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TGGS
Administrator
USA
1942 Posts |
 Posted - 06/25/2007 : 22:42:18
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GRAVES GOLF ACADEMY
"Little Moe" SIGNATURE SCHOOL
JUNE E-TIP NEWSLETTER UPDATE
ISSUE #66A
Hello Everyone,
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Topics in the Etip:
1. Moe Norman Memorial - Last Call....
2. Congratulations - 3 Day School Winner - "Spreading the Word of Moe"
3. Practice Tip - "3 Ways to Improve Your Golf Game"
4. Great Testimonial
5. Moeism
6. SPECIALS - Adams A2 OS "Blow Out"
7. GGA Schedule - Updated
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Moe Norman Memorial "Coming Home" Last Call...
Hard to believe (time flies doesn't it) - the Moe Norman Memorial is less than a month away.
FYI - For all those signed up (and those who are still interested), Tim Norman (Moe's nephew) and Scott have arranged the "Moe" Bus (large Greyhound type bus with a picture of Moe on it) Tour on Saturday morning. The bus will travel around Kitchener viewing and/or stopping at highlighted areas of interest of Moe's life (boyhood home, golf courses, Moe's resting place, etc..). Scott and Tim have worked hard to arrange this tour - don't miss your chance if interested (limited space - first call, first reserve) - contact Scott asap - scottr@swinglikemoe.com
We have had some very interesting comments from some of those who have attended in the past few years. Wanted to especially highlight one we received a couple of days ago..
From Tim Dolan (WA):
"It just boggles my pea brain that we have not filled this event..
This is Moe's hometown.. Moe's home course.. Where are ALL the people that fill this forum ???
I missed meeting the man by one week.. He came to the 1st little Moe Invitational at Celebration golf club in 2003. I was there for a 3 day school the week before the Tourney. There was no tourney when I booked my school. So I thought it did not matter which week. By the time I realized there was a tourney, and that Moe would be there. It would have just about doubled the cost of the trip( from west coast ) to try and change everything. I missed that 1st tourney and ran out of time to ever meet Moe. His heath kept him from coming to the 2004 Invitational...Then.. he's gone... Ya know what ?? Hardly a day goes by that I don't regret my decision to not spend the extra money.. I realize now that meeting Moe would have been.. how they say... Priceless..
I fear that many of you folks are going to fall into the same state by missing this Get together.. I hate to see that happen. It does not look like we will ever go to Kitchener again for a tourney. Ya got one shot to get it right. Like me.. You won't meet Moe. BUT you will have the opportunity to meet some of his family. His brother Rich. Nephew Tim.. ( Cool name ) and possibly others.. Retrace his steps of life. learn something more of this man who Impacted so many ..The family is offering the opportunity to go to Moe's graveside.. pay your respects.What a privilege, and an honor.. You will also meet some incredibly awesome people. I am talking about the people playing in the tourney. I have been blessed to meet and get to know people from all over the world by coming to the Moe. Many of who I have had the pleasure of playing with in my home town and their hometowns.. It is AWESOME.. I could literally travel coast to coast playing with friends from the Moe. I would be welcome in their homes and they are certainly welcome in mine. INCREDIBLE friendships.. Because of the MOE. Ya see ? Ya get soooo much more than a week end of golf.
I don't know what is keeping you away. If it's money.. spend it..even borrow it if you have too. You will create a memory that will last long long after you forgot that you spent the money.
If it's because you don't think you have the game to play a Tourney .. RELAX .. It's not a pressure deal. Ya win by showing up.. If you're still freaky about it.. Have Scotty put you in my group.. I'm a total hack...I'll make you look good.. You will have fun.. I guarantee it..
Don't miss it folks.. Don't live in regret the rest of your life..
None of us get everything in life RIGHT.. But here's a chance to REALLY SHINE... OK ... Stop reading this and go book a flight. get a hotel.( Most of us are at the Raddison ) Call Scotty. People walked to Woodstock.. Walk to the Moe if you have to. Get some History in your corner. See ya there.. I'll have dinner with ya, and we'll find someone to stick with the bill." Timmy D
For other comments from fellow Moe Norman Single Axis Golfers please go to:
http://moenormanforum.com/topic~TOPIC_ID~6904.asp
If you would like more information about the Moe Norman Memorial please go to:
http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?customernumber=20559492483869&pr=Moe_Memorial_Tourney&=SID
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the "Moe".
