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TGGS
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 Posted - 07/08/2008 : 20:22:41
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"Little Moe" Signature School
July 2008 Instructional Newsletter
Issue #79
We hope everyone had a great 4th!!!
Looks like Tiger "mania" is even with the single axis golfers. Last month's etip - Tiger's Knee had more reads than any other etip we have sent. We would also like to thank all those who commented and responded with their opinions - we ALWAYS entertain your opinions and comments and try to get back to everyone as soon as possible. If you would like to see more about "Tiger's Knee", others comments and opinions, etc.. please go to our open forum at www.moenormanforum.com
Spreading the word
Help us share the word about Moe Norman with the golf world!
If you find something in this Etip particularly helpful, share it with your friends. Just click button below.
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 time!
The Moe Norman Memorial is just around the corner. Our annual event to celebrate Moe's life is 2 1/2 months away.
On 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!
For those who have attended in the past years, you know how much fun we have spending time with fellow "Moe Norman followers" - for those who haven't attended before, we guarantee one of the most fun times you ever have on (and off) the golf course including 2 rounds of golf, clinics, contests, camaraderie, and much, much more. Don't miss the once a year opportunity to join other Moe Norman fans from around the world in honoring the memory of the World's Greatest Ball striker!
One common question we get about the Moe Memorial - "What if I don't feel I can play good enough to compete in the golf scrambles, etc.."
GGA Answer: The golf is set up in a "fun atmosphere" type tournament. The first day is a scramble which is set up with all different levels of golfers on the team - teams are set up equal and fair to all. The 2nd day is individual play with many different flights with golfers of similar ability playing with each other.
The days on the course are primarily set up to meet other single axis golfers and to have a GREAT time!!!
For additional information and/or registration you can go to the Moe Memorial Page on our website. SPACE IS LIMITED - we can only accommodate a limited number of participants - if you are interested - please don't hesitate to sign up (please the earlier you sign up, the more $ you will save).
Also, you can contact Scott Renfrow at scottr@swinglikemoe.com with any questions.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Moe Norman / GGA Open Forum - For Everyone!
Just a reminder to visit the Moe Norman Forum. This is a GREAT place to interact with other Moe Norman fans, ask questions about the swing, research instruction, and MUCH, MUCH more.
Visit the forum at http://www.moenormanforum.com
We monitor the forum to keep for those interested in swinging like Moe - it is open to everyone who is trying to swing like Moe.
Chicago, Chicago, Chicago.....FREE Ball Striking Demo Plus more.
Here we come.... in 2 weeks, we'll be in the "Windy City".
In the past couple of days, one spot has opened up in each of the 3 day schools. We now have one spot open July 25th - 27th and another in the 3 day school July 22nd - 24th. The schools are being held at Prairie Landing Golf Course - a wonderful facility that has taken great care of us the past few years.
We are also having a free ball striking demonstration by "Little Moe" Todd Graves on July 22nd at 3:30p and July 25th also at 3:30p. Please feel free to bring anyone interested. Watch Todd demonstrate and explain Moe's swing.
Plus, if you would like any of our products, instructional videos, training clubs, leverage bag, etc.. you are more than welcome to stop by anytime - someone will be able to help you and will save you a few dollars on shipping.
A Hook Waiting to Happen.
by Tim Graves, PGA
Had a couple of great email questions this past week and then spent today playing in a 'marathon' golf match in Wichita, KS that reminded me again of "A Hook Waiting to Happen".
First will describe the match and what I saw, then will discuss the couple of emails from this past week; hopefully will give everyone a little insight to their grip, etc.
Yesterday, July 7th, I was playing in our annual South Central PGA Match Play Championship. This year it was held at Terradyne Country Club in Wichita, KS. Terradyne is a great golf course - a links style course (very few trees) with extremely large mounds on most of the holes, many bunkers and too "top it off" a second cut of round that is over waist deep. In fact, rough is so deep, when I asked one of my fellow pros what he thought of the golf course (after our practice round) - he responded, "I'm not worried about my matches, I'm worried about running out of golf balls!"
