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“Dynamic” according to Webster’s Dictionary, definition #3: of energy, motion, or force in relation to force.

Your Pro’s Corner

By Ron Parish, PGA Director of Golf, Lone Tree Golf Course

Have you ever made a swing and it seems like you have to strain with your hands and arms to get enough power for the shot? Or you get stuck on the way down and then slap at the ball? You don’t end in balance and the ball doesn’t go as you intend. I see a lot of beginning and intermediate golfers trying to be perfect and under the misconception that locking or straining your muscles, giving a feeling of control is what you are supposed to do to make a good swing.

The concept of dynamic balance and being synchronized can help address this misconception (Important Note: with this discussion there is the assumption that the grip, alignment, and ball position fundamentals are all in place). To understand dynamic balance and its role in the golf swing, let’s start with some analogous comparisons with other sports.

Tennis: When waiting to receive and return a serve, what do top tennis players do? They’re in the ready position with feet shoulder width, knees slightly bent and in balance, spine aligned, and they are ready to move. They start shifting their feet right before the server launches their serve. Baseball: Stealing second base. Runners getting ready to make the jump to second shift their weight back and forth between their feet. It is very small, subtle and quick, but if they don’t do this they will be slow on the jump or get stuck. Playing catch. Two players throwing a ball back and forth stays in constant motion and balance; think about it. Snow skiing: Right before launching from the starters gate snow skiers move their skis back and forth to get the whole body working together, legs working with torso, and arms.

All of the above are references at the start of the given motions and each are “athletic positions” and “dynamic” or “of energy, motion, or force in relation to force”. A good concept to convey to the golf swing. I always remember Jimmy Connors shuffling his feet before receiving a serve. Why do Jimmy and other athletes do this? Because the last thing they want is to be stagnate or stuck with their body motion; if that happens, only parts of their body can make the move and not the entire body working together. The little shifting back and forth allows them to move with their whole body working together and in balance. Watch really good golfers up close and you will notice this. It is in a more subtle manner, but they have honed their routines so that they stay athletic and “in motion” and “in balance” (better to notice in person then on television). A great player to watch who you can see stay athletic despite television, is Tom Lehman on the Senior Tour. Watch his set up and routine. There is a smooth rhythm to it, several looks to the target which is a good thing, a little shifting back and forth that keeps the muscle supple, ready, all in tune with the body’s weight shifting, followed by a great, powerful athletic move.

To learn a feel for this dynamic balance and motion try the following:

• Work on and know your routine. Hit balls on the range and practice just like you play on the course, start from behind the ball and walk into each shot; learn your routine and what you feel comfortable with and always stay in motion. Take this routine to the course, it will help.

• Know and develop your trigger. As you start your swing, learn what it is that really starts it. This will take time. It is different for everybody. Ernie Els uses a press of his hands and arms towards the target. Sam Snead had the same thing but tied it into his feet and legs. I trigger with my feet and legs. Gary Player kicked in his right knee. Jack Nicklaus the turning of his head and a firming of his left side. A trigger is a little shifting of weight towards the target and the subtle recoil from that shift starts the swing consistently and in balance (sounds “dynamic” doesn’t it?).

• Over the top drill. Take a seven iron and tee up a ball. Instead of starting the backswing with the clubhead directly behind the ball, hover the clubhead over the top of the ball, swing the clubhead forward towards the target 18-24 inches and then flow back into a backswing but pass over the top of the ball on the way back (fyi: this is teaching you a trigger); from there, hit through the ball as normal. This drill teaches dynamic balance and motion better then any in my opinion. It is Jack Nicklaus’s favorite drill.

• Hit these two balance points. Hit balls on the range and notice your balance 1) on your back leg and foot at the top of the backswing and 2) at the finish. Be balanced with both and I will bet you hit a good shot. Swing only 70% power and just really stay in motion but in balance at these two points.

• Line drill. Tee up five balls in a row on the range two inches apart. Take a seven iron and start making practice swings back and forth and work your way towards the line, and start hitting right down the line one right after the other. Never stop swinging and after you hit a ball, flow into the next backswing but inch your way towards the next ball and hit it on the way through inching as you go. To work into each ball you will have to keep dynamic balance.

Like all aspects of the game, a little experimentation and trial and error is necessary for you to understand dynamic balance, but give the above a try and I think you will further your understanding of this important concept for your game and improve with that understanding. Good luck and have some fun with it.

Thank you for all you do for Golf and for Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center.

If you are interested in reviewing other articles from Coach Ron go to www.lonetreegolfcourse.com under “The Course” tab.

Valley View Hike

Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m.

Meet at County Line Staging Area Next to South Watershed Entrance Kiosk

Join Naturalist John Mottashed on a moderately strenuous, hilly, south watershed hike that will offer excellent views of the reservoir and Livermore Valley. You’ll need drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes, hat, snacks and sunscreen.

