Tip: Remember golf is a game of opposites

Swing down and the ball goes up

Tips from Dave Linardic, CPGA head professional at Wildstone Golf Course.

Have you or your playing partners ever hit a poor shot and said “I didn’t get under that one”? This is the number one reason why golf instructors can stay employed as golf instructors. I always ask my students, “What part of the ball do you need to hit to make it go up—the top, middle or bottom?” to which most quickly respond “bottom”  with confidence.

The average golfer’s belief of how the ball gets airborne with a powerful well-struck shot is untrue. Golf is a game of opposites, and therefore down is up. My favorite three-second golf tip is simply: Swing down and the ball goes up. Therefore, the club face is travelling downward to the ball and strikes the middle of the ball. We’ve all heard the golf media commenting on how Tiger compresses the ball—this is what they are referring to.

To learn more about swinging down, I invite you to come UP and visit Wildstone’s scenic practice tee, or visit your local CPGA professional.

How to play the 18th at Wildstone

Take a glance at the scorecard at Wildstone and the incredible finishing hole stands out. A long, downhill dogleg right measuring 532 yards from the tips, it’s nothing short of a beast. A beast that will reward you if you play conservatively, but otherwise potentially bite you.

The large fairway bunker on tee invites many shots in its direction. Pay attention to the distance to carry the bunker from the tee box—it is deceiving! Be honest with yourself and ask, “Can I realistically carry that bunker?”

Rather than flirting with the right bunker, I recommend playing to the wide, inviting fairway to the left and turning this par 4 into a potential  three-shot hole.  Rely on your short game to earn you a par on this memorable finishing hole.

When approaching the green from a distance, your ball will roll and release more than expected, so take one less club and plan to land the ball near the front of this large green. A shot that is long will leave a relatively easy chip or pitch back on to the green.