Power Golf Pilates and Fitness now has a new additional location in Midtown Manhattan. Now we can provide both indoor golf lessons along with Power Golf Pilates programs conveniently located at XFIt, 28 W. 27th St, 12th Fl. More information on Power Golf Pilates or to set up an appointment visit www.powergolfpilates.com  or call 631-428-4653.

Even though you are not playing golf on a regular basis in the winter it doesn't mean that you cannot improve your game. The winter is a great time to work on your golf game. Flightscope and other simulator technology allow us to see the ball flight, measure distance and see what is happening to the golf club through impact even though you are hitting into a net. High speed video can pinpoint areas in your motion that could lead to better ball striking and improved scores in the Spring.

If you are planning a winter golf trip it is helpful to take a couple lessons prior to departure to prepare your game for the upcoming rounds.

The off season is also a great time to work on your fitness. Golf specific fitness will enable you to improve your range of motion, strength and conditioning as well as helping to reduce the likelihood of injury. To start is is helpful to get a physical screen to locate weaknesses. This screen takes about 45 minutes and will provide information to construct a workout plan.

So take advantage of the off season months by taking some lessons and improving your fitness.

D-Plane

What is the D-Plane ? I will quote from Dr. Theo Jorgensen’s book “Physics of Golf” – Euclid, the famous geometer, says something to the effect that two intersecting lines determine a plane.  The normal to the clubface and the line along which the clubhead is moving at impact intersect at the ball and therefore determine a plane.  The line along which the ball leaves the clubhead also lies in this plane.  We shall call this plane the D Plane because it is descriptive of the collision between the clubhead and ball.

How does this help you ? It depends who you are and what you want to know, but to begin with, it tells you why the ball flies through the air the way that it does.  Every player has hit a shot where they look up and watch their ball fly in the opposite direction… and wonder how did that happen.  Some try to fix the clubface, some try to fix the path.  This goes for players and teachers.  With the D Plane, both have better information on how to correct it and avoid it from reoccuring as often.

How can we measure it? We can understand that in order for the ball to curve, the clubface has to be anything other than square to the path, but to be precise, we have to use a measuring device, like the Golf Industry’s leader in launch monitor and ball detection, FlightScope.

This is a great tip from Bobby Clampett. Bobby is a GSED with The Golfing Machine and author of The Impact Zone.

I often get asked during my clinics after convincing my audience of the need to
Load and Lag the club, “Bobby, just how do I increase Lag?” It helpstremendously to exercise the art of visualization, because increasing Lag on the
downswing is only possible when one has a clear mental image of having fully
Loaded the club on the backswing and visualization the delaying the release of
this Load on the downswing.

But first, let me describe what Clubhead Lag is. From a purely descriptive point
of view, Lag describes the condition of the clubhead continually trailing the
body, arms and hands, and of course, the clubshaft, right up to impact and
through The Impact Zone, where we want to apply all of our swing’s power and
energy into the ball. So that’s a kind of moving or kinesthetic description of Lag
looks like.

We can also measure Lag and further define (and see) it as the size of the angle
created between the left arm, wrist and hands and the clubshaft. The narrower
that angle, the more Lag our swing will have at that point during the motion.
Lag also involves the stress or bend we place on the clubshaft at the start of the
downswing.


In fact this very change of direction from the top of the backswing to the start
of the downswing adds more Load in the club than that which we created in it
with our wrist cock during the backswing. In other words, very shortly after we
start down toward the Impact Zone, we have more stored power in our club
than we had when we reached the top of our swing.

When we successfully create Lag in our downswing, we certainly feel that
clubhead trailing and retaining its stress or Load. So Lag is both this quality of
the clubhead trailing and the quantities of the angle between the left arm and
the clubshaft, and the amount of stress or bend we create in that shaft.

