My insights on the “new” Tiger Woods.

Fran’s take on the “New ” Tiger Woods:

As I write this article, Tiger Woods has now made his last 3 cuts on the PGA TOUR and has been in serious contention to win two of those events. The golfing world has come alive again with this recent great play!

After a major lumbar fusion back surgery, not too many people (including myself) thought he would ever compete again much less be able to win. Besides having surgery to relieve his constant back pain, there are some other reasons for his amazing comeback to the game. I do not claim to know his practice habits or what is going on inside his head but here are my observations from a distance:

Currently, he has decided to return to competition without an official “coach”. I think this is a very good decision on his part. It is my opinion that a lot of players are becoming overly coached and too technical. He has already learned all he needs to know about the game from a few of the world’s best coaches. He also knows his body better than anyone else and what it is capable of doing and not doing. As a result, he is playing more instinctively and I believe that has also helped his short game to return to a very high level again. I like to coach my students to “become their own coach” so they are able to adjust their game as needed, even mid-round while on the golf course. This ability to self-coach helps prevent further damage to your score during those times when it becomes a struggle.

I am only speculating here but my guess is that he is paying some attention to what Phil Mickelson is doing at age 47. Phil recently won and has been playing quite well. His approach seems to be, play more and practice full swings a bit less to prevent injury to the body. Just like Tiger, he already knows how to swing the club. At the PGA TOUR level, you must play with a lot of confidence. The confidence comes from success on the golf course much more than from the practice range. All the more reason for Tiger to play more and practice full swings less.

Although it may not be as large a contributing factor, I believe his switch to better golf equipment has had an effect. After Nike left the golf club business, Tiger was free to choose his next equipment deal. He signed with TaylorMade and this allowed him to ditch the Nike putter for the putter he won all but one of his majors with, the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 model. Having a trusted putter like that back in the bag can bring back good memories. If he is to win again, his putting will be the deciding factor.

During his post round interviews, Tiger has come close to tears which shows he still cares deeply about the game and the thrill of competition. While it is not known whether he will win again, this recent comeback has been quite remarkable and very inspirational. We will all be very curious to see if Tiger can tame the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm championship golf course aka: “Beast of the Beltway”.  Tiger has now confirmed that he will be playing right here at TPC Potomac in late June for the “National”. Mark your calendars to get a glimpse of golf greatness!

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Competition is still Fun!

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RHOADS & NEBEN OF TPC POTOMAC WIN CLUB CAR FACILITY CHAMPIONSHIP

After 18 holes and two rain delays, the 2017 Club Car Facility Championship was decided in a playoff at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Va.

Fran Rhoads and Daniel Neben of TPC Potomac shot a 6-under-66 to force a playoff with Robert Reed and Billy Hoffman, of Westwood Country Club. The TPC Potomac team won on the first playoff hole with a birdie.

Neben and Rhoads led the tournament with nine total birdies, while Reed and Hoffman began the tournament with five straight birdies and had only one bogey during play.

 

https://mapga.com/2017-facility-champ/

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Correction Golf Swings? Follow what the best players do!

“Correction Swings”

Many of my regular students have heard me say: “In golf, there are 3 swings”, then I explain further: “The Practice swing, the Real swing and the Correction swing”.

Let me explain the order and why some of the best in the world demonstrate it clearly in competition. Lets focus on the 3 swings I mentioned:

  • The “Practice swing”: This is your part of your pre-shot routine and I recommend a disciplined practice swing with a purpose and focus. The amount and type of practice swings are an individual preference so that I leave up to the player.
  • The “Real Swing”: Self explanatory, this is your actual swing on the ball and depending on the result you may need the third, “Correction swing”.
  • The “Correction swing”: This is simply a post, poor shot practice swing with the adjustment you felt was needed to make that previous shot better. It might just be a rhythm adjustment such as slowing the swing down or just to improve the balance. Even if you do not know what adjustment to make, do one anyway! Again, only if it is for rhythm or balance. The most important reason to do this is to wash out that last negative swing in both your mind and body so you can attempt your next shot with a clean slate!

I always coach my competitive students to try and become their own coach. I do this because in competition, the coach won’t be there and it is up to the player to fix any swing issues as they arise on the course. Good players are able to make swing adjustments at anytime during a round of golf.   Even if you do not compete, from putting to driving, the “Correction swing” should be a part of everyone’s game!

Happy Golfing!

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Indoor Golf Training is an investment for summer success. Don’t be an “average Joe”!

The game of Golf is hard enough as is.   Add to it that most golfers put aside their clubs for several months each year and it is no wonder that many find it difficult to make real lasting progress with their golf games.

