Tips Tiger Woods Should Use From His Book How I Play #Golf

Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golf superstars every to play the game, came out a few years ago with the book, "How I Play Golf". Perhaps Woods should re-read the contents or create an update entitled "How I Should Play Golf ."

Several writers have analyzed Tiger's 2014 game, especially after his horrendous performance at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Golf for Beginners has selected several golf tips from "How I Play Golf" which we hope will be helpful to Tiger Woods in light of his recent shortcomings.

Lack of Practice - Jim McCabe mentioned on GolfWeek that, "because of his age, injury history and custodial duties as a divorced father, there's no way he can practice and prepare himself like he used to, when he was in his 20s or early 30s." Tiger, please refer to page 205 which states, "When you're on the Course, all that hard work starts to pay off."

Unprepared- Golf Week's Jeff Rude stated that Woods was unprepared for his season debut with Rude quoting Golf Channel Analyst Chris Chamblee as saying, "The golf swing I saw today looked like a 55-year-old man out there." OUCH!

So what is Tiger to do to improve his overall swing? Tiger, please refer to page 85 where you sat down, watched and analyzed your recorded swing and then commited to change. As Woods states, "The goal is to have a repeatable swing that is mechanically sound, repeatable, works with every club in your set and holds up under pressure."

Too much muscle -Hank Haney, on his radio show, expressed disdain for Tiger's muscle gain believing that, "when he was thinner and younger he was actually faster." ...hmm remind you of David Duval? 

Instead Woods should work on stretching more than building. Tiger's advice in Chapter 11, "I don't know how much stretching Sam Snead does, but I'm told he is one of the most flexible athletes ever."

Mental Game Adjustment - After his poor showing at the Farmers Insurance Open, Woods said, "There was nothing different with my ball-striking today (Tuesday) compared to last Saturday."

..."It was just one of those days that happens, and it was one of the trains I just couldn't get off." Woods needs more visualization, less anger. In Chapter 10, Woods states, the key is not letting distractions affect your performance."I refuse to yield to pressure," argues Tiger.

Finally, it would be helpful for Tiger Woods to remember, as it says right in the beginning of his book under "First Things First", "Golf is a never-ending journey. Before we begin, we should look at where we've been."

Voice your opinions on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and Like on Facebook.

photo credit zimbio.com

Sharpen Your Game with 365 Easy Golf Tips from the Pros

Have you noticed that, after taking a golf lesson with your instructor, your game shows a marked improvement? Shortly after however, and without continued guidance, your game slowly reverts back to its original state. Most golfers don't have an instructor on the range or course during the entire season but now you can have great golf tips at your fingertips 365 days a year.

Illustrations and one-page tips from putting to sand play offered in the golf book "365 Golf Tips and Tricks From The Pros" by Jay Morelli are designed to simplify every area of your game with a suggestion per day ...playing without fear is my favorite.

This golf book rightfully opens with tips on the rules, segues into Golf Etiquette, takes you through course management, drills, the mental game and even offers help on purchasing the right type of equipment for your game.

Below are three golf tips I selected from the book (one tip each for beginner, intermediate and advanced golfer). For a read into the other 362 tips, click on the link at the end of this golf blog.

Tip 40: LOGICAL BALL POSITION,
Dick Capasso, PGA Teaching Pro, Augusta Georgia
Many players get confused about where to play the ball in their stance for shots off the turf.

We have all heard conflicting advice on this subject. Each shot is a new experience and should be treated as such. The best place to place your ball is in the way of your swing. Try taking a few practice swings and pay attention to where the club nips the turf. That spot is where the ball should be played for that particular stroke.

Tip 179: PLAY WITHOUT FEAR, by Jay Morelli, Director of the Original Golf School, Mount Snow, Vermont

Golfers are so often afraid of bad shots that they sometimes play timidly, making timid golf swings. You are much better off going ahead and making a committed and strong swing. Commit to the shot and don't even think about what not to do. A non-swing will never produce a good result.

Tip 269: COIL UP FOR POWER, by Sandra Jaskol, LPGA Teaching Pro, Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, Old Westbury, New York

To get more power and distance, practice with a medium-sized rubber ball between your legs to feel the rotation of your upper body uncoiling above a stable, planted lower body. This springlike effect will keep you more centered over the ball while maximizing your coil with explosive power and speed.

If you expect your golf game to improve, you need a teaching pro. That being said, when your instructor isn't around and you require a brush up (even on the golf course), pull out your "365 Golf Tips and Tricks from the Pros" pocket-sized guide, thumb through it and you'll most likely find the answer to your questions.

About the Author:

Jay Morelli is Director of The Original Golf School at Mount Snow, Vermont and Plantation Golf Resort in Florida. He has been teaching and improving golfers at all skill levels for more than 40 years. He founded the Original Golf School and the Accelerated Teaching Method in June 1978. Golf Digest voted him the top teaching pro in Vermont, and he has been named New England PGA Teacher of the Year. He has produced four major DVDs and written four books on golf.

Bruce Curtis has been at the forefront of photography for more than four decades. As a photographer for Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated, he has been on the frontlines as a photographer of many conflicts around the world. He has won more than 25 awards and provided photography for more than 40 books.

Learn more about 365 Golf Tips and Tricks from The Pros

Photo credit courtesy of 365 Golf Tips and Tricks From The Pros

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.