Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Understanding YOUR Golfswing

I look at golf swings every day, all of them a little different. I also get requests every day to explain the issues people have with their golf swings. Whether I interact in person or online, I will never feel what it is like to swing the club like those I analyze. I watched Arnold Palmer swing a golf club thousands of times, and though I felt I was as familiar with that swing as my own, I would never know how it felt to swing the club as he did. The best I could do is to understand how my interpretation of his golf swing felt to me. He and I found that was not a very efficient way to communicate. So as an instructor I had to find a way of understanding his swing and communicating my thoughts to them so we were both in agreement.

I found this to be a tough task until I was introduced to the idea of verbalizing a golf swing. Originally, the application of the theory was if I could verbalize the movements of my swing in the proper sequence I could use that “check list” as a way to work through any issues I might be having. As time went along I found if I could verbalize the proper sequence of my students and we both used the same words I could easily see where they had gotten off track with a conversation we both understood. The idea of verbalizing the swing has now grown to the point that I work with the majority of my students online. It has proven to be a much more efficient and productive use of time for both myself and the client.

Step One in this process is to find a way to start. Historically, there have been three types of swings. One is where the arms swing around the body in conjunction with the rotation of the torso. This swing was called flat. Mr. Palmer and Ben Hogan are good examples of this move. There were the upright swings, where the shoulders turned as the arms lifted the club into position. Jack Nicklaus, the late Payne Stewart, and many famous LPGA players like Nancy Lopez and Juli Inkster use this method. Finally, there are those who split the difference, arm on top of the shoulder is the way I describe these players. Tiger Woods of 2000, Adam Scott and Greg Norman have had a great influence on this method.

The following diagram shows the three arm positions at the top of the swing.



So which one are you? Each of these methods has a sequence of motion that puts the clubin the position they find at the top of the swing. The player on the left starts with his arms, and his shoulders follow the club to the top. The player on the right starts with his shoulders, and then lifts his arms into position. The player in the middle uses a combination of shoulders turning and as the arms swing back. How you get to this position is important, and pretty much a preference and matter of comfort. It is not as important as this:

The sequence of motion that gets you back to the ball for impact is dictated by the position of the arm at the top of the swing. The sequences are different, not the same and
NOT INTERCHANGABLE.

So as you read this winter and the authors are sharing their idea of the best swing. Be very aware if the description of their method matches the description of yours. You can save yourself a lot of issues come spring if you stay with your method.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Salute The Fort, One of Indiana's Finest

Among the pantheon of golf courses emblazoned with the name of legendary architect Pete Dye, The Fort is not the flashiest. It’s not the most recognizable. It’s not the newest. It is the most historically significant, and a damn fine golf experience at that.

Dye, along with associate Tim Liddy, re-tooled The Fort in 1998 to create the wonderfully wooded layout you’ll find tucked away in the shadows of downtown Indy. Read More...

 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Difference between Anchored and Conventional Putting Strokes

The decision has been made and golf's governing bodies have decided that using a putting method that anchors the putter to the body is not an appropriate way to putt. As I read article upon article about the reasons for banning the anchored method, I rarely see comments about the actual benefit of using a belly or broomstick method. Personal opinions and emotional reactions dominate the conversation. So utilizing the data I have accumulated over the past 8 years with my SAM PuttLab, I went back and took the time to research the differences of conventional and anchored method. Here is what I found.


The Anchored Method creates a more stable relationship of putterface angle to path shape and direction. In other words it is easier to keep the putter square to the path of the putter. The drawing below shows two lines. Black is the imaginary line to the target and the red the path produced utilizing a Putting Arc Training aide. I used this particular example because I consider it the average stroke path and for the sake of this discussion helps describe the impact of the anchored stroke. Please do not consider this an optimal stroke. The optimal stroke is the one produced by your posture and set up. It might have a smaller arc or bigger arc, and it will definitely have a directional bias. The arc tilts, but that is a discussion for another day. The important point is that almost all putting strokes travel on an arcing path. The true straight path is very rare. Less than 3% of our database.
In the next drawing I have added the putter position of the player who struggles with a conventional length putter. This is the common problem that forces unusual or extreme methods. The player attempts to keep the putter square to the artificial target line -black- rather than the true path created by posture and set up - red. To keep the putter square to the black line the player must manipulate the putter by twisting in a counter clockwise direction on the backswing ( closing )and then reversing the motion (opening) on the forward swing. Timing the rotation so the putter returns to square to the black line at impact.

