An unbelievably exciting Masters concluded this weekend with history being made by Charl Schwartzel with his record finish of four birdies in a row, Rory McIlroy’s excellent play through 63 holes of the tournament, and Tiger Woods charge on the front 9 of the final round. The depth of skill (aptitude) during Sunday’s round was exceptional. However, is the golfing public more enamored with aptitude rather than attitude? Replay the interviews with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods following completion of the round and tell me who you would rather join for a friendly game, Rory or Tiger? As Christine Brennan wrote in her Monday column for USA Today newspaper, “Tiger’s uneven play is only part of the story of his confounding comeback from his unprecedented fall from grace. His uneven behavior is another part of the conversation, and it unfortunately doesn’t seem to be getting better, either. Woods’ demeanor bordered on the terrible when shots weren’t to his liking this week. He pouted. He pounded his club into the ground. He walked away. He swore. And when he finished his round and didn’t like that, his answers to interviews were just as bad. (His CBS appearance Sunday has to be one of the 10 worst in sports history by a superstar). All this from the man who vowed last year to change his ways, to behave better. Perhaps he had his fingers crossed at the time he said it. Were Tiger 12 years old, you’d send him to his room. Since he’s a bit older, perhaps he should be made to watch a tape of how McIlroy handled his embarrassing 80 – with grace, dignity and an appreciative smile. We learned a few things about Tiger in this, another major loss – chief among them that the new Tiger is as unpleasant as the old. No amount of great golf can change that.” Couldn’t have said it better, Christine. I guess the old adage plays out – if you want to know the true character of a person, play 18 holes of golf with them. So Tiger, want to improve your game? Try improving your attitude first, and your aptitude with the tools of your trade should return.

True golfers look forward all year to the first week of April and The Masters Golf Tournament. While the Tour begins in January in Hawaii, the real golf season starts in April in Augusta. I was 16 years old when I first went to Augusta with my parents in 1963. We drove down from Memphis, bought a ticket at the gate next to the 4^th green, and walked into a slice of heaven. I still have the yellow Masters cap I bought (although it is definitely worse for wear) and can still remember watching Jack Nicklaus sink his winning putt through spectators’ legs in front of the 18^th green. I’ve been back a few times since, but my fondest memories throughout my life have been sitting in front of the TV during Masters weekend with family and friends watching the drama unfold on the back 9 on Sunday afternoon. This year should be another exciting finish – Phil Mickelson peaked last weekend, Tiger will be in contention regardless of how he strikes the ball, new faces will emerge, and the weather can bring a lot of others into the mix. The greens, as always, will present the biggest challenge, so the player with the hottest putter will definitely have the advantage. It all starts today with the par-3 contest, and you can rest assured that I will record it and watch it tonight after work. Don’t call me on the weekend, as my phone will go unanswered. The lawn will have to wait, chores will be delayed, and each night I will fall asleep with visions of magnolias in my dreams. So, to all my golfing friends throughout the universe, Happy New Year – it’s Masters Week!

The dreaded shank – hosel rocket, el hosel, shankapotamus, socketing, shanks for the memories. Answers.com defines the shank as: “Hitting the golf ball with the heel of the club, causing the ball to veer in the wrong direction.” More specifically, a generally accepted definition of a shank is when the ball is contacted on the “clubface-side” of the hosel, causing the ball to veer wildly to the right (for right-handed players). I knew an Assistant Golf Professional who gave up the game of golf because he couldn’t stop shanking his chip/pitch shots – just walked off the course and left the golf business. It is my belief that if the golfer knows how to shank a golf ball on purpose, he/she can then correct the flaw by doing just the opposite. The basic cause of the shank is that the clubhead moves further away from the golfer at impact (or takes a path further away from the golfer) than is established at setup. Many things can cause this to happen: spine angle change through impact, weight goes to the toes through impact, tension causes the club to move “outside” the desired path through impact, excessive knee flex through impact, etc. Rather than focusing on what is causing the shank, my recommendation is to practice hitting the ball on the toe of the club – just the opposite of hitting it in the heel. Use face tape and experiment with smaller/shorter shots at first. Concentrate on what it feels like to contact the ball on the toe of the club. Once you can hit it on the toe with small/short shots, begin increasing your swing until you can hit it on the toe with full swings. Once you master hitting the ball on the toe of the club, use face tape once again to establish contact in the center of the clubface. Finally, master the exercise I call “painting the face” – tee up three balls; put face tape on a 7-iron; then hit the first shot in the center of the clubface, the second shot on the toe, and finally, the third shot in the hosel. Remember, once you know how to hit a shank on purpose, you can always figure out how not to shank!

