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TGGS
Administrator
USA
1918 Posts |
 Posted - 06/30/2006 : 23:52:19
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GRAVES GOLF ACADEMY'S
"Little Moe" SIGNATURE SCHOOL
JUNE E-TIP NEWSLETTER UPDATE
ISSUE #54A
Hello Again,
Happy 4th of July to Everyone!!
We have been busy, busy, busy this past month. Between the schools, camps and tournaments, I think we have been teaching or on the road about 90% of the month. Looking forward to a little down time for the 4th of July holiday....
As hopefully everyone has seen by now, we have a new format for our monthly Etip Newsletter - it comes from timg@swinglikemoe.com (came around the 15th of this month (June)). - has our website look at the top of the newsletter and a lot more pictures, etc.. (fancier..) IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED the newsletter for May or June, please contact Scott at scottr@swinglikemoe.com or myself at timg@swinglikemoe.com - we will work on correcting the issue behind why you are not receiving the new format???
Some of the Topics covered in this Etip:
1. Next GGA Schools
2. Helpful Advice from Alumni/Students
3. Practice Tip - Preshot Routine - How to get comfortable, etc..
4. Moeism
5. Club Talk
6. Much, much more.....
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OKLAHOMA CITY SCHOOL - NEXT WEEK
OKLAHAMA CITY BUILD YOUR GAME CAMP - IN 2 WEEKS
CHICAGO SCHOOL - IN 3 WEEKS
Next weekend we are having our next 3 day school at our Academy in Oklahoma City - we have one spot available if anyone is interested.
Starting July 14th (through the 18th) we are having our next Build Your Game Camp (also in OKC) - we have 2 spots available for it.
We are scheduled for a 3 day school in 3 weeks in Chicago - July 21st - 23rd. Due to this 3 day school being sold out last month, we have added a 2 day advanced / alumni school for July 25th and 26th at Prairie Landing Golf Course (Chicago).
If interested in any of these schools/camps, please give us a call or email anytime for more information. We guarantee a great time and a wonderful learning experience.
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GREAT ADVICE AND HELP FROM CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
"I have put off sending this for quite a while now but thought I should drop you a mail because it may assist other students.
I have played golf (CG) for 20 years managing to get to a 7 handicap briefly at one stage but always playing erratically. Had to have a back fusion and stopped playing golf for a year. When I restarted I followed Natural Golf & finally found the Graves Golf Academy.
I purchased the DVD's & the training grip & although I practiced found that it was a case of 1 step forwards & 2 steps back. My handicap went out to a 12 with a number of rounds in the high 90's. Eventually I drifted away to other forms of Single Axis Golf. I tried 2 different approaches but the poor play remained and in fact got worse. I reached the stage where I seriously considered stopping golf.
However, throughout these other training tapes I found that again and again the Graves method was being confirmed as correct and had the most logic to it. Eventually I realized that I believed in the Graves method & re-committed myself to it starting at the beginning again almost as a last chance, if this does not work then I quit!
I resisted the temptation to skip over sections of the training. In the past I had flicked through the sections looking for the magic move that would sort out my game!
I did not move on from a section until I had it down. I think that this is probably the most important part of the training!
Almost immediately the quality of the strike improved. Drives are long and straight and the irons have the most amazing action.
The confidence has returned to my game and I break 80 consistently. My handicap is down to a single figure and dropping quickly. The biggest problem I face is the self inflicted mental pressure of playing par golf!! It seems almost too good to be true! I have never hit the ball as consistently well and straight as I do now.
My Club Captain refers to me as Ali Baba (& the 40 thieves) because I am such a regular winner of the club competitions!
I am not writing this to brag about my golf but to show other students that the method and teaching works if applied correctly. There is a reason why the DVD's are set out in the way they are & you need to master each step before moving on to the next.
I hope to be able to travel to the US to attend one of your courses shortly!"
Regards, Mike Forster (Cape Town, South Africa)
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FUNNY EMAIL AND MORE HELPFUL ADVICE....
"I just read Tim's soap box email and he FIRED me up. Why is it people are always looking for a quick fix to anything not just golf. I've been there, done that. I have Leadbetter's lazer "thing" and mat I'll give away. I use the lazer to chase my cats around the house. I do use the speedstick to work on my alignment.