The natural or non-manipulated action of the putter would be to remain in a constant position to the path of the putter. This is shown in the following illustration. Without manipulation or twisting the putter remains square to the path -red. Visually this looks like it opens and closes during the stroke. But the appearance is only because we reference the stroke to an artificial line not connected to the motion. By staying sqaure to the mechanically purs path it eliminates the timing requirement of the stroke. When the path matches the target line the putter is square to both. Reducing the need for perfect timing or over controlling the putter.


You can teach yourself this twisting motion with countless repetitions and by uses directional aides. In fact most drills and aides are built to hone the twisting motion. The problem is that under the pressure of competition, no matter how much you practice, structural mechanics will overcome so called muscle memory.
So for those who lose the timing of the twisting stroke, anchoring the putter becomes the solution. Anchoring the putter now forces the putter swing in sync with the rest of the body maintaining the relationship of putter to mechanics.

This is the only mechanical advantage of the anchored stroke, and once the player understands the advantage, he has a better understanding of the putting stroke in general. I think that is why we have seen a lack of concern in many of the players who use the anchored stroke. The change showed them the solution to their problems with a conventional stroke.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Playing The Dye Course at French Lick

 
Listen to Golf Professional Jan Tellstrom and friends describe a visit to the Dye Course at the French Lick Resort.
 
There is still golf left to be played. Contact us at bruce.rearick@petedyegolftrail.com for more information.
 
 
 

Monday, October 1, 2012

French Lick Resort - Fall Special

We got this today from our friends at the French Lick Resort. I can't think of a better way to finsh off the golf season in Indiana. The guys and gals in the Proshop tell me that the weather is about 2 weeks behind us in the northern part of the state. Perfect golf weather and amazing color. Don't hesitate - call today.


Friday, September 28, 2012

Big Day at The Brickyard

One of the best parts of working with the golf courses of the Pete Dye Golf Trail is the opportunity to see all the great work being done by a variety of charities in Indiana.  Rarely does a day go by that there isn't some type of fund rasier being held on one of Trail facilites.

On Thursday, September 28 the Indiana Pacers Foundation held their annual golf outing at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course. Click here to follow the Pacers. Since 1993, the Pacers Foundation has contributed millions of dollars through contributions, scholarships, tickets and corporate partnerships to help at risk children. http://www.pacersfoundation.org/ a great event for a great cause.

Our friends Michael Grady and Big Joe Staysniak of ESPN1070 The Fan of Indianapolis were in attendance as well. We see them here interviewing the "Voice of the Pacers" Mark Boyle, about the day's festivities with the help of Pacers Mascot, Boomer. Follow Grady and Big Joe, along with mid day host Dan Dakich and the Ride with JMV in the late afternoon on the radio at AM 1070, like I do on the internet or phone app at http://www.1070thefan.com/listen/ .

If you are thinking of having a golf fundrasier contactThe Pete Dye Golf Trail at 574-933-1610, we would be glad to help.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Fall Golf Values, Purdue University

We just heard from our friends at the Birck Boilermaker Complex at Purdue University. My favorite is Wacky Wednesday! These specials are good through the month of October. Be sure to call ahead for tee time availability. 765-494-3139.

