Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin
Head Professional, Sand Hills Golf Resort

Your spine angle should remain consistent during your backswing and at the impact position. Any loss of body height on the backswing or standing up at impact or the opposite changes in height will cause inconsistent striking of the ball.
To improve consistency, work on improving your posture position. Think of your spine being as straight as possible, but on an angle over the ball, with your arms hanging directly down from your shoulders. Weight pressure should be felt in the middle of your feet.
During your swing the hips and shoulders should turn perpendicular to the spine angle.
Review this with a video camera. Check out your angles!
For more swing tips see your local CPGA Professional.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin
Sand Hills Golf Resort

It’s time to get ready for a long summer season. Remember the following:
Check your grips. Shiny or worn grips will rob you of distance. Clean with powdered Comet or Ajax. Don’t forget your putter grip!
Make sure you have a new set of soft spikes in your shoes.
Arrive early for your tee-time, hit a few balls on the range, hit some chips and putts.

Remember the fundamentals
Check these six fundamentals before you make any changes to your swing motion. Remember most swing faults are caused by incorrect fundamentals.
Position your club head: the leading edge of your club should be at right angles to your intended target.
The Grip: you should see 2 to 2 1/2 knuckles on the back of your dominant hand when you look down on your hands at the address position. Remember to grip the club in your fingers not palms.
Stance: feet shoulder width apart, wider with longer clubs, narrower with shorter clubs.
Ball position: forward in stance with long clubs, gradually moving back to the middle of your stance with the shorter clubs.
Posture: bend over from the waist, keeping your spine as straight as possible, slight leg flex, arms should hang straight down from your shoulders, the base of your spine should feel slightly concave.
Alignment: your body and stance should be positioned parallel left (for lefties, right for righties) of your intended target. Think of a mini railway line, your club head and ball on the far track and your body on the near track.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

Maintain your spine angle during your swing. The correct posture and proper spine angle are the keys to more consistent play.
Pivot around your spine on the backswing (close to 45 degrees) maintaining the same angle during it. Your downswing to impact and the follow through should also remain on the same angle till the ball has long gone.
Remember you didn’t lift your head, your spinal angle changed!
Your posture is the key to success with this swing tip- slight leg flex at address, pelvic tilt, get your spine close to a 45 degree angle to the ground, keeping your spine as straight as possible, and have your arms hang straight down from your shoulders.

For more tips on your game contact your local CPGA Professional.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin, Sand Hills Golf Resort

Course management, accurate tee shots and a great short game were key to last week’s U.S. Open.
Of course, playing your second shot from the fairway produces a lower score. But fortunately, the majority of courses in this area have shorter rough than Torrey Pines, so we have a greater chance of success on our second shot. This week’s tip: manage your game.

Pick a landing target area
Pick an area of choice where you would prefer your drive to finish, based on your normal shot pattern, slice, hook, fade etc. (there is always a safer side to the hole).

Pick the right club
Your second shot should be played with a club that can reach the green with ease; don’t choose based on your best ever shot with a specific club. My experience in pro-ams and such is that most shots finish short of the flag. Play smart: always choose a club that will get the ball out of a bad lie and into a better position for your third shot rather than try to make up for a bad shot by being the hero and going for the green from an impossible position.

Play it safe and low
On short shots, play the percentages, if the shot requires lower running type shot rather than a lob shot, choose the running one. Most amateurs are not practicing the lob shot, so the results could be damaging to your score. If in doubt, run the ball to the flag if this shot is available.

Check out the green
Before you arrive, study the green for its surface, lie of the land, undulations. Pick the target line and the apex of your breaking putt and follow through to that point.