I've been playing golf for about 11 years and Natural golf since 2001 and Moe Norman's single axis swing since April 2004. I attended a Graves Academy 3 day school in April 2004 and IT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! I've attended a conventional 2 day school in 2000 and it was a waste of $1500.
When I went to GGA my handicap index was 18.6 and as I begin this season my index is 14.6, a slow process for me. However, I don't practice as much as I should but I'm enjoying the game. This year, I'm going to practice more and with a purpose. Currently, I'm working on alignment, ball position and my hands leading at impact. I'm actually taking the impact bag to the range. Last Saturday, at a difficult course I shot an 85, not bad for only 3rd time out. I hit 3 bad shots (one T shot) that cost me 6 strokes.
My goal is to get to a 10 index but it is going to take WORK. I'm playing in my first state tournament this Saturday and last night I worked on chipping, tonight and tomorrow I'll be at the range with focus on my irons and Friday, I'' pull the string out and work on my putting.
I was close to quitting golf in 2004, but thanks to Todd, Tim and the GGA staff, I enjoy the game again and for all those naysayers, go back to conventional golf.
Sorry, for being so long with this post."
Rick Coyne (Maine)
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SWING LIKE MOE CHATROOM:
http://www.moenormanforum.com/
Great place to ask swing questions, talk to other Moe Norman Single Axis Golfers or just use as a reference for all your golf game questions..
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PRACTICE TIP
PreShot Routine / Little Mental Game Work...
This past week, I traveled to upstate New York for the PGA Professional Golfers Championship (maybe some of you saw it on Golf Channel, etc..). Was a great experience and felt like I played pretty well in the tournament. Definitely appreciate all those that came out to support me... love having the personal gallery cheering for you...
Anyway - during the first two days of the event, I was paired with Paul Pejackas - a PGA professional who now plays in quite a few senior tour events (in fact, played in this years Senior PGA Championship and the last Senior U.S. Open). Paul is a very good player and was a lot of fun to play with - especially when he found out what method of golf I was using and teaching... After a few holes, Paul told me he had played many rounds of golf with Moe in the 70s and 80s. In fact, he had played with Moe on the US tour, Florida Senior Circuit and even in Mexico...
As we talked about Moe - a lot of good times and great golf was discussed. But, one topic kept coming up again and again (it must have really impressed Paul). Paul told me what impressed him the most about Moe (besides his wonderful ball striking) was the following:
1. Moe's speed of play - Paul said Moe would continually say "Too Slow, too slow" when others were hitting. Paul said Moe played faster than anyone he has ever played with - it wasn't even close.
2. His repeatability of every shot (not the shot itself, but the routine Moe would go through before and as he hit the shot)...
3. How "fluid" Moe was over the ball - Moe told Paul he called it "Poetry in motion" (one of the great Moeism's..)
In this etip, I want to talk about the preshot routine up to hitting the ball, what Paul called Moe's "repeatability over every shot".
What is a preshot routine?
Why do golfer's need to perform a preshot routine?
Reason - it gets you in the best possible position physically AND mentally to hit a good golf shot. It puts you in a COMFORTABLE position and POSITIVE state of mind.
How do we do this??? (Million Dollar Question - right???)
Here are a few suggestions of how to develop a preshot routine and what needs to be in that routine....
Every good player has a very distinctive preshot routine. No two routines are the same. And I want to emphasize this - NO TWO routines are the same - you must develop a routine that comfortable to you and then use every time you are hitting a shot.
1st - Before you approach your shot, you need to have done all the preshot work. This involves determining the distance, club selection, factors involved in the shot (wind, lie, etc..). In other words, before you ever pull the club out of the bag, you need to have taken into account as many factors as possible concerning the shot.
2nd - Now that you have determined what club you are going to play (may be from a driver to a lob wedge...), you need to determine how you want to hit the shot. This will be done in your mind. In other words, do you want to hit low, high, right to left, left to right, straight, etc.. You have already started this process when you were selecting the club, but now you need to have the club selected and "picture" the flight of the shot in your mind. Most good players will stand directly behind the ball and swing the club back and forth (practice swings) as the look toward the target picturing and "feeling" the shot they desire.