FALL SPECIALS
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31
Case of the Mondays
Free Cart with Paid Greens Fee
$2.00 16oz Domestic Beers ‐ with paid Case of the Mondays receipt
Kampen closed until Noon for Maintenance

Twosome Tuesdays
$22 each for 2 or more players ‐ Riding Ackerman Hills or Walking Kampen (ride $37)
$2 Hotdogs, $2 Beers, $2 Small Bucket ‐ with paid Twosome Tuesday receipt
Ackerman closed until Noon & Range closed until 11am for Maintenance

Wacky Wednesdays
Golf w/Cart, Lunch, Range Balls & Golf Balls*
$30 Ackerman
$45 Kampen
$75 Play All Day
*Hotdog, Chips & Fountain Drink, Small Bucket, Sleeve of 3 Pinnacle Logo Balls
$2.00 16oz Domestic Beers ‐ with paid Wacky Wednesday receipt

Threesome Thursdays
Free Carts with 3 or More paid Greens Fees
$9 Mix and Match Beer 3‐Packs
Play All Day for $80 w/Cart ‐ through October 14th

AERIFICATION DATES & SPECIALS
Mon 9/24 ‐ Kampen Twilight Rates $30 walk / $40 ride (Aerification)
Tue 9/25 ‐ Kampen Twilight Rates $30 walk / $40 ride (Aerification)
Wed 9/26 ‐ Kampen Twilight Rates $30 walk / $40 ride (Aerification)
Thu 9/27 ‐ Kampen Twilight Rates $30 walk / $40 ride (Aerification)
Fri 9/28 ‐ Normal Rates
Sat 9/29 ‐ $60 9:00am shotgun (before football game)
Sun 9/30 ‐ Normal Rates
Mon 10/1 ‐ Normal Rates
Tue 10/2 ‐ Kampen Twilight Rates $30 walk / $40 ride (Aerification)
Wed 10/3 ‐ Kampen Twilight Rates $30 walk / $40 ride (Aerification)
Thu 10/4 ‐ Kampen Twilight Rates $30 walk / $40 ride (Aerification)
Fri 10/5 ‐ Normal Rates
Sat 10/6 ‐ $60 9:00am shotgun (before football game)
Sun 10/7 through Sun 10/14 ‐ BOTH COURSES NORMAL RATES
Mon 10/15 ‐ Ackerman Twilight Rates $15 walk / $25 ride (Aerification)
Tue 10/16 ‐ Ackerman Twilight Rates $15 walk / $25 ride (Aerification)
REMAINING DATES AT OFF‐SEASON RATES
 
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31
Play All Day for $80 w/Cart
Case of the Mondays
Free Cart with Paid Greens Fee
$2.00 16oz Domestic Beers - with paid Case of the Mondays receipt
Twosome Tuesdays
$22 each for 2 or more players - Riding Ackerman Hills or Walking Kampen (ride $37)
$2 Hotdogs, $2 Beers, $2 Small Bucket - with paid Twosome Tuesday receipt
Wacky Wednesdays
Golf w/Cart, Lunch, Range Balls & Golf Balls*
$30 Ackerman
$45 Kampen
$75 Play All Day
*Hotdog, Chips & Fountain Drink, Small Bucket, Sleeve of 3 Pinnacle Logo Balls
$2.00 16oz Domestic Beers - with paid Wacky Wednesday receipt
Threesome Thursdays
Free Carts with 3 or More paid Greens Fees
$9 Mix and Match Beer 3-Packs
DAILY OFF-SEASON RATES - Start OCTOBER 15
$59 Play All Day w/Cart
$40 Kampen Course w/Cart Monday - Sunday
$30 Kampen Course Walking Monday - Sunday
$30 Ackerman Hills w/Cart Friday - Sunday
$20 Ackerman Hills Walking Friday - Sunday
$25 Ackerman Hills w/Cart Monday - Thursday
$15 Ackerman Hills Walking Monday - Thursday




As always if we can help, give us a call at 574-933-1610.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Fall Golf on the Pete Dye Golf Trail

Nothing beats a round of golf on a sunny fall day in Indiana! To make the season even more enjoyable, many of the Pete Dye Golf Trail member courses have instituted special fall rates. As they are published we will posting them on the blog, so come back and check often.

From the The Fort at Fort Benjamin Harrison.
 
