On Sunday 9-23, both New York football teams won their first games of the 2007 NFL season. The Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays to pull to within 1 game of the Boston Red Sox in the all important loss column for first place, going into the last week of the baseball season. It appears almost certain they will at least clinch a playoff spot in the American League East, but it’s still anyone's guess who will play who and where they’ll play, as the playoffs begin next week.
The real question in sports this week is, does anyone REALLY care what’s going on in golf these days, besides the players, their families, sponsors and some devoted fans? (AND of course the entire city of Montreal and a few Canadian provinces, if not more.) Does the anticipation for the President’s Cup raise your adrenaline levels like the Ryder Cup, The Masters or ANY of the majors? ME either! In fact, it’s that time of the year when football, baseball’s finale, then hockey (especially hockey) and basketball take over mind share for die hard sports fans (like ME).
The golf season for ME typically lasts into the first week of December, or longer some years like last year, when a member of my 3-some played in shorts on his 55th birthday, Jan 6. I play nine months out of the year and think golf non-stop. TV golf, well that’s a different story. The President’s Cup has always been played this time of year when my focus changes with the seasons. A recent example can be found in last week’s newsletter and blog article, where I wrote about Tiger shutting it down for the season last week to become a full time dad. I said he’d gone fishing. Well, I believe it’s still true but I had completely forgotten about the President’s Cup in Montreal this coming weekend, September 28-30, so shame on ME. Also, shame on you for not noticing my mistake OR al least sending ME a comment about it.
No, it’s not the Ryder Cup, but each President’s Cup over the last ten years has been entertaining, as the best players in the world battle for their country’s team, just like in the Ryder Cup. Too bad the mind share just isn’t there, AGAIN. Am I alone? Do you feel the same way? Your comments are always welcome.
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It’s Alan Martin, with a 60 second Thumbs Down method golf tip about the power source in the golf swing. Where does the power come from? What’s your answer? Please reply to ajm.me@thumbsdown.info or feel free to call ME 609-448-4331.
Is it the large muscles of the shoulders, or the legs, or the hips? I believe a majority of golfers would say yes. Once upon a time I was one of the more than 50 percenter’s that turned and pivoted my body like a corkscrew into the ground for power. I hit the ball hard and relatively long for a 5’7”, 150 pound man, but after 25 years of that kind of thinking I ended up with these results: 20 less yards with every club in my bag (putter excluded) and an out of control slice. I still hit it hard.
OR is it the arms that swing, with the forearms, wrists and hands that generate the REAL POWER in the golf swing? If you’ve read any of my Thumbs Down HOW TO guides (Front Nine, Back Nine, Preview, Drills or Pro editions) on curing a slice and teaching yourself to become a better ball striker, you know how much I believe this is where the secret lies, ESPECIALLY for amateur and recreational players.
Pro’s play a different game than the rest of us. They can afford to fine tune their swings to perfection, but for the tens of millions of others, squaring the club at impact with the smaller muscles in the forearms, wrists, hands (and don’t forget those thumbs) provide the missing ingredient's for increased power, accuracy and control.
Don’t forget, for a limited time I’m offering Better Ball Striking for under $10, then a 100% trade-in (means it’s FREE) for an upgrade to the new and improved Back Nine or Pro Plus editions. Both include virtual lessons via the internet by ME.
With the holidays approaching, the gift of golf ALWAYS scores points with family, friends and business. Please visit http://www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/
September 26, 2007
September 20, 2007
Tiger in the Spotlight ...yes again
If it looks like the focus of my last few stories has been Tiger Woods, I admit it, but there’s a good reason. I realize, NOT everyone agrees with my view point, (some of you more than others as your comments imply) BUT this guy is the real deal! He’s the kind of athlete one can admire, (try to) imitate and enjoy watching perform with the utmost respect, both for his talent level and endless desire to win, but also as a person. Today it’s rare to find that combination in a professional athlete, especially one who’s consistently re-writing the history books (both hard copy and on-line versions) AND ALWAYS in the spotlight with every move he makes. Once there was a guy named OJ who seemed to own the world (…but we won’t go down that road).