3rd - Approach the ball. I strongly suggest you approach the ball from behind and set up to the shot from behind. Meaning, step into the shot. The order most good players will perform is as follows:
1. Walk up to the ball from an angle (from behind).
2. Set the club head down square to the target (behind the ball) with your trail hand on the club only.
3. Put your lead hand on the club and square your feet and shoulders to the target.
4. Get comfortable (waggles are good to get comfortable).
5. Look at the target again.
6. Swing the club.
This entire procedure of setting up to the ball and hitting it should take less than 10 seconds. In fact, studies have shown, from the time your club head is within one foot of the ball, 95% of good players will swing the club in 5 to 7 seconds. This is enough time to set up, square up, get comfortable and pull the trigger (more than enough time). This time period is important as it DOESN'T give the golfer enough time to think "negative" or about "swing thoughts" - which is critical... Those that take too much time are paralyzing their golf swing.
I wish everyone could have seen how Moe played golf. It was absolutely amazing how fast he played and the confidence he played with.
Yes, I know most of you are saying, well of course, he was the greatest ball striker ever, you'd play fast too if you could hit it like that.
But - I want you to think of it this way.... maybe Moe developed his ball striking ability because of the speed in which he hit shots.... he didn't give himself enough time to think negative, to talk himself out of shots, to over think the shot... ever think Moe had paralysis by analysis..... I'd bet not....
Suggestion - don't develop your preshot routine on the course - do so on the practice tee. And - make a routine that is comfortable to you. Have your own "twitches, tweeks, etc.." in your routine - that is what makes it "perfect" for you.
Example - Lee Jansen picks up his club and lines it up to the target every time he starts his routine. Mike Weir has his mini/short backswing/practice swing just prior to his full swing. Moe set his club behind the ball after setting up with the club against the ball - he would drop the club head back a few inches and then
pull the trigger....
Again - do what is comfortable for you - but do as Moe said - don't do it slow.... make it a routine that gives you the best possible chance to hit your best possible shot with ultimate confidence.
Good Luck!!
PLEASE don't hesitate to call or email us anytime!!
Remember - ALWAYS PRACTICE WITH A PURPOSE
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"MOEISMS"
"Get out of your own way"
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....
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TALK ABOUT CLUBS
This past week, (when I was in New York), I had the opportunity to spend some time with Bob Vokey (designer, etc.. of the Vokey wedge). Was a wonderful experience - in fact, I basically got to design my own wedges (Mr. Vokey "grinded" them for me, etc..).
But, this brings up a few points want to discuss with everyone again about their wedges.
Make sure your wedges (at least the sand and lob wedge) fit the style of play you desire.
You need to check the following:
1. Forged vs. cast. If you want to create spin with your wedges and have the "ultimate" feel around the green - you need a forged wedge (cast wedges are good, but will not spin or have the feel of forged wedges).
2. Check the grooves on your clubs. Mr. Vokey saw may old wedges (about 1 year old) and told me over 50% of the grooves were worn out... (was surprised as they didn't look that worn..)
3. Check the bounce of the clubs.. You want more bounce on the wedge if you play soft golf courses (soft fairways, etc..) and/or have a steep angle (swing).
You want less bounce on the wedges if you play hard (firm) courses and/or have a flat or shallow swing.
4. As always, check the lie angle of the wedges. Especially if they didn't come with your full set of irons (as most don't). You can do this the "old fashion" way - leave the clubs dirty and check the dirt line across the face after a practice session. The dirt line should be parallel with the grooves on the club face, if the dirt line formed on the club is at an angle to the grooves, you need to have the lie angle checked/adjusted by a professional club builder.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to call or email us anytime.
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UPCOMING GGA EVENTS:
Please see our website at http://www.swinglikemoe.com/ for more information on each school, school agendas, and for most recent updated schedule. Updated every few days.
