big challenge - any advice - swing and distance

[Nicola P]

HI All

I only started playing last year. However I am in need of bucketloads of help! My OH and I are going on holiday in September - I have booked a round of golf here to celebrate our third anniversary:

http://www.lux-hotels.com/turkey/kl.../facilities.php

OH has a handicap and I do not. I need to have a handicap of 36 or less to play.

However we played 18 on sunday (my first full 18) - it was a par 73 course and I went round in 150 ish shots.

I'm mainly playing with a 7 iron, and cannot for the life of me get a full swing without my ball landing anywhere but the fairway. I can do half swings and get around 50-75 yards, but at the mo I'm not going to stand up to the Klassis course.

With 11 weeks to go I need all the help I can get. Off to the driving range again on Friday so any new ideas very greatfully received.

Nickie

I'm in the Chingford area if anyone knows any good instructors.

[Ian Hancock]

Re: big challenge - any advice - swing and distance

Hi Nicola,

For any beginner it is best to seek out a few lessons to get you off on the right footing. However the best advice I can offer is to start with the set up, find some instruction books explaining the fundamentals of ball position (just a ball width forward of middle with a 7 iron) and set up.

Once you have the set-up ok, try using a large door mirror or window to check, then at the range start with the half swings, take the club back to 9 o clock, the toe should be pointing to the sky. Then swing through and "collect" the ball (not hit) and stop at 3 o clock the toe should be pointing to the sky again, this is the correct path through the ball, as you get more confident work to a longer swing.

Good luck with your challange,


Ian.

Holiday looks nice too.