Now that we know what lag is, let’s focus on how to deliver it into the ball. The
pivot is the workhorse of our swing, and we’ve already gotten some of the work
we need out of it when it completed our backswing for us. Now is when we
really need to drive our steed across the finish line. By this I mean that we want
the pivoting motion of the downswing to relieve our hands of any tendency they
may have to become too active, because only by remaining soft and quiet on
the club can our left wrist increase its cocking action (i.e., increase the club’s
Lag) all the way through the Impact Zone.

Since we’re building our swing incrementally from the short shots to the long
ones that on the full swing, it stands to reason that the hips will work even
more authoritatively in the full swing to move our body and club through the
Impact Zone. Indeed, the number one key that sustains our Lag from the top of
our full swing all the way through the Impact Zone is a sound downswing pivot
driven and led by the hips, with the shoulders arms and, finally, the club trailing
throughout the motion. We said that Lag describes the condition of the club
trailing, and that means something has to be leading. Well, what leads are our
hips.

One of the keys to hitting great golf shots is to develop a consistent and proper impact position.  Being in the proper impact position will greatly enhance our ability to hit solid golf shots. If you look at all the PGA Tour players, they may all have different backswings and different finishes, but they do have one thing in common, a sound impact position.

Characteristics of a sound impact position:

• The head is slightly behind the ball.
• Left arm and the shaft of the club form a line
• The back of the left wrist is flat and the right wrist is bent
• The body weight has shifted mostly to the left foot.

On the contrary, most amateur players produce golf swings that have poor impact positions.

Characteristics of a poor impact position and the results:

• The head is either too far behind or in front of the ball, which can cause the ball to hook badly or hit a block shot which goes high to the right.
• The left arm and shaft don’t form a straight line, this throws away power and creates weaker shorter shots.  Topping the ball is also a common result from an extreme breakdown in this position.
• When the left wrist breaks down the wrist becomes flippy, this will hit the ball high and weak, a definite distance loser.
• Improper weight shift and positioning is a big factor in losing distance.  If your weight does not transfer and stays on the right foot, you are going to hook the ball or hit high shots to the right.

So in essence, the golf swing is not necessarily trying to find the perfect backswing or the perfect finish.  Instead, we are in search of a consistent impact position.  Being conscience of the above proper impact positions will allow you to hit a more powerful golf shot.

Next time you get to the practice range make sure you warmup prior to making full power swings. It's always a good idea to start with chip swings and gradually increase the size. Never take out your driver and swing for the fence as soon as you start practicing. 

Take your time between shots and always hit shots toward a target. Work on your aim by placing alignment sticks on the ground. Be aware of your balance and tempo. You should be able to hold your finish position until the ball lands.

Play your favorite golf course while at the Golf Center by hitting different clubs to different targets.

Having a goal to your practice sessions will greatly increase the likelihood of improvement on the golf course.

Where should the beginner start? How should they start? I think there are many answers to these questions. What course of action should the teacher use to get the beginner to  improve the fastest?

I think for new golfers it is important to know if they have played other sports. Also I'll ask the type of hobbies and even what a student does for a living. The answers to these  questions help me design the type of approach I will use to best maximize the learning process. Some students want to know all that is involved with the swing yet some just want to be told what to do.

Skipping a couple steps like grip and other set-up things, let’s talk about swinging. How do you teach someone how to learn the swing? Do you start at impact? Do you start with small swings near the green or do you teach total motion?

I make the decision after I see them do what comes naturally. Usually, I try to teach them a combination of what impact should be like and how to learn how to feel the clubhead and clubface. Most beginners need to learn how to learn the golf swing. I strive for freedom, rotation and speed. If those things are going well, I move onto impact and the shape of the swing.

It constantly changes based on the natural ability of the student. I need to let them be who they are and let their swing speak to that.

Even after taking only a couple swings, when you ask a beginner to reroute something, they can say that it feels awkward or unnatural. Use this feel to its fullest because it is a strong sensation that will stay with them forever.