In the quarter finals, I was paired against a new/young professional named Bobby J. Bobby is a very nice young man who recently graduated from the PGA school in Southern Mississippi.
As we prepared to tee off, I was introduced to Bobby (for the first time - he is a "rookie" in the section) and watched him tee up his first shot of the day. Something quickly came to my attention.
As Bobby set up for his first shot, his lead hand (Bobby's left hand) had an extremely strong grip. In fact, the V formed between his thumb and forefinger of his lead hand pointed to his right shoulder and the V formed on his trail (right) hand pointed right of his right shoulder. In his backswing, this grip caused his club face to be shut and in order to not hit the ball to the left every time, he "held on" at impact (or in other words, greatly minimized his release).
As Bobby hit his first shot, I couldn't help by tell myself "There's a hook waiting to happen".
The match went on, and to be honest, Bobby did a pretty good job keeping the ball in play and Bobby is a very good putter. I played the front nine 3 under par and was 3 up at the turn (Bobby won the first hole, I won 4 of the next 8). When we made the turn I was pretty confident the match was going my way today...
Then the match turned a little. On the 10th hole, I hit my drive in the first cut of rough, cut a little "flier" on the 2nd shot and didn't get up and down - Bobby made par - now I was 2 up. We halved the next 3 holes with one birdie and 2 pars, and on number 14 and 16 Bobby made great putts to make birdie and even the match. He was doing a great job "holding on to the club" to keep from turning over, it was obvious he practiced a lot and I keep thinking to myself, it's a good thing he has a "young" body, I can guarantee my 40+ body couldn't take his twisting and turning he needed to compensate for his strong grip.
On number 17, I hit my best shot of the day - a down hill 550 yard par 5. Bobby hooked the ball off the tee into the 2nd cut of rough. He hit a long drive, but due to his lie, couldn't go for the green (creek short front of green). He laid up to 100 yards. I was 220 yards out with a 20 mph cut wind, slightly into my face. I took out my Cobra 3 hybrid - told myself this was "all or nothing" and hit a high cut 3 hybrid which landed and stopped within 5 feet of it's divot about 6 feet from the hole. I went on to make the putt and go one up.
As good as I played 17, this "pro" committed match play "sin" on number 18. We both hit good drives and Bobby was away. He hit his second shot in the left bunker - pin high. I was 170 yards out, and instead of playing safe (sure par would win) I hit a solid 6 iron (into the wind) and caught it "too good" - the ball skipped to the back of the green - 40 feet away with an incredibly difficult putt (looked like a "roller coaster"). Bobby hit is bunker shot 2 feet from the hole, I putted to 8 feet (to be honest, was a good putt to get it that close). I lipped out - and gave Bobby his putt - we were even - needless to say, "I was STEAMING at myself!!"
Off to sudden death.
Holes number 19 - 21 - we halved with pars. (Number 19 and 20, Bobby had 15 footers to win match, missed both. Hole number 21 - I had a 18 footer to win, missed.)
Hole number 22 - Needless to say, I was wearing down. This is a par 4 uphill (carry about 250 over water for short cut) or can hit to right and add about 20 yards to the hole. Bobby had the honors and hit his drive in the first cut of rough to the right. I thought, let's do it here; I took the shot cut - hit a thin drive into the wind and saw a splash, match was over - at least I thought it was. I went to the other side of the lake, looked for a couple of minutes and Bobby found my ball literally floating between a patch of moss and the mud bank. I stepped into the mud and hit backwards toward the fairway (all I had). Now I was 150 yards out - still further than Bobby. I hit a 8 iron uphill to about 20 feet. Bobby played conservatively and hit to about 30 feet below the hole (thinking match was over..). Bobby putted to a few inches, guess what - I made my putt; match continues.
Hole number 23 - into the wind - tight par 4 - only about 380 yards. Bobby has the tee and is pretty shook up after the last hole. Pulls out driver - HOOK - not a small hook, but out of play to the left hook. Ball is gone. I put away my driver (little "mind game" pulling out driver - wasn't going to hit anyway) and hit a 2 hybrid down the middle. Bobby hits a 2nd ball (provisional for the first) - now with a 3 wood - HOOK - again out of play. Before he leaves the tee box, he removes his hat and shakes my hand - match is over..... I win one up.