Beginning Oct. 3 we will be reducing our rates at The Fort to the following:

                Tue. – Thurs:                      $45 w/cart
                Fri. – Sun. :                          $59 w/cart
                Twilight after 2:00:           $39 w/ cart


From John Peilemeier at Plum Creek Golf Club.

After October 1st.  
Monday - Thursday $49
Fri.- Sunday $59
Price includes cart , range and golf. 


Many more great golf deals to come.

If we can help arrange a round of golf at any of the Pete Dye Golf Trail facilities contact us at bruce.rearick@petedyegolftrail.com or give me a call at 574-933-1610.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

USA Today/The Pop Traveler: 10 reasons to visit Indianapolis!

By Lara Neal, Special Correspondent for Pop Candy
Although we've long been regarded as one of those flyover Midwest cities, Indianapolis took the world stage to host this year's Super Bowl -- and we killed it.

When I was growing up here, it was a much different scene. The city's sidewalks rolled up after the workday ended and people kept to themselves in their suburban retreats. After a few years living on the West Coast, I was pleasantly surprised by how far the city had come when I returned.

In the spirit of one of Indy's most famous sons, David Letterman, I now present my top 10 reasons you should come for a visit: Read More!

Friday, September 14, 2012

PGA.com Recognizes Pete Dye Trail Courses

Each week PGA.com writes a feature they call A Quick Nine. In this week's feature the friends of PGA.com Facebook ranked the 9 best courses open to the public in Indiana. Click here to see the article on PGA.com.
 
Here are the rankings and comments of the Pete Dye Golf Trail Courses who made the list.


9. The Brickyard Crossing in Indianapolis, Ind. Located right beside Indianapolis Motor Speedway (home of the Indy 500), Brickyard Crossing has played host to several PGA Tour and Champions Tour events through the years. Plus, you get some pretty cool views of the race track.
Facebook fan quote:
"Brickyard Crossing, Speedway, Ind." -- Ron Allen
"Brickyard Crossing." -- Steve Ashworth
"Brickyard Crossing from the tips!" -- Jim Curley 

4. The Fort Golf Resort in Indianapolis, Ind. The course was redesigned by Pete Dye and Tim Liddy. In 1998, The Fort Golf Course was third under "Best Affordable New Public Courses" in Golf Digest. It's considered one of Indiana's best public golf courses.
Facebook fan quotes:
"The Fort Golf Course in Indianapolis for sure. They should have a tour event out here." -- Nick Crawford
"The Fort." -- Jeff Elliot
"The Fort in Indy." -- Dave Miller
"A friend of mine works at 'The Fort' never been but I hear it's a great track." -- Michael Moreno


3. French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind. This includes two absolute gems -- the Donald Ross Course and the Pete Dye Course. Both played host to the PGA Professional National Championship in 2010.
Facebook fan quotes:
"French Lick." -- Kathryn Elizabeth
"Dye Course at French Lick." -- Mike Liming
"Ross Course, French Lick." -- Roger Gain
"French Lick Donald Ross." -- Mikel Breeden


We would love to have you come and visit! For information about all the Pete Dye Golf Trail Golf courses, get in touch. bruce.rearick@petedyegolftrail.com or 574-933-1610.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Fall Golf on The Pete Dye Golf Trail

While it pains me terribly to write it as it foretells the end of the golf season, fall golf in Indiana is upon us. However, the final months of the season are very much my favorite time of the year to play. This is not necessarily just a state of mind, there are some real reasons why I like fall golf.

1.       Weather.   Yesterday in Indiana was a perfect example of a perfect day to play golf. I was fortunate to be at the BMW Championship watching the best players in the world battle it out at Crooked Stick. It was just a great day. There are many more days like yesterday forecast for the long term.


2.       Extended Season. In thinking about the weather, the golf season in Indianapolis is 6 weeks longer than can be enjoyed by our friends to the north. This is especially true at the end of the season. We are still booking golf rounds and visits well into the fall. Why fight the weather by going north when you can play in comfort by coming south?


3.       Finally, if you are someone who likes to make a fall trip to see the colors change, what better way than to see them on some of the Midwest's most beautiful golf courses?


