The Day After Christmas

I played at Wente today, the local upscale course with wicked greens and long fairways, wine filled lunches and good company -- Thanks Phil!

I was working on blocking early extension, which I didn't seem able to do.  Now mind you this was at the driving range and it was 35 degrees, and I had about three jackets on and the back was stiff a bit.  But otherwise all systems were in top shape.  The balls were 35 degrees too...  All in all, it was like hitting ice clumps for the most part.

But I was able to allow the club to come through and do its work without my needing to help it.  The main feeling was that of waiting for the club to come through and find the ball. 

Hmm, I thought this was a sensation worth pursuing.  As the round progressed I was keeping my swing under control and moving the ball around pretty well.  Ah, it wasn't going far, but I was getting off the tees and the irons straight.  Did I mention the greens being somewhat evil?  It's true, I swear by the ancient ones!

Then it struck me and if you play golf well, you already know this, I can move the arms about as fast as I want and if I don't help the club with my hands all will be well at contact. 

Perhaps it's the old case of not knowing what you are really doing.  I've got grooves worn in my grips and I've long been curious as to why I generate them.  No pro has really come up with an answer or much insight. 

But I think it was from try to help the club instead of letting the physics of the situation do what it must.  You can fight the physics, but there is scant reward in it.

I'm off to play tomorrow at the home course, I'll see how it goes.  If this is correct, then I am probably losing a fair bit of speed with my attempts to help the club.  I remain optimistic!


I used the electronic handwarmers today.  They worked quite well and were hot enough.  I turned them off after 15 holes or so; I cannot yet speak for the longevity of the power supply.   One other point about them I would mention, they are pretty heavy.  My jacket, full of all the goodies for a round of golf, and then these warmers was quite a burden to drag around.  Basically, I'm quite happy with them.