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TGGS
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USA
1954 Posts |
 Posted - 08/16/2004 : 09:52:07
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GRAVES GOLF ACADEMY
TODD GRAVES "Little Moe" SIGNATURE SCHOOL
AUGUST E-TIP NEWSLETTER
ISSUE #32
Hello All,
Getting back to getting the etips out after a few crazy weeks.
* First, we hope all our friends are okay in Florida. We have quite a few who contact routinely who live on the west coast of Florida - our prayers and thoughts are with you.
* The past 3 weeks, traveled to Indiana and Ohio for a couple of schools, I took a week off for vacation (Todd went to California to meet with Barry Marrow, director of the Moe Movie), had a Build Your Game Camp here in OKC and played in the National PGA Assistant's Qualifying Tournament.
* We now have the Little Moe Swing for Life Instruction on a single VHS or DVD. This instructional VHS/DVD shows various drills/practice techniques used by Todd and Moe to perfect their swings. These techniques can be used by everyone on the range and course and are designed so everyone can get the most out of their practice time. Many views of "Little Moe's" swing are shown, including close up of the grip, front view, back view, overhead view and many more. Swings are shown in fast and slow motion with overlays and graphics highlighting the many key points of a proper single axis swing. Todd swings clubs from the wedge to the driver. Narrated by Todd, his commentary emphasizes points in the swing to focus on, relationships between the clubhead and ball, different points to check in the club path, and much more. Cost is $24.95 and can be ordered by calling 866-377-2316 or can order on line at www.swinglikemoe.com
* Would like to thank everyone who came out and saw us in Indiana and Ohio. Had a GREAT turnout. Saw close to 10 students a day for the week and saw alot of alumni that getting alot better.
* This past week we had 6 students here in OKC for our Build Your Game Camp. Amazing how everyone comes in here ready to hit 100s of balls a day and by the 4th day, they are ready for the whirlpool and are asking for tape for their hands.... We covered everything from ball fitting to course management to driver launch angles to "laser" putting.... and of course the full swing, full swing and more full swing. Would like to thank Dennis, Dick, Don, David, David and Peter for the great week and hope everyone else interested in attending a camp can get in soon.... We are sold out in September and have one spot remaining in our camp in November... give us a call or email soon if interested.
* This week (Tuesday, August 17, 2004) is our open house at our Academy here in Edmond, OK at Coffee Creek Golf Course. It starts at 5:30, with drinks and refreshments, with a ball striking demonstration by Todd and myself at 7:00. All the new irons and woods will be there to try, and the entire GGA staff will be there for the open house. Anyone interested come out, bring a friend (or 10) and have some fun!!!
* Volume #3 of the 7 Principles of Golf Improvement is at the reproduction agency. As soon as we get it back, out it goes. We are hoping to have it out in the next week or so. It covers chipping and bunker play (over an hour) and "guarantees" to help your game in both areas. If you are interested and have not ordered yet, or just have questions, please feel free to call or email us anytime.
* If you haven't been to our chatroom in the past few days and read Doc9s story about fighting the bees, falling in the lake, fighting snakes and going "fishing" for his clubs, it is a MUST read. See our Moe Norman Swing Forum (Chatroom) at http://www.forumco.com/fuzz2moe/default.asp and look in the Duffer's retreat under "Just Trying to Have Fun". If you don't laugh out load after reading this - you're not human..... Thanks for the story Dan!!
SCOTT'S E-CORNER
Hello all! Hope you are well and enjoying the game this summer.
I would like to spend a few minutes talking about some upcoming events we are having. The first the I would like to mention is our Open House. On Tuesday, August 17th from 5:30p - 7p at the GGA teaching center @ Coffee Creek Golf Club in Edmond, OK we will have an open house. It is free of charge and refreshments will be served. If you live in the area, or are just passing through, stop by and see us! Todd and Tim will be putting on ball striking demonstrations, and it will be a great time to see the teaching center and meet the rest of the GGA staff. We hope to see you here!