Call or email today to book a trip to Indiana and finish the golf season on a perfect note.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Purdue's Kampen Course Recognized.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue's Kampen Course, a component of the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, has been ranked the No. 3 course in all of college golf by PGA.com.

From PGA.com:
The Kampen Course, one of seven courses that comprise the Pete Dye Golf Trail, is an 18-hole, links-style, par-72 championship golf course featuring large bent-grass greens, fairways and tees. The layout presents a challenge for golfers of all abilities with vast sand bunkers, native grasslands, ponds and a natural celery bog. Kampen offers five sets of tees with the championship tees playing over 7,400 yards and the forward tees playing at 5,300 yards. Kampen is rated one of the top collegiate courses in the nation and has been awarded 4.5 stars on Golf Digest's "Places to Play." Kampen receives high marks as it is ranked as one of the most difficult golf courses in Indiana.
  The course has also played host to a number of prestigious collegiate and public tournaments, such as the 2000 Big Ten Men's Championships, the 2003 NCAA Women's Championship, the 2004 Indiana Open, the 2005 Women's Western Amateur, the 2008 NCAA Men's Championship and the 2011 Big Ten Men's Championships.   The course is named in honor of Emerson Kampen and his support of Purdue Athletics. Mr. Kampen's statue overlooks the first tee.   PGA.com's Top Nine College Golf Courses
1. The Scarlet Course, Ohio State University
2. The Claw, University of South Florida
3. Kampen Course, Purdue University
4. Karsten Creek, Oklahoma State University
5. Washington National, University of Washington
6. Rutgers University Golf Course, Rutgers University
7. The Course at Yale, Yale University
8. Stanford University Golf Course, Stanford University
9. The Walker Course, Clemson University

The Kampen Course is open to the public and a member of Indiana's Pete Dye Golf Trail. For additional information on playing Kampen or all of the other Pete Dye Golf Trail golf courses, contact us at bruce.rearick@petedyegolftrail.com or give us a call at 574-933-1610.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Holiday Golf?

I hope everyone finds the time to play some golf over the holiday weekend. The following pictures are posted to motivate you. Lets start with The Dye Course at French Lick.


Or maybe a round at The Fort at Fort Benjamin Harrison...


Plum Creek is a great choice



as is Maple Creek!


The famous Brickyard Crossing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.


We think the Kampen Course at Purdue University does not get the recognition it deserves.


and last but a long ways from least, Mystic Hills in Culver.

Play one or play them all. Contact the Pete Dye Center Call Center at 574-933-1610 for information.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Crooked Stick - BMW Championship

A great summer of competitve golf  played on Pete Dye designed golf courses, culminates with the playing of the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick. Practice rounds begin September 3, with the tournament proper played September 6 - 9. Here is a pre-tournment view from the Owners Pavilion.



Tickets are still available! Click here to purchase tickets online.

While not a member of the Pete Dye Golf Trail, Crooked Stick is one of the most famous of Mr. Dye's Designs and easily the most famous in Indiana. Opened in 1964, it has been the site of many of golf's greatest championships. Take a look at the following photographs and you easily see why. Here is the start.


#1

 A prototypical Pete Dye Par 3


#6

and the spectacular finsh.


You can have your own Pete dye experience while the bet professional players in the world are tested by Crooked Stick.

Send me an email to bruce.rearick@petedyegolftrail.com or give me a call at 574-933-1610. If you don't get me right away leave a message and I will get right back to you.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Golf Magazine Ranks the Best Golf Courses You Can Play.

In the current issue of Golf Magazine the have published the latest list of the Top 100 golf courses you can play.In addition, they have ranked the best courses you can play by state as well.

The Dye Course at The French Lick Resort

Number 70 on the top 100 and the number 1 ranked golf course you can play in Indiana is Pete Dye Golf Trail member, the Dye Course at the French Lick Resort. You have read about The Dye Course in previous blog posts. So all I have to add is an admittedly biased opinion; it deserves a higher ranking. I am pretty familiar with many of the courses listed and The Dye Course is as good as any of them.

