Golf is a sport you can play for a lifetime. It’s played by 8-year-olds, and it’s played by 80-year-olds. I see many kids and adults come to the Villa Roma and either hit balls on the range or go out to play and don’t know how to hold the club. 

The grip is your steering wheel, and if that is put on properly you have a much better chance of hitting the ball in the air and straight. 

Posture is also very important. Your body should be in an athletic position similar to playing defense in Basketball or waiting to return a serve in Tennis. Chest leaning forward, butt out and weight on the balls of your feet. 

Aiming is the third thing you need to learn before hitting the ball. Posture – Grip – Aim. PGA is an easy way to remember your set up. Then you’re ready to swing. 

Players who have come to me for lessons who have poor grips are always afraid to make a change. It’s usually uncomfortable for ten to fifteen shots. When they hit just one higher and straighter than they ever had before they understand their grip had to change. 

Things do take time to get comfortable, and you must be patient as a student. Rickie Fowler was asked about the changes he and his coach made to get him back in the winner’s circle on the PGA tour. He said it took six months to really get comfortable with the changes to his swing. Six Months. This is coming from a tour player who hits hundreds of practice balls a week. 

The moral of the story is to be patient in learning how to play golf. There are 14 different clubs, and you need to learn how to use them all. It is frustrating at times but we golfers all love the search for the perfect swing.

Last week’s British Open was won by Brian Harman. He put on one of the greatest performances in a Major championship in years. If it was Tiger Woods, the media would be saying how this was one of the greatest wins in history. Harman made 58 of 59 puts inside 10 feet from the cup. Truly remarkable. He was on very few people’s radars even though he was playing well. Great guy, great win. I’m sure he will be representing the USA in the Ryder Cup.  

Collin Morikawa, my pick to win, didn’t even make the cut. My fantasy team also didn’t cash. My months’ worth of good picks and cashing in have come to an end. Time for a break. I will say I think Cameron Young has a great chance to break through for his first victory this week at the 3M championship in Minnesota.