Secondly, as we are winding down this summer and the golf season, it's not too soon to start thinking about getting your game in shape for the 2005 season. Take the opportunity to use the winter months to refine your game and make 2005 your best season yet! Check our school schedule on the website and come see us! We'd love the opportunity to help you in person and see you enjoy the game for life! Our schedule through March 2005 is posted on the website, including our Orlando dates.
Speaking of Orlando, Todd and I visited Eagle Creek a few weeks back and it is a top notch facility. No expense has been spared in building this facility, and the course is fair and yet challenging. It's a great place and we know you'll love it!
The last thing I want to share with you is this:
The 3rd Annual Little Moe Invitational dates have been set. The tournament will be held Feb. 26th & 27th, 2005 at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando. Mark your calendars now and join us for an absolutely wonderful event! We will have information about costs, hotels, and 'special' guests in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to the website!
As always, feel free to contact me anytime. I've had the opportunity in the last month or so to start to get to know some of you and your games, and thanks to all I've talked to. If you haven't heard from me yet and would like to talk about YOUR game, give me a call or email me! Best wishes and here's to continuing the journey down the path to YOUR goals!
Scott Renfrow
GGA Director of Customer Relations
scottr@swinglikemoe.com
PRACTICE TIP:
Have seen a few questions this past week (and always a couple each week) about the dreaded word - the shank. Also known as the hosel rocket, hoosel, pitch out, lateral, the s word (did everyone see Darrren Clarke hit the shank on 17 the 3rd round of the PGA??). Even the best players in the word hit this dreaded shot now and then.... What causes the "s word" and how can we prevent it?
By Todd:
How to cure the shank
The dreaded S word. Some refuse to mention the word around any body who has played golf. Many regard it is another four letter word. Almost every golfer has experienced it, especially in the most critical moment at the most critical juncture in a round. And once it happens, you might as well forget about the rest of the round. In the back of your mind on every shot, on every hole you will be thinking about that dreaded shot to the right.
The shank has quite a few nick names, the lateral, the hosel shot and my favorite...the hosel rocket. So what causes the dreaded lateral? Most people think that it is standing too close to the ball. The fact that the hosel is coming into the ball might make that true but the funny thing is when you move further away, you still Shank the ball.
The reason you shank the ball is because you have lost your space between you and the ball. From a Club Mechanics (club movement) standpoint, your hands and arms have lost the room to swing the club between you and the ball. How does this happen?
The reason you lose this space is due to swinging the club too flat in the backswing. When you do this you steepen the shaft in the downswing. When you steepen the shaft in the downswing you lose the distance you had from the ball.
Correcting the Shank
The only way you can have the club too flat in the backswing is from an over rotation of the hands and forearms. In other words, the hands and forearms rotate causing the club to be flat. The goal is to move the hands and arms correctly so that the club moves on plane in the backswing or even more steep in the backswing. This will allow you to flatten as opposed to steepen in the downswing.
In order to move the club correctly in the backswing you must move the club back without turning the forearms. Here are the steps for making an on plane move in the backswing.
From the correct address position, turn the shoulders and allow the arms to move also. This initial movement will move the club approximately 5 feet but you will notice that the clubface still moves square relative to the plane. This indicates that the forearms are not rotated and that the club movement is exactly in proportion to the torso movement. In other words the club is still "in front" of you, not rotated "behind" you.
From that initial movement you simply hinge the hands upward. This upward movement moves the club on plane.
The feeling of this movement is that you are standing in your address position with your butt against a wall. When you move the club away, the turn of the torso moves the club back and then upward. The club feels as though you could never hit the wall. This movement will keep the club from getting flat in the backswing.
So next time the dreaded s-word sneaks into your swing, don't panic. As long as you know what causes it, you can get rid of it as fast.
Good Luck.
"Moeisms"
Barry Marrow (director of Moe's movie) was interviewing Moe for the movie. He asked Moe if he ever hit a shot he didn't like. Moe stated:
You have to love every shot.
