Latest news with #InternationalGolfPGAPro2022
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Stop overswinging in golf: Key techniques for better control
To stop an overswing in golf, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of the swing and make adjustments to your technique. Overswinging occurs when the golfer's arms go too far back in the backswing, causing a loss of control and poor impact position. This can lead to inconsistent shots and reduced accuracy. To combat overswinging, focus on making a compact swing. Aim for a shorter, wider backswing to maintain control and generate more power. As you swing back, focus on turning and loading your weight onto your right side, keeping your left shoulder just inside your right foot. Impact position is also crucial. Prioritize getting your body and club in sync to compress the golf ball and generate maximum power and control. Proper weight distribution is vital to achieve this. Avoid reverse pivoting by shifting your weight to your right side during the backswing, and then transferring it back to your left side during the downswing. Softening your grip and reducing arm tension can also help prevent a runaway backswing. Focus on a "wide, not long" approach to stop the club from going too far back. Ensure your body turn supports your arm swing by building a strong lower-body pivot and rotating fully to maintain control. Using training aids like an elastic band can help create tension and practice coiling your body. The towel-wringing technique can also help develop a proper coil motion. By focusing on maintaining a consistent swing plane and avoiding deviations from the target line, you can improve your overall swing and reduce overswinging. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top five of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
How to perfect your stinger shot in golf
CAPTAIN Louis Oosthuizen of Stinger GC hits his shot during a practice round at LIV Golf Korea. | LIV Golf The stinger shot is a type of golf shot that is played with a low trajectory and a lot of roll. It's a great shot to have in your arsenal, especially in windy or firm conditions. To play the stinger shot, you'll need to make some adjustments to your setup, swing, and follow-through. To start, you'll need to adjust your ball position and weight distribution. Play the ball slightly back of centre in your stance, about 1-2 inches inside your left shoulder for right-handed golfers. Distribute your weight slightly more towards your back foot, with about 60% of your weight on your back foot and 40% on your front foot. Next, align the clubface slightly closed, aiming directly at the target or slightly left of it for right-handed golfers. This will help you achieve a lower trajectory and reduce spin. Now, let's talk about the swing. Use a slightly more shallow swing plane than normal, with the clubhead approaching the ball on a more horizontal plane. Attack the ball with a slightly negative angle of attack, which means the clubhead is approaching the ball from a slightly higher position than the ball. Make contact with the ball with a slightly firmer grip pressure than normal, using a more glancing blow to reduce spin and create a lower trajectory. Keep your follow-through shorter and more controlled than normal, avoiding any excessive rotation or lift. As you release the clubhead, allow it to rotate naturally without any forced or abrupt movements. This will help you maintain control and consistency. The Stinger shot can be played with different clubs, including long irons, hybrids, and fairway woods. Experiment with different clubs to find the one that works best for you. Also, be sure to adjust for wind and slope, taking into account any conditions that may affect the shot. Finally, remember that the Stinger shot requires practice and patience to master. Start with shorter shots and gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable with the technique. With time and practice, you'll be able to add this valuable shot to your golfing game. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
The importance of a good golf glove: Tips for selection
BATTLE AT AUGUSTA THE choice of a glove is a big deal even for pros like Tiger Woods. | AFP As a golfer, you understand the importance of having the right equipment to enhance your performance on the course. One often-overlooked but crucial piece of gear is the golf glove. A well-fitting glove can make a significant difference in your game, providing comfort, consistency, and control. In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a golf glove, helping you make an informed decision to improve your game. Golf gloves are crafted from various materials, each with its unique characteristics. Cabretta leather gloves are a popular choice among golfers, offering a soft, supple feel and excellent durability. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are more affordable and easier to clean, making them an excellent option for those on a budget. Hybrid gloves combine leather and synthetic materials, striking a balance between durability and affordability. A proper fit is crucial when it comes to golf gloves. A glove that's too tight can restrict your movement, while one that's too loose can compromise your grip. Ensure the glove fits snugly but not too tightly, referring to the manufacturer's size chart to determine your ideal size. Additionally, consider the closure system, opting for a Velcro, magnetic, or snap closure that suits your preference. Some golf gloves boast additional features designed to enhance performance. Moisture-wicking properties can help keep your hands dry in humid conditions, while grip enhancement textures or patterns on the palm and fingers can improve your grip. Reinforced palms can also add durability to high-wear. Your swing style and personal preferences should also influence your golf glove choice. If you have a strong grip, look for a glove with extra grip enhancement. Faster swing speeds may require a more durable glove, while some golfers prefer a more minimalist design. Consider your unique needs and preferences when selecting a glove. If possible, try on different gloves to ensure the best fit and feel. This will give you a chance to assess the glove's comfort, flexibility, and overall performance. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Minimise your bogeys and elevate your game
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after finishing the 18th hole during the final round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort RORY McIlroy. | AFP As golfers, we've all been there - standing on the green, staring down a putt that could make or break our round. Bogeys, those pesky one-stroke-over-par scores, can quickly add up and derail an otherwise solid game. But fear not, dear golfer! With the right strategies and techniques, you can minimize your bogeys and take your game to the next level. This past week we saw Masters Champion Rory McIlroy make an eight on a par four from starting with a bad tee shot. In this segment we will look at areas I feel as golfers we can work on to avoid big scores. Firstly, smart course management is all about making informed decisions on the course. It's about knowing your limitations, choosing the right club, and aiming for the centre of the green. By playing smart, you can avoid taking unnecessary risks and minimize your chances of scoring a bogey. Accurate driving is essential for avoiding bogeys. By hitting the fairway, you'll set yourself up for a much easier approach shot and reduce your chances of scoring a bogey. To improve your driving accuracy, focus on making a smooth, balanced swing, and avoid trying to hit the ball too hard. Strategic approach play is all about assessing the risk-reward of your shot and choosing a strategy that minimises the risk of a bogey. This may involve aiming for the centre of the green, choosing a more conservative club, or taking a more strategic line into the pin. Effective bunker play is essential for avoiding bogeys. By knowing how to escape from sand traps, you'll be able to save pars and minimize your chances of scoring a bogey. To improve your bunker play, focus on making a smooth, controlled swing, and avoid trying to hit the ball too hard. Clutch putting is all about making putts when it counts. By developing a consistent pre-shot routine, choosing the right speed, and aiming for the centre of the hole, you'll be able to make more putts and avoid scoring bogeys. To improve your clutch putting, focus on making a smooth, controlled stroke, and avoid trying to make the putt too hard. It's also important to stay focused and avoid distractions, such as worrying about the outcome of the putt. By incorporating these strategies into your game, you'll be well on your way to minimizing your bogeys and taking your golf game to the next level. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