With all the historic achievements bestowed on him, Tiger Woods did something last Sunday 9-16-07, he had never done before. No, I’m not referring to his hitting into the group in front of him (Sergio Garcia and Zach Johnson) with his second shot from 286 yards with a 5 wood, while they were on the ninth green of the par 5 hole. I’ll bet he’s hit into many groups during his storied career. This was the first time Woods walked away from one tournament with two trophies. Along with winning the TOUR Championship and its $1.26 million prize, he was a runaway winner of the inaugural FedEx Cup and the $10 million that goes into his retirement account.
The PGA TOUR's "new era in golf" came to a familiar conclusion Sunday when the world's #1 player captured the TOUR Championship in record-setting fashion, closing with a 4-under 66 for an eight-shot victory at East Lake and his seventh title of the season.
Since the beginning of August, when Tiger took it up to a gear NO other golfer can, he’s won everything in site: The WGC, The PGA, The Tour Championship and The FedEx Cup. I think it’s safe to say that we’ll see highlights of his wins this season a plenty, but we won’t see Tiger on the golf course again until next season’s opener in early January, the Mercedes Championship from Maui. It’s time to give someone else their turn to win.
The FedEx Cup didn't change anything but Tiger Woods' bank account. What’s dramatically changed is this; Tiger’s a dad now! So DON'T be surprised if he’s hung a big sign outside his door that says, “Gone Fishing”.
With all the historic achievements bestowed on him, Tiger Woods did something last Sunday 9-16-07, he had never done before. No, I’m not referring to his hitting into the group in front of him (Sergio Garcia and Zach Johnson) with his second shot from 286 yards with a 5 wood, while they were on the ninth green of the par 5 hole. I’ll bet he’s hit into many groups during his storied career. This was the first time Woods walked away from one tournament with two trophies. Along with winning the TOUR Championship and its $1.26 million prize, he was a runaway winner of the inaugural FedEx Cup and the $10 million that goes into his retirement account.
The PGA TOUR's "new era in golf" came to a familiar conclusion Sunday when the world's #1 player captured the TOUR Championship in record-setting fashion, closing with a 4-under 66 for an eight-shot victory at East Lake and his seventh title of the season.
Since the beginning of August, when Tiger took it up to a gear NO other golfer can, he’s won everything in site: The WGC, The PGA, The Tour Championship and The FedEx Cup. I think it’s safe to say that we’ll see highlights of his wins this season a plenty, but we won’t see Tiger on the golf course again until next season’s opener in early January, the Mercedes Championship from Maui. It’s time to give someone else their turn to win.
The FedEx Cup didn't change anything but Tiger Woods' bank account. What’s dramatically changed is this; Tiger’s a dad now! So DON'T be surprised if he’s hung a big sign outside his door that says, “Gone Fishing”.
September 11, 2007
The cream rises to the top
Alan Martin here, with a 60 second Thumbs Down method golf tip titled: A Pretty Swing don't mean a thing.
On hole #4 of the Front Nine edition of Thumbs Down, the virtual golf lesson I explain how "if the club isn't square, your shots could end up anywhere". Translation: the #1 priority of the golf swing needs to be squaring the club at impact, NOT having the prettiest swing. It's nice to have a smooth rhythmic swing, but golf has had and continues to have champions with average looking or downright ugly looking swings, so it's not a must. Miller Barber, Jim Furyk, Jim Thorp, Alan Doyle and of course that guy Arnold Palmer are a few examples of champions who have gotten the job done without the prettiest of swings. Instead, all pros look basically the same coming through the hitting zone, striking the ball to perfection on almost every shot.
