Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Tiger Woods Swing Changes

I must say I'm a little surprised that Tiger Woods picked Chris Como as his coach/consultant, but Chris is a really bright guy, very humble and always willing to share. I've had a few different discussions with him at different events and He's always been very engaging and sincere. 
I like Tigers new posture, maybe it's his old posture and my going back to his natural swing elements. Simple biomechanics the more you tip over the more string and put on his back, his new foster looks more athletic and upright. I think Tiger was getting too much weight forward in his previous swing it looks like he is back showing it out and loading morelike his natural right-sided pattern that he grew up playing with. It'll be interesting to see what he does with his grip, I still think it's a no relatively weak position for how fast his hips are. What are your thoughts?

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Why I Think Tiger is Splitting from Sean Foley

Does your swing match your body type? Tiger's didn't and in my opinion that's why he's splitting from Sean Foley. I think Tiger was looking for something less taxing on his back and Foley and his method is designed to be efficient and the least taxing on your back. This is not meant to be a knock on Foley, he is obviously brilliant, but he picked the wrong model for Tiger.

Tiger grew up as a rear post golfer, he loaded into his right side and fired into his left side. In studying Sean Foley's teaching model, he teaches a front post or more of a Stack and Tilt style golf swing. Stack and Tilt is really a front post procedure, a golfer who balances best off their lead hip and stays forward throughout the golf swing, which is believed to be the best procedure and least taxing on the spine. If you keep loading the lead hip and it's not your dominant procedure, it's going to start hurting and the pain will show up in the lower back. Remember the site of pain is not always the cause of pain. The problem is the golf swing is a full body motion. The spine is important and acts as the swing center of the golf swing. The hips are the power source for transferring power from the lower body to the upper body. Every part of the body is important and too much emphasis on one area of the body leads to a breakdown in another, which happened to Tiger.

I've seen Foley work with Tiger time and again trying to set his weight forward at the top of his backswing and Tiger keeps wanting to sway into his right side, a sign that he is seeking his natural movement pattern which is loading into his right side. It's a great swing for irons but not necessarily off the tee where power is more important. Let's face it, golf is a power game at the elite level. Those writing about how Tiger should go back to hitting fairways and sacrificing accuracy are crazy. How often do you hit your seven iron closer than your wedge? Would you give up 60-yards off the tee for? No way! There is a direct correlation to distance and scoring.

Athletes, especially Tiger, need to be healthy to practice. An injured athlete can't practice. If you can't practice, it's hard to build confidence. If you do not have confidence, you can't compete to the highest levels you're capable of.

I think Tiger should seek Mike Adams who teaches at his home course in Florida, The Medalist, or his younger counterpart, EA Titschler, and go back to his natural swing.

One of the reasons we asses golfers before giving them swing advice is to avoid building golf swings that are in the long run, detrimental to the health of the golfer. Playing a game should not hurt, if you're sore after a round of golf, chances are your procedure doesn't match your natural movement pattern.

If you haven't completed your "Discovering Your Natural Golf Swing Assessment" or know someone that is playing in pain, come see us!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

PING G30 Now Available

Our new PING fitting equipment is in! Come out and try the new equipment! An emphasis on speed with no sacrifice in performance sets the new G30 standard and G30 SF Tec (Straight Flight Technology) drivers apart. To generate faster clubhead speed and ball velocity for longer drives, turbulators were engineered onto the crown of the 460cc heads. Proven in wind-tunnel testing to reduce aerodynamic drag and create efficient airflow, the added speed from Turbulator Technology provides measurable distance gains for all skill levels. At address, they create a captured appearance with the ball and assist with alignment and inspiration.

The G30 drivers' CG position is the lowest and farthest back of any PING model, ensuring optimal launch conditions and an even higher MOI in both axes for extreme forgiveness and maximum energy transfer. A new high-strength, lightweight T9S titanium face is thinner and hotter to optimize face deflection for faster ball speeds and longer drives. Another source of power is the TFC 419D high-balance-point shaft. The CG is closer to the grip end, allowing for a heavier head, which increases the MOI and contributes to the extremely low CG. The result is more energy, momentum and inertia for greater distance with accuracy.

The adjustable hosel has the same mass and outer diameter as PING's fixed hosels, providing the benefits of adjustability with no sacrifice in performance. Trajectory Tuning+ Technology offers five settings, allowing you to optimize your ball flight by increasing or reducing loft by 6/10ths of a degree or one full degree, to maximize distance and control. Settings are standard, +0.6°, +1°, -0.6°, and -1°. The G30 SF Tec driver is for golfers whose swing path produces tee shots right of their intended target. Weight is positioned near the heel to help square the face at impact. Combined with a lighter swingweight, these factors improved shot bend in player testing by 12 yards compared to the G30 standard driver, steering the ball into the fairway with unmatched consistency.

