The Canadian Open Preview & Golf Tips
RBC Canadian Open
Defending Champion: Jim Furyk TV Coverage:
Click here to watch video golf tips from the pros The Canadian Open is one of the oldest golf championships in the world. It was first contested in 1904. It was a one day 36 hole event. It was won by John H. Oke with a total score of 156. The event has certainly grown over the years. When Oke won over 100 years ago he took home a total of $60. In 2008 $60 will get you through the gate to watch the Final Round, but a player will take home $900,000 of the $5 million purse. Oh how the times have changed. This tournament has been played on some of the great courses in Canada. It has been played in the great cities of Canada; Royal Montreal in Montreal (host of last year’s Presidents Cup), Shaunessy in Vancouver, and Glen Abbey or Angus Glen near Toronto. In the field: 
Glen Abbey Golf Course This golf course has hosted this championship more times than any other course in Canada. A total of 23 champions have been crowned on these links. It is a great test, and has been witness to some great shots. Who could ever forget Tiger’s 216 yard 6 iron over water to a back right pin placement. When Tiger finishes his career I am sure that will be in his top ten highlights. 
The course will play as a par 71 at 7222 yards. This course is not enormous but with the wet summer that has been in the area it may not produce the roll on the tee shots the Tour Players are used to. That will leave them a club or two longer into the hole. Ball striking will certainly be at a premium. I hope you enjoy the 2008 RBC Canadian Open at the Glen Abbey Golf Course. Remember to check back here for the Tour Tips of the Leaders before the start of the 3rd round. Return to the Home Page from the Canadian Open 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.