Florida
"The slice is the most common problem. I like to hit some shots with the right foot pulled back six inches. The take-away must be slightly closed (not quite toe-pointing up) with some body pivot. We check impact in slow-motion. The clubface should be turned in (closed) with the right heel slightly off the ground. Try two swings to check impact and go. Make sure the left hand grip is strong enough before striking. Try to finish in balance. They can check the clubface on the finish, the clubface should be closed." - John Pallot, Teaching Professional

Indiana
"Generally speaking, swing paths are the most common problem. The path combined with clubhead angle is where I start trying to improve most swings because of directional concerns. When directional issues (path of swing, clubface position) are improved, distance is achieved through squareness of contact. Then you can proceed to issues of swing speed." - Bruce Cohen, Teaching Professional

Michigan
"The slice, because the student doesn't understand the release aspect of the swing.  They hold onto the club so tight the clubface is wide open at impact hence a slice or big push. I will first explain the concept then demonstrate in very slow motion then     have the student try. In the mean time I give them visual concepts like lighter grip pressure and I have them swing the club slowly and when they get to impact I catch the hands on the way down and suddenly the clubface is square.  The problem I see most is the hands way ahead of the club." - Tom Stuewe, Teaching Professional

New Hampshire
"TRYING TO CONCENTRATE...Golf is not a game of concentration (focusing attention), but a test of mental discipline to avoid concentration. Ask a pupil if they concentrate on what their fingers do when they type e-mails. I asked a world-class juggler what he thought of with 5 balls in the air..."I had to learn how to take my mind, and set it aside." Kinesthetic awareness, visual acuity, perceptional focus are certainly some of the more valuable tools. I would suggest a mnemonic drill for a pupil to illustrate how "thought- lessness" can lead to freedom of movement." - William D. Johnson, Teaching Professional

Texas
"The most common problem I see is that players don't move their weight in the golf swing properly. So many of us were taught to turn. When the student thinks about turning, I find that they turn so much they flatten out the plane, lose their posture, etc. What I convey to these people is to swing side to side. The upper torso moves the weight to the right hip on the back swing. The body parts that rotate will move properly when they move this way. The shoulders will turn up to 90 degrees when the arms swing the club on the path that the torso moves them. The hips will turn a little as a result of the shoulder movements. I encourage them to practice hitting lots of short wedges. They feel very similar to putting and chipping strokes. Then as they feel comfortable, we lengthen the swing. They learn that if their grip is light enough the right elbow will fold naturally about half way on the back swing. This encourages the wrist to hinge fully and the shoulders to rotate fully. The body and the golf club are completely in sync. All of the players attributes from their good setup stay intact throughout. The result is a path that starts the ball on a straight flight and a square clubface which doesn't allow it to curve at all." - Dave Baron, Teaching Professional

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