Year after year, I see the same thing, “average Joe” golfer dusts off his clubs in May when the temperatures are bearable, you know, anything over 65 degrees.   Joe then proceeds straight to the full swing practice area and see how the newest driver works, never mind the 15 pounds still hanging on from the Holidays.   Joe’s one year older body just doesn’t feel as good as it did last season he soon realizes.    After struggling to hit the latest driver, Joe decides that maybe a lesson will help regain the magic and the 10 yards he has lost off the tee.  We meet for our lesson and my job is to help “average Joe” improve no matter the circumstances.   I am thinking to myself  (and I usually end up sharing with Joe) that I wish he would have spent some time with me during the Winter indoor season for training and he would be much more ready for the season.   With the indoor training, Joe would likely be 10 yards longer instead of 10 yards shorter off the tee.  At the very least, he would be able to maintain the distance he had from last summer and maybe even look better in his new golf outfits!

Future star!  Never too early to start.

Core strength and balance!

Core strength and balance  =  better golfers!

Not everyone is “average Joe” of course and it is very refreshing to see the enthusiasm many of us share in trying to find ways to improve our games all year round.    I do realize that golf is not a passion for everyone.  For many, playing recreational golf is the only goal.  Even still, there is much that can be accomplished for the recreational golfer in just a few minutes a day indoors.   Trust me, recreational golf will be a lot more fun when it doesn’t hurt to swing and you play better!

If you do not want to be “average Joe”, then follow my simple advice!

  • Play more golf in the cold weather.   You will learn to love 65 degrees and windy while “average Joe” is complaining about it!
  • Work on your golf specific and overall fitness during the indoor season.  Develop this program with your trainer and golf coach so the program is in alignment with your goals.  As a golf coach who is knowledgable with fitness training, I like to meet or speak with my student’s personal trainer’s (if they have one).   This helps ensure that we are all on the same page with what we are trying to achieve.
  • Keep a club in your hand at least a few minutes a day.   It could be a putter or wedge or any club really.   This helps you maintain a feel for the proper grip and overall feel of the club.
  • If outdoor golf is not possible, train at an indoor facility to maintain and improve swing sequence, coordination, balance and power.  This is done best under the watchful eye of your favorite golf coach.
TPC Potomac Indoor Golf Facility

TPC Potomac Indoor Golf Facility

Many of the things I do for my own game and overall health do not require a gym membership.   Read on to some of my other posts on how I train for better golf and you will see that I am pretty serious about golf fitness.  Even at my age (55), I can still hit the ball quite well and with good distance.   This did not happen by chance, it took a lot of dedication and desire to achieve.

Fran Rhoads, PGA  Director of Instruction TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm

Fran Rhoads, PGA
Director of Instruction
TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm

If you are interested in developing a program custom designed for your goals,  call or text me at 301-514-7520 or email me at franrhoads@gmail.com      I am available all year-round!

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How I get Fit for Golf

Once you have achieved a base fitness level, its time to take it to the next level.  If you do not feel ready to challenge yourself, see a professional trainer and they will assist you.  Some of the exercises demonstrated here are advanced but remember that I am a PGA Golf Professional who still enjoys competition.  My feeling is that if I am going to compete, I must put forth my best effort.

Most of the training I do in the gym involves use of my own body weight.  I also try to stress balance and core stability so I get the most out of each movement.  My weakness is my flexibility which is not uncommon among most men.   In general, Women need to work on strength and men on flexibility but all of us need to work on balance and core stability.  This is VERY important for playing good golf!

I usually do some stretching first before doing a few of my favorites exercises:

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From this  “plank” position, reach one arm under and across your body.

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The movement is slow and under control which intensifies the core stability and balance.

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Slowly rotate and reach up as far as you can while maintaining balance and stability.   Repeat until you start to struggle and then start working the other arm.  Do equal amounts on both sides.

Next is a side plank position, you will find this one to be more difficult but the benefits are amazing.

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Start as shown with the arm reaching over your head while maintaining your balance.

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Raise your leg as high as you can and extend your arm at the same time.   Try and hold this position for as long as you can.    You will feel the tightening of your muscles on both sides of your body.   A variation of this is to repeat the motion with only a short hold of the extended position.   The motion will look like your body is replicating a large pair of scissors!  A great exercise in my opinion.

Next is a plank with opposite arm and leg extension as shown.  This will strengthen the lower back and entire posterior.
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Make sure you remain stable and switch to each arm and leg during your repetitions.  I have had lower back pain over the years and while its not perfect, I can manage it and this technique is really helping.

I try to emphasize balance in every workout I do because Golf (and every day life) requires it.
IMG_2693What I am demonstrating here has taken some time to be able to perform.  Start slowly on the ground and build your way up to adding in the bosu ball.    If you are not at this level, do not use the bosu ball, you risk falling!   This is a Yoga position which I am starting to do more of since I need more flexibility.