Directions: Take the new Vasco Road toward Livermore, turn right onto Los Vaqueros Road and drive to the entrance kiosk.

For information, call (925) 688-8010 on weekdays and (925) 240-2440 on weekends.

Parking fee is $4 per car for CCWD area residents, $6 for non-residents, and $5 for non-resident seniors.

Post Black Friday Hike

Saturday, November 24, 10 a.m. to Noon

Join Naturalist Briana Moore on a moderately strenuous, 5-mile loop hike to work off your Thanksgiving dinner and holiday stress. Meet at the Interpretive Center and plan to climb some hills. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sturdy hiking shoes, hat, snacks and sunscreen.

Directions: Take the Highway 4 Bypass through Brentwood and turn right on Walnut Boulevard before you drive onto new Vasco Road. Continue driving on Walnut Boulevard 2 miles into the watershed and to the end of the road, next to the Los Vaqueros Dam.

For information, call (925) 688-8010 on weekdays and (925) 240-2440 on weekends.

Parking fee is $4 per car for CCWD area residents, $6 for non-residents, and $5 for non-resident seniors.

For more information visit www.ccwater.com/losvaqueros.

#1. Los Vaqueros Fun Day — Three Activities on One Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can spend the whole day or just a few hours having fun and learning about nature in the Los Vaqueros Watershed. All activities are based at the John Muir Interpretive Center, where you will also find picnic facilities and a trail that leads you to the top of the dam.     

• Fall Bird Hike 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

• Arachnophobia Spider Program 10 a.m. to Noon

• All About the Incredible Edible Acorn 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The programs are free, however there is a $4 per car parking fee. To reach the center, drive to 100 Walnut Blvd, Byron, then drive about a mile more to the Los Vaqueros Dam. For more information, call (925) 688-8010 on weekdays or (925) 240-2440 on weekends. A full schedule of all interpretive center programs can be found at www.ccwater.com/losvaqueros/.  To reach the interpretive center from the Highway 4 bypass, drive south on Walnut Boulevard about three miles to the point where the road ends at the base of the dam.  If you use GPS, drive to 100 Walnut Boulevard, Byron, and continue another two miles to the end of the road.  The interpretive center phone number is (925) 240-2440 (Saturdays and Sundays).

#2. The Los Vaqueros Marina is reopening on Monday, October 15,  after being closed for about a year.  It has been moved to higher ground to accommodate the new, larger size of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir. Besides being moved, the marina facilities have been refreshed and expanded.  A nice shaded and landscaped picnic area is now located adjacent to the building, and a small event room in the building is available for the public for get-togethers.  Boat rentals, boat docks and fishing piers, including a pier that is wheelchair friendly, are available at the marina,  just like before the building was moved. The reservoir has been recently stocked. The marina is nestled between Brentwood and Livermore on Los Vaqueros Road, off of Vasco Road.  For GPS, use 9990 Los Vaqueros Road, Byron.   The marina phone number is (925) 371-2628 (7 days a week).

#3. The annual TarantulaRun is happening Saturday, October 20, at the Kellogg Creek Picnic Area in the Los Vaqueros Watershed.  (100 Walnut Blvd. Byron).  Races are 5k, 10k, and a hilly half-marathon. The picnic area opens at 6:30, and races start at 8 a.m.  There is also a free kids 1k.  Registration is $25. Runners can register at www.active.com until October 18.  After that, they can still register at the event before the races begin. More information can be found at www.ccwater.com. Phone number for info about the race is (925) 688-8175.

Off distance wedge shots from the fairway are one of the key areas of the game that separates better players from mid to high handicappers. It is very common for the mid and high handicappers to take too long of swing and try to decelerate just the right amount to get the ball to go the right distance.

This creates a multitude of errant shots which include fat, bladed, blocks right and pulls left, besides shots rarely going the correct distance. Oten when they do go the right distance there isn’t any check on the ball so it bounces right on through the green.

Better players will keep the acceleration in this shot which helps the ball not only go the right distance but also stay on line and and “check” with backspin. Here are some keys to help you understand this off distance shot and improve your scoring:

•The lie. Understand that you need to be in the fairway or short cut grass to play this shot. The lie has to be tight. A “hard pan” lie will also apply. With this shot we are trapping the ball between the clubface and the turf in a downward fashion; “trap” is a key concept; unlike a shot coming from the rough where a player might try and slide the club under the ball.

•The ball. Play a ball that spins. This is essential. There are a lot of them out there to chose from. I use a Titleist Pro V1 which has a Urethane cover and a firm outer core so as to help the ball get the check on this type of short shot. A hard ball isn’t going to cut it.

•The groves. The USGA recently changed the rulings on the manufacturing of wedges, but unless you are playing USGA and tour events, you don’t have to worry about playing wedges with conforming groves and I would encourage you not to so you can get the benefit of the technology.

•The set up.