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3 DAY SCHOOL WINNER - "Spreading the Word of Moe"
Many of you remember our "Call for Help" a few months ago. We asked for suggestions on how to "Spread the Word of Moe". As promised, we are awarding a 3 day GGA school to the winner (gave us the best suggestions).
We want to thank everyone who sent us suggestions - we literally received 1,000s.
The winner is: Kevin Miller (Kevin emailed me and said he is currently in Africa working - will be back soon and looking forward to a school..)
Kevin's suggestions were as follows:
1. Youtube Video - If you have seen our free Video Clips yet - there has already been over 5,000 hits in a week. Amazing. You can see our free video clips at: http://www.youtube.com/GravesGolfAcademy
Thank you to all who have already viewed the video clips - winning awards for most watched,.. great way to help spread the word of Moe... send to your golfing buddies, etc..
2. Golf Expos - Do more demos, free expos in which people can see it for themselves.
3. Promotional DVD "mini-disc" to give out to anyone interested showing differences between single axis and conventional and highlighting the GGA. Send these to interested students/alumni, etc.. to give out.
4. Give credit to anyone who refers someone to the GGA - credit would include instructional material, equipment, schools, etc..
5. Low cost type classes for golf coaches, other teachers, etc.. to show them the differences in single axis vs. conventional and to help them with their teachings, etc..
All these suggestions are in the works. Some (like the Youtube Video clip) have already shown great success.
Thanks Kevin and thanks to everyone with all their great suggestions.
FYI - If anyone thinks of any other ways to "Help Spread the Word of Moe" - please feel free to call or email us anytime - we love the suggestions and you never know when we'll give another school out for a GREAT suggestion.
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UPCOMING GGA SCHOOLS / CAMPS
In the next month, the GGA will be in OKC, Chicago & Kitchner (Canada).
At this time all these schools are sold out. The next available openings are:
Aug 11-15th - Build Your Game Camp - Coffee Creek Golf Course - OKC, OK GGA (Open)
Aug. 27th - 31st - Build Your Game Camp - Barona Ranch Golf Course - San Diego, CA (2 Spaces Open)
Sept. 1st - 3rd - 3 Day School - Barona Ranch Golf Course - San Diego, CA (Open)
THIS IS THE ONLY TIME WE ARE ON THE WEST COAST - IF INTERESTED - GET IN EARLY!!!
The end of September we will be heading back to your Academy in Orlando (Eagle Creek Golf Course).
To see our entire schedule - please see the end of this etip or as always can go to www.swinglikemoe.com
For more information about our schools, please go to: http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?customernumber=958654319219873&pr=School_Information&=SID
If you would like to register: http://swinglikemoe.com/shopping/start.php?browse=1&cat=5&customernumber=&=SID
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GGA MOE NORMAN FORUM
Be sure and visit our Swing Like Moe Chatroom especially if you haven't before, or if you haven't been there in the past few months. We're getting a lot of new sign ups and a lot of great questions and comments.
You can see more at www.moenormanforum.com
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PRACTICE TIP:
Three Ways to Improve Your Golf Game
by: Tim Graves, PGA
This past week, I received an email from Titleist listing what they called the "Three Ways to Improve Your Game". Wanted to share with you and detail a couple of the categories.
Three Ways to Improve your Golf Game:
1. Practice (we'll get back to this one).
2. Lessons
3. Custom Fit Golf Equipment
Custom Fit Golf Equipment facts:
1. Dynamically fit drivers, irons, wedges and proper set make-up will consistently lower scores and improve ball striking/ball flight tendencies.
2. Properly Custom fit equipment allows a player to maintain proper development of golf swing fundamentals and will increase pace of improvement. This WILL produce better shots and build confidence in ball striking.
3. A properly custom fit club will ELIMINATE the need for swing compensations, which are caused by improperly fit golf equipment.
4. Custom fitting can aid a player who has physical conditions (i.e. ailing back, sore ligaments/joints, artificial hips/knees, etc..). This can result in INCREASED time spent practicing and playing.
5. Custom fitting will OPTIMIZE the launch conditions of a golf ball. This is necessary to maximize carry distance and increase control.
