Tips and Links

Pictured below and representing the NCLHGA as Club Professional is Jeff Hales, Class "A" PGA Professional. Jeff has also accepted a position on the Executive Committee of the Association, bringing with him a broad base of knowledge that will assist in maintaining the reputation of NCLHGA as a leader in Lefty Golf.
Jeff is the Head Professional at Franklin Canyon Golf Club in Hercules. Prior taking his position
at Franklin Canyon in 2000, his professional experience includes the Olympic Club 1996 - 2000 and the
Half Moon Bay Golf Links 1992 - 1996.
Jeff who plays the game lefthanded provides Norcal Lefty Members with instruction, equipment analysis and recommendations. He will also provides support for the Norcal Junior Program.

If you play bad once, check your fundamentals. If you play bad twice, check your swing mechanics. If you play bad a third time, give Jeff a call.

As an introduction to the Association, Jeff is offering a complimentary lesson and equipment analysis to all new Assciation Members and Juniors for 2008.
In addition, he is also offering a Bring a Friend Program to all members who have renewed their 2008 membership. The member and friend each receive a one half hour lesson together for a total of $50.00.
To reach Jeff call him direct at (510) 799-5205 the Franklin Canyon Golf Shop at (510) 799-6191 or email Click Here.

JEFF'S CURRENT TIP

Here is a putting Lesson for everyone to reveiw. Whether you are putting great or poorly take a look at the following information and maybe it will help you.

Lee Trivino has observed that if a player is putting badly, then one of four things is WRONG:
1. A Bad stroke.
2. A Bad system of planning and reading putts.
3. A Bad attitude.
4. A Bad putter (club).

Putting Fundamentals:

1. Eye line over or slightly inside the ball.
2. Set the clubface square to the target.
3. Position the ball forward of center.
4. Keep the body motion limited.
5. Use an accelerating stroke.
6. Be comfortable.
7. Make solid contact by hitting the putter's sweet spot.

"A successful putter must have the ability to judge slope and speed. Then they must have courage to act on their decision."

Lefty PGA Professional
Jeff Hales

JEFF'S PREVIOUS TIPS

Next time you go to the practice range try using some face tape on your equipment to give yourself a lesson. Face tape leaves no doubt where you are striking the ball on the clubface. If you know how to fix whatever problem you are having your practice session can be rewarding. If you have no idea how to fix your miss hits or have a tough time hitting the center of the clubface then consult your local PGA Professional. By consulting a PGA Professional you can get to the heart of the problem and get back on the straight and narrow.
Until next time, hit it long and stay lefty.

he Cut Pitch Shot
My lesson tip for the month is how to hit the Cut Pitch Shot. Tom Watson has been known to say the most valuable lesson he ever recieved was how to hit the cut pitch shot. As for myself, I hit this shot almost ever round I play and I would recommend this shot be in your bag.
Here's how to hit it.
1. Take an open stance.
2. Wrist hinge early so the swing is steeper than normal.
3. Outside to in swing path holding on to the release until after impact.
4. Follow through on balance.

Now for us Lefties the ball should fly a little right to left if you cut across the ball with a slightly open face.
Some of the advantages of this shot are:
Stops Quickly
Higher Trajectory
Easy shot to hit from deep grass
Will help your greenside bunker game

If you need help with this shot don't hestitate to stop by Franklin Canyon Golf Course and we could hit a few cut pitch shots together.

The Basket Drill.
To improve and or maintain a good pivot is hard work. One easy to do exercise I use is the basket drill. To do this drill start with a 7 iron and an average size range ball basket. Put the range basket between your legs and hit about 7-10 balls with a normal swing. Do not let the basket fall to the ground or move around. You should feel some connection with your upper and lower body. If you don't, keep practicing! If you do feel the connection and can keep the basket between your legs during your swing then congratulations you have a good pivot.
Good Luck and I hope this drill helps you improve your technique.

LINKS

For Central Coast listeners check out Golf Talk Radio heard live every Saturday morning from 8:05am to 10:00am on ESPN Radio, The Central Coast Sports Leaders at 1280AM on the dial. For viewers check out the Golf Talk Radio Web Site click here

If your going to the East Coast and the trip includes a vist to New Hampshire be sure to stop by The Oaks Golf Links in Somersworth, which is one hour from Boston. Say hello to Rick Altham, PGA-Head Golf Professional. Rick heads up The Oaks Lefty Club. Check out their Web Site click here

For a comprehensive search of the Web by title click here

For the ultimate web site for amateur golf is: click here

For the number one link for golf in the Bay Area and the West is Hooked on Golf heard on the radio Sunday mornings from 8:00 to 9:00am at 680 on the dial KNBR. To visit the web site click here.

For a website with extensive information on left-handed golf associations, events, equipment and instruction books visit click here.

Click here for a excellent directory of golf and golf related web sites world wide.

For Golf Courses ~ Daily Travel Reviews ~ Vacation Packages ~ Tee Times click here.

For everything you want to know about golf Click Here and go to go to Smyth's Golf World.

For those in the Sacramento area tune in to Vince Mastracco's Golf Talk. It airs on Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:00am at 1140 on the dial KHTK. Check out the website at click here .

For a visit to an excellent link for golf instruction click here, which is Golf Magazine's Web Site. You will find help for just about any part of your game.

Some other golf related websites worth checking out are: www.linkaway.com www.usagolflinks.com and www.golfbytes.com click on each for a direct link.

ASSOCIATION LINKS

I	World Association of Lefthanded Golfers (WALG) *Click Here*
	United States Golf Association (USGA) Click Here
	National Association of Left Handed Golfers U.S.A. Click Here
	National Association of Left Handed Golfers Canada *Click Here*
	National Association of Left Handed Golfers France *Click Here*
	National Association of Left Handed Golfers Ireland *Click Here*
	National Association of Left Handed Golfers South Australia *Click Here*
	Arizona Golf Association (AGA) *Click Here*
	Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) *Click Here*
	Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) *Click Here*
	Northern Nevada Golf Association (NNGA) *Click Here*
	Southern Nevada Golf Association (SNGA) *Click Here*
	Oregon Golf Association (OGA) *Click Here*
	Oklahoma Association of Left-Handed Golfers *Click Here*
	Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) *Click Here*
	Texas Association of Left-Handed Golfers *Click Here*

Back to top