Schedule a fitting at www.GolfAchievement.com or by calling 952/401-4653. 

Playing Lesson Tips

This is the time of year that we conclude lesson packages with playing lessons. Here are the most common topics I've found after five playing lessons in the last few days, yes I have am living a dream.

Think Box Vs. Play Box- Think before you swing and plan your work and work your plan. Make your commitments and set your ONE swing thought from behind the ball. Enter the Play box prepared and focused on the target, not your golf swing.

Three part visualization- visualize the ball flying to the target, the trajectory and shape.


If you're right handed, your probably aiming too far right or your aiming your body at the target, not the club. Review the 10% rule.

Play more club than you need. Expect to hit your average shot, not your best shot. If you don't know your distances, come spend some time on the Flightscope and know your carry distances.

Breath from your belly to relax, not the upper part of your chest.

Golf is a game and games should be fun. Don't beat yourself up, you're not going to remember the third shot you took on the fifth hole a couple days from now and your playing partners will forget after they leave the parking lot! Enjoy the game and your company!

Remember this: People don't really care what you shoot, but they do care how you act!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

3M Golf Championship

3M Championship at TPC in Blaine
Some of the best players in the world are in town, and it's free!

Bernhard Langer just won the Sr. Brith Open by 13 strokes at 18-under par. These guys can play!

Players to watch:
Steve Elkington- still one of the best swings ever assembled. 
Brad Faxon- study his shirt game, especially his putting stroke. 
Hale Irwin
Tom Kite
Vijay Singh
Colin Montgomery 

Local guys Tom Lehman and Don Berry will be teeing it as well!

I like to hang out on the range and short game area which are very close to each other. Most of the Champions Tour your guys will talk to you unlike the regular tour. 

Best place for autographs is behind the green on 18, there should be a sign "for kids only" so good luck. 

For more information visit http://www.3mchampionship.com/Players

Friday, July 25, 2014

Flightscope skills

One of our new tools is the Flightscope skills app where you can assess your skill levels in different situations in both your short game and full swing. A lot of great information for not only distances gaping but also directional misses.

We also use the Flightscope For club fitting for Irons wedges and drivers.

If you want to assess your current game come out and try your skills assessment as part of one of our discovery session. Visit GolfAchievement.com for more information. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

7 Things Not To Do With Your Kids When They Are Learning To Play Golf

Make them practice. Golf is a game and games are meant to be fun. Putt to a buck. 

Tell them to keep their head down. 

Give feedback after every shot. 
Yes the key to leaning is feedback. Remember the cookie method, two positives mixed with one redirect. 

Talk down to them. Get on their eye level and speak in an encouraging tone. Avoid standing over them and over coaching. 
Remember not all communication is verbal, they can see you rolling your eyes or agitated shrugs. 

Don't let them pound driver after driver. Have them hit it high. Low, make it curve the most right or left... Straightest to the target, closest to the target... Pick fun targets. 

Don't buy the nicest complete set when they are starting out. Make sure they like the game and US Kids Golf has the best equipment for kids under 12. 
Give them grandpas clubs, they are too heavy and too long! 

Swear me curse, otherwise they'll come home with it. I once heard a pastor swear playing golf, I knew it was a hard game...

Cap the event off with a snack, we all like food

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Stay cool and calm like Dufner, watch his breathing

The belly breather… Jason Duffner's is one the most calm and cool athletes in any sport. After watching him in recent weeks, one of the things I noticed is that he breethea from deep in his belly, not his chest. He also takes deep and long breaths, rather than short quick breaths. Try this style of breathing the time you're under pressure or need to relax.


Saturday, July 12, 2014

Three eyes in golf

Did you know there are three eyes when you're playing golf? You have your to visualize, and your mental movie I. 

Let's talk about your to visualize first. You're to visualize should be focused on where you want to direct your force. This is usually the back of the golf ball. If you look at the top of a golf ball, you'll probably top it! If you want to hit a low shot look toward the front of the ball and this will usually produce a low stinger type shot.

Next your mental movie I. So if I say the following words, what do you think of? Stop sign… Schoolbus…pink elephant…
Pictures come to mind right? These pictures can help you focus. Not do pink elephants exist? Of course not, but you can imagine one right? Can you imagine a pink elephant with purple polka dotted boxers sitting on top of the flagstick? Your mind is a wonderful tool that needs to be guided.
Try this before every shop in your next round. Focus on the three parts of your visualization: see how the ball is going to fly to the target, its trajectory or height, and it's shape or curve if there's wind or if you're intentionally playing Federer draw that day. 
In the movie "Journey to Utopia," Dr. David Cook made the phrase see it, feel it, trust it .... popular. The simple three stage visualization will clear your mind and get you focused on playing golf, not making a golf swing.

