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Private Lessons | Summer Camps | Duke PE Courses | Tips from the Pro | Tips Archive

Private Lessons (Individual and Group)

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Summer Camps
Information now available -- call us at 681-2288 for details and to sign up!

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Duke PE Courses

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Tips from the Pro

May 2007 - Pace of Play

There is nothing that can ruin a beautiful day of golf like having to wait on every shot.  With a few pointers, you should be able to keep up with the pace of play, thus making the round more enjoyable for you and the other golfers playing.

Before the round:
Arrive 20-25 minutes prior to your tee time.  This gives you ample time to get checked-in, loaded up on a cart, time to stretch out and hit a few putts.  Without having to rush to the tee you will be in a better mindset to enjoy the day.  As you arrive to the tee note the time, you should be able to play at least 4 holes in one hour.  If you can start with this pace, you will have no problem finishing the round at a good pace.  Now that you are ready to go, lets look at some things you can do while you are on the course to help keep pace.

Once the round begins:

• On the tee play ready golf!  The first player to the tee needs go ahead hit his tee shot.
• When you get to your tee shot, if you are not in the way of your playing partners, start your pre-shot routine while they are hitting.  Having the yardage and the club before they are finished hitting will allow you to be ready to start your routine right away.   Your pre-shot routine should take no more than 30-40 seconds too take one or two practice swings, line up the shot and make the swing.  If it takes longer than this, it will probably serve you well to try and shorten it up.  By keeping it simple and precise, you will be able to get in a better rhythm and the tempo of your swing will improve.
• When the cars must stay on the path, you should estimate the yardage from the car, take the club you would hit from that yardage and then one club more and one club less.   This will eliminate walking all the way across the fairway to find out you have the wrong club and then have to walk all the way back to the cart to get a new club.
• When arriving at the green park the car or leave your bag on the side of the green nearest the next tee.  This will provide you with the most direct exit once your group finishes the hole.  When you are walking up to the green be aware of the general slope of the green.  This will give a good idea of how your putt will break before you get there.  Whenever possible, after you have hit your first putt, continue to putt until you have holed out. 
• After you have finished the hole, leave the green and write down your scores on the next tee.  If it is the final hole, add up the scores over nice cold drink at the Nineteen Golf Grill.
• When you make the turn, you may chose to stop at the Grill and pick up something to eat.  If you like, you may call the Nineteen Grill by cell phone and pre-order your food.  Their number is 919-313-2168.  They will have the food ready when you make the turn.  If this is not available, please make sure you order your food and then continue to the tenth tee.  Don’t forget that if you sit down to eat you will lose your position and likely will have difficulty getting back on the golf course due to other groups making the turn.  Therefore, it is much better to pick up your food and go straight to the back nine.

Armed with these tips, you should be able to keep up with the pace of play and make the round more pleasant for you and the others players enjoying the golf course.

John Sjoberg,
PGA Professional
Duke University Golf Club

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Tips from the Pro Archives

July 2006: Club Grips

When it comes time to play the game of golf the most important part of your equipment is what's on the handle:  The Grip! Size, condition and type all matter to a large extent.  We will talk about each one separately to establish the importance.

Size: Everybody's hand is different, therefore; everyone's grip should be sized differently so that it fits the hand completely. This will allow the most positive grip during the swing.

Condition: As a general rule of thumb if a person plays even just once a week, his or her grips should be replaced once a year.  Grips that are overly worn typically will show wear under the thumb of the lead hand.  Grips that appear to have a white haze or seem hard to the touch are ready to be replaced.

Type: There are several different types of grips that one could choose from depending on what feels the best to you during your golf swing.  Rubber compounds are the most popular type of grip and suit most people well.  People who play in moist conditions often prefer corded grips.  Also available are the new wrapped synethetic grips.  Most people that prefer the synthetic grip are ones that like a grip to be soft and cushioned. 

Finally, you can't swing well if you can't comfortably hold on to the club.  See your local professional to regrip your clubs today. 

Gerry Galbo
PGA Professional
Phone: (919)681-2288
Email :galbo@duke.edu

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