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The PGA Tour Season Has Started with a Bang

I am hoping most of you got to enjoy the finish of the Northern Trust Open last week.  I know the finish got me excited about the golf season.  If you missed it there was a three way playoff between Bill Haas, Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson.  To get into the playoff Keegan and Phil both made awesome putts on the last hole and the crowd was going nuts.  There were three things that stood out to me while watching the end of this tournament.

The first important thing I took from the finishing holes and the playoff was how important putting is to this great game of golf.  There were not only awesome putts made on #18 but on the second playoff hole Bill Haas made a bomb to win and Keegan missed a shorter putt to lose.

The second important thing was how important course management is to being successful at this game.  I thought Keegan and Phil both left it in bad places on the second hole of the playoff and I thought Bill would hit something short of the green into the fairway so he would have a straight forward shot to the pin.  I was wrong and Bill hit it into deeper trouble off the tee.  The only shot Bill had was to come out side ways to the middle of the green.  Despite what I thought was a bad choice off the tee, he made up for it with a great decision by hitting out to the middle of the green.  Bill was then rewarded with an awesome putt to win and Keegan missed his shorter putt.  Proof that course management does pay off.

The third important thing is to never give up from wherever you hit the ball.  If you make good choices and make some putts anything can happen.  Just ask Bill Haas.

Reach Your Golf Goals in 2012

I sure hope everyone is out and enjoying this awesome weather we are experiencing on the east coast this week.  It is such an exciting time at Kandi Comer Golf as we truly feel we can reach out and help every age and every level of golfer.  Our goal is to create programs for all golfers, whatever goal you have for the 2012 season we can assist you with reaching that goal.  If you have not experienced a program with Kandi she would love to have you come out for a FREE 30 minute video analysis session (through February 2012) to see how you can start improving your game today.

We will continue to offer our golf schools, Get Ready Golf Programs, Course Management Schools, Full Swing Schools and much more. We are very excited to announce a new spring and summer series where we will offer a clinic on a specialty topic such as “Fix Your Slice”, “Make More Putts” etc. each month at two different times.  If you have a specific topic you would like to see covered please just email Kandi the topic.

As you are probably already aware of KCG runs a very extensive junior program with Spring and Fall Clinics and Summer Camps.  We are excited to add a Parent/Child Clinic for the 2012 season.  Golf is such a great way to spend time with your children that we thought it would be fun to also participate in clinics together.   We feel the younger you start your kids the more they will grow up loving the game.  We run a kid friendly environment where the kids have fun and they also learn the basic fundamentals of the game along with the basic rules and etiquette.

Technology is abound at KCG.  We use video analysis with a high speed camera, use K-vest 3D technology analysis, have a specific training program for golfers after a lesson using the K-trainer and also offer a golf fitness program specific for your swing change needs.  Learning and improvement has never been easier.  If you do not live near our academy the good news is that you can send us a video of your swing from down the line and a front view through email and we will analyze your swing and send it back to you with voice over on what we would like for you to improve.

So no excuses it is time to get started now to improve your game for the 2012 season.  Call us at 434-817-0500 or email at kandi@kandicomergolf.com to sign up today.  You can also visit our website for more information.

2012 Will be a Great Year for Golf

Wow, what a great week in Orlando for the PGA Merchandise show.  I attended seminars all day the first day and it is always great to sit in a room with my fellow professionals and share ideas and thoughts on golf instruction.  I am always so grateful for the way golf professionals are always so willing to share their thoughts, philosophies, and knowledge so freely.  I am not sure I know of too many businesses that are willing to sit around and let their competitors know what they do to make them successful.  This is great for the golf business and I truly feel so many golf professionals want to do whatever they can to grow the game of golf.  So thank you to all my fellow professionals for being so open.

The second day I spent walking the floor with the approach to see what new technology I could bring to Kandi Comer Golf that would enhance the learning experience so it is more effective for my students.  As many of my students come to me in Charlottesville, Virginia because I do use the latest technology at my academy.  My goal is to make learning and improving your golf game the easiest and simplest way possible.  I feel most golfers are visual learners and effective use of video is a must.  I also use 3D technology with a program called K-vest and I love the feedback the students get from this program.  I have always felt K-vest was a great training aid for the golfer to make improvements quickly.  I was very excited with the addition of a program called K-trainer for my students to use once they have had a lesson.  The K-trainer will allow me to set up a practice plan for the student with drills and exercises based on what we worked on during the lesson.  The student would then come to the learning center where I would pull up their practice plan on the computer and they could practice for 30 minutes knowing that they are practicing correctly on what we discussed in the lesson.  As they complete each drill or exercise they will have it checked off on the program.  This will truly be the most effective technology to allow you to improve so you are not always working on the same issues lesson after lesson with your golf professional.

