KLEPCINSKI

Swing after swing players lash at the ball. After playing 18 holes of golf, it is not uncommon to find that very few shots during a round were hit clean and crisp. While good miss-hits often produce a desirable result, the feeling of a well-struck golf shot is what we all search for, and on a repeated basis.

Most amateur players try to generate as much club head speed as possible. The result becomes a swing that is out of control, lacks rhythm and tempo, and finishes in poor balance. The finished product leaves your ball in some of the most undesirable spots a course has to offer, or even worse, off golf course property.

Try this:

Work on the practice tee swinging the club as easy as possible. Start with pitches about 50 yards off the tee with a short iron. Once loose, make a full swing but at the same speed. You'll notice the shots come off solid, just not as far as you'd like. Continue to make stronger swings at the ball until you are no longer hitting 8-of-10 in the center of the club. The key is to find out how hard you can swing the club and still find the sweet spot time after time. Take this geared-down swing to the golf course and use it from the first tee to the 18th green. You will be surprised at the amount of time you find your ball in the fairway and on the greens.

Solid, not hard, is a great swing thought for most players. It doesn't require technical thinking, which most of us do too often anyway.

Disconnect your brain from your shoulders and play well.

Damon Klepczynski is the Head Golf Professional at the Scotland Run Golf Club. His professional staff provides individual and group instruction. He can be reached at (856) 863-3737, ext. 102. Or visit www.scotlandrun.com