Technology is rapidly becoming a bigger part of golf.

In the past 90 days I have begun to realize just how fast technology change is occurring. The following bulletin points will summarize what I have learned about GOLF TECHNOLOGY and how it will affect golf.

TAYLORMADE-Regardless of skill level, all golfers will benefit. Their new RSI 1 and RSI 2 irons and their new Metalwoods, the R15 and Aero Burner indicate how committed they are to technology. According to their research, the average golfer miss-hit about 76% of their iron shots. Please visit the following link to understand how their irons work.

                                 http://taylormadegolf.com/taylormade-videos.html

PERSONAL CLUB FITTING DAY March 14th

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (reservations required)

Each golfer who registers will meet with a TaylorMade Tech Rep who will utilize state of the art technology to aid in your equipment recommendation. Each appointment will last 45 minutes. This personal format is a "head and shoulders" above approach, better then a typical "demo day."

Better service, less distractions, and a better fit = better value

I began reading this book in December and now realize how important it is to keep the right statistics to understand your game. This book analyzes the following 4 shots. 1)Driving 2) Irons to green 3) Short-shots  4) Putting. Although the book is all about numbers, graphs, and charts I find it very interesting. 

Here is something to consider. The old way of tracking "fairway hits" was either yes or no. But now a tee shot is assessed by how bad you missed the fairway. By 1 yard (ok miss), by 12 yards but in the trees (costly to recover), or by missing a fairway but hitting your ball out of bounds (awful and very costly). They each count as a missed fairway but you can see how varied the impact will be on your score.

A putting example would be the following. You 1 putt from 3 feet away, but never three putt from three feet away. But on the next green, you one putt from 40 feet away. Both count as a 1 putt. The 1 putt from 40 feet is far more valuable than from 3 feet. Because, based on PGA statistics the probability of making a 1 putt from 3 feet is 96% and .1% for a 3 putt. But, from 40 feet the 1 putt probability is 4% and the 3 putt probability is 10%. The moral of this is to practice your putting so you avoid the 3 putt and not worry about making a lot of 1 putts. I have been preached that advice for many years. Probably the most important conclusion in the book is "Your full swing iron shots to the green is the KEY to determining your score."

SMASH FACTOR

(New ES14 technology is awesome!!)

What is SMASH FACTOR? How can we measure it? It can be best described as the effective transfer of energy from the moving club to the stationary ball (ball speed to club speed.) Factors that influence smash factor include club loft, club speed, solidness of impact, etc. Beginning in February, our new technology ES14 will provide data to benchmark where you begin and then track your progress. The ability to assign numbers to your swing (beyond just distance) is critical to improvement. The data will include club speed, ball speed, launch angle, carry, distance, speed, direction, and smash factor. All the information can be e-mailed and will be stored at NGC. We will also begin using the ES14 during lessons.

FEBRUARY SMASH SPECIAL

Three 20 minute sessions

Reg $125.00

Now $80.00

Call to set up your first appointment.

CLEVELAND GOLF - Their new 588 wedges and the relationship with Dave Pelz (probably the most technological golf instructor) indicate the commitment Cleveland Golf has to technology. Cleveland has cut the grooves deeper to help move debris (grass, dust, water) away from the face to increase spin and "Control Distance." 

                                 Visit - Cleveland Golf - RTX2 LONG FORMAT                                                             

A little bit of praise and recognition. Congratulations!!

Lorenza Martinez

Age 15 and a freshman at Divine Savior Holy Angels. I have had the pleasure of working with her for 7 years. Lorenza began playing golf due to a brief encounter with, LPGA Tour player, Laura Ocoha.

Your friend and coach, Paul Mindel.

DEER HAVEN GOLF COURSE

Deer Haven is located at 19180 West Cleveland Ave in New Berlin. I have not played there for over 13 years (and yes, previously held the course record of 25 on a par 28) and look forward to playing there again in 2015.

The course at one time was 18 holes but then reconfigured to 9 holes with an additional 3 hole practice course. Additional renovation was done in 2014 and the owners have more planned for this year. With the up-coming changes, Deer Haven could be played at 2000 +/- yards. Water comes into play on 4 holes and mature trees line several fairways.  A massive putting green sits directly outside the clubhouse. I will be doing some putting lessons there. This is really a great course for someone is looking to play a quick 9. Various year long memberships are available. Their phone number is 262-650-0760 and please use my name as the introduction. I think that you will enjoy it and have a beer along with a pizza after.

Please let me know if you recovered from the Packer game and are ready to improve your golf game.

If you are still reading and looking for a more effective way to practice and improve your putting, please call me to discuss what can be done. As always, "I have ideas."  But these ideas require commitment, patience, and effort.  It is called The "National Putting Spiral."

To your great golf...