ARCHIVED ILLUSTRATED TIPS

Every golf pro stresses that you must visualise your shots. As your subconscious controls everything, the picture in your mind will, figuratively, lend eyes to the golf ball. Therefore, if you're always having tree trouble it's because your visualisation processes are warped. Get real and accept that you're going to hit any tree within 3 fairways, including the ones behind. Don't waste time visualising a shot landing on the fairway or the green. Instead, visualise your ball hitting the tree and then rebounding into a playable spot. To reinforce this image, get up a tree (a large one or you'll break the branches) and hit 100 balls out of it. Not only will this fix your visualisation but, should the ball ever stay up there, you'll be able to play the damn thing from where it lies. NB, don't try this method with water hazards. You'll drown.

You can learn a lot about your swing from what is left behind, after you've swung. Next time you're having trouble on the fairways, take a close look at the size, shape and direction of the divot.
If the divot points left, you're swinging across the target line. If it points right, you're swinging outside the target line. If it points straight but the ball's underneath it ... well, at least you got the line right.
If your divot is as big as the one pictured here, you might want to consider having your shafts shortened.
If you're sure your shafts are the correct length, next concentrate on maintaining the same spine angle throughout your swing.
If that doesn't help, try playing the course with your putter. This will take at least 18 shots off most people's scores.

Most golfers think on a two-dimensional level, although playing a three-dimensional game. To improve your aim, forget about the ultimate goal, which is a tiny hole in a slightly larger green. Instead, envisage a larger hole in the air through which your ball must go.
To set the 'hole' in your mind, spend half an hour playing shots through an uprooted tree before going to the fairway. This will give you a concrete image to aim at. It will also build your confidence for the golf course where you won't have to worry about dodging rebounds.

There's only one thing harder than getting a golfer to practice, and that's getting them to clean their gear. And if you're playing golf with dirty clubs, you're already on the back foot. (Which is only okay on the backswing.)
Here at golfhumour.com, we've shaken our brains and invented the perfect tee for the lazy golfer. It's the original and unique, patented, wash-your-clubs-when-you-hit-the-ball tee.
Not only will you be able to effortlessly wash your clubs while you practice but, set up the tees in the right place, and you can water the garden as well.

© Kay Wall 2005
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