There are a couple of topics to deal with, probably worth more than one post.
Sonny has passed on some tournament information, but not enough to spin a story. I've sent him some questions, but I probably need to sit down and interview him. But stay tuned for an "inside the ropes" report.
The very good players always look like they are not trying to hit the ball or swing very hard. During my last two range sessions I've been trying to emulate that. I've simplified what I am trying to do and it now boils down to a shoulder turn going back, with the wrists cocking and then turn back. I'm trying to turn back with the speed I use for my nine iron. This is working quite well at the range. I'm staying in position better and I have no complaints about the ball reaction. No back issues, and my balance is good.
My nine iron has a worn spot right in the middle, right where you want it. But my 56 degree wedge has its mark much closer to the hosel. Sonny thinks that's because the club is too upright in its lie. I think the club is probably a flatter lie than the nine iron, and I am dubious the lie would cause this size of shift. What I think is happening is that I don't release the club and have to shove it out to the ball to get the strike. When I let the wrist unhinge about 45 degrees from the ball, the club walks out to the ball, the hands stay closer to the body and the strikes started to move out to the center of the club. There is some gain in distance too.
I also have some wear marks on my grips. One might conclude from this that the club and my hands are looking to go in different directions. The question is who is on the right path? My current theory is that this mismatch is part of the club release issue. If I let the club go earlier, it and my hands will be more in sync towards the path to the ball.
Finally, the current golf theory is that you don't want your arms to run past your body turn on the the backswing. So shoulders stop rotating, then the arms stop too. I've never really paid any attention to this, but it seems doable and makes the swing feel shorter and more controlled. There seems to be no loss of distance.
So perhaps I have resolved a number of long term issues this weekend. There is a lot of changes to be explored and incorporated. I'm, as always, optimistic that it's going to get better. Not that's the swing is particularly bad, mind you.
On the pickleball front, we have started to play some mini-games. We also had our first PB injury. Steve, trying to be less competitive than he used to be, still managed to damage a calf or knee. He heard a pop, then decided he was done for the day. Went home and iced it. He had a three day golf tournament the next day and with the help of a brace managed to play. Last I heard he and his partner were in the money and leading their flight.
Leather working: I made a bill fold, well, sort of a money holder. I cut it out and glued and sewed and then found it was too small. I was unsure about how much workable room I would have inside of it, so this result was not unexpected. It was just two pieces of leather and it turned out that there was little room near the stitches. I measured out a new one, allowing 1/2 inch margin from the stitches. It's being glued up until tomorrow. I then soaked the first one with water and I will try and stretch it a bit.
I think that's all that's going on. Stay tuned for more exciting news in the coming week!
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