6. Custom fit golf equipment will eliminate yardage gaps and identify sole performance variables, which are required to strengthen a player's short game. This WILL improve scoring ability and LOWER scores.
7. Custom fitting for set-make up will give the player an opportunity to carry the "BEST 14 FREINDS" / clubs. This will promote proper club selection for ideal course management.
You can see more details about custom fitting at: http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?customernumber=768877488413458&pr=Free_Club_Fitting&=SID (or can go to www.swinglikemoe.com and click on tab on right of home page - Free Club Fitting).
Practice (Wrote couple of years ago.. but wanted to bring up again...)
Todd and I are sitting here in the airport, about 2 hours after the final day of our last 3 day school here in Orlando, and as always we are talking about our previous weeks schools... what we saw, what we taught, is there a better way or different way to teach our students, etc.. And as always, there are a few points that always seem to "pop" up after all our schools... I wanted to share these with you.
Before I start, I want to say that in NO WAY am I pointing out anyone in particular... and hopefully as many of you know by now, I tend to tell it as it is... I believe "sugar coating" anything only leads to confusion and that is definitely something we want to avoid in golf instruction...
So here we go.... (hold on for the ride...) - Before we go on - Todd and I figured out between us, we have now taught for close to 25 years... and played competitively and taught for over 50 years combined... yes, before everyone starts guessing our ages, we are both still younger than 40 (at least for a couple more days...)
1. Todd and I are continually amazed how many students come to our school with (I will say it as tactfully as possible...) poor fundamentals. Not fundamentals of being on plane, leverage angles, etc.. but rather grip and set up fundamentals. Let me give everyone a hint out there - if you have a poor grip and/or poor set up - THERE IS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD you will not and can not swing the club on plane. The grip and set up should be two of the easiest fundamentals to master.... as long as you have a reference and you check your positions to that reference. Guys..... and again I'll be as tactful as possible.... this is NOT that hard... get your reference (The ABSOLUTE best is the our Total Game Overview) and video or even take still pictures of your set up - compare them. Be hard on yourself. Where is your lead hand, compare to all the views on the instructional material - what does your set up look like... again compare to the reference.
Now I'm going to really be as honest as possible..... and for those who don't want to hear this... I'll apologize before I go on.... if you have the NG training material - it is NOT good enough... this is why we produced the Total Game Overview.... this is also why everyone who signs up for our 3 day school gets the Total Game Overview with the school - it is an ABSOLUTE must to learn Moe's swing..... here is a challenge I want to throw out to everyone out there - please, please, please let me know if there is any better instructional material about Moe's swing... this is exactly why Todd and I produced this instructional material - because we couldn't find it. This is 12+ years of studying Moe's swing put on videos/DVDs....
Sorry for that rant... now I'll get back to the points...
2. At the beginning of every school - I typically give a talk about topics such as "Taking Responsibility for Your Own Swing", "Peaks and Valleys of Learning the Swing", "Perceptions vs. Reality", etc.. The reason I give this talk is to set up our students expectations and to help them understand what they are about to go through. During that talk I always tell them - during our schools you will NOT see improvement in your ball striking until at the earliest the middle of the third day to the end of the third day.
As I tell this to the students on day 1, they look at me with this blank look on their face, basically telling me "Ya, right... you'll see, you'll tell me a thing or two I'm doing wrong, and I'll have it... perfect.." Then the school starts, and WITHOUT exception, it happens every time... first day - a lot of learning, but you see frustration with the students.. they want quicker results.
Day #2 - continued learning and improvement - but still some sense of urgency as the school is nearing the end. Then bingo... day 3. The students ALWAYS comment on day #3 about how they are starting to see and feel the changes. Are they hitting the ball good/perfect yet.. absolutely not, but they can see the path in front of them and are starting to understand the process. I guess this comes from 4+ instructors sitting behind them telling them and showing them over and over again what to do.
(This past school we had a student whose lead hand grip was too strong on the club... I asked one of my instructors to count the number of times in 2 hours he told him to rotate the hand to the left in the correct position. He stopped counting at 15.)
Question - Did the student not understand what was being said... my instructor told him, I showed him, Todd showed him, my instructor told him again.. problem is the student wasn't focused on solely fixing the grip - he was focused on the entire swing and hitting the ball. After a couple of days, maybe the students get tired of hearing the same things over and over again and due to not wanting us to same the same thing again to them... maybe that is why they start to make changes.. And this is common with 99.9% of our students... focusing on results rather than the CAUSE.
