Written by Bob Beckelman, Eastern Shore Golf Magazine
I’m going to dedicate more time to golf instruction this season. Deer Run Golf Club has been kind enough to allow me to significantly reduce my responsibilities for the Course in order to give more time to my students. I will be splitting time between the Bob Beckelman Golf Academy at Deer Run and the “A” Game Golf Academy at Nutter’s Crossing hoping to reach as many golfers in need as possible. Steve Menz and I have been running the “A” Game Golf Academy at Nutter’s for three years now, and I’m looking forward to becoming more involved there. Salisbury has a relatively large golf population and Steve and I are happy to offer our services to them. Get “Golf Ready”! We’re ready to help!
Enough of that, let’s share the rust off. The weather is starting to look better. The clubs are beginning to call, “get me out of this bag!” Let’s start with wedges.
Begin your wind up to the golf season with some ½ and ¾ wedge swings and make sure to warm up before hitting any balls. We’re looking for control, balance, simplicity, and good solid contact, NOT DISTANCE. Work on catching the ball in the center of the club face using impact tape. Work on striking the ball with a “square” club face. The ball should start out straight at the target, not way left or right! The ball should not curve significantly. The ball should NOT go very far, but yes, up in the air. Tee the ball up slightly if you’re having difficulty. Repeat, repeat, repeat! Don’t hesitate to hit the entire bucket with small, simple swings!
Master this Contact & Square drill, and you will be well on your way to a simply fabulous golf season!
Bob Beckelman Golf Academy at Deer Run Golf Club. “A” Game Golf Academy at Nutter’s Crossing Golf Club. Lesson rates per hour: Adult $60, Senior $50, Student $25. Call 443-235-7278.
