The problem with hitting balls is that it requires clubhead speed, which gives us less time to concentrate on what the club is doing. Swinging full speed is like being on autopilot and our muscles do what it is we have trained them to do. With practice swings though, we have plenty of time to put the club in the positions that we want so that it is easier to make the changes we are after. Practice swings are the most underrated forms of practice. You can do this anytime, anywhere, regardless of the weather. Video is a great way to implement these changes (plus it is out of the weather!). You can also use a mirror at home or at the office to check your swing. Remember, we need to make a lot of perfect practice swings. After all, you learned your current swing through repetition. So you need repetition to undo or change for the better. Anyone can change a habit.

Understanding the winder conditions:

• For every 10-degree drop in temperature, the ball will fly 2.5 yards less. If it is 40 degrees out, then the ball will fly at least 10 yards shorter than it would if it were 90 degrees.
• Having more clothes on restricts your swing and makes it slower, hence shorter shots.
• The ground is wetter this time of year, so you will get less roll with your tee shots.
• The greens are firmer due to the colder temperatures; this will cause the ball to release and roll when it lands on the green. This makes it tough to chip or pitch with any consistency.
• The grass is dormant so it lays down in the fairway (the ball sits down more), so the bottom of your swing has to be more precise in order to make a clean hit.
• All of these factors and conditions make scoring more difficult.

Mark Moore, Head Instructor
Hank Haney Golf Center @ Cityplace
Dallas, Texas 75204
(214) 520-7275