I know many amateur and pro golfers often have a “swing thought” they choose for the day or the practice session. A swing thought can be one word, a phrase, or a key to focus on, which helps get rid of many other negative thoughts and keeps the player focused. I’ve never been one to try a swing thought during a round, nor have I tried to work on technical parts of my swing during a round. I believe once you start going “Johnny Miller” in your head and thinking of 27 different things, you’re toast.
Yesterday I was playing okay, but realized I was throwing my (massive) weight around in the swing. I tend to sway forward. Someone years ago told me you can gain power by shifting your weight. I do that too much, and often end up off balance. Out of the blue before one swing I said the word “balance” to myself out loud just before I took the club back. The result was a towering drive straight down the middle of the fairway with zero side-spin. The contact mark was dead center on the club face. The takeaway, downswing, and follow through were all smooth with no over-shifting of the weight. The finish was comfortable and easy, like Ernie Els or Freddie. I’m sure it looked just as good or better.
A light went off in my head, and on every swing I could the rest of the round I said the word balance just before pulling the trigger. I’m a hack amateur, so not all the swings were perfect, but the overall result was a marked improvement in contact, swing quality, accuracy, and distance.
The word balance is great because it can cover so many parts of the swing. Proper balance means not shifting the weight too far back or through. It can mean bringing the club back nice and slow. It can mean a smooth transition at the top with no jerky or fast motions. It covers a lot.
When all was said and done I had shot a decent round, but was thrilled about the quality of the ball-striking.
Yes, I’ll be saying “balance” before my swings for the next round. I plan on using that thought until it wears out. Hope it doesn’t.
I’ll do anything to shave strokes off my game. The lampshade/thong thing didn’t turn out well, but at least I tried. Perhaps performance underwear can shave strokes off my game? I’m about to find out today at 3PM when I tee it up in the big money game.
Today’s underwear apparel script is the Tani Air Fitness Boxer Brief. At $45 a pair, this is quite an investment, but hey, they’re 1/10 the cost of a new driver which will be obsolete tomorrow. I don’t think underwear becomes obsolete after a day. And if I win my $2.00 nassau, that $45 will be whittled down to $43. Much more affordable.
So far so good at the office. The Tanis are comfy, and I’m normally a straight boxer guy. I do like the feel on the legs. The performance package may take some getting used to though.
A full report will follow, along with a full review of the Tani Air Fitness Boxer Brief. A selfie in these may be forthcoming, if I can work in 129,930 crunches between now and my full review.
The new “Old Pavilion” is open at the Old Course in St. Andrews.
“The Old Pavilion will give room for the golfer to wait in comfort, use the toilets and be offered light refreshments.”
After over 1400 years, there’s finally somewhere a golfer can go to use the bathroom when waiting for a tee time on the Old Course! For those who have yet to enjoy the experience of “gowf” at the Old Course, the only facilities nearby could be found inside of clubs and pubs like the Dunvegan. And going in the Dunvegan meant consuming a “wee pint,” which then created the need to use the facilities. Sort of a vicious cycle…
Old Course – Old Pavilion – click for more photos of the Old Course
Can’t wait to experience the new Old Pavilion and see the new Caddie Pavilion as well, when I return in the summer of 2015.
FORE!
Check out the St. Andrews Links Trust Blog (one of my top reads) for more on the Old Pavilion and the Caddie Pavilion.
Today’s Apparel Script – Devereux Welch Polo
I’m really liking the direction golf apparel is headed with regards to styles and especially fabrics. Technology is playing a big part, allowing for apparel which is very comfortable yet performs well on and off the course.
A new player in the golf apparel industry is Devereux. Devereux’s inspiration comes from greats like Hogan and Palmer, with influences from many years old fashion styles from their era. The line is men-only.
Today’s featured garment from Devereux is the $85 Welch Polo. I’m wearing it even as I write this review… (heads to restroom to take selfie in mirror). See first photo. The pricing puts this garment at the top of the middle tier for golf polos.
Over the years my tastes have gone to 100% polyesters because they’re easy to manage, don’t wrinkle, and don’t shrink. This polo is made from 65% Pima Cotton and 35% polyester. This blend brings those conveniences together with the comfort of plush high-end cotton.
Style wise the shirt is very simple and clean looking, with a sharp button-down collar and unique pocket. Button-down golf polos are quite popular these days. The back of the collar features a small logo while the underside of the collar has the orange accent which matches the pocket.
Sizes/Colors
The Welch Polo is available in three color combinations:
Steel / White / Sea Green
White / Navy / Sea Green
White / Steel / Coral (pictured)
Sizes for the Welch range from small to double extra-large.
Welch Polo – click to zoom
On The Course / At The Office
Not being the skinniest person on the planet means many shirts for me don’t quite fit right. I often opt for very large sizes as I like a loose fit for comfort. The cut of this polo is actually slimming, yet still stays loose and comfy for me. The wife digs the cut, which is a bonus.
On the course the polo performs great. No binding, pulling, or restrictions in the golf swing.
Conclusion
Comfort, style, easy management, and most importantly performance; these are all areas in which the Welch Polo scores high marks. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Devereux. It all begins with quality and Devereux is off to a fantastic start.
Stay tuned for other Devereux apparel reviews coming down the fairway.
Related Links
Devereux Website
Hooked On Golf Blog Devereux Image Gallery
Click image to see 120 photos of TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course
Ah it is one of the better weeks of the year in professional golf. Yes it is the week of THE PLAYERS Championship. Always write “THE PLAYERS” in ALL CAPS. That’s what they do.
This is fun week of watching pros dump their tee shots in the drink on #17. It is a fun week of the nauseatingly repetitive and ever-old discussion point, “should THE PLAYERS (always write that in all caps, that’s what they do), be the fifth major?” Speaking of nauseatingly repetitive, there is always the “better than most” highlight, and of course the ever debated, “which hole is the best par-3 in golf, #12 at Augusta National or #17 at TPC Sawgrass Stadium?”
Should THE PLAYERS (remember to write that in all caps, that’s what they do) be considered the 5th major? No. It should not. Let’s not go “all LPGA” here okay? No need to water down the majors.
THE PLAYERS (all caps, remember…) TV Schedule
Thursday, May 8 – Golf Channel – 1-7 p.m.
Friday, May 9 – Golf Channel – 1-7 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Golf Channel – 12:30-2 p.m. and NBC 2-7 p.m.
Sunday, May 11 – Golf Channel – 12:30-2 p.m. and NBC 2-7 p.m.
Related Links
Hooked On Golf Blog’s TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course review
Hooked On Golf Blog TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course photo gallery
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