Tiger Woods loses in the first round of the WGC Match Play Championship – so what’s new? The media claim he’s in a slump, and it’s kind of hard to argue that he isn’t. Is Tiger’s slump physical (swing change), mental (life style change), both, or neither? I just finished reading Breaking the Slump by Jimmy Roberts, a collection of interviews of golfing greats about how they broke out of their slumps. The list included Paul Azinger, Jack Nicklaus, David Duval, Greg Norman, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Steve Stricker, and others. Insights offered by each of these golfing legends were very interesting. Roberts states “A slump is a frightening thing, but as player after player told me: don’t panic.” Palmer’s advice: “Just slow down.” Love: “Try less hard.” Nicklaus: “The first thing you have to do when you’re having a problem is get away from it.” Duval: “At all costs, protect your confidence.” Stricker: “Your swing is a product of your mind. Keep a positive attitude.” Roberts sums it up: “Golf, like life, is just too sweet to spend time mired in what’s wrong, especially when you can do something to make it right. If you choose to play this game, Marley’s ghost will likely visit you from time to time. The trick is not letting those rattling chains scare you so much.” These interviews offer looks at champions in their most vulnerable times – we can all learn from them.

If you haven’t read Bobby Clampett’s book, The Impact Zone, you are missing a great opportunity to learn more about how the best players in the world deliver the golf club to the ball through the impact zone and how you may be able to improve your own ball striking and scoring. Mr. Clampett lists his Five Dynamics of the Golf Swing based on his personal experience and anecdotal research. They are: 1) The Flat Left Wrist at Impact, 2) The Forward Swing Bottom, 3) Loading the Club on the Backswing, 4) Lagging the Load Through Impact, and 5) Swinging the Club Along a Straight Plane Line Through the Impact Zone. While each of these dynamics is critical to using the golf club effectively in the swing, the one dynamic which is of most interest is The Forward Swing Bottom. Based on observations, Mr. Clampett shows that the center of the divot for irons (and believe it or not, even the driver) is four to five inches in front of the golf ball for the best players in the world – PGA Tour Professionals. Master this dynamic, and you will definitely improve your ball striking on all shots from the chip shot to the tee ball. As a matter of fact, Mr. Clampett asserts that for every inch you can move the bottom of your divot forward, you will see a four stroke reduction in your score. This is a “must-read” book, whether you agree with Mr. Clampett’s conclusions or not. I am one who agrees with his premises, and I strongly encourage you to explore the Five Dynamics of the Golf Swing in The Impact Zone.

It all began one evening in 1991 with a telephone solicitation call.  Little did I know at the time that this phone call would literally change my life over the next 20 years.  The person on the other end of the line asked if I would donate money to an organization called Special Olympics.  I was familiar with Special Olympics, but I steadfastly refused to donate money on the telephone to anyone.  I explained that although I would not provide funds, I would gladly volunteer to teach/coach Special Olympics golfers.  At the time, I was half-way through my apprenticeship in the PGA of America and was working as a non-member Director of Golf at a public golf course in Phoenix, AZ.  Taken aback, the telephone solicitor said that he was unaware of any Special Olympics Golf Program and referred me to Troy Greisen, the Executive Director of Arizona Special Olympics. I set up an appointment to talk with Troy the following week, and we both came away from the meeting with a plan to start a Special Olympics Golf Program in Arizona. Unknown to me, this same scenario was taking place in four other states throughout the country at the same time.

In September 1991, I hosted a Special Olympics golf clinic at my course and persuaded a few local professionals to help.  I was fortunate to have Wedgy Winchester, world famous trick shot artist and long drive champion, donate his time to conduct a demonstration before the clinic started.  Over a dozen Special Olympics athletes attended this first clinic, and the Arizona Special Olympics Golf Program was officially established.  Within the next month, I contacted golf courses throughout the Phoenix area and asked the professional staffs to donate an hour or two of their time each week to provide instruction for interested Special Olympians.  The Directors of Golf/Head Professionals went above and beyond and not only donated lessons, but opened their driving ranges at no charge during specified hours each week and provided free golf to Special Olympians and their families when there were openings on the tee sheet.