Barry asked Moe how you could love every shot - even those you hit terrible?
Moe stated:
"You have to love every shot because they all teach you."
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 RECOGNITION CORNER
We are continuing this section in which we are going to recognize achievements of golfers who are either alumni of the GGA or have just used the GGA newsletters or etips for instruction. We would like to recognize anyone for significant achievement in their golf game in the past few months/year/etc..
Rich H (Virginia Beach, VA): "By the way, had an 86 the other day - never done that before? Amazing what happens when you keep the ball in the fairway most of the time! The other thing I am noticing is improvement in accuracy on approach shots from 120 yards or shorter."
Dave S (Mahomet, IL): "I want to thank you and Todd for giving me the knowledge to find my flaws and fix 'em. Two weeks ago I was in a two man scramble tournament with my brother-in-law. On the front nine, I hit all but one fairway with my driver. SO THAT'S WHAT THE FEELING OF GREATNESS IS LIKE. Cool!! We ended up coming in 2nd in our division and we even got some of our entry fee back. I can't thank the Graves team enough."
Angi L (Princeton Junction, NJ): "Tim, it's funny that you mention playing golf the way you described below. Last week I did exactly what you suggested before my big Executive Women's golf tournament on Saturday. I played several practice rounds without keeping score and just went around dropping balls and playing different shots. I didn't do as well as I would have liked in the tournament, but I do believe that I am improving. I had one of those bad putting days where I just couldn't see the line or judge the speed of the putts, but my iron play is getting a lot better. I don't know if you remember, but I have always struggled with the long irons and not I have put the 5 iron back in my bag. My handicap is starting to come down too. I started the season as a 19 and I am now a 16."
For more great stories, visit our new "Glory Stories" section of our chatroom, and don't hesitate to tell your own "Glory Story".
Keep them coming!!! We would like everyone who has made significant advances in their game, won tournaments, shot personal scores, reached personal goals, etc.. to email or call us with these highlights. We would like to tell everyone about them.. "toot your horn", "brag", "tell everyone", here's your opportunity.
GGA "TIDBITS"
* Todd met with Barry Marrow (movie director) last week about Moe's Movie. Barry stated they are in the process of trying to obtain the script from Warner Bros. (litigation) and hope to raise enough $ to start the movie in the near future. With this said, Barry has plans for some well know actors to star in the movie and Todd said the script is great. Hopefully, if everything proceeds - we might see the movie in a year or two.... but this is Hollywood.....
* Three weeks ago - I (Tim) qualified for the National PGA Assistant's Championship to be held at PGA National in Port St. Lucie the end of October. Looks like I'll be making even more trips to Florida this year....
* Remember the section of our forum dedicated to the 7 Principles of Golf Improvement at: http://www.forumco.com/fuzz2moe/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=32&CAT_ID=4&Forum_Title=3%2E+7+Principles+of+Golf+Improvement
Section #1 (DVD / Tape #1)
The Dynamics of Moe Norman's Swing (part #1)
Principle 1: The Development of a Sound Repeatable Powerful Swing of Ease, (Based on the Mechanics of Moe Norman),
Price: $64.95
Section #2 (DVD / Tape #2)
The Dynamics of Moe Norman's Swing (part #2)
Principle 1 (continued): The Development of a Sound Repeatable Powerful Swing OF Ease, (Based on the Mechanics of Moe Norman)
Price: $64.95
Section #3 (DVD / Tape #3) Due out within next couple of weeks.
The Wedge Game: Chipping, Sand Play.
Principle 2: The Development of an Efficient Short Game
Price: $64.95
Section #4 (DVD / Tape #4)
Continued Wedge Game: Pitching
Putting, Reading Greens, Putting Games / How to practice putting
Principle 2: Continued
Principle 3: Becoming a Good Putter
Section #5 (DVD / Tape #5)
Knowing your equipment, does it fit your game?
