Latest news with #Sewgolum
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Essential techniques for effective putting on the golf course
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy lines up his putt on the 4th green on the opening day of the 152nd British Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon on the south west coast of Scotland last month. | AFP I have seen many golfers make the error of chipping on a flat lie when the grass is rather too thinned out. Golf is about score and managing your game is of utmost importance. Even the world's best players often opt for the putt from the green rather than the chip shot. When putting from off the green, it's essential to line up your putt carefully. Make sure your feet and shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line. Use a consistent alignment aid, such as a line on your putter or a mark on your ball, to help you align your putt. Choosing the right club is also crucial. Select a putter with a flat face, as it will help you make clean contact with the ball. Consider using a hybrid putter, which combines the best features of a putter and a chipper. To make a smooth stroke, keep your hands and wrists still, avoiding any twisting or turning during the stroke. Make a smooth, pendulum-like motion to strike the ball, and avoid jabbing or snatching at the ball, as this can cause the putter to bounce or skip. Judging the speed of the putt carefully is vital, taking into account the slope, grain, and texture of the surface. Use the right amount of spin to control the speed and direction of the putt. Finally, practice is key to developing your skills and building your confidence. Practice putting from different distances and angles, and on different surfaces, such as grass, sand, and artificial turf. This will help you adapt to different conditions and develop your skills. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mastering the belt buckle finish for a consistent golf swing
Working with student Donavan Govender in the picture, he often struggles with a slice and not fully achieving his distance. We worked with the belt buckle finish on the target line lessons and he is now playing some amazing golf and getting some incredible distances. Finishing with the belt buckle on target is a great way to ensure a consistent and accurate golf swing. This means that at the end of your golf swing, your belt buckle is facing directly at the target. This indicates that your body has rotated fully and your swing is on plane. Maintaining good posture is essential to achieve this finish position. Keep your posture straight and athletic throughout the swing. It's also important to focus on rotating your body, rather than just your arms and hands. This will help you maintain a consistent swing plane. Engaging your core muscles is also crucial to achieving a belt buckle on target finish. This will help you maintain a stable swing plane and ensure that you're rotating your body correctly. Practicing your swing in front of a mirror can also help you develop a consistent finish position. By focusing on rotating your body, maintaining good posture, and engaging your core muscles, you can achieve a consistent and accurate golf swing with a finish position that's right on target. This will help you improve your accuracy, increase your consistency, and strike the ball more solidly. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Stop overswinging in golf: Key techniques for better control
To stop an overswing in golf, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of the swing and make adjustments to your technique. Overswinging occurs when the golfer's arms go too far back in the backswing, causing a loss of control and poor impact position. This can lead to inconsistent shots and reduced accuracy. To combat overswinging, focus on making a compact swing. Aim for a shorter, wider backswing to maintain control and generate more power. As you swing back, focus on turning and loading your weight onto your right side, keeping your left shoulder just inside your right foot. Impact position is also crucial. Prioritize getting your body and club in sync to compress the golf ball and generate maximum power and control. Proper weight distribution is vital to achieve this. Avoid reverse pivoting by shifting your weight to your right side during the backswing, and then transferring it back to your left side during the downswing. Softening your grip and reducing arm tension can also help prevent a runaway backswing. Focus on a "wide, not long" approach to stop the club from going too far back. Ensure your body turn supports your arm swing by building a strong lower-body pivot and rotating fully to maintain control. Using training aids like an elastic band can help create tension and practice coiling your body. The towel-wringing technique can also help develop a proper coil motion. By focusing on maintaining a consistent swing plane and avoiding deviations from the target line, you can improve your overall swing and reduce overswinging. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top five of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
How to perfect your stinger shot in golf
CAPTAIN Louis Oosthuizen of Stinger GC hits his shot during a practice round at LIV Golf Korea. | LIV Golf The stinger shot is a type of golf shot that is played with a low trajectory and a lot of roll. It's a great shot to have in your arsenal, especially in windy or firm conditions. To play the stinger shot, you'll need to make some adjustments to your setup, swing, and follow-through. To start, you'll need to adjust your ball position and weight distribution. Play the ball slightly back of centre in your stance, about 1-2 inches inside your left shoulder for right-handed golfers. Distribute your weight slightly more towards your back foot, with about 60% of your weight on your back foot and 40% on your front foot. Next, align the clubface slightly closed, aiming directly at the target or slightly left of it for right-handed golfers. This will help you achieve a lower trajectory and reduce spin. Now, let's talk about the swing. Use a slightly more shallow swing plane than normal, with the clubhead approaching the ball on a more horizontal plane. Attack the ball with a slightly negative angle of attack, which means the clubhead is approaching the ball from a slightly higher position than the ball. Make contact with the ball with a slightly firmer grip pressure than normal, using a more glancing blow to reduce spin and create a lower trajectory. Keep your follow-through shorter and more controlled than normal, avoiding any excessive rotation or lift. As you release the clubhead, allow it to rotate naturally without any forced or abrupt movements. This will help you maintain control and consistency. The Stinger shot can be played with different clubs, including long irons, hybrids, and fairway woods. Experiment with different clubs to find the one that works best for you. Also, be sure to adjust for wind and slope, taking into account any conditions that may affect the shot. Finally, remember that the Stinger shot requires practice and patience to master. Start with shorter shots and gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable with the technique. With time and practice, you'll be able to add this valuable shot to your golfing game. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
The importance of a good golf glove: Tips for selection
BATTLE AT AUGUSTA THE choice of a glove is a big deal even for pros like Tiger Woods. | AFP As a golfer, you understand the importance of having the right equipment to enhance your performance on the course. One often-overlooked but crucial piece of gear is the golf glove. A well-fitting glove can make a significant difference in your game, providing comfort, consistency, and control. In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a golf glove, helping you make an informed decision to improve your game. Golf gloves are crafted from various materials, each with its unique characteristics. Cabretta leather gloves are a popular choice among golfers, offering a soft, supple feel and excellent durability. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are more affordable and easier to clean, making them an excellent option for those on a budget. Hybrid gloves combine leather and synthetic materials, striking a balance between durability and affordability. A proper fit is crucial when it comes to golf gloves. A glove that's too tight can restrict your movement, while one that's too loose can compromise your grip. Ensure the glove fits snugly but not too tightly, referring to the manufacturer's size chart to determine your ideal size. Additionally, consider the closure system, opting for a Velcro, magnetic, or snap closure that suits your preference. Some golf gloves boast additional features designed to enhance performance. Moisture-wicking properties can help keep your hands dry in humid conditions, while grip enhancement textures or patterns on the palm and fingers can improve your grip. Reinforced palms can also add durability to high-wear. Your swing style and personal preferences should also influence your golf glove choice. If you have a strong grip, look for a glove with extra grip enhancement. Faster swing speeds may require a more durable glove, while some golfers prefer a more minimalist design. Consider your unique needs and preferences when selecting a glove. If possible, try on different gloves to ensure the best fit and feel. This will give you a chance to assess the glove's comfort, flexibility, and overall performance. Catch you on the fairways! -Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.