Then it was over to the equipment section and I was very impressed with the new Callaway Razr Fit driver.  Every golfer can now have a driver that fits them correctly.  This driver was the Golf Digest gold winner for 2012!  I also thought the Odyssey flip face putter had an interesting concept.  How many times have you played at a golf course with really fast greens and the next day you played on very slow greens? This putter has two faces with one being a soft face and the other side a firm face.  So the day the golfer plays the fast greens he might want to use the softer face and then switch to the firmer face for the slower greens.  However, it is very evident that the belly putter is the putter for the future.  Every manufacture has increased their lines of belly putters. In order to be effective with the belly putter, you need to make sure you are correctly fitted.  It is important that you have the correct length so you can set-up to the putter correctly in order to take full advantage of the belly putter.

With all this being said it was a great few days at the PGA show seeing the new equipment and learning and sharing ideas from other golf professionals.  I am excited for the 2012 season and I know this is going to be a very exciting year at Kandi Comer Golf with the use of effective technology and some great programs to allow golfers to improve and most of all to have fun playing this great game of golf.

If you have questions or if you would like more information please feel free to contact me by email at kandi@kandicomergolf.com or call my office at 434-817-0500.

How Can You Improve During Bad Weather

As I sit in my living room today and look out my windows all I can see is ice covered trees that are bending and breaking. I had to cancel all my golf lessons today and I know it leaves my students wondering how they can improve when lessons are canceled due to ice.

I think the thing most golfers need to understand is that you do not always have to hit balls to improve your game. Matter of fact hitting balls should be the last resource. I would recommend during the cold winter months that golfers get themselves in great physical condition by following a good cardio program and a strength improvement program. I personally use interval training and redcord for my students and have seen great results.

The second area you can improve during the winter months is to improve your putting. We all know we could make more putts and have less three putts. You can practice putting on your carpet at home or order a putting mat. Try to get really good at making putts from 8 feet and in. Put a quarter on the carpet to putt over or buy one of those putting machine that kick the ball back to you. This is also a good time to work on making your putting routine more consistent.

The third way to improve your game is to read some good books on the mental game. I highly recommend any of the Dr. Bob Rotella books or the Vision 54 books written by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott. As we all know our mental attitude plays a major role in how we perform on the golf course so this is a great time of year to get in touch with your mental approach to the game.

I encourage everyone to follow the advice above and I can promise your golf game will be ready when the spring season starts. You will have more confidence and feel prepared for the season instead of feeling like you are starting over after a long winter layoff.

If you have further questions or if there is anything I can do to help you improve your golf game please feel free to contact me at kandi@kandicomergolf.com.

Break Free from the Norm to Improve Your Game in 2012

Happy New Year to everyone and I wish you all the best in 2012.  As I go into the 2012 year and I plan the instructional calendar for Kandi Comer Golf, I realize that I tend to go more towards coaching each year.  Golf Instructors have been known as golf professionals, teaching professionals, but really never been known as a coach.  The tendency is for everyone to consider coaches as someone who coaches a team and I feel that is changing.

My daughter has a basketball coach for her team and she also has an individual coach that helps her with her fundamentals and it dawned on me that her individual basketball coach was not called a Basketball Professional but “coach.”  Swimmers swim as individuals and they call their instructors “coach” so why has golf not adopted this philosophy of “coach.”

I know I have several programs for my golfers that are 9 and 12 month programs and yes we work on technique, but at some point my job turns into coaching.  Coaching usually takes effect once they have the technique down.

The other tendency for golfers is to only take a lesson when they feel they are not playing well.  I can say from experience that the golfers that sign up for my annual programs definitely perform on a more consistent basis and improve at a more rapid pace.  With golf, what we think is happening in our golf swing, is usually much different than what is actually occurring. Therefore, it helps to have a set of coaches eyes watching you hit some shots.  Also, working with a coach on a regular basis prevents you from going in and out of slumps.  So I encourage golfers to meet with their PGA or LPGA Professionals (coaches) and set up a yearly program that works for you and your goals.

Golf as a sport has changed dramatically over the years and we now have PGA and LPGA professionals that specialize in teaching (coaching) and as a result, facilities are hiring just professionals to run their teaching and coaching programs.  So when you meet with the golf professional at your local facility tell them you are looking for a coach that can offer you an annual program that will not only allow you to improve during the 2012 season, but to also be more consistent in years to come.

I am hoping we see more golfers learning the game and more golfers improving during the 2012 season.  If you are in the Charlottesville, Virginia area, please feel free to visit us at Kandi Comer Golf, we would love to set up an individual program that will work for you.