Throughout the Front Nine I tell you to focus on a method that squares the club and to concentrate your precious swing thought time on the moment "just before" ball contact. That's what the Thumbs Down method does. Bottom Line: Better Golf, More Often.
Checkout http://www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/. Take advantage of my limited offer of "better ball striking" for less than $10. I hope you enjoy today's story below titled "The cream rises to the top".
On the official starting Sunday of the 2007 football season, the best players in the worlds of professional golf and tennis helped take the meaning of this well known expression to the next level, TOTAL DOMINATION.
During the 1970’s I enjoyed watching a stoic yet classy Bjorn Borg play tennis, hitting top spin passing shots with his tiny wooden racket (the Donnay Borg) from every possible angle, on his way to five straight Wimbledon titles. Unfortunately for Borg, Jimmy Conners, John McEnroe and other rivals stood in the way of his ever winning the US Open.
After completing his sixth consecutive Wimbledon victory earlier this year, Roger Federer did what Borg couldn't. He made it look easy as he completed his forth year in a row hoisting the US Open trophy, as he played in his record ninth straight grand slam final match. Can anyone beat this guy? Yes, but the upsets are few and far between!
As Federer’s match against Novak Djokovic was beginning, Tiger Woods was showing Steve Stricker, Aaron Baddley and the rest of golf what being #1 is about, finishing them all off during the FedEx Cup playoffs at the BMW Championship. Any bets on who will finish runner-up in the FedEx Cup race and the $10 million prize? (Actually, it’s a deferred annuity not a lump sum, so take out your violins for Tiger).
Normally, I root for the underdog, but it’s hard to root against these two dominators in their respective sports. Instead I’m enjoying watching history take place, as both Woods and Federer show why they’re in a class above every other player that ever played their sport. Sorry to fans of Jack, Arnie, Ben, Bobby, Bjorn, Arthur and all other past champions in golf and tennis, but it’s true. Thankfully, both are class acts and true role models, a characteristic missing from most professional athletes today.
Do you agree? Disagree? Email your thoughts to ajm.me@thumbsdown.info
On hole #4 of the Front Nine edition of Thumbs Down, the virtual golf lesson I explain how "if the club isn't square, your shots could end up anywhere". Translation: the #1 priority of the golf swing needs to be squaring the club at impact, NOT having the prettiest swing. It's nice to have a smooth rhythmic swing, but golf has had and continues to have champions with average looking or downright ugly looking swings, so it's not a must. Miller Barber, Jim Furyk, Jim Thorp, Alan Doyle and of course that guy Arnold Palmer are a few examples of champions who have gotten the job done without the prettiest of swings. Instead, all pros look basically the same coming through the hitting zone, striking the ball to perfection on almost every shot.
Throughout the Front Nine I tell you to focus on a method that squares the club and to concentrate your precious swing thought time on the moment "just before" ball contact. That's what the Thumbs Down method does. Bottom Line: Better Golf, More Often.
Checkout http://www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/. Take advantage of my limited offer of "better ball striking" for less than $10. I hope you enjoy today's story below titled "The cream rises to the top".
On the official starting Sunday of the 2007 football season, the best players in the worlds of professional golf and tennis helped take the meaning of this well known expression to the next level, TOTAL DOMINATION.
During the 1970’s I enjoyed watching a stoic yet classy Bjorn Borg play tennis, hitting top spin passing shots with his tiny wooden racket (the Donnay Borg) from every possible angle, on his way to five straight Wimbledon titles. Unfortunately for Borg, Jimmy Conners, John McEnroe and other rivals stood in the way of his ever winning the US Open.
After completing his sixth consecutive Wimbledon victory earlier this year, Roger Federer did what Borg couldn't. He made it look easy as he completed his forth year in a row hoisting the US Open trophy, as he played in his record ninth straight grand slam final match. Can anyone beat this guy? Yes, but the upsets are few and far between!