Subnote - this is exactly why we started teaching the 5 day camps and really teach very few one day schools anymore. Imagine if you were in a 5 day camp and on day 3 started to see some improvement. Instead of going home and hoping it "sticks" - you still have 2 more days to ingrain...
3. Focus - This leads us to the topic of focus. We have NEVER met a student who could focus on more than one swing change at a time. Let me rephrase that - NEVER! It is human nature and definitely the nature of golfers to want to work on the entire puzzle rather and perform it a piece at a time. Problem is, we learn a piece at a time. Especially when you are trying to undo "bad" habits or learn new habits...Look at your game and think of it in the smallest terms... "If I could fix one thing in my swing in the next month, it would be ________" Fill in the blank. Make it specific. For example - Grip, Takeaway, Setup, Leverage angles, spine tilt, etc... If you can not fill in the blank or if you are telling yourself, "I just want to fix my swing" remember - A good golf swing is a series of moving parts in proper position making impact in appropriate sequence. If any of those moving parts are not "set correct" the others must either make up for that or there will be an "error" in the system.
4. What do you see???? Have you ever seen your golf swing? The second day of the schools we always film each person's swing. (In our camps we basically film 3 to 4 of the 5 days). It is amazing how many students will see themselves for the first time on video (V1 system) with their swing on the right of the screen compared to Moe's on the left, and they will say "That's not me - or at least not my swing".. Todd and I are always saying to ourselves.. okay, then who is it?? Or, you're right, we got someone who looks just like you to swing like that and we put it in our computers.... As we hear this, we know immediately, they have never seen themselves swing a club before. I will challenge anyone and everyone out there - take a video camera, set it up and film your swing (only takes a couple of minutes).
Go home and look at it... be honest with yourself and describe what you see. Now take a reference, (like our Total Game Overview) and compare the swings and positions..... THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO LEARN AND DETERMINE WHAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON AWAY FROM A SCHOOL OR LESSONS!!!!!! DON'T allow this to be a guessing game - We see WAY too much of this and you're time is WAY too valuable to make it a guessing game.
5. What tools do you use when you practice? How many have check systems as they work on their swing? I can tell you right now, I have practiced with literally 1,000s of touring pros, many you know the names very well. And WITHOUT exception, when they are working on their swings, they always have an alignment tool at their feet. May be as simple as a club laying on the ground, or some other method. Ernie Els always uses his umbrella as a guide. Imagine - you have just gone through a great practice session working on some issue in your swing... and after you finish you realize you were lined up 20 degrees to the right of your target.. what do you think will happen when you get on the course and line up correct (or now differently) at your target..... make a bet it's not pretty... We see this all the time... not practicing with the right tools and check systems which many times are very simple to use.
Anyway - As many of you are probably saying to yourself, enough of your soapbox talk again. But, also as many of you know, Todd, Brent, Scott, Ben, Clay and myself are passionate about making you a better golfer. Like I always say, spending about 1/2 the year 1,000s of miles from your family working with 1,000s of students better be a passion or I would suggest finding other forms of work. If you ever question our passion - I'll give you another "dare" - Give Scott a call... ask him about the swing, your equipment, or any golf related topic.... call anytime.. (you have no idea how many calls we get after midnight) - leave a message if you don't get him right away... see how long he takes to call back.. listen to the passion in his voice about making you a better golfer. That's what it is all about!!!
I have been told by many fellow instructors (many PGA that have taught for years) - you need to tell the student what to do and then get out of his/her way. Let them try and fail, try again, try again.... this is how we learn.
So here is your start -
1. Go to our chatroom http://www.moenormanforum.com/ - talk to our alumni about how they have improved their game.
2. If you don't have reference material to start working toward swing improvement - get it. We recommend to start with our Total Game Overview, and for advanced work - look at our 7 Principles of Golf Improvement. All this material is guaranteed 100%.
3. If you have a question about the swing, equipment, etc.. call or email us anytime. That is what we are here for.
4. Be prepared to learn and understand what Moe always said "When you get it, you won't believe your eyes".
5. Continue to follow along with our etips and instructional material. You can go to our website at www.swinglikemoe.com and see 100s of pictures and reference material highlighting Moe's swing.