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I continue to challenge myself in the gym because I have really experienced the benefits of the training I do.  Many of my students and members have told me that they are inspired to do more after seeing what I have accomplished fitness wise.   When I hear comments like that, I get even more motivated to continue and set an example for golfers of all levels to do more.

I just recently qualified for the Maryland State Open to be held in July.  During the qualifying round in which I placed 10th out of over 100 players, I consistently out drove my younger competitors and walked 18 holes without feeling tired at all.   I am quite sure this would not have happened without the fitness level I have achieved.   It really makes all the time I spend training worth it!

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Get Golf Ready!

Unless you are a PGA TOUR Player or an Olympic Athlete, read on!   The golf season is upon us and its time to make sure your equipment is in proper condition.  I do not mean your clubs and other gear, I mean the most important piece of golf equipment, your body!

While it is great to start your golf season with lessons and time on the practice tee, you will get results much faster if you are in better golf shape.   Even if you have not kept in good condition through the season there are a few simple things you can do without going to the gym.   I want to share with you a few things I do to keep my condition golf ready and prevent injury.

WALK!  That’s right, start a walking program!  Something we can all do more of and the  benefits are tremendous.  Every step you take requires balance, coordination and stamina, all of which are crucial for good golf.   Now, I am not talking about taking a leisurely “stroll”, but rather a more intense version as the pictures will demonstrate.

I call this my golf walk and while it may appear to be a little exaggerated, it will keep you feeling younger and more fit than if you are just strolling along.   First, lets look at how older and less fit people tend to walk.

Here I am demonstrating the typical gait of someone out of shape or just not aware of the  natural progression our bodies may take as we age.   There is no reason to hasten this process so be aware of it and work to improve it.

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The shoulders and posture are slumped, head down and the stride is short in length.  This person will tend to have little or no shoulder movement or swing during each stride.  If you are aware of this progression, why not work to improve it!!

I would recommend a more high-energy walk like this:

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The first thing you want to do is make sure you are flexible enough to take a longer stride as shown.   Also, you want to engage the shoulder and hips by swinging  the opposite arm and leg (left foot forward and right arm forward and visa versa).   This will stretch the hips and shoulders as they move in opposing direction.  This separation is very important in making a golf swing and is a great pre-round warm up.   Start slowly with this motion until you get the coordination perfected and then you can step up the pace.

A more advanced version of this would be “lunge” walking but it can be little tough on the knees and requires more strength and flexibility.   Do not try the lunge walk unless you are fit enough or with a personal trainer.

Lunge shown here:

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I have done a lot of training and put the time in the gym so I am able to do more advanced techniques.  Most all of the training I do now involves using my own body weight.

My next blog post will demonstrate training moves I do to keep the power and body control at a high level for the more competitive golfer.

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Anchors Away!

Most of us have already heard of the new rule regarding “Anchored Putting”.   Just to be clear, the long or belly putter will not be banned, just the ability to anchor it to a fixed point on your body or use your forearm as an anchor point against your body.  The purpose of which is to stabilize on end of the putter so the putter head can swing more consistently.

Here is the rule from the USGA and R&A which will go into effect in 2016:

14-1b Anchoring the Club
In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”Note 1:  The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.Note 2:  An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

This is a rather huge ruling for those affected by it, Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer etc.  but it gives them plenty of time to make the transition back to conventional putting.  In my opinion, that is more than enough time to change.  In fact, the way these guys work on their games, I am sure they would be just fine in a few weeks or months.  For many though, it is not the physical side of it that would be the hardest.  The mental crutch would be yanked out from under them as well and that would mean  having to deal with the demons of the short putter past.

Putting is the most important part of the game at this level and really is the determining factor in who wins and strikes it rich and those that will struggle to keep their job on tour.  It is no fun when the hands start shaking and the putter starts to have a mind of its own, trust me, I have been there even at the level I compete.

I did experiment a few months on and off with a “Belly Length” putter and will admit that it helped my short putting.  Another words, the short length “tap ins” were much easier and less chance of a nervous yip causing a miss.  On the other hand, my long distance or lag putting suffered a lack of “feel”.  This was particularly true on breaking putts even at medium range.

To me it became a net no gain as I made less long putts but made more short ones.   In fact, the game was quite boring to simply two-putt most every hole.  Two-putting a lot does not get the job done anyway at most levels, you have to do better than that!

I have already committed to playing the rest of my days with the short putter even if it means dealing with the yips head on.  I do feel that I can make more of the “feel” putts more often and if it means a few more one-putts and a few more three-putts, I think it will make for a more interesting round of golf than steady, boring two-putts all the way.

A little more about the word we use so often, “Feel”, which is an intangible, hard to train and hard to teach part of the game.  Some believe it is a natural gift, some believe it is attained and some like me, believe it is a combination of both.    For me, the belly putter reduced my feel and feedback from a struck putt.   With the short putter, I can usually feel right away when a putt is struck if it has a good chance or not to be close or go into the cup.