As Federer’s match against Novak Djokovic was beginning, Tiger Woods was showing Steve Stricker, Aaron Baddley and the rest of golf what being #1 is about, finishing them all off during the FedEx Cup playoffs at the BMW Championship. Any bets on who will finish runner-up in the FedEx Cup race and the $10 million prize? (Actually, it’s a deferred annuity not a lump sum, so take out your violins for Tiger).
Normally, I root for the underdog, but it’s hard to root against these two dominators in their respective sports. Instead I’m enjoying watching history take place, as both Woods and Federer show why they’re in a class above every other player that ever played their sport. Sorry to fans of Jack, Arnie, Ben, Bobby, Bjorn, Arthur and all other past champions in golf and tennis, but it’s true. Thankfully, both are class acts and true role models, a characteristic missing from most professional athletes today.
Do you agree? Disagree? Email your thoughts to ajm.me@thumbsdown.info
September 04, 2007
The greatest inventions of our time
Alan Martin here, with a 60 second Thumbs Down method golf tip titled: The Truth Be Told
Pros control the clubface and control their shots ...by letting the club do all the work. ALL great ball strikers use their hands and wrists for hidden power, whether they know it or want to admit it. A common denominator that exists with all the best players is how they have the ability to square the club and put it in the ideal hitting position at impact on every shot.
Discover for yourself (as I did) how pros maximize the true source of power and control that comes from the correct use of the hands, wrists and forearms. Visit http://www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/ for more details.
It’s ironic timing, yet very fitting that my subject matter for this blog story comes on the eve of the conclusion of the Golf Channel’s Fore Inventors Only. After all, this new program, which was conceived by the same people who created "The Big Break" program series, helped begin the process of taking my Thumbs Down efforts for the past 10+ years to the next level.
On a perfect weather Labor Day late afternoon, after dropping my daughter off at college for her freshman year, I kicked back and watched two major league battles in two sports I love to watch, golf and tennis. These events were especially special because it was the final round of the first ever playoffs in golf, at the Deutsche Bank Championship and the end of the first week at the US Open in tennis, which is always a treat. These events were particularly timely for me because they followed an emotional week, where my daughter developed a nasty throat infection and missed all the weekend activities that the university planned for incoming freshman, prior to her first day of classes (today).
As I constantly switched back to watch every stroke from both events, a strange thought and question crossed my mind that went something like this: What’s the greatest invention of my lifetime? The TV, PC, golf and automobile have to rank as 4 of the my top 5, but watching these events almost simultaneously made one stand out high and above the rest, especially when dealing with a sports freak (ME) and my description of late weekend heaven. The winner in my book as the most useful and valuable tools during my lifetime is the TV remote control.
There’s no question of the importance of the computer and specifically the laptop, a handy device I’d have difficulty doing without. How else could I bring you such an entertaining story as this one? But the personal computer ranks as a distant fifth to the others and especially to the remote control. Living equidistant between New York and Philadelphia really helps because there’s a choice of channels between both major markets, which usually assures easy viewing with just a press or two.
On this Labor Day Monday you couldn’t have asked for more action and drama as I watched the back nine on NBC where Phil Mickelson battled head to head in a 2-some against Tiger Woods, holding on to win the second leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs, while a five set thriller on CBS between James Blake and Tommy Haas was televised at the US Open. Their match jockeyed back and forth, with both players ahead then behind, each with match points until Haas finally won it with an ace that made it in by ¼ inch during the tie-breaker.
So, what do you think is the greatest invention of your lifetime? Also, after tonight’s conclusion to Fore Inventors Only, I’d like your opinion of who the winner should be. If you didn’t watch the show you can see the inventions at http://www.golfchannel.com/. I’m interested in knowing if you watched the show and if you voted. If yes, who did you vote for? If no, who do you think should have won? Please email me your comments at ajm.ME@thumbsdown.info.
