Joe Malloy's Golf Tip of the Month

April , 2008

Finally the golf season is upon us, make sure your clubs have been re-gripped for the current season as we do not want a worn grip to be a hindrance in our bag and play. 

For this month's lesson I would like to concentrate on your practice routine.  Most amateur golfers when they arrive at the practice range will automatically pull the driver out of the bag first and whack out a couple of golf balls.  This is the totally wrong way to get started and can hurt you game.  I want you to grab a pitching wedge, 8 iron and 5 iron as your first three clubs.  Start with the PW and try to hit half swing golf shots until you are comfortable or loose.  The start hitting full PW's to a target at your favorite distance.  DO NOT just try to hit the PW as far as you can, this will not help your golf swing at all.  After hitting the comfortable target range with about 7-12 swings, now take the 8 iron and use 1/2 to 3/4 swings to hit the same exact target as you are doing with a full swing with the PW.  Go through the same process to the 5 iron and you will be fully warmed up and your swing is now in balance.  You can now hit many of your other clubs including your hybrid, fairway metals, and finally the driver (last, not first!).

Try this routine a few times and I'm sure you will see an improvement in your game.

-Joe Malloy is a lifetime PGA of America professional and the head manager at the E. Donald Conroy Golf  Course at Sumpwans Creek in Babylon, New York.  The golf course is located on Cedar Street and is opened to the public from April 1 - December 24(weather permitting), the phone number is 631-669-2340.Sumpwans Creek is a par 3, nine hole course with lengths from 90 yards to 180 yards long.  The course is very well kept and will surprise many golfers as a good test of golfing skill.   Featured events include a very popular junior golf program that runs in July and August(ages 8-15 yrs old).  The ladies golf club meets every Wednesday morning from May - October. The golf course is available for group outings on Mondays during the golf season.  Private or group golf lessons are also available by appointment.