F
ollowing a long layoff, it is
sometimes difficult to regain feel
or touch in your swing. It usu-
ally takes a round or a practice session
to "knock off the rust."
Most golfers want to get out and hit
the driver right away – however, I
would recommend getting out to the
chipping green to start things out, as
we all know the short game is the first
thing to go. Start out with short shots,
consistently making solid contact with
the ball, then start to move farther off
the green until your confidence grows
and you're satisfied with the shots
you're making.
After making solid contact with
some chips, slowly move to the full
swing and work with your wedges. Al-
ways start out using a club with loft,
not for distance, but for forgiveness as
well as improving tempo, knowing
you don't have to really get after the
ball with a high-lofted club.
You want to work on tempo, weight
transfer and solid ball contact. If you
are a divot taker, notice the length and
depths of your divots, as they can tell
you a lot about where the club is mak-
ing impact with the ball.
As you progress into your full-swing
shots, work on your posture as well as
your balance through the entire swing.
Addressing the golf ball properly and
maintaining your stability and balance
will ultimately give you the best
chance for success.
Do your best to get yourself ready
for the new season and try to have a
positive outlook on your game – be-
cause your best golf is probably yet to
be played.
Tom Burley is the PGA Head Golf Profes-
sional at Indian Wells Golf Resort.
KNOCKING OFF THE RUST
How to get your game back quickly after a layoff •
BY TOM BURLEY
PRACTICE TEE
DAILY CLINICS
FOCUS ON
ALL ASPECTS
I
f your swing is a little
rusty after some
time away from the
golf course during the
off season, you can get
back up to speed
quickly by working on
all elements of your
game with daily clinics
at Indian Wells Golf Re-
sort.
Held Tuesdays-Satur-
days at 10 a.m., the clin-
ics are $29 per session,
and the instructional
focus changes each
day. Clinics are usually
conducted in small
groups of 2-8 students,
and participants are en-
couraged to use the
practice facilities at no
charge following the
sessions.
Interested golfers
can register by calling
the golf shop at (760)
346-4653.
PRO'S CORNER
BOOK
A
TEE
TIME
After a long layoff,
start working on
your chipping.
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