HOW TO

Improve Your Golf Game

from Trump National Doral Miami 

Wherever you’re teeing off, use these helpful tips to improve your handicap. 

PUTTING  

Problem: Not making a lot of sloping putts.

Issue: Whether you struggle most with left to right, right to left, uphill or downhill putts, sloping putts are clearly the most difficult to read and execute successfully. Many things play a factor in making a sloping putt. You must pick the right spot, have the right speed, and make a good stroke. One very common thing golfers do when faced with a sloping putt, is aim at the hole. It sounds like the right thing to do, but you may find more success aiming at a spot on your intended line instead.

Solution: Just as you see many of the professionals do on TV, it is extremely important to get behind your ball and find your line. This is something that many of you already do, but a lot of you are forgetting one key part. Instead of just looking at the hole when you read your putt, try and pick out a spot on the green that your ball has to roll over in order to end up in the hole. This spot can be as close as 6 inches in front of your ball. Now, instead of trying to putt to the hole, you are rather trying to putt to a spot 6 inches away. Sounds a lot easier, right? Obviously, in order to do this successfully, you need to stroke the putt with the proper speed. The line you choose needs to be the correct one, as well. Take the time to practice your green-reading technique and pre-shot putting routine and you’ll undoubtedly see results. 

PLAYING IN STRONG WINDS 

Tee Shots: When playing into the wind, use a club that keeps the ball low with less spin. Driver is usually a good choice here. Try to hit a penetrating ball flight that won’t get caught up in the wind and have a “ballooning” effect on the ball. The key to hitting this penetrating ball flight is to maintain good balance and keeping your weight low and finishing toward your target.When the wind is at your back, don’t get excited and pull out that driver right away. Most of the time, hitting a 3 wood that gets the ball in the air will be a better choice. 

Putting: The hardest part for most while putting in a strong wind, is feeling comfortable over the ball. With your pants flapping, the ball oscillating, and gusts of wind that feel like they could knock you over, it can be very difficult to concentrate on holing the putt. Widen your stance, bend a little more at the waist, and shorten your stroke. This will help you feel more stable and balanced over the ball and with a shorter backstroke; the putter will have less chance to move in the wind. 

Full Swing: Everyone knows that you need to keep the ball low, but not everyone knows how to do it. Remember these tips: 

1) Play the ball slightly back in your stance

2) Choke down on the grip, giving you more control and shortening the length of the arc

3) Grip the club with less tension

4) Keep more of your weight on the left side for righties, right side for lefties

5) Finish with your hands low to the ground and toward your target

6) Swing as smooth as possible. This is very important. Too many players try to muscle the ball through the wind and swing too hard, causing them to strike the ball poorly. You are much better off taking an extra club, swinging easy, and making good contact in order to get good results when playing into the wind.
 
For more information about Trump National Doral’s Championship Courses, click here: http://www.trumphotelcollection.com/miami/