– Ball position: We are going to trap the ball here, so the ball position must be back. Anywhere from 1” to 3” behind center. The further back, the lower the shot is going to take off. When playing into the wind, keep it further back so you can hit it low and driving and keep control of the ball.

– Stance: Narrow and open with weight slightly forward. This will help with the trapping motion, particularly the opened stance. You don’t want the club going inside on the back swing too fast but rather more with the alignment of the feet. This will allow for a steeper decent on the ball and the trap or pinch motion. For those who are old enough to remember, a la “Lee Trevino”.

-The Swing motion:

§ Let the wrists set or cock on the way back, but keep them firm on the way down and through. Setting them on the way back helps set up the “trap” to the shot. Firm on the way through keeps from flipping the clubhead and sliding it under the ball and makes the clubface literally trap the ball between it and the ground.

§ Use your core. This isn’t an arm only shot. In fact it is more of a shot from your core and torso leading the acceleration.

§Use your legs. The legs are very important and the better golfer realizes it. The legs shifting the weight back and forth keep the shot in rhythm and works in unison with the core.

§Finally, hit down. If you set up right you will be able to hit down hard and aggressive through the ball and you will catch the ball first. You don’t need to worry about fatting the shot even though you are going to take some turf because of the way you set up. So take a divot. That is going to help with the trap and getting some spin.

If you are interested in reviewing other articles from Coach Ron go to www.lonetreegolfcourse.com under “The Course” tab. Thanks for playing this great game and be sure to share it with someone else. Next month: The “skidder”.

At Lone Tree, we are a First Tee facility. The summer session just began and I have the privilege to teach the Eagle class which is the level the kids achieve after completing Player, Par, and Birdie certifications. The program is fantastic and this month I wanted to give readers a feel for the fun the kids and coaches have by sharing one of the life skill and golf skill concepts we touch upon in Eagle class, Strength through Diversity. The following are some of the activities that we will introduce to the kids that introduce diversity and appreciation for diversity. The coaches goal is to keep the learning “activity based” (not lectured based learning). Some activities are as follows

• Diversity warm up/introduction: Discussion regarding favorite food and favorite foods their family enjoys during the holidays. This is always interesting conversation with the kids and stimulates great conversation and interest in other family traditions.

• Play an entire hole with their #7 iron. By having the limits of the seven iron, appreciatition for other clubs occur, ie. The driver and the distance it gets from the teeing area. Because they putt with a #7 iron, they get creative on how to putt. I’ve seen hooded #7 irons, bellied 7 iron putts, and even putts off the toe of the 7 iron. With this exercise they also learn to change different ball positions to hit the ball lower and get more roll if the shot calls for it, or in the situation where they have to have a softer shot, they move ball position forward to get more height or softness in the shot. So again learning about the diversity of shots with diversity in their set up.

• Play a team alternate shot where one player hits only metal-woods, one hits only full irons, one is only the dedicated chipper or sand shot, and one is only putting. We follow with discussion of how if you are good with the driver, you might want to put a good putter or chipper on your team to help your be the most competitive. We talk about how when doing a group report at school do you want all team members who are just like yourself or is their strength by having a mix of people with different talents and abilitities?

• Chip with various clubs. Initially, we start with a basic chip shot on short, fairway cut grass and ask the kids to chip and get it close. Leaving instructions at that. Invariably the kids grab their wedge and chip away. Then we try the same shot but with a putter (texas wedge). Then with a hybrid or fairway wood. Then with a 7 iron. Then we will try these diverse clubs in different positions, just off the green but in the rough; or up against the curtain of the green. The learning for different clubs in different positions occurs fast. You might try it, chips aren’t always about the wedge.

• We hit clubs while seated in a chair on the driving range. Or while kneeling on a towel. Standing on one leg, then the other. Or with one arm only. Further understanding of how the swing works occurs from these exercises and when mentioned that golfers with physical disabilities might play in a similar manner, appreciation continues.

At the end of such activities, we close with discussion and the kids have much to share. It is truly a delight. You might try a couple of the above and see if you can strengthen your golf game and more through such an activity.

To add a personal note, As your Pro, there is not a day that I don’t think of this life skill while working at your golf course. The diversity of golfers and patrons that support and frequent here, and the diversity and dedication of managers and employees here, paired with the diversity of our Lone Tree Board of Directors and their business acumen they lend, and the support and commitment from the various City Officials and representatives, and the patronage of the untold community organizations truly make Lone Tree an amazing public Golf Course and Event Center, the best public course in Northern California in my opinion, one that truly embodies and understands the First Tee’s concept of Strength through Diversity. Thank you to the so many who are a part in that.

If you are interested in further supporting the First Tee, The annual First Tee Golf Tournament and fundraiser will be help at Lone Tree and Diablo Creek on July 20, 2012. Go to www.lonetreegolfcourse.com under events to get more information.

Ron Parish is the Director of Golf at Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch, and a member of the PGA.