Principle 4: Building Clubs that Fit Your Game / Determining Golf Ball that Fits Your Game: Know and Understand Your Equipment
Section #6 (DVD / Tape #6)
How to Practice, Course Management, How to Think
Principle 5: Learn to Play on the Course using developed Skills (Course Management)
Principle 6: Learn To Practice Efficiently (Goal Setting / Time Management)
Principle 7: How to Think on the Course and in Practice
UPCOMING GGA EVENTS:
** Todd went out to see the site for the Southern California school - Barona Ranch (just outside of San Diego). Said beautiful site and wonderful practice facility. Here is your chance to see us in Southern Cal.... Will be only chance this year - if interested, don't hesitate to sign up.
** OKC Build Your Game Camp in September is sold out.
** ONLY ONE SPOT available in our Build Your Game Camp in Orlando in November.
** If interested in any upcoming camps - would strongly suggest enrolling early - the past 2 were sold out and the next two only have one spot left.
** Please see below our schedule for this remaining year and beginning 2005. If interested in any of the dates, please call soon. Many will fill very fast (especially those in Florida.. most sold out last year).
*** 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.
Aug 17 Oklahoma City Open House - Graves Golf Academy - 5:30 pm
Sep 4 Oklahoma City 1/2 day introductory school Graves Golf Academy - Coffee Creek Golf Course
Sep 17 Oklahoma City Intermediate School Graves Golf Academy, Coffee Creek Golf Course
Sep 18 Oklahoma City Advanced School Graves Golf Academy, Coffee Creek Golf Course
Sep 22-26 Oklahoma City Build Your Game Camp Coffee Creek Golf Course - Graves Golf Academy (Sold Out)
Oct 8-10 Las Vegas, NV 3 Day School Revere At Anthem Golf Course
(Intermediate first, Advanced Second, On Course/Video Third - can split into individual days)
Oct 12 - 14 Southern CA 3 Day School Barona Ranch
(Intermediate first, Advanced Second, On Course/Video Third - can split into individual days)
Nov 5 Orlando, FL Intermediate School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Nov 6 Orlando, FL Advanced School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Nov 7 Orlando, FL On Course/Video School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Nov 8-12 Orlando, FL Build Your Game Camp Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA (1 spot available)
Dec 3 Orlando, FL Intermediate School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Dec 4 Orlando, FL Advanced School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Dec 5 Orlando, FL On Course/Video School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
2005
Feb 4 Orlando, FL Intermediate School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 5 Orlando, FL Advanced School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 6 Orlando, FL On Course/Video School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 8-12 Orlando, FL Build Your Game Camp Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 23 Orlando, FL Intermediate School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 24 Orlando, FL Advanced School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 25 Orlando, FL On Course/Video School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 26 -27 3rd Annual "Little Moe" Invitational and Clinics Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Feb 28 - Mar 1 Orlando, FL Advanced Alumni Two Day Schools Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Mar 9-13 Orlando, FL Build Your Game Camp Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Mar 15-17 Orlando, FL 3 Day 1/2 day School Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Mar 29 - Apr 2 Orlando, FL Build Your Game Camp Eagle Creek Golf Course - GGA
Others TBA
Prices:
Intermediate and Advanced Schools: $399 for first school day, $349 for each additional day.
TGGS 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
* There will be a small course cost for all those participating in the "On Course" instruction days.
Please visit our website at http://www.playnaturalgolf.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.
SPECIALS:
We greatly appreciate all those who have contacted us for orders in the past. Again, if you are going to purchase any golf equipment, NG product, anything as small as NG gloves, a grip, up to a full set of clubs, please contact us or another certified instructor (if you would like to help support him/her) first. All certified instructors (us included) work on a commission through NG and other equipment companies. If an order is placed direct to NG (not placed through and by the certified instructor) we receive no credit for it (unless it is placed immediately after attending a school). As most of you know, we try to turn some of this "credit" back to our students in keeping our school prices down, free product and sometimes rebates.