2006
Jul 7 - 9th - 3 day School - Coffee Creek Golf Course - OKC - GGA (1 space left)
Jul 14 - 18th - Build Your Game Camp - Coffee Creek Golf Course - GGA (2 spaces left)
Jul 21 - 23rd - 3 day school - Chicago, IL - Prairie Landing Golf Course - (Sold Out)
Jul 25th - 26th - 2 day Advanced / Alumni School - Prairie Landing Golf Course (Open)
Aug 9 - 13th - Build Your Game Camp - Coffee Creek Golf Course - GGA Academy (Open)
Aug 25 - 27th - 3 day School - Eagle Creek Golf Course - Orlando, GGA Academy (Open)
Aug 28 - Sep 1st - Build Your Game Camp - Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA Academy (Open)
Sept 18 - 22nd - Build Your Game Camp - Coffee Creek Golf Course - GGA Academy (3 spaces left)
Oct. 9 - 13th - Build Your Game Camp - Barona Golf Course - San Diego (Sold Out)
Oct 14 - 16th - 3 Day School - Barona Golf Course - San Diego (2 spaces left)
Nov 5 - 9th - Build Your Game Camp - Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA (Open)
Nov 10 - 12th - 3 Day School - Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA Academy (4 spaces left)
** 3 Day Schools include Intermediate school the first day, advanced school the 2nd day and On Course/Continued Advanced instruction the 3rd day.
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SPECIALS - NEW SPECIALS CALLAWAY WOODS!!! - STARTING JULY 1st.
We greatly appreciate all those who have contacted us for orders in the past.
All clubs ordered through the GGA are built at the manufacturer to the individual's single axis swing specifications and sent direct from the factory to them.
*** Call for prices on any clubs: Ping, Taylormade, Callaway, Titleist/Cobra, Cleveland, YES Putters, and others.. we are able to beat all prices and we can offer (custom build to your single axis specs) all clubs built by these manufacturers.
* Buy a Callaway Fusion FT-3 Driver and Instantly receive a Free Callaway Fusion Fairway Wood (of your choice)
-or-
* Buy a Callaway X460 Driver and Instantly receive a Free Callaway Big Bertha Heavenwood Hybrid
This special ends July 31, 2006.
* 2006 Callaway Big Bertha Irons:
$599 set of 8 steel ($80 per club if less than 8)
$799 set of 8 graphite ($110 per club if less than 8)
To see more about this irons, please go to:
http://www.callawaygolf.com/en.CLUBS.Irons.BigBerthaIrons.html - men's irons
http://www.callawaygolf.com/en.WOMENS.WomensIrons.WomensBigBerthaIrons.html - women's irons
* New Callaway X Driver - $299
http://www.callawaygolf.com/en.CLUBS.Drivers.X460Driver.html
* New Callaway X Fairway woods - NOW AVAILABLE - $199 each (graphite)
http://www.callawaygolf.com/en.CLUBS.FairwayWoods.XFairwayWoods.html
* Cobra Baffler's - $145 (graphite), $125 (steel) - One of the most popular utility clubs on the market
http://cobragolf.com/utility_metals/details.asp?id=1
* Cobra Fairway woods - $179 graphite $159 steel
http://cobragolf.com/ (Select the appropriate "speed" rated fairway wood)
* Callaway Heavenwoods: $150 each graphite
http://www.callawaygolf.com/en.CLUBS.Hybrids.Heavenwood.html
Most Forged Wedges (Titleist Vokey, Callaway Forged +, Cleveland... ) - Between $100 and $110 each
*** No taxes or shipping charges on all custom built name brand clubs (outside of OK and CA).
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** NEW GGA "FEELING OF GREATNESS" GRIP: $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
For more information about our 7 principles:
http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?customernumber=831366983148715&pr=Seven_Principles&=SID
Leverage bag: $29.95
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* 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 AT TIMKGRAVES@AOL.COM or TIMG@SWINGLIKEMOE.COM
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We wish everyone continued success with their golf games, and hope to see everyone very soon.
Remember - ALWAYS PRACTICE WITH A PURPOSE!!
Tim Graves, PGA, Graves Golf Academy Owner/Instructor
Todd Graves, Graves Golf Academy Owner/Instructor
Scott Renfrow, GGA Director of Customer Relations
Brent Reid, GGA School Manager
Brent Evans, GGA Apprentice Instructor
Dave Predzin, PGA(a), GGA Instructor
Mick Benson, GGA Instructor
Graves Golf Academy
Timg@swinglikemoe.com - email
TimKGraves@aol.com - email
866-377-2316 - toll free - call anytime
405-823-9693 - outside U.S.
http://moenormanforum.com/ (GGA Golf Instruction Forum)
http://www.swinglikemoe.com/ (GGA home website)
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June Etip Update - Moe's Speed of Play, Preshot...
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