Here Are a Few Helpful Hints on G.P.A

GPA…

Most of us associate these three letters with Grade Point Average. When a person has a good GPA they typically become successful in life. These letters are also associated with a good golf swing! They represent Grip, Posture & Alignment! No matter the level of your game, you should always concentrate on these three key thoughts.

The GRIP is the only connection to the club, so it is imperative that you place your hands on the club correctly. Your POSTURE is essential for good rotation with your body. ALIGNMENT is the most difficult of the three simply because our eyes are to the side of the target instead of looking down the line.

Here are a few helpful hints on G.P.A….

The Grip

Left Hand (Right hand for Lefties)

a)  The club runs diagonally across the hand from the second joint of the index finger until the butt of the club rests under the pad of the left hand.

b)  Put the pad of the left hand on top of the shaft with the thumb positioned just to the right of center on the shaft.

c)  The “V” formed by the left thumb and forefinger should point to the right shoulder. (Left shoulder for lefties)

d)  Apply just a slight amount of pressure with the last three fingers.

Right Hand (Left hand for Lefties)

a)  Place the club across the middle joint of the index finger. The club should rest primarily in the fingers of the right hand.

b)  The lifeline of the right palm should be placed on top of the left thumb.

c)  The little finger of the right hand should overlap or interlock with the index finger of the left hand.

d)  The thumb of the right hand should be to the left of center on the club shaft.

e)  The right thumb and index finger should be close together.

f)  The “V” formed by the thumb and forefinger should also point to the right shoulder. (Left shoulder for lefties)

g)  Apply just a slight amount of pressure with the ring and middle fingers.

Fundamentals of the Grip:

1.  Keep the hands close together.

2.  Hold the club in the fingers.

3.  Keep the grip pressure medium-light.

Posture

a)  Bow forward from the hip sockets keeping the back straight.

b)  Flex knees slightly.

c)  Weight on center of feet, under the shoelaces.

d)  Shoulders above toeline.

e)  Upper arms rest lightly on the chest.

f)  Hands are positioned off the inside of the left leg.

g)  An extension of the club forms a 90 degree angle with the spine.

h)  Arms hang vertically from the shoulder sockets.

Alignment

Aim your clubface at the target. This is called your target line.

Your feet, knees, hips and shoulders should all aim parallel left of your intended target line (parallel right for lefties).

An easy way to do this would be to think of a railroad track. The outside of the track is your target line. The inside track is your body (feet, knees, hips, and shoulders) which aims parallel left (parallel right for lefties) of your target line.

When practicing, you should lay a club on the ground parallel to your target. This will help ensure proper alignment.

Target

Body Club Face Line

A good G.P.A. in the classroom translates to high grades…..but on the

Golf Course it means LOW scores!

Visit your local PGA Professional for a lesson in G.P.A.!

Jimmy Tidwell, Director of Golf

Bentwood Country Club