Kris Ruiter : C.G.T.F. Golf Professional

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Kris Ruiter : C.G.T.F. Golf Professional

Hi...my name is Kris Ruiter and I am a personal golf coach. I have been playing golf for 25 years and have been studying the game for 15 years. It is a passion. As you know, non-golfers may call it an obsession...but it is truly a passion. I love this game.

I love the game so much that I am the least picky person when it comes to golf courses. As long as there are holes on the greens...okay...that is optional too, I am happy to play. I have been fortunate to have played golf in several countries and in all kinds of weather, in all kinds of playing conditions...and have loved all of it. From my uncle's four green setup that is cut into the side of a mountain in Vermont, to the TPC of Scottsdale, to Braid Hills and Carnoustie in Scotland I love playing this great game.

Kris Ruiter : A Life in Sports

Sports has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up playing everything. Hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis...just to name a few. I loved all my sports experiences. I was fortunate to have a university basketball career at Bishop's University, where I was a co-captain of the 1998 CIAU National Championship team. This was a tremendous experience and where I truly learned the values of dedication, leadership, communication and a strong work ethic.

How did this affect my golf? Well, I was small for a power forward and I needed to know the game better than my opponents so that I could make up for the 2-4 inches and 20-30 pounds I gave up every game. I really enjoy learning the intricacies of a sport. It was this experience that gave me the confidence take my knowledge of golf to an even higher level. You will find my various sports experience will come through in my golf teaching. Most sports have a similar motion. Tennis, baseball, throwing a ball and golf all have a similar motion through the core of the body. I like to try and use sports people have played before to help them with their golf.

Kris Ruiter's Family

There is only one thing in my life more important than golf and sports...and that is my family. I am married to the most wonderful wife and mother. My wife is just tremendous in taking care of our four beautiful girls. The things she teaches and does with them is astounding.

As the parents out there can probably attest to, it is just amazing seeing what your own kids can do. I am far more fascinated my children's athletic ability than I am at my own sporting accomplishments.

My two older daughters have started to go to the driving range with me. We are very excited as they have made friends with another girl their age who likes to play. This has them very keen on going to hit balls and of course play some mini-golf with their friend. I can only hope that they continue to play and appreciate this beautiful game. If they have my passion for it that's great...but I just hope they enjoy the game for a long, long time.

Anyways, enough about me. Let's start working on your golf game to lower your scores.

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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.