There is so much information that a beginner needs. If they do any of it naturally, let them know. Tell them, show them what they are doing. They will be the most maleable in the beginning and if you can start them off right, the future will go wherever their desire and talent can take them.

Just received my launch monitor back from being upgraded. Works great. Started using it at the indoor studio today.

Gotham Golf Blog

An Interview with Rick Nielsen PGA ,GSEM, CPI

I had the distinct privilege to work along side Rick Nielsen during the late 90's, I was the General Manager and Rick was the head Professional at a local Golf Facility. Rick's background, starting with his Bachelor's Degree in Golf Management and ending with the various Professionals he's worked under make him one of the Premiere Golf Instructors in the Met Section. Looking at his bio you can see that he's worked with and under a virtual "Who's who" in the annals of Golf instruction. From the late Bill Straussburgh to Mike Hebron. While reading this I was quickly reminded of a quote by Sir Isaac Newton.

If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.
--Sir Isaac Newton

This certainly applies in this case and without any further ado here's the interview.

Rick Nielsen PGA, GSEM, CPI
Director of Golf, Randalls Island Golf Center
12/29/09

When and where did you start playing golf?
I started playing golf on Long Island, NY at the age of 13. I was a caddie at St George CC and was fortunate to be able to play there a couple times a week. I played at local golf courses and eventually played on the high school golf team.

When and where did you start teaching golf?
I first started to teach at Columbia CC in Chevy Chase, Maryland in 1982. I was in the Professional Golf Management program at Ferris State University in Michigan and was doing an internship for Bill Strausbaugh. Bill (Coach) was a very influential teacher and was very active in the PGA. He helped me with my golf game and I observed as many of his lessons as possible. I gave clinics at the club as well as junior lessons.

Where do you currently teach?
I currently teach at Randalls Island Golf Center in New York, NY and I have a indoor studio in midtown Manhattan for winter lessons.

How long have you been an Authorized Instructor of The Golfing Machine?
I have been an Authorized Instructor for eight years. I was first exposed to The Golfing Machine about 15 years ago while working with Mike Hebron at Smithtown Landing on Long Island. He is a GSED which is the highest rank one can achieve with The Golfing Machine. Mike would use concepts of The Golfing Machine at his golf schools. Since I assisted in these schools I was able to learn and apply those concepts. This helped me establish the foundation that I later used to attain my authorization as a GSEM (Golf Stroke Engineer-Master.
I was authorized by Michael Jacobs who is a GSED at Rock Hill CC on Long Island.

How does your knowledge of The Golfing Machine help you teach your students?
The Golfing Machine describes and explains the geometry and physics of the golf swing. Once learned this knowledge provides the flexibility to help just about anyone because the system is based on science. Also, the Golfing Machine is a step by step system of instruction. Once a student masters a particular aspect of their stroke they progress to the next step. Homer Kelley states that his system of instruction allows for individual “My Way” stroke patterns because there is no “The Way” to swing. With 24 components and their variations there are literally countless ways to swing effectively. Each golfer has their own best way to swing. This is where the Authorized Instructor comes in. The most important thing is to find the stroke pattern that works best each student..

What would you like to tell an instructor considering becoming an Authorized Instructor of The Golfing Machine?
The Golfing Machine is the most complete system of instruction available. If an instructor is serious about helping people then becoming authorized is a great place to start. Bill Strausbaugh told me once that “Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn”. It’s not easy but that’s what makes it worthwhile. Some of the AI’s I know are the most sought after instructors in their area and in some cases in the world.

Tell me about one specific problem one of your students had and how you used The Golfing Machine to correct the problem?
I had a first-time student just the other day that has had trouble for many years with a bent left wrist at impact due to over-acceleration. After explaining the concept of clubhead lag, which Homer Kelley calls the “secret of golf”, we worked on understanding the difference between address and impact and how educated hands can sense the drag of the lagging clubhead thru the use of certain pressure points. We used a mop and dragged it across the ground to create the feeling of a lagging clubhead. We started with small swings and eventually made some larger strokes. As the student became more aware of his hands he was able to use his pivot to do the work rather than the effort of the arms, like swinging a rope. The student commented that it felt like the slower he swung the harder the hit. It’s all about subtraction not addition.