Couple lessons to learn here-
1. Never say die and never say never (I reminded myself of this one today.)
2. Grip - you may think you can get away with a mediocre or "bad" grip with a lot of practice, but I can guarantee when the pressure is on, when it is on the line, (maybe when you are about to shoot your best score, or whenever you feel some pressure) - your poor grip fundamental is going to haunt you. I have seen it too many times. And here is the kicker - the worse the grip, the more practice you will need to even be able to keep in play or play consistent at all!!!
Bobby will learn in time, and with his short game, I guarantee he will be a player to watch in our section.
Email # 1
From: "Rudy" <rudy@***.com>
To: timg@swinglikemoe.com
Subject: Thank you for your web site
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 14:01:34 -0500
Dear Sir:
I wanted to thank you for posting the many informative instruction you have on your site. I am an avid Moe Norman student and have been playing [ ] golf for the past few years. Recently I developed some habits that caused me to hook the ball something awful and produce very low ball flight.
I stumbled upon your site while trying to find some Moe Norman information to try and analyze my problem. I found that my grip had lost it's correct position and I had too strong a grip with too low a swing plane. I just got back from the range and was able to correct all my issues based largely on the correct grip mechanics and swing plane adjustment.
Thank you for your efforts to help the amateur golfer.
Rudy C...
Dallas, Texas
Email # 2
From: "RICHARD J." <dicj**@****.com>
To: "Tim Graves" <timkgraves@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: Question
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 08:51:46 -0600
Tim:
I have the [ ] grips purchased for $49.00. I assumed they would be better for the [ ] Swing since they were recommended by (that company). I wear a medium large golf glove. I assumed a larger grip would promote a fade. I usually have a hook no matter what grip size I use. I had a wrist problem for a while and the doctor advised using a larger grip. Should I take off (those) grips? I would have no problem doing this.
Thanks,
Dick J.
Answer:
Here is a question for everyone out there - If you were going to run a race or walk and wore a size 10 tennis shoe, would you walk into a store and buy a size 13 shoe to wear? If you were wanting a new golf glove and wear a medium, would you go into a pro shop and buy an XL glove?
You need a grip that fits your hand size. One size grip DOES NOT fit all hand sizes. If a grip is too big, it will inhibit leverage which will in turn decrease your distance, solidness of hit, etc.. Your recommended grip size (at the biggest) would be a mid size grip with 4 additional wraps under the lower hand, 2 under the upper (for a ML hand size). This will allow you to hold the club properly and create the maximum leverage and thus distance with your club. You can see more about recommended grip sizes on our free club fitting page of our website.
All our recommended grip sizes are based off Moe's grip size and correlated to different hand sizes. For example, Moe had a medium cadet hand size and his grip size (on his clubs we have and when Todd measured his grip size when he played golf with Moe) would equate to a mid size grip with 2 additional wraps under the lower hand, 0 under the upper.
Please see our chat at: http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?pr=Free_Club_Fitting&=SID
(middle of the page).
Remember - grips that are too big will not allow for proper hold of the club which will in turn not allow for proper hinging of the club which will in turn not allow for proper leverage (angles) during the swing which will in turn dramatically DECREASE power at impact which will in turn DRAMATICALLY decrease distance and solidness of impact.
Easy solution - Put on grips that fit your hand size.
Tim Graves, PGA
timg@swinglikemoe.com
NEW GGA GRIP ANNOUNCEMENT
The Graves Golf Academy will soon be releasing our new grip - a grip that is USGA conformed, can be used on all clubs and has markings so you will be able to put your hands on your clubs exactly like Moe gripped his own clubs.
Todd (Graves) put a plan in motion about 4 years ago.
First part of the plan: Develop a grip training club so everyone (whether they are with us in person or 1,000 miles away can put their hands on the club correctly and feel "Moe's Feeling of Greatness" everything he/she grips the club. He produced the grip, and it has been a "best seller" for the GGA - if you don't have one yet - just ask the 1,000s that have it.... ask them what it has done for their game. Imagine - every time you go to the range, pulling out the grip training club, hitting shots with "perfect" hands on the club. You can see more on our Training Grip and Club page of our website (short video about the grip/club).