Don’t try the impossible do the probable. For more tips on your golf game see your local CPGA professional.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin
Sand Hills Golf Resort

It’s very important to have good weight shift and balance when you swing your club.
Always be in the ready position at address, weight positioned on the middle to balls of your feet and have your body weight slightly to the right: 55 per cent right leg, 45 per cent left leg. This is mainly due to your right hand being lower than your left on the grip.
This also positions your spine slightly to the right. Head definitely behind the ball with your longer clubs at address.
During the swing there is weight shift to the right leg as your hips turn and shoulders turn to the top of the backswing. The downswing starts with a lateral shift of weight to the left or to the target and then a body and hip rotation to a balanced finish with your chest and hips finishing perpendicular the target at the finish. Remember: your head does move slightly during the swing!
To achieve that balanced finish your left leg should be straight and the sole of your right shoe should be facing directly away from the target.
The two key swing elements are, maintain your spinal angle during your swing and always have your spine slightly behind the ball at impact. Remember lefties, it’s the opposite for you!

Support children’s Natural Heritage Education Programs at the Pinery by taking part in the Friends of Pinery Park charity golf tournament June 21 at Widder Station.
Packages include: Golf Package ($100): 18 holes of golf, golf cart, 3 course dinner; Sponsor Package ($100): signage on hole and sponsorship recognition. Sponsor and Golf Package ($450); Dinner Only ($35).
For more info., contact 519-243-1521.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin
http://www.sandhillsgolf.ca

Club head: Position your club head at right angles to your intended target line.
Grip: The back of your left hand facing your target, looking down you should see between two and three knuckles on your left hand. Right hand palm facing the target, right thumb left side of the grip and there should be a line formed between the right thumb and forefinger, if you extended that line it should point to your right shoulder. (opposite for you lefties)
Feet: Shoulder width apart, slightly wider for your longer clubs and slightly closer together for your short irons.
Ball position: Long clubs, keep the ball forward in your stance (closer to the target) and then move the ball progressively back until the middle of your stance with the pitching wedge or sand wedge.
Posture: Tilt over from the waist keeping your weight positioned on the middle of your feet and with a slight leg flex. Your arms should hang straight down from your shoulders. Keep your spine as straight as possible.
Body Alignment: Position your body parallel left of your target line (think of railway line tracks) your club head and ball on one track and your feet and body on the other. (Parallel right of your target line for you lefties)
Practice these SIX fundamentals and save a few strokes.
See your local CPGA Professional for more swing tips.
Cameron Rankin is a member of the CPGA and British PGA, and the head pro at Sand Hills Golf Resort (http://www.sandhillsgolf.ca) in Port Franks.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

The season is upon us after a long snowy winter. The local golf courses seem to have wintered well, with no noticeable winter kill or snow mould to speak of. The spring rain we’ve just had should promote a fast turnaround to course conditions and get the grass nice and green once again.
I have three tips for you this week to be properly prepared for the season.
1 – Check those golf clubs and consider replacing your grips. The feel of a new grip makes that club feel like NEW again. If the grips just need cleaning, use Comet or Ajax in the power form to clean them up. Make sure you check the steel shafts for any surface rust, use chrome cleaner to polish up.
2 – Check your shoes. Check those spikes and consider replacing them for better traction. Don’t forget to weatherproof your uppers.
3 – Get your legs into shape. Practice walking; the average golfer walks a minimum of four miles during eighteen holes, so if you want to finish your round strongly remember those legs.
Cameron Rankin is a member of the CPGA and British PGA, and the head pro at Sand Hills Golf Resort (www.sandhillsgolf.ca) in Port Franks.

Looking for a gift for your favourite golfer? The Lung Association’s Golf Privilege coupon books give you a chance to help the charity and get deals at courses across southwestern Ontario. For $39, you get 40 coupons for deals at 17 courses including Bayview Golf Club in St. Joseph, and Sand Hills Golf Resort in Thedford.
For more information, call the Lung Association in Stratford at 519-271-7500.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

What a fall season for golf!
The weather has been great to get those last few rounds in. Even the professionals have enjoyed the weather, with Mike Weir taking down Tiger at Royal Montreal and Jon Mills making a great mid-season charge to get his PGA Tour playing privileges back for next season.
Before you put your clubs away for the season, do some winter maintenance on them. Take the time to clean the grips, the grooves and if you still play with steel shafts, clean them with some chrome cleaner. Finally, store them in your house for the winter months; the truck doesn’t cut it due to the extreme temperature changes.
For those golfers still playing, please take a few minutes to do some stretching and warm up exercises before you tee-off. Dress warmly and have some fun.
I hope you all had a good season. Time to get those skis waxed and skates sharpened and ready to go.
Go Leafs!
Cameron Rankin will return to the Strip in the spring.
Sand Hills Golf Resort remains open for special events.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