We are fortuate to have a number fo great courses open to the public in Indiana. Of those recognized by Golf Magazine as the best in our state besides the Dye Course at #1, The Fort at #3 and and Brickyard Crossing at #6 are also members of the Pete Dye Golf Trail.


Brickyard Crossing  #13

1. French Lick (Pete Dye), French Lick2. French Lick (Donald Ross), French Lick ( don't miss this gem when you play number 1)
3.
The Fort, Indianapolis4. Purgatory, Noblesville
5.
Prairie View, Carmel
6.
Brickyard Crossing, Indianapolis7. Rock Hollow, Peru
8.
Warren at Notre Dame, South Bend
9.
Belterra, Florence
10. Harrison Hills, Attica


The Fort at Fort Benjamin Harrison

The fun in these rankings is the fact that we can disagree. Take the other four Pete Dye Golf Trail courses. How the Kampen Course at Purdue misses the list is beyond me. Maple Creek and Plum Creek probably miss the list because fo their semi-private status. Mystic Hills in Culver, is as good a golf value as there is anywhere. All of these are easily available to one and all.

Obviously, we are very proud of the members of the Pete Dye Golf Trail and for that matter all of the great golf courses in Indiana.

It is time to think about a golf trip to Indiana, to play as many of these fine facilities as possible. I would love to help you make this trip possible.

Send me an email at bruce.rearick@petedyegolftrail.com

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Special Offer to Pete Dye Golf Trail Passport Holders

When I speak to golfers about visiting Indiana and playing the courses of the Pete Dye Golf Trail much of our discussions are about other aspects of the trip. Primarily, we talk about where to stay and what to eat. We are fortunate to have a wide variety of options available. Obviously, we have a one of a kind facility like French Lick Resort. We have the quaint and comfortable lodging options of The Fort Golf Resort at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and we have the dining options provided by all of our Pete Dye Golf Trail member facilities. Beyond that, we have some great friends in the food, hospitality and entertainment industry who have supported the Pete Dye Golf Trail from the start. 

One of our greatest supporters is the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott and The Champions Sports Bar. In a previous post on May 31, we wrote about The Downtown Indy Experience and featured the hotel and restaurant in that post. For those of you not familiar with Champions Sports Bar  here is some information from their website.
Champions Sports Bar & Grill is the hottest destination in Downtown Indianapolis. With 28 brand new HD TVs, two jumbo projector screens, and a vast array of delicious dishes and refreshing drinks, Champions is the best place to catch the big game in Downtown Indy. Settle in for a great meal with some friends, bring your alumni or corporate group by for some drinks, or forge some new friendships at Champions.
Delectable menu items include zesty quesadillas, a towering nacho platter, refreshing salads and sandwiches, mouthwatering burgers, pasta, and more. Appease your sweet tooth with a brownie, ice cream sundae or our signature dessert, Chocolate Nachos—crisp flour tortillas tossed in cinnamon and sugar, topped with chopped Baby Ruth candy bars, marshmallows and vanilla ice cream. Indulge in an impressive bar menu of draft and bottled beer, wine and signature cocktails. When seeking Indianapolis sport bars with a friendly staff, delicious food, convenient location, and an incredible sports-watching experience, head to Champions and get ready to eat and feel like a winner.
Chocolate Nachos
Make a Reservation
Champions Sports Bar Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 405-6111
Hours: Lunch and Dinner
Dress Code Casual
Speaking of the restaurant, They have graciously offered your choice of their famous ChocolateNachos…
or a delicious appentizer....

Onion Ring Tower

to any golfer who brings their copy of the Pete Dye Golf Trail Passport to the restaurant.



Don’t have your copy of the Passport? You can get one at any of the Pete Dye Golf Trail member facilities. They are also available at the Hamilton, Marshall, Lafayette/West Lafayette CVB’s and the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association. Finally, you can always contact me at bruce.rearick@petedyegolftrail.com. I will be glad to get you one.