My Name
Chris Zelenka
My Experience
Zelenka is a PGA Golf Professional and Course Manager at Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos. With over 30 years of experience in the golfing industry, Zelenka has worked as a Class A-1 member of the Professional Golfers Association at resorts from Stroudsburg to Atlantic City.
My Web Site(s)
How my tip will help:
Pre-swing principles are the foundation of a golf swing. It consists of: grip, aim, and set up. If you ask any pro tour player how important pre-swing is many would say 90-percent. This tip will help your grip so that your swing is stronger and more in control.
Here's my tip:
According to Zelenka, a golfer's grip is the single most important factor to the golf swing because it is the major influence of direction. Most golfers are under the impression that by gripping a club tighter, you will be able to drive the ball further. However, that notion only creates a lot of tension in the golf swing and can be detrimental to your drive.
Zelenka suggests that you imagine your grip on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being a very light grip, and 10 being the tightest grip possible. Most professional golfers' grips are around a 3. Zelenka stresses the importance that golfers need to be more aware of grip pressure in the golf swing: harder and tighter does not make the ball go further and faster.
Zelenka suggests "imagine you are holding a small bird in your hand. You want to make sure you do not squeeze it to death but you also want to make sure it does not fly away."
Advice
- Zelenka suggests watching your favorite pro player on TV and emulate his or her routine before they hit the ball.
- Imagine the tightness of your grip on a scale of 1-10. Your grip should be around a 3.
