Long Weekend in North Texas
Happy New Year. We have freezing weather coming with a chance of ice. Yippee! Upon arriving at the course this morning, the weather was warm and I couldn't resist getting on the course. Wound up playing 27 holes before calling it a day. Finished at 1:00 and the front arrived around 1:30.

The other day we were discussing tour players and what if anything we would change in their games. Got me thinking. Who would I change and why?

I've always thought Ernie Els needed a stronger left hand. At the top he has a funny hitch which makes the clubhead look toe down or open. It's a compensation. And as you now know, any compensations are caused by faulty grip, set-up, or both.

Watching the Mercedes Championship last week, I noticed Vijay Singh's posture was not as good as I have seen. His upper back and head were rounded forward. He had a good putting week and won, but it looked like he was fighting his swing. Yesterday he shot over par at the Sony Open first round. Coincidence?

I would love to work with him on his putting. His putting set up is not conducive to making an on plane stroke. Last week he used a belly putter and finished first in putting for the tournament. Can it last?

Looking forward to 2007. I have made some goals for the year. I made a point of making the goals process oriented and not results oriented. For instance, I am going to hit all shots with a purpose. This should lead to fewer errant shots and lower scores.

Until next time,
Mike