Benny Needs More Tools .

 Benny returns after an overseas business trip, and we are now ready to get back to the Benny project.  Our first lesson on the range was mainly focused on Benn’s pitching and chipping. Confusion had set in, as he did not now what to do when he had a 15-yard shot  “ DO I CHIP OR PITCH”.

 Every shot in golf requires learning the skill or motor pattern to produce the required results; it then needs to be practiced before attempting on the golf course. 

  The coming week will be practice for Benny, then in for another lesson to work once again on his chipping, pitching and speed putting.

 The next step will be to take it to the golf course again for a 9 hole  playing lesson.

Stay Tuned 

                                       The Short Pitch From 15 Yards

A Word From Ben !!

We started on Project Benny of 1st June 2011 and here we are, almost 4 months into the endeavor to break 90 on or before 31 May 2012.  My handicap was 31 when we started and it is 29 today.

 If you are reading this, you would have seen the videos so there is no need for me to spend countless lines in this article beating myself up by telling you how far my physique differs from that of Tiger or Martin Kaymer.  I am your average fairly good-looking Joe, almost 50 and I started playing golf three years

Ago. I work pretty hard at the game and could not honestly see myself breaking 90 anytime soon much less within 12 months when Martyn suggested Project Benny.  My thoughts now are that, when I finally break 90, it will pretty much show that breaking 90 is within the reach of any average Joe receiving competent instruction.

 I have learned many things since we embarked on this journey but the most surprising and valuable lesson to date is appreciating the difference between what I do

on the driving range and what I ought to do when I play on the course.  It would have been the most natural thing for me to use the same approach on the course as I do on the range.  I was very surprised to learn that the most effective way to improve is to accept that I would train my body to accept the lessons on swing mechanics on the range and when I get out on the Course, I will have to trust that I have trained my body well enough for it to know what to do without being burdened by excessive swing thoughts.  This is where the pre shot routine quiets the mind to enable the mind and to trust the body in the execution of the shot, be it a drive or a putt.  Pretty Zen stuff – but it works.  Just like the Karate Kid in the movie, in golf you go through the motions day in day out practicing and then when the moment comes on the course, you should just let it happen and the bridging Tool to letting it happen is the pre shot routine. I now understand the Nike motto "Just do it!"

If you find this interesting, I could tell you more but really, I should

Leave wanting more.  Until next time . . . . Benny

Benny Returns After A Break !!

  Benny has returned from on a 3-week vacation with no golf, so it’s back to the driving range. On Benn’s return we have currently had two on range lessons, mainly focused on his ball striking and the preparation for the coming 6 months.

Lesson 1: Main focus was to assess his swing mechanics and build on his 30-40 meter pitching that I still feel needs quite some improvement.

Lesson 2:  Benny was still having problems with his backswing, getting a little to flat resulting in a pull shot to the left. The short pitch from 30 – 40 meters was still not at the level we require not have enough wrists cock in the backswing.

What’s ahead?   

Another range session in the next week and then back out for a 9 hole playing lesson.

Stay tuned as we Re- Focus Benny to break 90.