More Question: I need power quick!
—Tim C., Worcester, Mass.
Answer: You have several options here, including swinging faster, adding length to your driver shaft and joining a gym. But let's face it—if you swing faster you'll never find the fairway, a longer shaft will make consistent contact a thing of the past, and, well, if you really wanted to go to a gym you'd already be doing so.
Instant power can be yours if you make the same swing but with a bigger backswing shoulder turn. Most golfers stop their shoulder turn far too early, and this robs them of crucial MPHs of clubhead speed. How far should you turn? Below is a great image.
Set up in your golf posture, and imagine you're standing at home plate facing a powerhouse fastball pitcher. He lets the ball go, and it heads toward your right shoulder. What does a professional batter do in this situation? That's right, he quickly spins his left shoulder away from the pitcher to get out of the way of the pitch. As he does, his right shoulder moves behind him so that his back faces the pitcher's mound. It's a strong, full and level turn of the shouders. Copy this move on the tee and you'll quickly add plenty of extra yards to your drives.
—BRUCE HAMILTON, Spanish Hills Country Club, Camarillo, Calif.
The hills have eyes
Question: When the ball is above my feet, I know I'm supposed to aim right because the slope will naturally make the ball draw. Problem is, I always hit the ball straight from this lie, and end up 20 yards right ofmy target. Help!
—Tim J., Knoxville, Tenn.
Answer: It's likely that you're overcompensating for the slope and aiming everything too far to the right. To play this shot, aim your body right of the target, but aim your clubface at the target. This combination produces a slightly closed clubface. From the top, swing your club along your toe line (to the right of your target) and the ball should draw like it's supposed to. Remember, when the ball is above your feet, aim your body right and your clubface at the target.
—NANCY QUARCELINO, King's Creek GC, Spring Hill, Tenn.
