If you want to understand why your golf ball flies the way it does — this is your book. If you want some good tips and drills — this is your book. Simply put: This is a must-have for your golf library.
Author Tim Cusick studied under Hank Haney, best known for coaching Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara, for 23 years. While his style has some Haney components, it really is unique in its own right. Setting goals, mapping out a plan and working toward the goal are key components of his teaching style.
Key takeaways from the book include:
Analyze your swing using metrics:
- Trajectory of the ball
- Curvature of the ball
- Clubface contact
- Impact
Trajectory is based on four things:
- Loft
- Swing speed
- Angle of attack at impact
- What the clubface is doing at impact
Curvature is based on three things:
- Loft
- Angle of the swing at impact
- Angle of the clubface at impact
Cusick says he can analyze a pupil’s swing by just looking at the ball flight, observing the divot, seeing where the ball struck the face of the club, and hearing the impact. Think about that — seeing a swing in your mind by just seeing the results of the swing. He calls the impact of a golf ball with a club a “crime scene” — it leaves lots of clues. You just need to know how to find them.
If your goal is to improve your game, you probably need to go to a PGA Professional who can guide you down the right path. It will take time and a lot of hard work but you can progress toward your ultimate goal. Think of this book as your essential tour guide, outlining your journey.
Cusick, Director of Golf Instruction at the Four Seasons Resort & Club in Las Colinas, has written articles for Avid Golfer for over 10 years and appeared on the Golf Channel, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sirius XM Radio. He has been named Best Teacher in Texas by Golf Digest several times.
