Denis Pugh
For my final TG column, you asked the questions – and I’ve answered them!
All good things must come to an end. After penning 26,000 words (give or take) over two-and-a-half years, it is with great sadness that this is my final column for Today’s Golfer. For the last 33 issues, I have shared with you my thoughts and opinions (and the occasional rant) so I thought it was about time I gave something back. It’s not instruction (I’d never betray my Twitter principles), but hopefully this is the next best thing… Q What’s the most effective method of practising; hitting 100200 range balls or hitting 50-70 shots on the course + putts? Clarence Crigley This depends entirely on the cycle you are in regarding your swing development. If the changes are making it difficult to get the quality of strike you desire, stay on the range and keep practising. Once you start to strike the centre of the clubface more consistently, get on the course and test yourself in a competitive setting. Only then will you know if your technique can stand up to pressurising situations and different lie conditions. Q What training aids would you recommend to a golfer on a budget? Rachael Church I’m not a big believer in training aids nowadays. I would recommend putting that money towards a PGA pro lesson which is tailored to your individual needs.
Q Do coaches rely too much on launch monitors? Rob Baker I think every coach should be using one, but only as a feedback tool to endorse what they are saying or demonstrating. Rather like the bathroom scales tell you how the diet is going, a launch monitor is best used to illustrate where your swing is at. It is then down to the coach to make sense of the numbers and to identify the changes needed to improve your shot and strike pattern. The best lessons nowadays should resemble a show-and-tell presentation, with the coach giving advice and referring back to a launch monitor to validate the success. Q What should I be thinking during the swing, should I have a clear mind or a swing thought? Lee Driver I’ve always found that visualising the ‘perfect’ shot is the best way to achieve a positive outcome. Why do you think so many people duff a shot and then say “I knew I was going to do that?” If you start to overthink a shot and focus too much on technique, you will automatically create unnecessary tension in your body which will throw your swing out of sync. Before the alarm bells sound, just stop for a second and try to replicate the feeling you had when you last hit that ‘perfect’ shot. Q Can an amateur improve more by getting better at long game or by improving their short game? Carl Peirson It amazes me people still think it’s the last-gasp nature of short game that can save them. Research over the last 25 years has always contradicted that perception and thanks to Shotlink stats, we can now say definitively that the biggest difference maker is driving well off the tee. If you don’t believe me, think of it like this: It is possible for you to hole putts like a Tour pro, but it’s extremely unlikely you will ever hit tee shots as far or as straight as DJ and co.
Q. What’s your greatest golfing moment, either as a player or a coach? Paul Hastings The Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. It’s always memorable whenever Europe win, but 2010 was extra special because Monty was the captain and I was coach to three of the players on the team – the Molinari brothers and Ross Fisher. Q. Which rule of golf should be changed that isn’t already being addressed? Colin Gunn Slow play time penalties would do it for me; although the walk of shame back to the tee for a lost ball or one found out of
bounds is a nonsensical waste of time! Q. Who have you enjoyed teaching the most? Haydon Roberts Monty isblessed with a ridiculous amount of natural talent and some of the things he can do still amaze me, even today. He also has a great sense of fun, and regularly has me in stitches. However, my enjoyment used to fluctuate depending on what mood he was in. He has mellowed a lot in recent years, but it was common knowledge that he used to suffer from a serious loss of humour when the golfing gods exacted their revenge. That’s probably why I’ve always enjoyed coaching him, because he kept me on my toes!
‘Montyhasa greatsenseof fun,andhas meinstitches’