| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| TGGS |
Posted - 05/12/2008 : 19:44:09
Graves Golf Academy
"Little Moe" Signature School
May 2008 Instructional Newsletter Update
Issue #77
Hello Everyone,
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there. Hope everyone else got a chance to spend time with all the moms - where would we be without them??
Thank you for your help in spreading the word about Moe Norman's simple and effective swing!
The 4th Annual Moe Norman Memorial - It's set!
Mark your calendars! The 4th Annual Moe Norman Memorial dates have been set!
The GGA is proud to announce that September 27th & 28th, 2008, Moe Norman fans will gather at Eagle Creek Golf Club (GGA's Orlando home) in Orlando, FL for 2 days of golf, fellowship, clinics, contests and fun!
Full details (cost, registration, etc) will be forthcoming in our next Etip.
Please contact Scott Renfrow @ scottr@swinglikemoe.com with any questions. Again, full details will be available on the website very soon, and we will announce them in the next Etip.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
East Coast Here we Come!!!!
It's that time of year again. East Coast here we come....... We are leaving this week for Delaware and Connecticut - where we are having two 3 day schools and one alumni school. FYI alumni - there are still a couple of spaces available in the 2 day school May 23rd and 24th.
Also - if you would like to see the GGA "in action" - view a free ball striking demonstration by Todd and Tim Graves, we will be holding ball striking demonstrations May 16th at Jonathan's Landing Golf Course, Dover, DE at 3:30pm and on May 20th at Fox Hopyard Golf Course in East Haddam, CT - also at 3:30pm. All demonstrations are open and free to the public.
Congratulations Rick!!
The Graves Golf Academy wants to congratulate one of our alumni - Rick Carlisle, to his new appointment as NBA head coach for the Dallas Mavericks. Many of you may know Rick from his previous appointments as head coach of the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers or from his playing days with the Boston Celtics.
Many of you may not know (or remember) Rick and Todd recently produced an instructional DVD together about the "Mind of Moe Norman, an Alert Attitude of Indifference".
Contents of the DVD (from the cover..):
Late in his life, sports fan Moe Norman befriended Rick Carlisle (who by the way is an accomplished amateur golfer).
"It take a great mind to become a great athlete. Moe Norman was a great athlete" Rick Carlisle (from the Mind of Moe).
On their DVD, Rick combines his understanding of superstar mentality with Todd's (Graves) intimate knowledge of Moe's golfing parables and wisdom to give the viewer an understanding of the golfing genius many mistook as eccentric.
Playing golf Moe's way requires an understanding of the game even Tiger Woods alludes to when he says he wants to emulate Moe Norman by "owning" his swing the way Moe "owned" his.
You'll own a piece of Moe's wisdom when Graves and Carlisle take you on this adventure through the "Mind of Moe Norman"
Again - Congratulations Rick - Sure Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks will welcome you to "Big D" - and maybe you can introduce them to "Moe's Way.."
GGA 7 Principles Special - ENDING SOON!!!
To Celebrate our partnership with PGA.com and our Lesson Learned article (click HERE to view the article), the Graves Golf Academy (GGA) is offering a special promotion for those interested in our 7 Principles teaching philosophy and instructional DVD's. We had such a wonderful response, we have decided to extend this offer through May 31st!
Many who read the Lesson Learned article have had questions about our 7 Principles of Golf Improvement Instructional DVD series, and we'd like to share with you what is included in the 6 DVD set:
The Seven Principles of Golf Improvement series is a 6 volume set encompassing all aspects of golf improvement, from the ideal grip to managing your mind on the course. At over 7 hours in length, the 7 Principles series leaves no stone unturned in the quest for golf improvement.
Many call this series our "Build Your Game Camp in a box". The series teaches the entire Seven Principles philosophy of the Graves Golf Academy:
1. Develop a Sound, Repeatable, Powerful Swing of Ease based on Moe Norman's Golf Swing. (Single Plane / Straight Line Motion).
2. Develop an efficient Short Game (50% up and down).
3. Become a good Putter (Under 30 putts per round).
4. Build or buy Clubs That Fit your game.
5. Learn to Play on the course using developed skills. (Course Management).
6. Learn How to Practice efficiently.
7.Learn How to Think.
To see more about the GGA 7 principles of golf improvement and see free view preview videos, please see our 7 Principles DVD series web page.
SPECIAL OFFER
If you purchase the 7 Principles of Golf Improvement DVD series by the end of May, we will include a Total Game Overview DVD series, a $65 retail value, FREE.
If you already own the Total Game Overview DVD, we will include the Mind of Moe Norman DVD, a $50 retail value.