You can now order all our instructional materials on our secure website at http://www.playnaturalgolf.com/
*** $50 to $100 OFF MOST CALLAWAY WOODS, IRONS and OTHER EQUIPMENT - CALL FOR DETAILS!!!!
*** New NG clubs - ST irons, Beryllium Cooper ST woods and new 420 Tour Hammer Driver - call us if interested.
*** New Taylor Made 540XD and 580XD drivers - $299
*** Taylor Made Rescue Clubs - $175 (graphite) $150 (steel)
*** Make us an offer on new Taylormade irons.... we've been offered limited specials on select sets.
*** New Cobra SZ drivers: $289
*** Titleist/Cobra SSi Irons - built to your single axis swing specs: Graphite: $499 (set of 8), Steel: $449 (set of 8)
*** Call for prices on any club, we are typically able to beat most prices.
*** No taxes or shipping charges on all custom built name brand clubs (outside of Oklahoma).
* 1st Section of the 7 principles series - $64.95
* 2nd Section of the 7 principles series - $64.95
* 3rd Section of the 7 principles series - $64.95
GGA / TGGS INSTRUCTIONAL TAPES:
TGGS Short Game: $24.95
Course Management/ "How to Practice": $19.95
"Little Moe's" Swing for Life $19.95
Get all three: $49.95
All three on DVD: $64.95
Leverage bag: $29.95
* Last Minute Specials:
Right handed:
1. 450 Pipelines, graphite senior flex - 5 - LW, good condition - $300
2. 450 Pipelines, graphite senior flex - 6-LW, fair condition - $250
3. ST 110s, regular flex shaft, full set - Make offer
4. P3s - steel regular flex - full set - Make offer
*********************************************
At any time you are interested in ordering any product, school, etc. through NG, call us first, we can always offer additional savings, rebates, etc.. as we are NG's Signature School.
* 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
Please feel free to call or email anytime with swing, school, equipment, or any other questions. That is what we are here for.
We wish everyone continued success with their golf games, and hope to see everyone very soon.
Remember - ALWAYS PRACTICE WITH A PURPOSE!!
Tim Graves, Graves Golf Academy Owner/Instructor, Natural Golf Certified Instructor
Todd Graves, Graves Golf Academy Owner/Instructor, Natural Golf Master Instructor
Fuzzy Briggs, GGA Event Coordinator
Scott Renfrow, GGA Director of Customer Relations
Brent Reid, GGA School Manager
Graves Golf Academy
TimKGraves@aol.com - email contact
866-377-2316 - toll free - call anytime
405-823-9693 - outside U.S.
www.forumco.com/fuzz2moe/default.asp (TGGS Golf Instruction Forum)
http://www.playnaturalgolf.com/ (TGGS home website)
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TedLNancy
19 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2005 : 22:02:38
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THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!
Due to my job (high school teacher, football and track coach), I can only get on the golf course on a consistent basis in June and July. I try to do drills once a week during the season and hit every day possible in the winter. With a recent break in the weather in Tennessee, I have been hitting balls a lot. My swing hasn't felt right and I have developed a nasty shank and pull in the last week. I got very frustrated the last 2 days. The "coach" in me told me to work through it, but each time I went to a full swing, I hit about 25% decent shots, 25% pulls and 50% ugly shanks. Yesterday, I got so frustrated that I decided it might be best to put up the clubs until spring break. Today, I found your e-tips article on the shank. It was me. I was rotating my forearms, coming over the top and either pulling the ball when I hit it solid or hitting off the hosel to create the shank. I decided to give it one more try. I took a 9 iron to the shag area and hit some of the sweetest shots I have hit since summer. Even though it was cool and damp, I hit several 9 irons past the 150 marker, 15-20 yards past my usual distance. Over 50% of my shots were in a 20 foot circle. I still shanked a handful of shots, but now I know what the problem is. I have one more day of good weather before the next cold front hits. My shank isn't cured yet, but I have found the medicine to get my swing back. When the cold weather sets in, I will do some indoor slow motion swings and try to ingrain the habit of staying on plane.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP! |
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GGA August Etip - (Practice Tip about Shanking)
