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Mike LaBauve - Philosophy


When a student seeks me out to improve his or her golf game, I first assess where they are with all parts of their game. I want to know what their goals are and help them evaluate where they need the most help.

Every golfer has different needs and wants. If you want to shoot a lower score, the short game is the first place to look. Some golfers need a combination of the long game and short shots and some are fascinated with the inner workings of the swing itself.

When I evaluate someone's swing mechanics, I first look at the shape of your shots. Most golfers are either struggling with a slice, hook, poor trajectory or lack of or inconsistent distance. Based on what shot shape you are trying to achieve, your golf club through impact is going to have to change. The clubface is either too open or closed, the angle that it is approaching the ball is incorrect, the clubface has the wrong loft or you are striking the ground in the wrong spot.

So before we start tearing down your whole swing, just helping you understand what small changes we can make in the angle of the face, the loft, and where your club should bottom out, can make a huge difference in your performance.

I'm all in favor of the most productive changes with the least discomfort on your part. The final evaluation and correction is what the student needs to physically do to create better impact. That could mean an adjustment in grip, set-up, swing shape, pivot or a different hand action altogether.

There is not one way to swing a golf club. All you have to do is watch golf on television to see that. For that reason, I don't teach a swing method. Let's fix only the things you are deficient at.

Your given talent, athletic ability, physical condition and other sports you have played will tend to shape your swing. What you put in your mind and how effective you spend your time can greatly improve that swing shape. Drills and correct repetitions will accelerate your learning.

Through this diagnosis and correction process, I'm confident we can come up with a more powerful, more consistent swing that will work even under pressure. I look forward to working with you.



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Map
Creating a Game Plan Approach each hole with a game plan on how to play it, breaking down each shot so that it becomes more mentally manageable
One-Plane Backswing Make sure to keep your right elbow behind your body during the backswing so that the left arm can continue to cross your chest and stay on the same plane as your shoulders.
Waggle Before You Swing Waggling loosens your arms, paces your swing and helps practice swinging the club on the correct plane