the target. 4. He never starts his routine until he has a clear picture of the shot he is about to play a (18th second shot). Oh, and don’t forget to breathe. A clensing breathe always helps to relieve some tension and help you to focus.
Lucas Glover (the bad)
Now don’t get me wrong. Lucas Glover will win a ton more golf tournaments. It just shows that even the best players lose their way and change routines under pressure occasionally. Coming off a long layoff, the pressure caused Lucas to tighten up which caused some swing problems. When Lucas gets tight, his shoulder turn gets short. This in turn causes his upper body to out race his lower body and the club gets too shallow and the arms can’t catch up to the body. This is why it appeared that his lower body was slowing down and his upper body was too fast. He was out of sequence and he missed several shots to the right. In a positive light, Lucas displayed a great attitude while having a tough day (something that he has worked on), which will bode him well as the season unfolds. Remember, the pre-shot routine is a key element that ties all of the work that you did on the practice ground together. It prepares your body and your mind to play the best shot that you are capable of. Make sure you include this in your practice sessions.
Guru
The Golf Guru Show 