Make Golf Cool in 2012

As we close the 2011 golf season I sit here and wonder what will the 2012 season bring. The golf business has been like any other business which has been affected by the tough economic times. However, I know for me personally I had a great year with Kandi Comer Golf and the instructional side of the business.

I see good things coming in 2012 for the golf business. I think golf professionals have to get the kids out playing and the mothers and as a result their operation will be more successful. In order to get the kids out, the experience needs to be fun and an experience they want to come back to again and again. For the mothers, we have to keep it simple and positive as they learn a game that they really are learning so they can be with their husband and kids as they go out to play. Golf facilities need to emphasize the game as a family sport or else their business will come to a standstill.

I also see the younger generation on the PGA tour and the LPGA tour encouraging and reminding the young golfers that golf can be cool. It is nice to see some nice young role models rising on the tours to encourage the young golfers today. Kids can relate to players like Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, Lexi Thompson, Paula Creamer, and Morgan Pressel. All these athletes have fun playing the game they love.

Social media has allowed the kids and the entire golfing world to feel closer to these players by following them on Twitter and Facebook and these young tour players communicate on a regular basis about practicing, working out, playing video games, movies they have seen and anything that a regular person would do. The young golfers are inspired today as they feel a connection to the best.

So I am looking for great things in 2012. I know I will be running some awesome programs to include juniors and women with the goal to grow the game and to make the game fun. Please feel free to follow me on twitter @kandicomergolf and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kandicomergolf for the dates and times of these programs.

Golf Professional Plays Santa

It is hard to believe the Holidays are upon us and yes we are running out of time to shop.  The temperatures are definitely colder in Charlottesville, Virginia this week so it is much easier to get in the holiday spirit.   My tree is finally up and the house is decorated thanks to my two wonderful kids.  I am slowly finishing up my shopping.

The joys of the holidays for me is playing Santa for other families.  This has been the week I have met with several parents on what their junior golfer needs for the 2012 season.  I use this time of year to evaluate their equipment and try to fill the gaps in their bags or replace equipment as they grow.  The other popular gifts are gift certificates for lesson programs and fitness sessions during the winter, new golf bags (lot’s of awesome new bags from Callaway golf), golf balls, golf shoes, and hats.  It is fun to see so many young golfers totally absorbed in the game that they are willing to have a totally “golf” Christmas.

Wishing everyone happy shopping and make that visit to the golf professional elf for your shopping needs.

What is the Most Pressure Filled Week in Sports?

This is the toughest time of year for a lot of golfers that have the dream to play on the LPGA or PGA tour.  This week is the final stage of qualifying to reach the goal that many of these players have had their entire life.  It is also a week that many players who lost their tour cards are trying to regain their card or improve their status so they can play in more tournaments.  It is hard to believe David Duval, Rich Beem, and Lee Janzen are all major championship winners and they are playing this week.   It is hard to believe it all comes down to one week.

I have three players at the LPGA qualifier and two are there for the first time.  Having experienced the qualifying school myself I know exactly what they are going through.  As I try to prepare these players for the week I emphasize to them that all the hard work is done before you get to the tournament and now it is time to have fun and enjoy the week.  They have to control the things they can control and worrying about results is not one of them.  It is important to stay in the moment the entire week, it is important to go through your routine on every shot and it is important to keep your emotions in check.  Everyone will be nervous and if the golfers can just find a way to enjoy being there and realize they have done all they can by preparing ahead of time for this week and now they need to treat this week as the party.  Easier said than done.

The good news about this week as most of the players will leave with some status whether it is on the LPGA or PGA tour or a mini tour most of them will be playing somewhere next year.  For the young players that are there for the first time, I tell them to go into the qualifying school with no expectations and to play golf like they are playing with their friends at home.  This will give them a much better chance of playing well and they will learn a lot as they go through the week.  Whether they make it or not it will definitely be easier the next time they have to go to qualifying week.

I also feel for the young players that it is not a bad thing if they do not qualify.  They can learn so much on the mini tours.  Playing professional golf is a lot different than amateur golf or college golf.  The golfer will now have to make all their own travel arrangements, learn about new golf courses, learn to play for money, and manage their schedule weekly.  Managing your schedule can sometimes be tricky.  You now have a full day without anything scheduled.  However, to make it as a professional golfer you have to workout, practice, practice rounds, pro-ams, laundry, travel days, clinics plus much more and this can be overwhelming when you are new to this lifestyle.  So as glamourous as the tour life looks it is only glamourous for the top money winners and it takes a lot of hard work to reach that level.

