Pro Tips

• Proper Equipment (with John Randle, Golf Magazine Top Teacher for BC in 2005, 2006 & 2007)
• Distance (with Lori Randle, 2006 BC PGA Teacher of the Year)
• Half Wedge (with John Randle)
• Fat Shots (with John Randle)
• Anatomy Challenges (with Lori Randle)
• Practice Habits (with John Randle)
• Fix Your Slice (with John Randle)
• Lifting Your Head (with Lori Randle)
• Over-swing (with Lori Randle)
• Chipping (with John Randle)
• Why my ball did that (with John Randle)
• Ball Positioning (with Lori Randle)
• Sand Lesson (with John Randle)

Getting a Jump Start To Your Season
by Lori Randle, 2006 BC PGA Teacher of the Year

1. If you have any injuries or have had any health problems in the past, it is a good idea to have a lesson before you start practicing or playing this year. That is assuming you have been doing treatment over the winter and have the go ahead from you doctor to play golf. When you have injuries, you compensate and you may not realize you are doing it. I have had surgeries over the years and have definetly compensated because of fear of reinjuring myself. Sometimes all it takes is a 30-minute lesson to get you going on the right track.
2. Start Slow!!! The first time you go to the range, it is very important that you start with lots of stretching and then half swings with your wedges. You should spend at least half your time working on half swings and then slowly work you way up to full swings with your wedges. Your first and second practice session should be with your wedges and the longest club should be your 8 iron.
3. Dress properly when you play or practice. If you have too many layers of clothing on, you will restrict your swing. Try wearing a warm turtleneck, then a golf shirt, and a nice warm vest to keep your body warm. This will help keep your arms free to swing the club. If you have too much clothing on you will have a hard time coiling (turning your shoulders with your take away) and this will result in less distance and inconsistant contact.
4. Do as much putting in your house or office as you can. Even if you don't have a putting mat, carpet will still do the job. You can work on your putting stroke off of any surface. Try using a mirror to see what your stroke looks like. Make sure you are not breaking your wrists and don't let any weight transfer happen. Keeping your hips still and swinging your arms and the club as one piece will help give you a more cinsistant stroke and also help with distance control.