In January 1992, the PGA of America convened the first Special Olympics Golf Committee meeting, and I was fortunate to be selected as a member of that committee.  The initial goals established by the committee were to grow the Special Olympics Golf Program within each state in the U. S. and to have Special Olympics Golf included as part of the 1995 Special Olympics International World Games Competition in New Haven, Connecticut.  The 1995 World Games Golf Tournament was held at Yale Golf Course, where Andrew White won the Male Division I title with rounds of 81,81 and 80.  Michele Mouier captured the Female Division I title with rounds of 99, 107 and 95.  Golf had been established as a Medal Sport in Special Olympics International World Games Competitions.

For me, the last 20 years have been full of heart-warming, emotional and gratifying events revolving around Special Olympics.  I have been the Chairman of the Special Olympics Golf Committee since 1990 and have enjoyed every moment.  My wife and I served as Organizers and Rules Officials at Special Olympics golf tournaments in Arizona, California and South Carolina, and at the 1999 World Games Golf Tournament in Raleigh, NC and the 2003 World Games Golf Tournament in Ireland.  We traveled to South Africa for a week to train Special Olympics Athletes and Coaches.  We have conducted numerous clinics, tournaments and coaches’ training sessions throughout the country. We have luckily built lasting relationships with some of the finest people you could ever hope to meet.

Everyone from the newest entry-level PGA Apprentice to the most experienced PGA Director of Golf can make a difference in a Special Olympian’s life or that of his/her family.   I strongly encourage every PGA member and apprentice to take that first step and get involved with Special Olympics Golf by contacting your local state Special Olympics Executive Director.  If you would like more information about Special Olympics Golf, please feel free to contact me at 843-997-8318 or by email at TGACERIC@aol.com.

In summary, the heart of the Special Olympics program is captured by the Special Olympics oath, which is recited by the athletes before every competition:  “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Eric C. Wilson, Ph.D., PGA Master Professional

Chairman, Special Olympics Golf Committee

Executive Director Golf Operations

Keiser University College of Golf

Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

While attending the PGA Merchandise Show last week in Orlando, Florida, I ran into a good friend and fellow Master Professional, Ed Ibarguen, General Manager and Director of Golf at the Duke University Golf Club. Ed was kind enough to introduce me to a book titled Annual Review of Golf Coaching 2010, published by the Multi-Science Publishing Company, Ltd. and edited by Dr. Simon Jenkins. The book description on the back cover reads: “Most Tour Players now have a number of different coaches to help them with the mental, physical and technical sides of the game. Today, therefore, it is more relevant to talk of ‘Golf Coaching’ rather than simply ‘Golf Instruction’ or ‘Golf Teaching.’ The mission of this technical and peer-reviewed publication is to bridge the gap between scientific and practical knowledge in golf. The articles in the Annual Review can be placed into five categories: Swing Technique and Biomechanics; Technology & Feedback; Psychology of Performance and Practice; Golf Development and Coach Education; and Strength and Conditioning. The best of recent research is brought to the lay reader along with expert contributions from leading figures in the coaching world. “While I have not yet received copies of the 2007-2009 publications, I was very intrigued with the leading article in the 2010 edition: “Digging It Out of the Dirt: Ben Hogan, Deliberate Practice and The Secret” by Dr. Simon Jenkins. Follow up commentaries were provided by Anders Ericsson/Len Hill, Stephen Cobley/Joseph Baker, Kyle Paquette/Jon Roy, Christopher Bertram, Ed Ibarguen, Fran Pirozzolo, Dr. Gary Wiren, Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Lee Crust, and Tom Ferraro. The information in this publication is most interesting and the Editorial Board reads like a “Who’s Who” in the golf coaching/instruction community. If you are interested, you can purchase this book at www.multi-science.co.uk/golf-coaching.htm.