This is a ONE TIME offer (we've never before offered free instructional material) to celebrate our PGA.com alliance.
Again, this offer will expire at the end of May. We have never offered this special before and not scheduled again in near future.
Here's what others are saying about the 7 Principles of Golf Improvement DVD series:
I was amazed at how much information is packed in there. - Eric B.
I can't help but be amazed at how much "new" stuff I pick up when I review a tape or DVD I have watched "dozens" of times already!! - Bob P.
I often have gone back to watch the tapes again and I always seem to pick up the "ONE" thing I need to get me past the speed bump in my journey. There is just so much info here that it is virtually impossible to retain all the info included. - Dan B.
I just watched "The Seven Principles of Golf Improvement" and they were outstanding!!! - Greg M.
I received these tapes yesterday and watched them last night. They are so specific and easy to understand/relate to. - Larry Z.
To purchase the 7 Principles of Golf Improvement DVD series and receive your FREE DVD, visit our website store HERE, or call (866)377-2316.
OKC and Chicago Schools - Are you ready??
Forgot how nice it is to be at our home academy in Oklahoma City. Haven't taught here in close to 6 months (have been at our facility in Orlando since October).
This past couple of weeks we held our first schools and camps of 2008 back in OKC. Many of you might not know about our academy in OKC - it is a 3,000+ square foot indoor/outdoor teaching facility with hitting bays equipped with state of the art V1 video instruction, large screen TVs, launch monitor, over 4,000 pieces of demo equipment, 100s of hours of Moe video/demonstrations, indoor short game area, on a great golf course, and much, much more all set up to give the ULTIMATE learning experience for anyone interested in swinging like Moe. It is quite obvious how this "Moe" environment enhances the experience and greatly increases the learning curve for all our students.
The next time we will be back at our Oklahoma City Academy June 20th - 22nd for a 3 day school and June 23rd - 27th for a Build Your Game Camp. There are a few spaces available in both if anyone is interested in this "Ultimate Moe Experience".
CHICAGO - ARE YOU READY???
We will be back at Prairie Landing Golf Course in Chicago, IL for a 3 day school on July 25th - 27th. As this school is already sold out, we are taking "interest" for anyone who would like to attend a 3 day school, also at Prairie Landing, on July 22nd-24th. If you might be interested, give us a call or email as soon as you can so we can:
1. "Lock in the dates",
2. Get you on the list... if it goes as the rest have, it is sure to sell out VERY FAST. At the time of this writing, already have 3 on the interested list. ONLY 10 spots total available.
Why can't I hit Position #3?
Why is it so difficult to hit Position #3?
by Tim Graves, PGA
Hope you read our previous etip - "Why, Why, Why" - describing position # 3 of the golf swing or as many call it the "golden position" or "leverage position" or when the club is parallel to the ground and on plane position....
Whatever you want to call it, many asked the question: Why is it so hard to hit position that position (position #3)?
(Click HERE for reference photo)
First, we must discuss face vs. path vs. speed. And break these three areas down to discuss why it is difficult to hit position # 3.
These are the only 3 characteristics in the golf swing that matter - whether you are hitting a 1 foot putt or a 250+ yard drive - face of golf club, path of golf club and speed. Everything you do in your swing/putt/chip/pitch, etc.. effects path, face and speed and is affected by path, face and speed.
You need to have all these areas correct / maximized for you to hit your best shot. Now let's focus on each area and ultimately determine how we can get to position # 3.
First:
If you want to put a percentage on the affect - you could estimate face angle will account for 75%+ of the golf shot, whereas path would account for 25% or less. Please read that closely - as so many are tied into path - you MUST first account for a square face at impact, and then account for the path. If you don't, you will be literally "fighting a loosing battle" as you can get a perfect path, and if you face angle is off by only a few degrees at impact, you will never see improvement. In other words, read this closely - you can have a perfect on plane swing (perfect path) and hit it TERRIBLE if you face angle is off by only a few degrees at impact. In fact, your plane could be perfect and you will think you are shanking the ball if your face is too open at impact...
Face is grip - grip is face, face is grip, grip is face, etc.. Think you get my point...
Everyone who creates even minimal speed with have a flat lead wrist at impact as the body "wants" the back of the hand to face the target when making impact -
(Click HERE for reference photo)
The "kicker" is which way is the back of your hand pointing at impact?
