Lifting your left (or right heel if you are left handed) is a tip that is taught differently by different teachers.

The rationale is that if you let your left heel lift naturally as you complete your back swing you will allow your body to make a full turn to set up for the swing.

If you don't lift your heel (as some suggest) you will find some strain on your arms and trunk as you try to make a full turn to set up for the swing, The result -- you'll sacrifice power.

Look at some of the great golfers. Jack Nicklaus will allow his heel to rise on the takeaway. Same with Ben Hogan.

I saw a recent picture of the famous teacher, David Leadbetter and his heel was firmly planted on the ground.  He did, however, have a full turn on the takeaway.

My advice is for us weekend warriors is to allow your heel to rise if you need to. If not, if you can make a full turn without it, then keep both heels on the ground in your swing.

Take this one to the range or to your next round.

Let me know what you think.

Approach the Green.

Hello Green, come here often?  I know, its bad, but I haven't played for a month and its driving me crazy.

Here is something for you to think about if you can give up the notion that every shot you play should be hit full out.

What club do you hit if you are 201 yards from the green? Let's say you can hit your 3 iron or 5 wood that distance, but it's a stretch.

Do you automatically go for it?  Every time? No exceptions?

What if there is sand protecting the green in front and maybe the left side? What if water is running along the right side?

If you can hit your iron on a string--dead straight, you have a hope to finish on the green. If not, you are in sand (bad) or water (way bad).

Here's a choice. But this is only for the brave, your golfing partners will tease you.

Take out your 9 iron (or your 100-yard club) and hit two identical iron shots. One within 100 yards, the next within 10 feet of the pin.

You will take the sand and water and gofers out of play.  (Yes, I said gofers, you don't get relief if they scurry out and move your ball)

This is a way to test out what's important for you. If you play for the glory. For the one shot which is tough to do and you might make it every 7 times, pull out your 5 wood. If you play to improve your score. Hitting
two iron shots gives you the best chance to get up and in in three.

Think about it.

Source: Free Golf Tip Newsletter Number 50 of 52

Mitch Tarr, The Editor

http://www.free-golf-tip.com