Teeing off

August 18, 2011

PGA champ Keegan Bradley is looking forward to restocking the fridge. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters )

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Keegan Bradley
Who else would it be? The pride of Hopkinton - and Woodstock, Vt., and Jupiter, Fla., and Jackson Hole, Wyo. - had a week to remember at the PGA Championship. With two wins this season (including a major), could Bradley be in line for Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year on the PGA Tour? That double has never been accomplished in the same season.

TIP OF THE WEEK:
Michael Foster
When teaching golfers about their swings, one of the catch phrases I like to use is “learn to turn.’’ After they have learned about the grip, stance, and posture, they are then ready to begin the golf swing. Many golfers, especially beginners, try to swing the club back using mostly their hands and arms. This is not the way to make a golf swing. This approach will lead to a poor swing plane as well as a conscious effort to hit “at’’ the golf ball.

I like to teach the backswing with the thought of turning your left shoulder (for righthanded golfers) under your chin during the takeaway. A nice full turn will allow your hands and arms to stay together. When your turn is completed, you can then pick the club up, producing a much better swing plane. Another benefit of a good shoulder turn is that your lower body, especially your left hip, will turn at the same time. This allows you to coil against your right side, setting up for a strong follow-through. By concentrating on your turn, your focus will shift from hitting “at’’ the ball to hitting “through’’ the ball.

Motion creates speed and distance, so a good solid turn during your backswing will lead to a good solid followthrough on your forward swing. The results can be dramatic. “Learn to turn’’ and you will enjoy the game much more.

Michael Foster is head professional at Gannon Municipal Golf Course in Lynn. Are you having specific problems with your game and want a local PGA professional to provide some help? E-mail your question to mwhitmer@globe.com.

TOUR SCHEDULES
PGA: Wyndham Championship, Greensboro, N.C. Purse: $5.2 million (winner’s share $918,000). TV: Today/tomorrow 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel), Saturday/Sunday 3-6 p.m. (Ch. 4).

Champions: Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship, Harrison, N.Y. Purse: $2.7 million (winner’s share $405,000). TV: Today/tomorrow 12:30-3 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 3-6 p.m. (all on Golf Channel).

LPGA: Safeway Classic, North Plains, Ore. Purse: $1.5 million (winner’s share $225,000). TV: Tomorrow 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday 6:30-9:30 p.m., Sunday 7-9:30 p.m. (all on Golf Channel).

European: Czech Open, Celadna, Czech Republic. Purse: $2.17 million. TV: Today/tomorrow 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday/Sunday 8:30-11:30 a.m. (all on Golf Channel).

Nationwide: Midwest Classic, Overland Park, Kan. Purse: $550,000 (winner’s share $112,000).

TWEET OF THE WEEK
“If anyone is wondering what u do after u win a major. 3 bud lights in the fridge cereal and pbj’s.’’ - Keegan Bradley (@Keegan_Bradley)