The Barclays Championship Preview & Golf Tips
The Barclays ChampionshipFEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS – Tournament 1 of 4
Click here to watch video tips from the leaders FEDEX CUP POINT STANDINGS – Top Ten
This is the second year of the FEDEX CUP. Last year Tiger Woods dominated as usual and took home the inaugural cup. This year may be even more exciting that last year. It certainly is disappointing not being able to watch the greatness that is Tiger. However, it will completely open up the competition. That should make for a much closer race for the Cup. The Barclays Championship The field this week will consist of the top 144 players after the season long accumulation of FEDEX CUP points. As you can see Tiger won the regular season, but as most of us know he will be out for the playoffs due to injury. The tournament winner this week will take 11,000 points and if the player comes from the top ten it will put that player into a strong position heading into the second week. The key for the players is they need to be in the top 120 on the points list after play is completed on Sunday. Only 120 players get to tee it up next week and continue their pursuit of the FEDEX CUP. 
Ridgewood Country Club The Barclay’s Championship had been contested at Westchester Country Club for the last 30 years. This year it will be played at a new venue for the PGA Tour and its players. The Ridgewood Country Club will give the players a strong test for the first playoff tournament. The course will play as a par 71 at 7301 yards. It is not as big as some of the courses on the Tour however; accuracy will be a premium for success. It looks like all the holes will be entertaining; however, the first true ‘fun’ hole will be #5. It is part of the in vogue drivable par 4’s. This one plays 291 yards, which means the biggest hitters may even hit 3 wood depending on the conditions. There are 6 bunkers ready to swallow up shots that miss the green. It is fun to watch the players go for it on a hole like this. The back nine starts with a 230 yard par three. There is great bunkering, with a large cross bunker and a small but devilish pot bunker. The players had better hit a great shot into that green. The 12th hole is a hole for bombers, albeit, accurate bombers. It is a 475 yard par 4 that is uphill. In fact 300 yards of the hole is a steep climb. The guys will have to hit it big to tame this hole. Then on 13 they will face a 626 yard par 5. This has a split fairway where there is a huge amount of very deep rough and mounds. If there is a miscue into the mounds, it may take the players a couple of shots to get out. The closing holes are certainly a test and will reward the players that can keep their emotions in check. It should be a great event, and a great kickoff to the playoff series. Click here to watch video tips from the leaders Return to the Home Page from the Barclays ChampionshipReturn to the Watch the Pros Page from the Barclays Championship Copyright 2006-2012 Free-Golf-Lessons.com
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PGA Tour Winner Quick Lesson
Congratulations to Steve Stricker on his victory at the 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
I believe the commentators said he has won 9 times in his 40s. That is amazing!I also agree with Sir Nick and Johnny Miller that his swing will be copied in the future. Technology has reduced the need for hand action in the golf swing to generate power. Watch the old videos of Bobby Jones to see how much action he created compared to that of Steve Stricker.
A great objective for any player is to eliminate any unnecessary movement. Stricker does a great job of that. His hands stay very quiet on the backswing. His wrists hardly hinge at the top of his backswing. You can see from the above video that his backswing is all shoulder turn.
His downswing starts from the hips and he simply turns everything through the golf ball at the same time. His hands and wrists release naturally without any effort. This is a great way to have a consistent rhythm through the golf ball on every shot. This swing delivers enough power to win on Tour.
European Tour Winner Quick Lesson
Congratulations to Louis Oosthuizen and his victory at the 2012 Africa Open.
Louis burst onto the scene with his dominating performance at the Open Championship. Many have predicted multiple wins for this player. His victory this past weekend is likely one of many to come.
In the video above pay really close attention to when the video ends. Take a look at his left foot. Notice how all his weight his on his left heel. This is a great sign that he has cleared his hips properly.
One of the key reasons for starting the downswing with your lower body is to clear your hips out of the way to create more room for your arms to swing through impact. It is a great indicator as to how well you cleared your hips, when almost all your weight is on your heel.
If your weight is leaning on you toes or even the middle of your foot then you have not rotated and cleared your hips enough through your downswing and past impact. You really want to feel the pressure of your weight on your heel like Oosthuizen.
Make sure you start your downswing with your lower body. At the top of your backswing; either pull your left knee or your left hip (right handed player) towards the target. Also make sure your hips keep rotating through impact and into your finish position with your weight on the heel.