WARMUP VITAL FOR A GOOD START

By Dennis Murray
Head pro, Bear Creek Golf Club

Here is a simple menu of items designed to put you on the right track this golf season:

Pre-round preparation - Rushing to the first tee without warming up surely will get you off to a bad start. Plan ahead so you have time to warm up adequately. Begin with wedges and short irons and slowly work your way up to driver.

First-tee jitters - The poorest shots of the day usually are hit on the first tee. Why? Nerves. Fear of embarrassment causes tension, which interferes with the ability to swing the club. Learning to feel at ease and relaxed is the key to overcoming first-tee jitters.

When it's your turn to play, remember to breathe deeply to relax. Visualize a perfect shot within your ability level. Maintain a light grip pressure and swing at three-fourths of your maximum power.

Play away from trouble - Unless you are prone to hitting slices and hooks, always tee up on the trouble side of the tee. Aiming away from trouble (out of bounds, water hazards, bunkers, trees) increases your chances of placing the ball in the fairway. This also will boost your confidence, allowing you to make a more relaxed swing.

Get in the habit of placing the ball on the tee with the manufacturer's name visible so it's running perpendicular to the target line. This will allow you to align your club face squarely.

Swing easy - One must overcome the tendency to swing too hard and too fast in an effort to power the ball down the fairway. Not succumbing to the ``grunt reflex'' is half the battle. If your balance is good, the swing feels effortless.