Who has had the greatest influence on your teaching ability?
Michael Hebron, Homer Kelley, Ben Doyle, Michael Jacobs, Greg McHatton and Bill Strausbaugh

What led you to become a Certified Pilates Instructor?
After a back injury a friend suggested I try Pilates. I took Pilates lessons for about 2 months and found my back getting much better. Along the way I was intrigued with the Pilates system of exercise. Pilates uses physics and leverage and has a particular order to the exercises which increases the effectiveness. Basically you can get a great workout in a short period of time. The muscles being strengthened were exactly the same muscles used in the golf swing. The Pilates exercises improved my flexibility as well. After doing Pilates for a few months I found that my swing had improved. I felt a greater connection to the ground and better balance. I decided to get certified in Pilates so that I could help others to improve their bodies in order to make more effective golf swings. I started Power Golf Pilates (powergolfpilates.com) which is a golf specific Pilates program that I use with my golf students. There are a number of Tour Pros who use Pilates such as Tiger Woods, Camila Vellegas,Rocco Mediate, Anika Sorenstam as well as top athletes in other sports.

How has your Pilates certification enhanced your teaching curriculum?
A student can combine a golf lesson and a Pilates in one visit. When I work with a student and see a weakness or imbalance I’ll use Pilates to improve those areas. Pilates improves strength, flexibility, balance and will reduce the likelihood of injury. Pilates targets the core muscles which help in making a stronger pivot. The stronger the core the stronger the pivot.

Posture is something I feel is important. If a student has poor posture he is unable to make an efficient pivot. Without a strong pivot there is little chance of getting power. Pilates can be extremely effective at improving posture by strengthening muscles in the back and abdominals. So, along with doing Pilates at the Golf Center, I will give students specific Pilates exercises that they can do at home. I have found that students who do Pilates make greater progress than those who do not. Adding Pilates to my lesson program has greatly improved my ability to help students reach their goals.



You can find more on Rick’s instruction programs at ricknielsengolf.com and he can be reached at lessons@ricknielsengolf.com

Impact can be thought of as the moment of truth. It is important that the at impact the left wrist is flat, the right wrist bent and the right arm bent in the process of straightening.

To improve your impact conditions start by making small swings around the green. Since impact is the same for all clubs and for most shots it helps to learn from small swings first. Keep your mind on your hands as you move the flat left wrist past the ball. There should be a slight downward strike. Keep the acceleration even and try to feel the pressure against your right index finger. The feeling of dragging a mop might be a good image.

Once the basic motion or chip swing is learned proceed to the half swing where the bent right arm is parallel to ground in the backswing and the bent left arm is parallel to the ground at the follow-thru. There will be some pivot incorporated as it will provide more power but the impact conditions and feels should be the same.

The full swing is a finish oriented motion using a full pivot for maximum power. Be sure to hold a balanced finish position with the hands over the left shoulder. If the impact conditions matched the previous swing patterns the the ball will have maximum velocity and fly straight to the target.

Knowing your strengths a weaknesses on the golf course can help make a game plan for improvement. Scoring applications for the iphone can help organize your data to ensure accurate results. One of the best trackers to use is TeeShot ($20). For more cool golf iphone apps read some reviews by Macworld, http://www.macworld.com/article/134632/2008/07/golfscoreapps.html

For those golfers using Smarter Lessons, Stat Tracker ($39.95) works great as it integrates with the instructor to help analyze the data. This service also includes an online video option where your swing can viewed on the internet. For more information on Stat Tracker please visit https://www.smarterlessons.com/prod/pub/smarterstudents.php?studentid=-99#