From: jimv@dadd.ti.com (Jim Vahsen,VAHZ,)
Subject: Re: Divots.....
Reply-To: jimv@dadd.ti.com
Organization: Texas Instruments, Inc.
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 15:00:19 GMT

In article 27433@mksol.dseg.ti.com, whitley@mksol.dseg.ti.com (harlon whitley 952-2342) writes:
>I am curious as to whether it is good to take a divot
>or not.  If it is good, when is it good, how large 
>should the divot be?  Does the club make the difference,
>I am aware that a wood should not make a "divot", but
>do different brands of clubs make more of a divot than
>others?  What is your opinion, an enquiring mind would
>like to know.

Well, I be a single-digit handicapper, I like the sound of that better than
a 9-handicap   8)   , and I play with many people in the 25+ range.  I would
have to say that the 2 biggest mistakes that I frequently observe with them,
and myself at times, is 1) leaving the ball short of the hole, either on a 
short approach, pitch, or putt.  2) Trying to "pick" the ball off of the 
fairway with an iron.  The 1st problem, IMHO, is a mental thing.  It is 
nearly impossible to convince someone to "get it to the stick" when they 
feel like they need a shorter club/swing to "control" the ball.  The 2 or 3 
that I have brainwashed have lowered their scores significantly.  Of course,
I didn't get the $25 lesson fee that I asked for...  But I digress, the
second problem is both a mental and a physical problem.  Most hackers are
afraid to hit the ground with their clubs.  They try to pick it clean with
the iron every time, and usually blade it, worm burn it, or pull the hell
out of it.  As far as WHEN to take a divot, it varies with the player and
his preference to the _feel_ of certain shots.  For me, I ALWAYS take a divot
inside the hallowed 150yd zone.  This helps me with the knock down shot, and
keeps my "estimated" ranges per club very true.  Don't worry how big the
chunk of terra is that flies through the air.  When you are hitting down at
the ball, the divot will happen all by itself.  I generally get these 
rectangular patches of turf 'bout the size of beer can on its side...  Oops,
I was just reading Alt.beer, sorry.  Anyway, replace the damn thing and grab 
your putter!  Oh, and another thing, why do people take these practice swings
at 50% or less of what they're really going to swing.  This does NO good.
If you're going to waste people's time with practice swing(s), ATLEAST take
it at near full swing so that you can get some sort of gauge from it...
I feel better now...  Thank you. 
---
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