...AND DON’T FORGET I’m offering a special for a limited time to customers and subscribers (you) to improve your ball striking with my Front Nine eBook for under $10, then get a 100% trade in (which means it's FREE), to celebrate the opening of the new Back Nine and release of the Pro Plus editions of Thumbs Down, the virtual golf lesson.
Both include foundation ball strikng information and drills that are priceless, for less than the price of a round of golf and lunch at a typical country club. PLUS, I include a virtual lesson using the internet, which let’s us connect to review the lessons and answer questions, just like as if we were together. Please visit my website www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/ and www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/order.htm for product details.
Pros control the clubface and control their shots ...by letting the club do all the work. ALL great ball strikers use their hands and wrists for hidden power, whether they know it or want to admit it. A common denominator that exists with all the best players is how they have the ability to square the club and put it in the ideal hitting position at impact on every shot.
Discover for yourself (as I did) how pros maximize the true source of power and control that comes from the correct use of the hands, wrists and forearms. Visit http://www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/ for more details.
It’s ironic timing, yet very fitting that my subject matter for this blog story comes on the eve of the conclusion of the Golf Channel’s Fore Inventors Only. After all, this new program, which was conceived by the same people who created "The Big Break" program series, helped begin the process of taking my Thumbs Down efforts for the past 10+ years to the next level.
On a perfect weather Labor Day late afternoon, after dropping my daughter off at college for her freshman year, I kicked back and watched two major league battles in two sports I love to watch, golf and tennis. These events were especially special because it was the final round of the first ever playoffs in golf, at the Deutsche Bank Championship and the end of the first week at the US Open in tennis, which is always a treat. These events were particularly timely for me because they followed an emotional week, where my daughter developed a nasty throat infection and missed all the weekend activities that the university planned for incoming freshman, prior to her first day of classes (today).
As I constantly switched back to watch every stroke from both events, a strange thought and question crossed my mind that went something like this: What’s the greatest invention of my lifetime? The TV, PC, golf and automobile have to rank as 4 of the my top 5, but watching these events almost simultaneously made one stand out high and above the rest, especially when dealing with a sports freak (ME) and my description of late weekend heaven. The winner in my book as the most useful and valuable tools during my lifetime is the TV remote control.
There’s no question of the importance of the computer and specifically the laptop, a handy device I’d have difficulty doing without. How else could I bring you such an entertaining story as this one? But the personal computer ranks as a distant fifth to the others and especially to the remote control. Living equidistant between New York and Philadelphia really helps because there’s a choice of channels between both major markets, which usually assures easy viewing with just a press or two.
On this Labor Day Monday you couldn’t have asked for more action and drama as I watched the back nine on NBC where Phil Mickelson battled head to head in a 2-some against Tiger Woods, holding on to win the second leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs, while a five set thriller on CBS between James Blake and Tommy Haas was televised at the US Open. Their match jockeyed back and forth, with both players ahead then behind, each with match points until Haas finally won it with an ace that made it in by ¼ inch during the tie-breaker.
So, what do you think is the greatest invention of your lifetime? Also, after tonight’s conclusion to Fore Inventors Only, I’d like your opinion of who the winner should be. If you didn’t watch the show you can see the inventions at http://www.golfchannel.com/. I’m interested in knowing if you watched the show and if you voted. If yes, who did you vote for? If no, who do you think should have won? Please email me your comments at ajm.ME@thumbsdown.info.
...AND DON’T FORGET I’m offering a special for a limited time to customers and subscribers (you) to improve your ball striking with my Front Nine eBook for under $10, then get a 100% trade in (which means it's FREE), to celebrate the opening of the new Back Nine and release of the Pro Plus editions of Thumbs Down, the virtual golf lesson.
Both include foundation ball strikng information and drills that are priceless, for less than the price of a round of golf and lunch at a typical country club. PLUS, I include a virtual lesson using the internet, which let’s us connect to review the lessons and answer questions, just like as if we were together. Please visit my website www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/ and www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/order.htm for product details.
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