Playing conditons:
 The next time you go to the golf course make a couple of simple observations
 when you are playing the first hole of the day. Figuring out the playing
 conditions on the first hole will help you make better decisions during your
 round. Here's a few things I think about that help me recognize the playing
 conditions on the first hole.
 Checklist:
 1. Is the golf course hard or soft?
 2. What does the rough look like around the greens?
 3. Does the sand look fluffy or firm?
 4. Overall size of the greens.

 Shoot low
 Lefty PGA Professional
 Jeff Hales

 Next time you go to the practice range try using some face tape on your equipment to give yourself a lesson. Face  tape leaves no doubt where you are striking the ball on the clubface. If you know how to fix whatever problem you are  having your practice session can be rewarding. If you have no idea how to fix your miss hits or have a tough time  hitting the center of the clubface then consult your local PGA Professional. By consulting a PGA Professional you  can get to the heart of the problem and get back on the straight and narrow.
 Until next time, hit it long and stay lefty.

 Here is a putting Lesson for everyone to reveiw. Whether you are putting great or poorly take a look at the  following information and maybe it will help you.

 Lee Trivino has observed that if a player is putting badly, then one of four things is WRONG:
 1. A Bad stroke.
 2. A Bad system of planning and reading putts.
 3. A Bad attitude.
 4. A Bad putter (club).

 Putting Fundamentals:

 1. Eye line over or slightly inside the ball.
 2. Set the clubface square to the target.
 3. Position the ball forward of center.
 4. Keep the body motion limited.
 5. Use an accelerating stroke.
 6. Be comfortable.
 7. Make solid contact by hitting the putter's sweet spot.

 "A successful putter must have the ability to judge slope and speed. Then they must have courage to act on their  decision."

 The Cut Pitch Shot
 My lesson tip for the month is how to hit the Cut Pitch Shot. Tom Watson has been known to say the most valuable  lesson he ever recieved was how to hit the cut pitch shot. As for myself, I hit this shot almost ever round I play and I  would recommend this shot be in your bag.
 Here's how to hit it.
 1. Take an open stance.
 2. Wrist hinge early so the swing is steeper than normal.
 3. Outside to in swing path holding on to the release until after impact.
 4. Follow through on balance.

 Now for us Lefties the ball should fly a little right to left if you cut across the ball with a slightly open face.
 Some of the advantages of this shot are:
 Stops Quickly
 Higher Trajectory
 Easy shot to hit from deep grass
 Will help your greenside bunker game

 If you need help with this shot don't hestitate to stop by Franklin Canyon Golf Course and we could hit a few cut  pitch shots together.

 The Basket Drill.
 To improve and or maintain a good pivot is hard work. One easy to do exercise I use is the basket drill. To do this  drill start with a 7 iron and an average size range ball basket. Put the range basket between your legs and hit about  7-10 balls with a normal swing. Do not let the basket fall to the ground or move around. You should feel some  connection with your upper and lower body. If you don't, keep practicing! If you do feel the connection and can keep  the basket between your legs during your swing then congratulations you have a good pivot.
 Good Luck and I hope this drill helps you improve your technique.

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Copyright © 2008, The Northern California Left Handed Golfer's Association