I do wonder if not for 3 of the last 5 Major Champions winning using anchored putters if the ruling bodies would have minded as much??  Maybe they still would have made the change but for the average golfer not on tour or those with neurological issues or a bad back why take it from them??   I believe some exception will be made for non competing amateurs who just play for fun.   And if you are playing for “fun” then you can certainly make your own rules as so many already do!!

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Golf Retreat to Stonewall Golf Club

Recently I organized a one day travel golf school to Stonewall GC with our membership and host Director of Instruction, Erika Larkin, PGA.    We could not have had a better day, the weather was perfect.   Stonewall is a very nice daily fee facility located in Gainesville, VA set along Lake Manassas.

Lake Manassas in the background, very pretty!

We started the day at 8:30 for a morning session on putting, wedging and then full swing instruction.  After a lunch break, we then proceeded to the golf course for an 18 hole playing lesson with our students.

Erika Larkin was a wonderful host and had everything set up perfectly so things went very smooth.  She is a great instructor who is making quite a name for herself.

We are planning more of these, next one will be on Friday, October 5th with the same format.   We are limiting the size of the class to 6 students so if you are interested, let me know early as this will sell out fast.

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My take on the 2012 Masters and what you can learn from Bubba!

Another exciting Masters this year!   Without a doubt the best televised golf event of the year with the beauty of the course and the coverage.   The rare “double eagle” by Oosthuizen and the shot by Bubba in the playoff on #10 with the hooked wedge from the trees were just crazy.

Here are a few things I like about Bubba as a player:

1) He is basically self-taught. 

I am not sure I believe that he has never had a lesson.   Maybe not in the sense of a structured time on the tee with a swing coach.  But I have to believe through all his younger days, he must have picked up pointers just by watching others, reading and talking with his fellow competitors.  I suppose you could call all of those experiences,  “lessons”!   Being somewhat self-taught myself, that is exactly how I developed as a player in my early days.   I spent a lot of time working in front of a mirror  to perfect my fundamentals.   I also, read everything I could, listened to the older players at the course I practiced at and attended Tour events when I could to observe the best and copy their actions.  Having done things myself, it may have taken longer but I think it helped me become a better teacher having gone through a lot of changes and different techniques in the quest to get better.  The lesson here for everyone is that you must take it upon yourself to learn the game in many different ways, not just from a swing coach.

2) Bubba plays all kinds of shots and is not afraid to try them.

I really love this because I try to teach almost all of my students to work the ball in different trajectories and curves.  I feel you can become more self corrective if you can accomplish that.  Hitting a perfectly straight shot requires in a sense, a perfect swing.  Bubba has said this himself and claims it’s the reason he always tries to curve the ball.    It does take some time and understanding of the ball flight laws to learn to work the ball but in the long run it is the best way in my opinion.   Even short game shots like flop shots, bunker shots and low running chip shots are hit using techniques that put different types of spin on the ball.   All the more reason to learn to work the ball in different ways!

3)  Bubba uses a swing that suits his body type.

Bubba makes full use of his arm swing!   The extremely upright, more vertical arm swing is a good fit for his lanky body build.  This arm swing creates tremendous swing arc which is one of the big reasons for his amazing power.  Typically, shorter golfers will tend to be more rotary in creating power and taller players use a lot of arc and leverage.   Either way works!  The key is to fit the proper swing style to the particular body type in my opinion.  This will make for a more natural swing feel to each particular student.   Bottom line, if you have long arms, use them and allow them to swing off the body and create arc.  The arms will just need to re-connect closer to the body as you approach impact and that is easy to achieve.

Here is a recent addition to my lesson tee, very exciting!   New “Covershots” canopy for lessons.

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Report from the 2012 PGA Show

Recently, I attended the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida.   Seeing everything due to the enormous amount of vendors is impossible but it is a great experience to see what is new in the golf industry.   You can tell that there is a lot a creativity going into each of the companies booth space for their big week.  Going through the TaylorMade/Adidas/Ashworth section was a lot like entering a theme park!

I was invited to to do a part on the PGA Forum panel for Teaching “Best Practices” on the Forum stage.  I shared some of the programs we have done at my club in a photo slide show and took a few questions from those in attendance.

The cool part was meeting and being introduced by Michael Breed who we all know from the Golf Channel.   He is just like you would imagine, very personable and full of positive energy.  He moderated the presentations that myself and two other “Teachers of the Year” from other sections of the country had prepared for sharing with the attendees.

On stage with Michael Breed, Rick Barry and Brad Patterson.

One of the “Best Practices” I shared at the PGA Forum was a special putting school I did with PGA TOUR caddie and advisor to SkyCaddie, Mark Long.   He is best know as Fred Funk’s longtime caddie and the author of the Tour yardage books.

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