Do not neglect the power of the third eye and golf, and keep those to visualize sharply focused!

Friday, July 11, 2014

Seven tips to help you play better golf today!

1. Swing as hard as you can as long as you keep your balance. Find your natural tempo by taking three consecutive swings, your third swing will be your natural tempo. 
2. See putts in real time. 
3. Stay out of the rough!  If you're going to lay up, play back into the fairway.
4. On your approach shot take one extra club name for the middle of the green, not the pan. Don't leave it short!
5. Your best swing thoughts will be something moving to the target. 
6. Remember these three things one heading out of a bunker: one that the sandals and get out it's not likely your ball will either. Finish of the club head above your head. Double the distance is as if you were in the rough.
7. Three-part visualization before every shot. Visualize the bald going to your target, the trajectory, in the shape if there's Wendorf you're intentionally curving the ball.

Junior golf schools

We run Junior Golf schools to show how fun the game of golf really is. We teach through games and activities and avoid lecture. We use lots of toys in training aids to make our points and help kids feel and see their golf swing. One of our favorite games is the dollar pot. Leah Tollerud on the green and have the kids but from different distances trying to stop their ball on the dollar. This will be hours of entertainment for a buck! You can expand off the green and have them chip and putt for a buck. If you're feeling generous give them one chip in two parts. For more information or to register visit BradPluthGolf.com or golfachievement.com. 

Monday, June 30, 2014

$99 Three Day Junior Golf School at Deer Run July 7, 9 & 10 8-10:30am

Junior Golf Schools (Ages 8-14)
Included are the FUNdamentals of putting, chipping, pitching and the full swing. Through fun games and exercises, any child ages 8-14 regardless of ability level will progress through these three 2-hour sessions. School concludes with a playing experience. Bring your own equipment or equipment will be provided. Presented by Brad Pluth, US Kids Top 50 Junior Instructor
Tuition: $99

http://adventuregolfacademy.uschedule.com/OnlineAppointments.aspx?View=EventDetails&eventoccurrenceid=147573 to register

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Golf as a game…

Golf is a game, and game should be fun! I think a lot of people forget that you're supposed to enjoy playing a game and not have to work at it! Let me rephrase that, I think Golfers need to learn how to enjoy the process rather than focus solely on the outcomes. There someone in my skills that you can learn through golf. Patience, how to handle adversity, focusing on the task at hand are a few immediate ones that come to mind. 

Tension management and awareness.  is something that I found coaching more and more this year. Tension is the biggest destroyer of any swinging motion.

Remember to stare at the target, and glance at the ball! One practice swing is enough, two is too many! Get out and have some fun!

Saturday, June 21, 2014

$99 Three Day Junior Golf School

Golf is fun! 
Our Junior Golf schools are designed to introduce and develop skills for the new and intermediate golfers. 
On the first day we cover what to carry in your bag along with teaching the fundamentals of putting, chipping and full swing. 
Day two is full of games and activities that teach and train golfers putting, pitching along with different full swing shots. 
Day three is where we get out on the course and apply the first two days learnings and teach rules and etiquette, course strategy, shot selection along with the social skills to enjoy their competitors company. Will also teach on course games including scramble, best ball, shamble, alternate shot with the emphasis on having fun and enjoying the process. 
Visit www.GolfAchievement.com to register online or call 952 401-4653.

Junior Lesson Leagues

I came up with the idea of a junior lesson league eight years ago and still believe it's one of the best programs that we offer of my academies. We deliver four practice stations followed by nine holes or 18 holes of golf. We teach the fundamentals of  putting, chipping, pitching, and full swing, in short 10 minute bursts I continue to build on each other from week to week. We also teach rules and etiquette on the course, course strategy and course management, along with physical literacy skills of running, jumping, kicking, throwing, pushing, pulling and striking. I believe in cross training because a lot of the elements you need to play any sport can be found in multiple sports. Sport specific training is a myth, that'll be covered in another blog post.

If you're looking for something more than just a Golf Link, check out our Junior lesson league's at Bluff Creek, Timber Creek along with Majestic Oaks.  Or call us at 952/401-GOLF or you can find us online at www.GolfAchievement.com

US Kids Minneapolis Tour

Looking forward to another fun day at Oak Marsh! 51 boys and girls competing in age-specific brackets, on age-appropriate tees, with their family and friends enjoying the competitions !

