Down Time and Stray Thoughts
Down Time and Stray Thoughts
Owen McClain, PGA Professional
WIth snow remaining on the ground and Moses Lake's average high temperature at 33 degrees, one might think it's down-time for the golf clubs. Are you crazy? For the first time in three weeks, my sticks saw the practice range today. Being faithful to my workouts for two weeks, putting a pitching target in the back yard, and checking weather.com to learn what to expect in six weeks has me eager. Many area courses have winter rates at $10 or less with honor boxes, if anyone needs further convincing.
One year ago, a cast was on my left wrist; it wasn't until April that I could swing at 3/4 speed, and in August my skills began to reemerge. Today, the ball flew true to the target, contact was clean, and the muscles limber—what cold? The Hogan Apex irons will see shop time this weekend, when a $400 machine will be used to check and adjust their lie angles and lofts. (If you didn't know this, a slightly altered lie angle will have a significant effect on accuracy and result in undesirable swing adjustments.)
This year the PGA Tour should be more interesting, because new stars will continue to emerge. While many think Tiger's absence will be catastrophic, in major championships he hasn't been the most dominant player of the past three years. Padraig Harrington has. Will Daly and Duval succeed in their comebacks? As for the LPGA, I'll just keep watching for my favorite, Jimin Kang, hoping she'll win again. Michelle, Paula, Lorena…who will rise to the top? On the senior circuit, watch for Fred, Freddy, and Kenny, but Jay Haas is a favorite of mine, because years ago he stuck with persimmon longer than most—remember my "Golf in the Olympics" piece?.
It's also a good time to brush up on the rules of golf. By using time in the…uh…powder room efficiently, a golfer can be a lot smarter on the course later, and nobody will have to call them, "Shankapotamus". Learn the definitions, first. They are written in detail for a reason.
In coming weeks, watch this blog for swing tips that will help bring you out of hibernation. For now, just get back in shape!
(If you have any questions about club repair, lessons, conditioning, etc.. drop me a line below or on the "about Owen/contact" page at www.owenmcclaingolf.com.)