Watching the Masters, and any other tournament for that matter, there is always one consistent factor: Smooth swings. And I'm a victim. I love to hit the long ball. I love hitting wedge when other guys are hitting 8-ion. I love bombing drives way down there and having short irong into greens. I love to overswing. Badly. The fact of the matter is, my scores suffer because I don't play enough to have a razor sharp short game. And thus, when I overswing , I hit the ball off-line. And that is something I can't afford to do if I want to score well.

During the off season, I recieved and absolute gem of a tip (thanks Goynes!) and took it to the range. It felt a little awkward like any change will, but not as much as I thought. Still, I figured I'd better take it easy and get the move down before I geared up to full throttle. Then the magic kicked in. I was swinging at 75-85% and started to hit the ball pure after a bucket of two of trying this change. These were the first balls I had hit after a 6 month lay-off remember. The kicker? I was only about 1/2 a club shorter at 80%. It dawn'd on me that 1/2 a club loss was completely playable. All of a sudden, I was hitting the ball deadly straight. My miss had become a slight push rather than a 30 yard (no joke) hook. It worked for EVERY club in the bag. 2 more practice sessions since this epiphany have me sold. This year, I WILL NOT swing at 100% at any time. I am now sold on the idea of the 80% swing. More club. Smooth power. It really is the only way to go.  I'm looking foreword to getting back to scratch this year as I'm now brimming with confidence. I am forcing myself to not care if I get out driven. Not care if the other guy has one or two clubs less than me.

A pro on the final hole of a Major doesn't give a rats donkey  what the other guy is hitting. His only thought is "How do I execute the shot I need to hit" Now my thinking will be the same. The woods are filled with long hitters. Way too true. So to all: SWING EASY. HIT HARD. It really does work. The next time you're out there. Try taking one more club and smoothing the ball onto the green like a pro.

Here's wishing all a great 2010 on the links. Fairways and greens my friends!!!