Golf

192 Pages·2005·9.172 MB·English

by  Paul G Schempp

Golf
STEPS TO SUCCESS
Paul G. Schempp
University of Georgia
Peter Mattsson
Swedish Golf Federation
Human Kinetics
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Schempp, Paul G.
Golf : steps to success / Paul Schempp, Peter Mattsson.
p. cm.
ISBN 0-7360-5902-4 (soft cover)
1. Golf. I. Mattsson, Peter, 1970- II. Title.
GV965.S273 2005
796.352--dc22 2005001615
ISBN: 0-7360-5902-4
Copyright © 2005 by Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
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For Dr. DeDe Owens (1946-1999),
one of golf’s most dedicated,
talented, and knowledgeable teachers.
She remains an inspiration to
instructors and players everywhere.
Contents
Climbing the Steps to Golf Success vii
Acknowledgments ix
The Sport of Golf xi
Step 1 Putting the Ball
Into the Hole 1
Step 2 Setting Up for the Shot 17
Step 3 Chipping to the Green 33
Step 4 Pitching From Farther
Away 43
Step 5 Taking a Full Swing 53
iv
Step 6 Overcoming a Difficult Lie 65
Step 7 Escaping From Bunkers 79
Step 8 Hitting Shots From the
Rough 95
Step 9 Selecting the Right Club 105
Step 10 Managing the Course 119
Step 11 Maintaining Focus on
the Course 139
Step 12 Closing In on Par 151
About the Authors 163
v

Climbing the
Steps to Golf
Success
For beginning and intermediate players as well For teachers, Golf: Steps to Success provides
as teachers and coaches, Golf: Steps to Success an all-inclusive instructional package. The infor-
will help ensure a solid foundation of funda- mation, drills, activities, and grading methods
mentals and add skills and knowledge to what a can be easily adapted to existing instructional
player has already achieved. The steps to success programs. Teachers will also find useful informa-
are arranged in order, beginning with putting tion on the history of golf, the latest equipment,
the ball into the hole and progressing back to a rules, course management strategies, sport psy-
smooth and accurate tee shot. chology, and Web-based golf resources. Add to
At each step, beginners will benefit from that information key cues in executing a full
clear, concise information on the basics for range of golf shots, as well as strategy, self-paced
every part of the game—skills, strategies, and drills, and methods of evaluating each student,
rules. The explanations and accompanying and you have an invaluable teaching resource.
illustrations not only provide comprehensive As coaches to amateur and professional golf-
instruction for executing each skill, but they also ers, we know that a coach is in constant search
reveal how these skills can be used strategically of new solutions to familiar problems and tested
to speed success on the course. methods for improving player performance. Golf:
Golf: Steps to Success offers thorough expla- Steps to Success represents a compilation of the
nations of fundamental and specialty shots, so knowledge, skills, strategies, and drills we have
intermediate players will have the opportunity used in working with successful golfers at all
to refine their skills with game-specific drills as levels of the game, from complete beginners
they move toward advanced performance. They to accomplished professionals. In each step,
will gain insight into when, why, and how to hit coaches will find at least one nugget of knowl-
the right shot. They will learn to analyze a golf edge, fresh idea, or unique drill that will help
course and assemble their skills into a game them help their players improve.
plan that will minimize errors and maximize Whether you are a recreational golfer or
playing potential. play at a competitive level, you will improve
vii
Climbing the Steps to Golf Success
your performance and enjoy the game more Legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said,
as you develop greater competency in the skills “There are no born golfers. Some have more
and strategies required for successful play. Golf: natural ability than others, but they’ve all been
Steps to Success provides a progressive plan for made.” As Mr. Hogan won 62 professional
developing golf skills and gaining more confi- tournaments, including all four major champi-
dence on the course. For each step, follow this onships, his words carry considerable weight.
sequence: Use Golf: Steps to Success to make you a better
golfer. The steps can help you learn the game,
1. Read the explanation of the skill covered
expand your skills, teach the game with key
in the step, why the step is important, and
cues and effective evaluations, or coach with
how to execute the step.
proven player-development strategies. Even
2. Study the illustrations, which show how advanced players will find drills to hone their
to execute each skill. shot-making skills and tactics to give them a
3. Read the instructions for each drill. Prac- competitive edge.
tice the drills and record your scores. People play golf for many reasons. For some,
golf is an enjoyable, healthy physical activity in
4. Have a qualified observer—a teacher,
a beautiful outdoor setting. For others, golf
coach, or trained partner—evaluate your
provides a venue for social interaction with
skill technique once you’ve completed
companions. Others find golf a platform for
each set of drills. The observer can use the
conducting business in a relaxed atmosphere.
success checks included with each drill to
And for those who are keen for competition,
evaluate your execution of the skill.
there is no shortage of tournaments. Wherever
5. At the end of the step, review your per-
your golfing aspirations lead you, Golf: Steps to
formance and total your scores from the
Success will bring you closer to becoming the
drills. Once you’ve achieved the indicated
player you desire to be.
level of success, move on to the next
step.
viii
Acknowledgments
Although we are listed as the authors, this book and has remained a friend and valued colleague.
contains ideas, activities, and effort from a great The group of coaches working with the Swed-
many people. It is both fitting and appropriate ish golf team is a constant source of inspiration
that we acknowledge the many people who have and new ideas. Also the Swedish Golf Federation
helped us in this endeavor. deserves a fair bit of recognition for its great
First and foremost, we would like to recog- ambition to support players and coaches and
nize the players with whom we have had the to develop the game of golf.
privilege of working over many years. In our To the staff at Human Kinetics, particularly
efforts to help them find success in golf, they our editor Cynthia McEntire, we are deeply
have helped us to become better teachers and indebted. This book was written on trains,
coaches. There are many players to whom we planes, and in many coffee shops near golf tour-
owe a debt of thanks, but in particular Niclas naments on three continents. Coaching players
Fasth, Mathias Gronberg, Richard S. Johnson, and writing books are separate challenges, and
Per-Ulrik Johansson, Fredrik Jacobson, Catrin the HK staff was patient and understanding as
Nilsmark, Jesper Parnevik, Carl Pettersson, and we struggled to balance both.
Annika Sörenstam, plus a number of not-yet- The final acknowledgment is expressed with
so-known players on the Swedish golf team for the deepest sense of love and gratitude to Peter’s
helping us understand the steps to success in family. Maria, Filip, and Elina have sacrificed
golf. The skills, points, and drills included in this precious time with a husband and father so that
book have all been field tested by these talented Peter could pursue excellence in his profession
players. and he and Paul could complete this book. Their
Several coaches have been instrumental in gifts of time, love, and support have always been
focusing our ideas on how success in golf is appreciated and are here recognized.
achieved. Pia Nilsson first brought us together
ix