The 2008 Colonial Video Golf Tips

The 2008 Colonial Crowne Plaza Invitational Leader Board:

• Phil Mickelson -7
• Matt Kuchar -6
• Brian Gay -6
• Stephan Ames -5

The 2008 Colonial leader board is a great mix of players. A major champion is on top with a couple of journeyman, young guns and tour winners trying to chase him down.

The third round should be very exciting because there have been some very low scores been posted. This means the winner will have to post great rounds both Saturday and Sunday. The players will not be able to be conservative, or they will get left behind.

Phil Mickelson - 2008 Colonial

Phil Mickelson is in the lead at -7 after shooting rounds of 65 and 68. That is very solid golf to say the least. We all know how good Mickelson is with every club in his bag. The area he has probably improved the most over the last few years is his tournament preparation. He also has done a great job with how he prepares for each shot during his rounds.

This weekend watch how he gets ready for each shot. The video attached to this article is a great example of what you will see. He talks about what his target will be and then focuses only on that target. For many players the water would be too distracting, but Mickelson only speaks of his target. That will give him the best opportunity to hit the ball where he wants it to go.

He takes a look from behind the ball to get a great view of where to he wants to hit his shot. He then wastes no time in stepping up and hitting his shot. Many people are concerned that by doing this they will be taking too much time to hit their shot. Check out how long this video is…it is 37 seconds. When I teach I show my players how it only takes me 25 seconds to go through my whole routine and hit my shot. That is not a lot of time! In fact 25-30 seconds is worth taking to give you the best opportunity to hit a great shot.

Brian Gay - 2008 Colonial

There is a very simple thing that Brian does in his setup that can help you avoid hitting the dreaded slice. Many times a slice is the product of a poor setup. Often we can change the outcome of a shot just by changing our setup.

When they show Gay from down the line (the camera pointing towards his target) take a look at his right elbow. You will see that it is closer to his body than his left elbow. This helps keep his shoulders square to the target line. One of the key things that lead to a slice is having shoulders pointing way left of the target. Keeping the right elbow tucked to the body helps avoid being in that open position. It also helps Brian take the club back on the proper path, which is straight back and in towards his shoes. A slicer will have the club start moving back away from his shoes.

Watch and copy his setup to help hit straighter shots.

Stephan Ames - 2008 Colonial

Stephan Ames has a fast swing. It is not a quick swing, but it certainly is fast. Being fast is fine if you remain in rhythm and keep your balance like he does. Ames does a great job of keeping his body moving the same speed throughout his swing. It is very important for fast swingers to keep the hips moving and rotating through the shot.

Take a look at Ames when he is finished a shot. Look at how far left of the target his belt buckle or belly button is pointing. To have a complete finish your belt buckle should be past your target. Many people don’t get to being level with their target which is another reason balls are hit weak and to the right. (right handed player). Keep an eye on Ames’ balance and hip position at the finish of his swing and try to emulate it for your game.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the 2008 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Good luck with your practicing, playing, and watching. May you “Play Your Golf Dreams” sooner with the help of free-golf-lesson.com.

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