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From Robert Phillips,
golfer: |
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I have Cerebral Palsy which affects only
my left side. I played golf in High School (1970-1972) and have recently
tried playing again. I have taught myself the fundamentals as much as I
can remember but I feel I need some professional lessons if I want to
improve my game. Do you know of any instructor who is willing to teach
someone who is physically challenged? Could you recommend someone to me or
perhaps give me some drills to improve my left side? My current shot shape
is usually straight with a slight draw and a tendency to hit push slices
and pull hooks when my left side tires. I would like to play more
competitively, and I think I need to get my left side stronger to do so.
Are there any exercises you can recommend? |
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PGA/LPGA
TEACHING
PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSES: |
Alabama
"A local club professional should be able to help you.
Also, get a PVC pipe to swing with your right hand. You will find
the right hand has a lot of hit and can help increase your
distance. To strengthen your left hand, keep a ball of silly putty
in your car and home and squeeze it constantly."
- Gene
Diamond, Teaching Professional
|
Florida
"Robert, one of the things
you can do is play the ball back in your stance until you find
a place where the ball will go straight. If you can't
respond with the left side the club will roll over at impact
and hit it left but if you play it more right in your stance,
you will find the spot that will help you with your problem.
Go buy Understanding the Golf Swing by Manuel de la
Torre and you will find some interesting things in there."
- Pat
Kimball, Teaching Professional
|
Mississippi
"Robert: Almost
anyone I know in the area of teaching golf would be willing to
teach the physically challenged. In order to strengthen
your left side I would suggest hitting chip shots with your left
arm only with a swing that keeps your hand between your hips.
Perform the movement slowly to strengthen the muscles
isometrically. Later you might invest in one of those
resistance band loops and start high and use your left arm to
pull in to the downswing, then lower it to pull the hand in
front of your body and then extend into the follow through being
sure to keep the left elbow close to the body. I hope that this
helps. Good luck in all you do." - Damian
van Oostendorp, Teaching Professional
|
New York
"I
am not sure how far you are from New Hope, Pa. but if your close
enough contact Dom DiJulia PGA at Jericho National Golf Club, 215
862-9045 or at Domsdog@aol.com. He has a unique perspective
which you can ask him about." - Mike
Wade, Teaching Professional |
North Carolina
"Any
good PGA professional will be willing to give you lessons. To
better your fitness, I would work on trunk rotation drills, which
will increase your flexibility." - James
Piercy, Teaching Professional
|
South Carolina
"Robert: Any true professional would be happy to work
with you. Your physical therapist has means of making the left
side stronger. But, let's get some clarity. What do you mean by
the left side? I am at a disadvantage here, as we are not
personally connected. Concentrate upon the target right now. But,
there are many questions. The first and foremost in regard to
tiredness. Are you sure your fluid intake is sufficient? Try this
the next three times you go to play. Drink a pint of water or
Gatorade within every two or three holes. Refrain from cokes or
fruit drinks, and beer. Yes, you will have to relieve yourself
more often, but try it and get back to me. Good Luck!" - Michael
Lucas, Teaching Professional
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