Second part of the plan: Produce a video teaching everyone how to hold the grip training club and how to grip the club "just like Moe" so everyone can then work on other fundamentals to swing like Moe rather then always "fighting" their grip. This was done and with every training grip club order - the training video/DVD is included.
Third part of the plan: Produce a grip that can be used on the students clubs, is USGA conformed and is a "good looking and good feeling" grip that has the same markings as the GGA grip training club (without the molding). So, now EVERY student can train with the GGA Training Grip Club and then match the same markings on their clubs (with the GGA grips) and grip their own clubs just like Moe - perfect EVERY time.
The third part of the plan was completed early this year, the grips are on their way and are expected to arrive in a couple of weeks. We have already received the first 100 - they are AWESOME. They are already on our clubs, many of our demo clubs, and hopefully all our students clubs soon.
Fourth part of plan: A video on our website (free) - how to install the grips and tips to using the grips. Due out later this week.
And now the first public images of the GGA Transitional Grip. By the way, in ONE grip, both right AND left handed golfers (yes lefty friends, you read that correctly) can now feel Moe Norman's grip. Here's the pics:
Right Handed side Left Handed side
Finally - hopefully by now, everyone reading our etips knows the importance of a good hold/grip on the club. Without a good hold/grip on the club, you will be building continual compensations to make up for your grip - and I guarantee this will create poor/inconsistent golf.
We are hoping by creating these new grip "tools" they will aid everyone and help short cut the process of developing their swing to Swing Like Moe!!!!
Please watch upcoming etips and emails about our new GGA grips - we GUARANTEE you'll love the look and feel of the grip and who doesn't want to hold the club like Moe???
Remember - Always Practice with a Purpose.
Good Luck!!
Todd and the Golf Channel
Hopefully everyone has had a chance to see Todd and Moe on the Golf Channel the past few months.
The Golf Channel has been showing a program titled "The 10 Most Unique Swings" and Todd comments about Moe and his swing.
If you haven't seen it yet, keep watching, it is due to air throughout the rest of July.
Moe's Movie Update
Barry Marrow, executive producer and writer of the upcoming Moe Movie - "Dancing the Green" called Todd the other day and said he is still "on hold" for the impending actor's strike. He expects the strike and told us it would be too costly to shut down shooting and restart again after the strike. Todd is looking forward to working with the actor(s) as soon as he can to get them to swing like Moe and to share his experiences with Moe. We will keep everyone updated the minute we hear additional information about the movie.
P.S. PGA.com has asked us to run an "ongoing" video diary as soon as the training/shooting begins. This will allow everyone in the "golf world" to learn more about Moe and see the inside to the making of the Moe movie.
GGA Event Schedule
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
July 22-24, 2008 - 3 day school - Chicago, IL - Prairie Landing Golf Club - West Chicago, IL (1 spot open)
July 25-27, 2008 - 3 day school - Chicago, IL - Prairie Landing Golf Club - West Chicago, IL (1 spot Open)
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 (3 spots open)
Sept. 27 & 28, 2008 - 4th Annual Moe Norman Memorial @ 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
"Never too wide, never too far from 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....
GGA Club Specials
Adams is still running their special on their new drivers. But here is the "kicker" - I can guarantee they won't last much longer. We have literally sold 100s of these drivers, and that is only one vendor - with this great driver and everyone selling for the reduced price - they will run out soon!!!
The ADAMS INSIGHT XTD A3 and A3 OS are now $169.
A savings of $130+. (Don't wait if considering this driver - I can guarantee supplies will run out soon.... this special is "blowing" these drivers off the shelf....haven't seen a special this good in a long time..)
You can see them at: http://www.adamsgolf.com/drivers.htm
Both are top drivers in the market and are very popular.
*****************************
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
GGA Putting Training System - $54.95
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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 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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Tim Graves, PGA
timg@swinglikemoe.com |
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July Etip - A Hook Waiting to Happen, Moe Movie...
