Winter 2023

One drill to help put you in the right frame of mind to improve your game is the one-handed chipping drill. While executing a normal chip shot, allow your trail hand to come off the club. you reach impact, allow your trail hand to come off the club (pic- tured). This will teach you to lead with the handle through impact, so you can make a descending strike on the ball.You will also notice how your body will pivot or turn naturally to suppor t the move- ment of the club. 4. Free your mind: The following is a mental game drill designed to free you up as a golfer so you are not so focused on your swing mechanics.Your mind needs to be focused on the shot you are trying to play and the target rather than your swing mechanics. Tension free drill: Strike five golf balls in a row off a low tee, one after the other, and see if you can feel tension free in your arms, hands, shoul- ders, or did you feel some tension creep into the swing? It is a wonderful feeling, and you may be surprised by how well you strike the ball. Golf should be freeing and fun! Give these ideas a try and visit us at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy for more direction on your game improvement. Golf is a game we play for a lifetime and we encourage you to be a lifelong learner. Please contact us at 831/622-8650 to learn more. C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 93 Photo: Sherman Chu