Hitting from an Uphill Slope

Since course conditions don’t always allow you to hit off a nice, level surface, here’s a drill for hitting shots on an uphill slant.

When your ball sits on an uphill slope, your weight shifts to your back foot causing you to put more loft on the ball.  Make sure your setup for the shot is a proper one.  The ball should be two inches back front center and you should have 60% of your weight on your front foot and 40% on the back foot.  Hold that weight balance throughout your shot. Be sure to adjust your shoulder and hops slightly so they’re level with your feet.  This will allow you to follow through on th ehill instead of hitting your club into the ground on your follow through.

Since the slope of the hill adds loft to your shot, you’ll need to do one of two things: hit the shot a bit harder than you would from a flat lie, or use a club with less loft.   If you’d normally use a sand wedge on a hill, try using a pitching wedge instead.  That should reduce some of the loft and give you more roll after the ball hits the green.

Great Drill for Bunker Shots

The purpose of this drill is to develop confidence when hitting out of bunkers.  Think of it this way: getting out of the sand is, in theory, easier than getting out of the rough since sand is more consistent and predictible.  By learning this shot, you’ll be helping yourself in 90% of the situations you encounter when you’re playing a shot from the sand.

Place a tee in the sand and set your ball on top of it.  The top of the tee should be just below the top of the sand.  Dig your feet firmly into the sand and choke up on your club a little to compensate. Open your club face slightly to avoid digging too deeply into the sand and hit behind the ball at a shallow angle, clipping off the top of the tee.  Take a long, shallow divot out of the sand and be sure to keep your left arm moving through the ball. By doing so, you’re swinging the club through and under the sand.  The closer you hit to the ball, the more spin you’ll put on the shot. Like any other shot, distance is controlled by your backswing, and don’t forget: always follow through and finish high.

Need a place to practice your sand shots? 

 

Headed to the beach for your summer vacation? Don’t forget to pack your sand wedge!

 

 

Pretend the cacti are the pins!

 

Need something a little closer to home? How about one of the many swim beaches at Sardis and Enid?

 

 

Somewhere more realistic? Practice in your own back yard!

 

 

Improve your Club Head Speed

Want to know the key to greater distance and solid ball striking?  Club head speed.  Try these tips to revamp your swing and improve your game.

Proper Grip

The V’s between your thumbs and forefingers should point toward your back shoulder.  Make sure you always grip the club lightly; gripping the club too tightly is the biggest reason that most average golfers struggle with club head speed.

Arm Extension

Extend your arms through the impact area. When the club head strikes the ball, your arms should be fully extended.  Average golfers have a tendency to pull the club in toward their bodies as they strike the ball, which slows down your swing causing distance loss and mis-hits.

Proper Hip Movement

As your front hip clears properly in your downswing, the club will act as a slingshot, creating and releasing energy with strong centrifugal force during ball impact.

 

Say Hello to Our Staff!

Our staff works diligently to make sure your experience at the Ole Miss Golf Course is a pleasant one.  Take a moment to learn a little more about them.

 

David Jumper, Asst. Director of Golf

How long have you worked at the Ole Miss Golf Course?

5 years.

What’s your favorite part about working at OMGC?

I enjoy working with people and making the golf course look its best.  It’s a challenge, but it’s always gratifying when things come together.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Working, playing golf, and watching my boys play sports.  Levi (15) plays basketball and golf at Ingomar High, Wesley (20) plays baseball at Shawnee Community College in Southern Illinois, and Tyler (24) is in chiropractic school in Chesterfield, MO.

What is something extraordinary or interesting about yourself that you’d want everyone to know about you?

My dad taught me to work hard; I take pride in and am dedicated to what I do. I’m extremely proud of what my dad taught me when I was young.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Treat people how you would like them to treat you.”

 

Gerald Barron, Pro Shop Manager

How long have you worked at the Ole Miss Golf Course?

5 years.

What’s your favorite part about working at OMGC?

Seeing the transformation of the golf course from a mediocre facility to one that is truly exceptional.  It’s great to see the positive reaction of golfer’s who haven’t played since the course renovation.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Golfing, going to the movies, eating out, and attending Ole Miss sporting events.

What is something extraordinary or interesting about yourself that you’d want everyone to know about you?

My wife, Sylvia, and I will have been married 41 years this July.  We dated for six years, so we’ve known each other for over 46 years.

 

Beverly Seaman, Pro Shop Supervisor

How long have you worked at the Ole Miss Golf Course?

5 years.

What’s your favorite part about working at OMGC?

I like the interaction with the golfers.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Reading and spending time with my family.

 

 

Tate Anderson, Tournament Coordinator/Senior Sales Associate

How long have you worked at the Ole Miss Golf Course?

5 years.

What’s your favorite part about working at OMGC?

I like the customer interaction and service aspects of my job.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I play golf, hunt, landscape, and spend time with my family.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Weekend Motivation: How to Cure a Slice

Found a great video with some great drills to help you cure that slice. Now get out to the range and get to work!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Don’t give your mom the shaft this Mother’s Day. Try one of these great gifts from the Ole Miss Golf Course!

Tervis Tumblers

The Ole Miss Golf Course Tervis Tumblers just arrived! These 24 oz. condensation-reducing cups are perfect for hot and cold drinks, are dishwasher and microwave safe, and fit in most cupholders. They’re also made in America!

 

Rebel Black Bear Headcover

With the Rebel Black Bear headcover, Mom can show her team spirit on the course!

 

Gift Certificates

What do you get the mom who has everything?  A gift certificate to the Ole Miss Golf Course, of course!  They come in $25, $50, $75, and $100 increments and can be purchased online and in the pro shop!

A Day of Golf

Bring your mom out for a round at OMGC!  What’s more enjoyable than a round of golf on the loveliest course in North Mississippi on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with your kids?! You can make a tee time online or call the pro shop at 234.4816.

Fan of the Week Contest

Hunter Delaney won our Fan of the Week kickoff prize, but we’re still giving away free rounds of golf all summer long here at OMGC!   Do you have what it takes to be our next Fan of the Week?

To win, all you need to do is interact with us and share our content with your friends.  The more you interact, the better your chance to win.

To become our Fan of the Week:

• Comment on and share our Facebook updates.
• “Like” our posts.
• Mention us on Twitter. (for our Twitter friends: use #OMGC)
• Comment on this blog.
• Tag us in relevant photos.
• Check in on Facebook when you visit.

Start interacting now!

Facebook Profile

Facebook Business Page

Twitter

Tee Time at Ole Miss blog

Contest  includes commenting, posting, liking, and retweeting content  posted after contest begins.  Twitter interaction must include the #OMGC hastag to be eligible.  Facebook interaction receives one entry per post.  Please leave comments and replies in the appropriate threads (we’re looking at YOU, Hunter).  OMGC reserves the right to judge or remove entries at any time.