You can prove this very easy for yourself.... set up like you are going to hit a golf shot next to something soft (like the arm of a "soft" handled couch, or a pillow on the bed..") without a golf club in your hand. Like you are imitating a golf swing without the club. Now drop your trail hand/arm against your trail side and leave your lead hand in the set up position. Now swing your lead arm/hand like you are hitting a golf shot. Go back and through until you hit the arm of the couch/pillow, etc.. Do about 1/4 speed, then if it doesn't hurt... a little faster. Hold the finish position when your hand meets the pillow/arm... Look at your lead wrist. It will naturally flatten and your will hit with the back of your lead hand (not the side, not the thumb, etc..) As you create more speed, the more the back of the hand will "slap" into the target.
Now, put your hand on the club with the understanding that you want a flat lead wrist at impact. If your hands are not on the club correctly, as your wrist flattens at impact, your face angle will be shut or open. Yes, don't even worry about the path of the club... I know you want to and I know you are thinking single axis, one plane swing, Moe's path, etc.. but don't worry about it, because to be honest, it really isn't going to matter to you. If you don't have a good grip on the club, there is absolutely no way you will hit position # 3 consistently or maybe ever. You might get the club in the position, but the face will be open or closed, and with the results that will occur, you won't want to do it again... It is like driving a car with only 3 wheels, car looks good, sounds great, good luck when you want to create some speed....
How do you master the grip - check it often. Look at our instructional pictures and training video(s) to learn what a good/perfect grip (hands on the club) is. Check it before and AFTER you swing. You can (many do) change the grip when they are swinging the club. GET OUR TRAINING GRIP CLUB in your hands... I used to "beat around the bush" about this - but I am done with that.... I have had SO MANY students tell me they could have saved so much time if they just got the club in their hands earlier... done being "wishy/washy" about this, Todd, Brent, Scott, myself and all my teachers practice with this club all the time.. you won't find one of our bags without one.... would bet 95%+ of our alumni have one in their bags (ask them on our forum...) not going to talk about it more here - you can see detail HERE. To be honest, I believe for many the single BEST investment they will ever make for their golf game besides our instructional material!!!!
Here is a quick testimonial about the Training Club:
From Dan O.
Need some more advice---had decided time to get new clubs but have hit the ball better than ever-more consistent, longer 1 less iron now 7 to 155--straighter and I tribute that to your practice club i bought last fall. My trail hand thumb and index are now closer to the right spot doing the right thing and I had tried every position possible . Wedge both--56 and 48 are on the money 115 and in -- Hail to the practice grip club!!! What a difference it has made 83--77-82 tied my all time low at 77 with a 36 on the back side which I had never done.
Next is Path (and Speed) as they work together...
With a proper grip, now you can work on your path. The kicker here is you MUST (not need) to work on path without a club in your hands. You have created habits with the golf club in your hand - some of the habits are good, some not so good. But they are habits.
Work with something like our PVC drill, a broom handle, something that doesn't register as a golf club in your head.
Now work VERY SLOWLY on your back swing and down swing - working on dropping your trail shoulder into position # 3. Yes, it will feel like you are dropping your trail shoulder down. Some describe it as driving the grip end of the club straight down, vertically dropping the arms (Moe's description), putting your trail elbow in your back pocket, etc. All these are feelings, but they might help you with your mental picture of getting to position # 3. Make sure as you are "dropping" your trail shoulder the club stays on plane. Does not get outside. To do this, do it VERY SLOWLY - I can emphasize this enough... it you think it is slow now, go slower. I remember Ken describing working with Sandy Lyle and making him take a "one minute" golf swing.... in other words, take one minute to swing the club in super slow motion.... feel and see the positions, the more you see and feel the more you can repeat.
Also understand, as you start to swing faster, you body will "naturally" want to open or pull the lead shoulder out. It is a "natural" type move to pull the lead shoulder out when you want to create more speed. This is EXACTLY what we don't want to do. As you speed up, the trail shoulder still needs to drop under... all the more reason to only speed up very little at a time.... start very SMALL and work up VERY slow.
Next hint to help with path and speed. As you reach position # 3, your lead knee MUST be flexed (will actually still be flexed at impact). If you lead knee isn't flexed, the straightening of the knee will pull the lead shoulder out and cause you to come outside in (club outside path and position # 3). A straight lead knee makes it almost impossible to hit position # 3.
Next hint - drill. Seems very easy, but it might be the most effective drill we "preach" working on position # 3.
If your mind/body senses you can't square the face of the club at impact when you go through position # 3, chances are you won't hit position # 3 in the downswing.
