FORE! (If you yell this a lot, try a lesson!) Can you hit this thing right every time?

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John Desantis: Practice the Right Stuff
"If you took Jack Nicklaus’ back swing and Arnold Palmer’s downswing, you would miss the ball," notes John Desantis, a seasoned player and 20-year teaching professional. "Most people are very confused about golf at first," adds Desantis. Rightfully so, it would seem, as Desantis points out that many golfers don’t improve simply because they don’t understand the swing. The best part about his job is he can help people understand how the swing works. "A third of golfers out there quit just because they aren’t improving," says Desantis., "And they’re not improving because they don’t understand the swing and are trying to do the wrong thing."

Desantis has been swinging a club since he was 14 and holds six course records. He won the Wisconsin State Junior Championship at 16 and the North Dakota State Junior Championship at 17. He played golf at Kenosha High School and went on to play for the University of Wisconsin. Today, during the winters, he plays the Florida Tour. With his experience on the course and on the practice tee, it’s no surprise golfers seek him out to learn just how they can hit the ball straighter and farther. "People will learn from me what they must do to improve their golf game," says Desantis, "and where to look when things go sour. They’ll learn how to get it back."

Beginner, intermediate and advanced golfers are all advised by Desantis to focus on the big three: triangulation (set-up/alignment), balance and release. His teaching method accepts that no two people swing a club the same, but Desantis believes there are certain common denominators that once learned will allow golfers to teach themselves. Adds Desantis, "Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Don’t practice the wrong things."

According to Desantis, golf is essentially a "non-reaction" sport. Swinging the club can be compared to shooting a free throw in basketball. "Your conscience must not interfere," says Desantis. Desantis grew up watching some of the best in the game demonstrate this, including Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus. When things are difficult during a round for Desantis, he tries not to react or to think about it too much. Advice he’s shared with others: When you’re going in the wrong direction, don’t step on the gas.

Desantis’ favorite shot to make is one that goes in the hole. He considers his most challenging shot to be the tee shot on any #1. Though he’s a 20-year resident of Palm Springs, California, his home there is still his favorite golf travel destination. You’ll catch him there wearing only red shirts and playing only with white tees – two superstitions he’s held close for many years. "Hang on to what works," says Desantis.

Married for 40 years to Suzanne, Desantis has three children and five grandchildren. As the owner of Desert Princess School of Golf, he’s helped countless golfers improve over the years. As Desantis puts it, "Everyone has their own degree of success – we’ve helped too many to name." Thanks for sharing, John! You can contact John for more information at palmspringspro@desertprincess.com.