In Sam Froggatte’s (CEO Eyeline Golf) January 21^st email, he references Deliberate Practice and Anders Ericsson’s article on “Deliberate Practice and Acquisition of Expert Performance: A General Overview.” Eyeline Golf (www.eyelinegolf.com) has an incredible array of training aids and information to aid every level of golfer in his/her quest for improved performance and lower scores. In reviewing Ericsson’s article, he states “Significant improvements in performance were realized when individuals were 1) given a task with a well-defined goal, 2) motivated to improve,       3) provided with feedback, and 4) provided with ample opportunities for repetition and gradual refinements of their performance.” Before jumping right into a training scenario, every golfer should go through a skill level assessment to provide a “blueprint” of what specific areas of the game require/desire improvement. These areas include: Pre-Swing Fundamentals (Grip, Aim, Setup), In-Swing Fundamentals (Technique, Consistency, Accuracy, Distance, Balance), Short Game (Partial Wedges, Pitching, Chipping, Bunker Play, Putting), Course Management, Mental Game, Rules/ Etiquette, and Equipment Evaluation. Once the golfer has a clear picture of his/her abilities and has decided which skills require improvement, then effective training can begin and Deliberate Practice can be introduced. Otherwise, beginning a training session without an assessment would be like beginning a trip without a map; whichever road you choose will get you there, but it may not be where you want to go.

With the advent of YouTube and the vast amount of golf-related information available in books, magazines, and the Internet, golfers are overwhelmed with instructional information and tips to improve their golf games. The best approach, of course, is to seek professional instruction from your local PGA Professional. Even then, taking lessons does not necessarily guarantee improvement as quickly as most golfers wish. If you do take lessons, Dr. Gary Wiren, PGA Master Professional, offers seven tips in Chapter 12 of his PGA Teaching Manual, The Art and Science of Golf Instruction:

1. Agree on instructional objectives with your professional – Set a goal, put a time frame on it, consider your ability and how much time and effort you will devote to the undertaking.
2. Be an active learner – Ask questions. Learning is the learner’s responsibility.
3. Find a comfortable matchup of teaching style and your learning    style – To do this, ask yourself the following: How do you best learn? Do you like detail or the big picture? Are you a better learner with words, pictures, or feel? Can you handle criticism or do you need praise? Find a teacher who either fits your style or communicate your preferred style to the teacher you have.
4. Avoid false modesty, but beware of pride and ego – Be objective and honest when the professional asks you questions about your game. Don’t hide weaknesses, including health or physical problems, or exaggerate strengths. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand.
5. Avoid noncompliance – When you get a prescription, take it, give it a chance.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice – Failure to practice or letting your practice become aimless and disorganized not only wastes the practice time, but the lesson time as well.
7. Patience, Patience, Patience – Don’t expect miracle cures. Improvement takes time. Swing patterns are habits, and habits don’t change quickly.

My students ask this question repeatedly, regardless of their skill level. Dr. Gary Wiren’s PGA Teaching Manual: The Art and Science of Golf Instruction contains an article by noted PGA Instructor Chuck Cook titled “Strategies for Getting Your Game Under Control.” Mr. Cook offers two basic rules for golfers to follow: Rule 1 – DO NOT TRY TO DO WHAT YOU CANNOT DO, and Rule 2 – DO NOT AIM WHERE A STRAIGHT SHOT WILL HURT YOU.

Under Rule 1, Mr. Cook states that “You see beginning players trying to use clubs they can’t use, intermediate players trying to play shots they can’t hit, and advanced players playing to targets that are totally unreasonable.” If you are a beginner golfer (handicap 24 and above), Mr. Cook suggests learning to use a driving club (preferably a 5-wood) and a playing club (normally a 5-iron), and developing a short game system involving a 7-iron, sand wedge, and a putter. If you are an intermediate player (handicap 12-24), he recommends learning one basic, repeatable shot (your normal shot tendency) and playing it all the way around the golf course. Don’t be tempted to try different shots to fit different situations. If you are an advanced player (handicap 12 and under), Mr. Cook feels you must learn the fundamentals of shotmaking,  mastering the different curvatures and trajectories, so you can play them when the situation dictates. Your goal should be to “practice the shots you don’t like and play the shots you do like.”

For Rule 2, Mr. Cook relates that his research shows that most penalty shots come from poor starting direction rather than from the amount of curve of the shot, by a ratio of almost 12 to 1. If you are a beginner golfer, attempt to play to a spot where you can putt the ball onto the green, rather than leave yourself in a position where you have to loft the ball onto the green. For intermediate golfers, pick the biggest target for each shot and favor the side of the target that is farthest from trouble. Advanced players should aim away from trouble and curve the ball toward trouble.

Following Chuck Cook’s Rules 1 and 2 may seem simplistic and possibly even boring, but it will lead to lower, more consistent scores in both your casual rounds and in tournament competition.