6. Please feel free to call or email us anytime - we are always happy to help.
Good Luck
Remember - Always Practice with a Purpose
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GREAT TESTIMONIAL - "If you are serious about improving"
Received a wonderful testimonial from one of our students from our school 2 weeks ago (in OKC).
If you are "serious about improving" and want to read the testimonial please go to:
http://moenormanforum.com/topic~TOPIC_ID~6914.asp
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"Moeisms"
Was watching our "Moe Clinic" (we show at all our golf schools) and picked up a few new Moeisms... Here's one of them:
(This is the same Moe Clinic you can purchase online at www.swinglikemoe.com - many, many Moeisms and watching Moe perform a clinic - ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!!!)
http://www.swinglikemoe.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=67&customernumber=62274788638246&=SID#MOREINFO
Moe Norman: "My first move is down, everything is down to the ball."
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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UPCOMING GGA EVENTS:
*** Visit 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.
July 13 - 15th - 3 Day School - Prairie Landing Golf Course - Chicago, IL (Sold Out)
July 18 - 20th - 3 Day School - Whistle Bear Golf Course - Kitchner, Ontario, Canada (Sold Out)
July 21 - 22nd - Moe Norman Memorial "Coming Home" - Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (2/3 full..)
Aug 11-15th - Build Your Game Camp - Coffee Creek Golf Course - OKC, OK GGA (Open)
Aug. 27th - 31st - Build Your Game Camp - Barona Ranch Golf Course - San Diego, CA (2 Spaces Open)
Sept. 1st - 3rd - 3 Day School - Barona Ranch Golf Course - San Diego, CA (Open)
Sep 22 - 24th - 3 Day School - Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA (Open)
Sep 25 -29th - Build Your Game Camp - Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA (Open)
Oct 19 - 21st - 3 Day School - Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA (Open)
Oct 22 - 26nd - Build Your Game Camp - Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA (Open)
Others TBA....
Prices:
Intermediate and Advanced Schools: $399 for first school day, $349 for each additional day.
GGA alumni: $349 per day.
Special: Get $50 off your school price for recommending anyone who attends our schools.
1 Day Schools: OKC: $299
3 Day Schools (special rates): $1,099 first student, $799 if bring guest
1/2 Day Schools: $699
Build Your Game Camps - OKC - $1,999
Build Your Game Camps - Outside OKC - $2,499
Please visit our website at www.swinglikemoe.com for updated events and more information.
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.
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SPECIALS: (Check out the new pricing of the Adams A2 OS irons - will only last a few days until they are sold out!!!)
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 you.
*** Call for prices on any clubs: Adams, 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.
* Callaway X460 Drivers - $199 (Saving $100)
http://www.callawaygolf.com/en.CLUBS.Drivers.X460Driver.html
* New Callaway X-20 irons now available for order -
Price: $899 set of 8 graphite, $699 set of 8 steel shaft
Individually - $120 per club graphite, $100 steel
www.callawaygolf.com
* 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 Cobra FP Irons - $559 set of 8 graphite irons
http://cobragolf.com/irons/details.asp?id=16
* New Cobra DWS hybrids - $149 graphite
http://cobragolf.com/utility_metals/details.asp?id=5
* Adams A2 OS Hybrid Iron / Combo Set (8 graphite) - $499
** CHECK OUT THESE CLUBS - RATED #1 BY MANY GOLF MAGAZINES ***
http://www.adamsgolf.com/ir_idea_a2OS.htm
* Callaway X Fairway woods - $199 each (graphite)
www.callawaygolf.com
* Callaway X Hybrid - $159 graphite, $139 steel
http://www.callawaygolf.com/en.CLUBS.Hybrids.XHybrid.html
Most Forged Wedges (Titleist Vokey, Callaway Forged +, Cleveland... ) - Between $100 and $110 each
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GGA INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
See our latest and newest release - TROUBLES AND SOLUTIONS - great reviews (visit our chatroom to read them)
See more at: http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?customernumber=284544460813131&pr=Troubles_Solutions
** 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
For more information about our 7 principles: http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?customernumber=831366983148715&pr=Seven_Principles&=SID
Leverage bag: $35.95
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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.
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
Dave Predzin, PGA(a), GGA Instructor
Mick Benson, 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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June Etip Update - 3 Ways to Improve Your Game...