So I encourage the players to enjoy the week and I wish everyone the best of luck.  I encourage the fans that are looking at the final rounds on television to remember how much pressure is on these golfers (as they miss short putts, hit bad approach shots and just hit shots they would not normally hit) and what an amazing accomplishment it is for them to just make it to the finals.  Some will make it, most will not and the sun will still shine tomorrow and they will continue to work hard to reach their dreams.  I especially want to wish Kandi Comer Golf students Whitney, Leah and Riki the best of luck this week and to remind them to enjoy the week.

Golf Should be Fun for Kids

I spent a couple hours at an after school program that I am teaching this winter at an elementary school and it warmed my heart to see so many kids having fun playing golf.  It is always my goal as a PGA golf professional to introduce the sport to new golfers and I have chosen to go into the school systems this fall and winter.  The youngest kid was 4 and the oldest was a 6th grader.  We divided the kids into two groups; pre-k through 2nd grade and 3rd grade through 6th grade and they were each taught in a 45 minute session.

I can promise you these two 45 minute sessions made me smile and laugh and have a great time with some wonderful kids that just wanted to have fun playing golf.  We warmed up by doing some stretching, running, sit-ups, throwing a ball and basically working on coordination and running off some energy.  Then we worked on chipping and putting and the focus on each shot was the grip and posture.  We never put an emphasis on anything else.  We threw a couple targets out there and told the kids to try to hit the targets.  It is so fun to see their natural strokes and how they can get the ball to the targets.  Most of all they were not overloaded with too many thoughts, so they were still having fun just hitting the ball.

The important thing to remember is that we were in a gym and we were using SNAG golf equipment.  This means we were using plastic oversize clubs, tennis balls and large targets and it was easy for the kids to swing the clubs and make contact with the tennis ball so they were getting instant results which equals fun and a sense of accomplishment.  I feel it is so important when teaching young kids the game of golf that we do not overload them with the mechanics because they will get bored and that is the end of golf for them.

It is important to keep the kids moving and to also work on developing the motion through other activities so as they get older they will have the foundation to swing the real clubs and not get frustrated.  So we might swing a baseball bat and hit some balls off a tee to just start feeling the motion and again the kids think this is FUN.  Then we end the session for the younger kids by playing duck, duck goose and one kid comes up to me at the end and tells me about a new game and wants to know if we can play his game next week.  So the answer is yes and now the kids cannot wait until next week.

The name of the game is to get them to love the game and to keep coming back.  Next week I will learn the game of Octopus and let the fun keep happening.

For more information and ideas please do not hesitate to contact me at Kandi Comer Golf located in Charlottesville, Virginia. You can email me at kandi@kandicomergolf.com or reach me by phone at 434-817-0500.

Are You Practicing Correctly to Improve?

How many times do we hear, “I can hit the shots when I practice, but I cannot do it on the golf course?”  I always have students that tell me they practice their golf game a lot, yet they never seem to improve.  I always end my lessons by giving my students suggestions on how to get the most out of their practice sessions.  I feel proper practice habits are very important for the golfer to improve after a lesson, and then take what they’ve practiced to the course.

There are a couple ways to practice and I believe we need balance in our practice sessions to see results.  The first type of practice is called block practice. Block practice is used most often just after you have taken a lesson.  This is where you have a pile of balls and you are working on making changes in your swing or with your short game.  You hit each ball focused on the changes you are trying to make.  This is also the time you are working on the drills you received from your instructor during your lesson.

The second type of practice is random practice. Random practice is when you hit different clubs to different targets with your focus on target and not technique. It is important to have good fundamentals throughout your golf game, but you also have to be able to transfer the changes to the golf course.  I encourage golfers to go through their routine on every shot during the random part of their practice session.  It is important to treat these shots as if you were playing on the golf course.  I even encourage the golfer to play some holes on the range hitting the clubs they would normally hit on each hole.  Make each shot mean something. For example, “This shot is to win the club championship”, or “This putt is to beat my lowest score”.  This will allow you to be more comfortable when you are actually playing golf on the course.

It is also important to practice all aspects of your game.  You need to focus on your full swing, chipping, pitching, bunker shots and putting.  There are too many golfers that just go to the range and hit balls.  During their range time they are just rapid firing balls instead of having a plan for their practice.

So the next time you go to practice try these steps:
1.  Write out a plan before you leave for the course and stick to your plan.  Your plan should include a couple different areas of practice (full swing and short game).
2.  Include some block practice and end with random practice.
3.  Play a few holes on the range before you leave.
4.  Make notes on your practice session before you leave.  For example, What you were working on and the results you were seeing.  What were you feeling?  etc.

I hope these practice suggestions will help you lower your scores.  For more tips and information please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.kandicomergolf.com or come visit us at Kandi Comer Golf located near Charlottesville, Virginia.