So - start by learning how to square the club at impact from position # 3. Yes, first you must have a good grip (as described above). Then, take the club only to parallel to the ground in the backswing. With a leverage bag to stop impact (and will show you immediately by feel and look if face of club is square at impact), swing to the bag. KEEP your knees flexed and feet down at impact. Go to position # 3 do it again and again and again, etc... Convince the mind/body you can square the face of the club at impact from the proper position # 3. The leverage bag (used by ALL professionals) it one of the best tools to show and feel face angle at impact.
You can see this drill HERE, Pay attention to pictures # 6 - # 9.
By the way - this is also the # 1 way to create more speed in your swing........ creating proper leverage and maintaining to face ball at impact on path with a good grip!!!
Hopefully this will help you get to the "golden position # 3".
Remember - Always Practice with a Purpose.
Good Luck!!
Callaway Hyper X Driver WINNER!
In honor of our first "Lesson Learned" (definitely many more to come..) article on PGA.com, we are giving a new Callaway Hyper Driver away. All those signed up for the GGA newsletter were registered. The winner is:
Robert McGhee of Houston, TX
Congratulations Robert, please contact us to claim your free driver!
Be sure to watch upcoming Etips for additional winners.
GGA Event Schedule (and last minute special)
We are sure many of you are thinking about some kind of instruction as golf season is here. We have been working very hard this year to increase the number of school spots for our students and a way to work with those who can't make the travel to see us. Here is a list of our upcoming schools and the spots we have left in them.....
Please don't hesitate to give us a call or email if interested in attending any of these events... all schools/camps have sold out so far this year - these probably will too.... great thing for us, not so great for those who wait until the last minute to sign up.
2008
May 20-22, 2008 - 3 day School, East Haddam, CT, Fox Hopyard Golf Club (1 spot open)
May 23-24, 2008 - 2 day Alumni School, East Haddam, CT, Fox Hopyard Golf Club (Open)
June 4-6, 2008 - GGA Junior Clinic - Coffee Creek Golf Course, OKC (Sold Out)
June 16-18, 2008 - GGA Junior Clinic - Coffee Creek Golf Course, OKC (Open)
June 20-22, 2008 - 3 day school - GGA Academy @ Coffee Creek Golf Course - OKC, OK (3 spots open)
June 23-27, 2008 - 5 day Build Your Game Camp - GGA Academy @ Coffee Creek Golf Course - OKC, OK (Open)
July 12-16, 2008 - Build Your Gam Camp - GGA Academy @ Coffee Creek Golf Course - OKC, OK - GGA Academy (Open)
July 22-24, 2008 - 3 day school - Chicago, IL - Prairie Landing Golf Club - West Chicago, IL (OPEN)
July 25-27, 2008 - 3 day school - Chicago, IL - Prairie Landing Golf Club - West Chicago, IL (SOLD OUT)
August 22-24, 2008 - 3 day school - GGA Academy @ Coffee Creek Golf Course - OKC, OK - GGA Academy (Open)
Sept. 24-26, 2008 - 3 day school - GGA Academy @ Eagle Creek Golf Club - Orlando, FL (Open)
Sept. 27 & 28, 2008 - 4th Annual Moe Norman Memorial - GGA Academy @ Eagle Creek Golf Club - Orlando, FL
Sept. 29 & 30, 2008 - 2 day Alumni school - GGA Academy @ Eagle Creek Golf Club - Orlando, FL (Open)
Oct. 20-24, 2008 - Build Your Game Camp - Barona Creek Golf Club - San Diego, CA - (Open)
Oct. 25-27, 2008 - 3 day school - Barona Creek Golf Club - San Diego, CA - (Open)
Nov. 7-9, 2008 - 3 day school - GGA Academy @ Eagle Creek Golf Club - Orlando, FL- (Open)
Nov. 10-14, 2008 - Build Your Game Camp - GGA Academy @ Eagle Creek Golf Club - Orlando, FL- (Open)
Others TBA
Please visit our website at www.swinglikemoe.com for updated events and more information.
Online Registration available.
If you would like more information about the schools agenda, etc.. or would like more information about a particular area, please feel free to call or email anytime: TimKGraves@aol.com or 866-377-2316 within US, 405-823-9693 (outside US). We have brochures we can send and/or email.
Moeisms - the wit and wisdom of Moe Norman
"Grip it with the last 3 fingers of the left (lead) hand so the club won't stutter."
Please feel free to comment on this or email any of your favorite "Moeism's" to us if you'd like to share with others....
GGA Club Specials
New Callaway "GAS" Special
New Vokey Website
CALLAWAY "GAS" SPECIAL
Callaway is offering the following special (you are the first to hear - couldn't release special until May 12th..): It is called the Callaway Golf Gas Giveaway Special:
Basically - if you purchase a Callaway Driver (Hyper, FT-i or FT-5) between now and July 15th, 2008 you will receive a "gas card" good toward gas purchase.