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Check out our US Kids Local Tour, seven more events throughout Minneapolis this summer for kids 5-14!
Three reasons our kids tour is different:
1. Age appropriate tees
2. Caddies are encouraged
3. Chance to advance to play in regional, national and international events

Summer 2014

Tournament Event Date Registration Late Registration*
Oak Marsh Golf Club Jun 21, 2014 Mar 16 - Jun 16 Jun 17 - Jun 18
Majestic Oaks Golf Club - Crossroads Course Jul 1, 2014 Mar 16 - Jun 26 Jun 27 - Jun 28
Majestic Oaks Golf Club - Signature Course Jul 2, 2014 Mar 16 - Jun 27 Jun 28 - Jun 29
Bent Creek Golf Club Jul 7, 2014 Mar 16 - Jul 2 Jul 3 - Jul 4
Faribault Golf & Country Club Jul 14, 2014 Mar 16 - Jul 9 Jul 10 - Jul 11
Timber Creek Golf Course Aug 10, 2014 Mar 16 - Aug 5 Aug 6 - Aug 7
Bunker Hills GC (Tour Championship) Aug 19, 2014 Mar 16 - Aug 14 Aug 15 - Aug 16

View the schedule at http://www.uskidsgolf.com/tournaments/local/find-local-tour/284888/minneapolis

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

3 Yellow Roses

T-bone steaks, yellow roses and friendship READ THIS!!!! and then reread it. Especially the last part...

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry.. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories..

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket... hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen! I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes.. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes.. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
(Please read all of this, it is really nice)

This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends, including the person that sent it to you.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud.

Thank you, Lord, for my family.. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced..

Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.

Thank you, Lord, for life.
 
For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place!

YOU ARE MY FRIEND!

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God bless you and yours.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Top ten swing thoughts:
Something has to be moving to the target!
1. Right foot in transition
2. Back of left hand
3. Right palm
4. Tummy to the target
5. Shoelace to the target
6. Right shoulder to the target, only if your young.
7. Hips square to the target. 
8 Right eye in you hip gets a clear and balance look at target. 
Other proven swing thoughts:
Swing to balance. 
Stick your finish like a gymnast. 
1-2-3 tempo. One I the way back, two at the top, three at impact. 
Ahhhh smoothly through your swing 


Monday, May 26, 2014

$99 Three Day Junior Golf School

Brad Pluth and Kevin Williams will be provide our award winning Junior Golf Schools at Bluff Creek in Chanhassen, Majestic Oaks in Ham Lake/Blaine and Timber Creek in Watertown, MN.

The Junior Golf School programs are a great opportunity for the junior golfer to get a complete golf experience in less than a week. The focus of these sessions do not only focus on stance and grip, but fun group activities and games that teach the fundamentals, and movement prep each day. The last day is dedicated to playing on the course. This program is great for a group of friends to get together for a week, or for players wanting to meet new friends in a fun and safe learning environment.

Click here to register or call 952/401-4653 to register.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014



Golf is a game and games should be fun! If you are an amateur, please do not work at your game! Invest time in purposeful practice on a consistent basis and you will improve!
What is purposeful practice? There are three types of practice 1) Block Practice, 2) Random Practice and 3) Playing Practice. Block Practice is suited to develop skill or in golf, working on one shot which could be your 7-iron full swing, putting, chipping, pitching etc… It is with one club and with or without a target. Random practice is changing clubs and changing targets frequently. Examples would be hitting three wedges through the 10-yard gate, one seven-iron through the 150-gate, three drivers through the red boxes, 2 hybrids through the 200-yard gate etc. Another example would be hitting a wedge the same distance but different trajectories to one of the boards on the practice facility. Playing practice is more or less taking mulligans around the course. Please do this appropriately so you do not hold up other golfers. Playing practice may also be dropping balls around the greens and see if you can get it up and down.
We’ve designed our practice facility with 4’x4’ boards every 10-yards usually starting at 30-yards to 100-yards. We put markers 15’ left and right of the 100-yard flag, 20’ left and right of the 150-yard flag and 30’ left and right of the 200-yard flag. There are two red boxes in the back of the practice facility that are 20-yards apart which represent a tournament size fairway. Shots through these zones would be considered a quality shot and will also give yourself a way of benchmarking your progress.
Do not confuse these with a warm-up before a round. The purpose of a warm-up session before a round is to find your rhythm and balance, not rebuild your golf swing!

Deliberate practice is picking the right type of practice
What we do:
In this session you will learn:
  1. How to best set up your body, arms and hands.
  2. How your body, arms and hands track to the top of the backswing.
  3. How your body, arms and hands work best to slot the club in the downswing and through impact.
  4. Exercises and games to reinforce your natural biomechanical golf swing.
  5. Exercises to strengthen your dominant power dimension.
                                                                                And more…
Show video of samples.
Written testimonials, and videos

Bottom line, you can do this!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Loft Up+ Education



Try the new Taylor Made Equipment at the Minnesota Golf Academy this
Saturday from 10-2pm. Be one of the first 100 to attend and get a free
hat or t-shirt and one of two SLDR drivers or putter!