The Quarry One Minute Clinic #8

Prepare yourself for windy fall conditions with the “knock-down shot”

Fall is certainly in the air this week and after Tuesday’s north-wind cold front, you might be wondering how to battle windy fall and winter conditions.

Here is a quick lesson on how to execute the lower trajectory wind shot, otherwise known as a “knock-down shot” or “punch shot.”

This shot is a favorite and a necessity among golfers wishing to score well on a windy day. The basic premise of this shot is to intentionally lower the trajectory of the ball flight in order to reduce the amount the ball spins and lifts into the breeze.

Adding this useful shot to your repertoire can save you valuable strokes in your game as it offers two things most golfers struggle with

·        solid contact and

·        control of the ball

The basic technique is as follows:

First, move the ball back in your stance. It is best to experiment with different clubs and ball positions to get the desired effect, but generally in the center of your stance is a good place to start.

Next, select one or two lower-lofted clubs than what you would actually need for the yardage (for example, choose a 7-iron instead of a 9-iron).

Lastly, the shape of the swing will be slightly shorter, as to reduce the spin here as well. Making this abbreviated backswing and follow-through helps you control the height of the shot as well as the direction.

Making these simple adjustments will help the golfer gain better control of the ball in the wind and will help to navigate those blustery autumn days.

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Thank you Sean Etheredge for this one minute clinic.

The Quarry One Minute Clinic #6

A Beginner's Guide to Course Etiquette: What to do when you have NO idea what to do!

We have all been there at some point in our golf careers. You are up next on the tee and you hit your shot. Problem is—your ball went somewhere nobody else in your group would even think of going, well, at least not on this hole. We have all been there! We aren’t exactly sure what “etiquette” would call for or what the other players in our group are expecting of us. Hopefully, these tips can help you at least appear to know what’s going on.

Choose your tees wisely. Tee boxes, that is! Everyone has to start somewhere, but before you sign up to play in the club championship or play from the back sets of pro tees, consider your playing experience and the length of the course from where you will be playing. How far is the longest par 3 from each set of tees? Can you get there in one shot? Ask the course starter or golf professional for advice on tee boxes based on your experience and the length you hit your average tee shots.  They can give you a good idea of where you will enjoy the course the most from. Notice, I said ENJOY…

Keep the Pace. “Pace of Play” is probably the best way to summarize most course etiquette situations. Here at The Quarry, we pride ourselves on some of the best pace of play around because of the way we stagger the tee time intervals. We space our tee times 10 minutes apart, whereas most courses do 6 or 7 minute intervals. This might not seem like such a big deal at first, but it eliminates much of the wait time between holes and lets you enjoy your time on the course without feeling like the group behind you is breathing down your neck.  This is not the feeling you want whether you are a beginner, pro, parent with a child or businessman trying to get some time in with a customer. When searching for a lost ball, but not wanting to hold up your partners, toss down a *mulligan and try again!

*Mulligan is a golf term for another shot played after a bad shot that doesn’t count against your score. Only allowed in recreational play.

Dress the part. Every golf course has its own dress code and requirements, so it is always a great idea to call beforehand and ask. Nicer courses will require a shirt with a collar and do not allow steel spikes. In certain parts of the country this summer, smoking was even banned do to fire hazards from drought conditions. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. To be on the safe side, try to wear something made by a golf clothing manufacturer such as FootJoy, Greg Norman, Peter Millar or Nike.  Usually if it is made for golf or in the pro shop you can wear it on the course.

Looking for more advice? Check out the hilarious book Golf for Dummies by Gary McCord, or pick up an official rule book at USGA.org.

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This One Minute Clinic brought to you by the awesome Sean Etheredge, head golf pro at The Quarry.  

The Quarry One Minute Clinic #5

Fall fashion golf apparel tips: Keeping your game cool…or warm…or cool again!

Ahhh, fall in Southern Texas—the temperature can be 95 or 65 and every degree in between. Much like the saying goes, "If you don’t like the weather in Texas, just wait about 10 minutes and it’ll change!" So, how do you prepare for a great round of golf with ever-changing weather?!?

First, do your research. Check the weather online. If you have a smart phone, log on to the app store from your cell phone provider and pick up The Weather Channel or weather bug app. These apps can prove invaluable in giving you some quick info about what to expect, as well as streaming radar from upcoming storm events or changes in the current conditions. What time was that storm rolling in? Winds pick up to 35 mph at what time you say? Now you know.

Next, pack in layers. If you are one of those golfers who packs all of the golf balls you own in EVERY pocket of your bag, help yourself (and the bag boys) out and ditch some of that dead weight!

Throw in a base layer (like FootJoy’s Performance Base) which can be worn under just about anything and keeps you warm while providing UV protection and wicking sweat.

Then, consider a micro fleece or merino wool blend sweater or vest. Vests are gaining popularity once again and earning their place in more golfers’ bags by providing warmth to their cores while keeping their arms mobile and unrestricted.

Last, for the really rough stuff, you need to be prepared. If a couple of inches of rain won’t stop you from playing, consider investing in rain gear. Yes, the material might remind you of a fancy camping tent; but they do make trendy pieces like FootJoy’s DryJoy pants or tops.

Even if wearing rain gear doesn’t sound so appealing now, the fashion trade-off is definitely worth staying dry for. Plus, if you’re dry, you are more likely to be allowed back in the house when you return home from your four hour adventure!

Also, a word to the wise, wet weather gloves and towels are irreplaceable and made for a reason: they work! Hang the extra towel from the inside supports of your umbrella and leave the wrap on as much as possible during the round.  Then, next thing you know—Boom! Dry towel when you need it!

Good luck out there this fall, whatever might come your way.

Thanks Sean Etheredge, Quarry Head Golf Pro, for this advice!