08 April, 2012

Draw shots go further than fades.

I practised my shots regularly at the Hamilton Golf Club's driving range. When I picked up all the balls, I always noticed that the balls on the left side is 5 to 10 metres further than those on the right side of the range. For a long time, I could not figure out the reason why; but now I think that I have got it! A draw shot carries  top spin and not the anti-clockwise rotation, found on fades. On landing, the top spin carries the ball slightly further! This means that a fade carries some back spins and stops sooner!

Most golfers achieve handicap 20 within 12 months of play. It is also the time they start to draw their shots with the driver and gain more distance off the tee. On par 4 holes, a golfer at this level of play would be using a 6 or 7 iron for his approach shot to the green. These mid irons are the most accurate clubs in the bag! Hence many golfers achieve single handicap within 2 more years (total 3 years of play). The reason is his better understanding of the golf swing and a much better understanding of his clubs and what each one can do.

Around this time he should also be choosing a softer ball for more control. More distance is good; but not when it also means ob in the bush or in the Waikato river! To improve further becomes his main objective at this level of play. Every round he can reasonably expect to get one or more birdies! The game has become extremely addictive for all players at this stage. He will forsake wife and family and try his best to play at least three rounds every week. He needs to play more often in order to lower or maintain his handicap.

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