Purchase Product as verified by Original Proof of Purchase Document and Serial Number
(through GGA) American Express Fill It Up® Card Reward (US Dollar Value)*:
Hyper X™ or Hyper X Tour Driver 50 Point Prepaid Card ($50 value)
FT-5® or FT-5 Tour Driver 75 Point Prepaid Card ($75 value)
FT-i® or FT-i Tour LCG Driver 100 Point Prepaid Card ($100 value)
You can see more at: www.callawaygolf.com/gascard
New Titleist Vokey Website:
Many have asked me in the past where I got my "tour" Titleist Vokey wedges. Up to this point, I have only been able to tell them "at the tour van in my PGA events".... now you can get these same wedges... Titleist has created a new website with details: www.vokey.com
The new Vokey.com website went live, Wednesday May 7, 2008. It is another outstanding web destination among Titleist's portfolio of golf club sites that include titleist.com, fittingworks.com
scottycameron.com and now vokey.com.
The goal of the new website is to provide wedge enthusiasts with a place to find information, updates and news on Bob Vokey, Vokey Design wedge products, wedge use by Titleist tour players and wedge technology.
If you would like any of these wedges, we are able to fit according to you and your single axis specs. Give us a call or email anytime and we'll help you with questions, fittings, etc..
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To save space, we have made a slight change in the Club Special section of the newsletter. Below you will find a link to a page that will list all club specials with better pictures, more information, and full pricing for our Club specials.
See all club specials by clicking the link below:
GGA Club specials
Call the GGA at (866)377-2316 or email timg@swinglikemoe.com for all your club questions, club needs, etc. Let the experts help you!
GGA Instruction Materials
This is where EVERYONE should start to learn Moe's Single Axis Swing - a MUST HAVE!!!!
GGA Total Game Overview Instructional DVD 10 minute Freeview.
See our latest and newest release - TROUBLES AND SOLUTIONS - great reviews (visit our chatroom to read them)
GGA "FEELING OF GREATNESS" GRIP TRAINING CLUB: $129.95
GGA / TGGS INSTRUCTIONAL TAPES:
Please see:http://swinglikemoe.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=7&=SID
"Little Moe's" Swing for Life $24.95
GGA Short Game: $19.95
Course Management/ "How to Practice": $19.95
Get all three on VHS: $64.95
All three on DVD: $64.95
Volume #1 - #6 - 7 Principles of Golf Improvement - $64.95 each
Entire Series: $299 - ***Special, FREE DVD with purchase of full set***
Mind of Moe Norman DVD - featuring NBA coach Rick Carlisle w/ Todd Graves - $49.95
Leverage bag: $35.95
*********************************************
* A small shipping charge will be added to all orders.
If you are interested in any of the above specials, please call us at 866-377-2316 within US or 405-823-9693 outside US, or email Tim Graves at TIMKGRAVES@AOL.COM or TIMG@SWINGLIKEMOE.COM
We wish everyone continued success with their golf games, and hope to see everyone very soon.
Tim Graves, PGA, Graves Golf Academy Owner/Instructor
Todd Graves, Graves Golf Academy Owner/Instructor
Scott Renfrow, GGA Director of Customer Relations
Brent Evans, GGA Instructor / School Manager
Dave Predzin, PGA(a), USGTF, GGA Master Instructor
Mick Benson, GGA Instructor
Shannon Kniesler, LPGA, GGA Instructor
Ben Stanborough, PGA (European), GGA Instructor
Clayton Zwicker, GGA Apprentice
Graves Golf Academy
www.swinglikemoe.com - GGA Website
866-377-2316
405-823-9693 (Outside US)
timg@swinglikemoe.com
timkgraves@aol.com
www.moenormanforum.com - GGA Chat Forum
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| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| TGGS |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 17:03:24
From Lex S.
Tim/Todd:
Finally I understand 3 different things:
1. Why I wanted the club face aligned with the back of my palm
2. Why I was pushing shots all to frequently
3. How to improve!
Absolutely without question your best e-tip ever!
Alexander (Lex) S.
AKA Alex_in_FL on forum.
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| TGGS |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 17:01:42
From Bob D.
Hi guys.
Just a quick update. Nothing miraculous, but while doing a Type B practice on the range I hit some of my best shots ever. I completely ignored even the thought of "hitting the Ball," and instead focused on getting into position 3. The ball took off like a rocket all on it's own.
Hope all is well!
Bob D.
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