Fall is the best time of the year to play: the courses are quieter, the weather is cooler, course conditions are improving after an especially dry hot summer, and the green fees are usually less, so get your last few games in before the weather breaks.
Fall is a good time to take stock of your game and get ready for next season. I would check your equipment first. Grips are the first thing to look at. Worn grips or smooth grips will rob you of distance; look into replacing them or give them a good cleaning with Comet or Ajax (powder form). Remember to check that putter grip.
Regarding your game, do some statistics on your next few rounds. The following would be a good start:

Department How Many?
Fairways hit: 6
Greens hit in regulation: 9
Total # of putts: 32
Chip & putt greens: 2
Chip & two putt greens: 7
Penalty Shots: 2

Keep it simple to start. Try and identify your weak areas and work on them this fall and be better prepared for next season.
Good Golfing.

Keep your left wrist (right for lefties) flat at the top

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

One of the secrets to hitting straighter golf shots more often is the left wrist position (the right wrist for lefties) at the top of the back swing. Assuming your fundamentals are correct, this position can be achieved fairly easily. During your backswing, your wrists hinge on an approximate angle of 45 degrees to the ground; the shaft of the club should also be on this angle. Turning your shoulders to complete the backswing, you should still have your left wrist flat.
Cupping your left wrist will cause you to slice the ball to the right of your target. Arching your left wrist will cause your ball to fly low and left of your intended target. The arched left wrist is not very common, as golfers like to see the ball have some trajectory. Check your left wrist position for lower and more consistent scores.

Cameron Rankin: golf at grandbendstrip.com

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

The angle we’re discussing is caused when the wrists break during the back swing and is held during the forward swing. Allow the inside (the core or center of your body) or shoulders to move your arms to hold the angle on the forward swing. The hands and arms do nothing and are only moved by the shoulders.
Do not allow your right arm (opposite for lefties) to straighten out too early on the forward swing. You must hold the angle by allowing the right elbow to stay folded as it drops against your right hip.
If your right arm straightens out too early, your right elbow will be pulled away from the body. This is called “casting” or “clubhead throw-away” and is the main cause of power loss. The backswing should be wide with maximum extension; the forward-swing should be becoming narrower as the shoulders turn the right elbow to the right hip. Remember there are two circles, one large circle for the backswing and one smaller circle for the forward-swing.
Remember this angle for more consistent striking of the ball.

Cameron Rankin is the head pro at Sand Hills Golf Resort.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

When chipping, don’t try to lift the ball with your swing. Use the loft to get the ball airborne.
The following tips on your set up will help.

- Keep your weight on your front foot (nearest your target)
- Position ball middle to back in your stance.
- Position your hands in front of the club head at address.
- See the letter “Y”
- Optional: grip down your club on the shorter shots for more control.

During your swing, the above tips will ensure you make a descending blow on the ball, contacting the ball first and the grass after. Hold your finish to check that your forward arm and golf club shaft form a straight line.

Remember that letter Y finish.

Do the above and you will save a few strokes around the green.

Cameron Rankin is the head professional at Sand Hills Golf Resort in Port Franks.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

There are many reasons golfers slice. The student has to understand that the club head must be delivered to the ball squarely to impact from a slightly inside path. From there the club head moves through the impact zone to the target and then to the inside path again.
The most common faults I see as an instructor are the following.
- A grip too weak: one or both hands too far to the grip’s left side.
- The takeaway: opening of the club face at the start of the backswing, or closing the clubface on the takeaway then opening the club head through impact.
- Left wrist: too cupped at the top of the backswing causing an excessively open clubface. This also tends to force the right elbow to point out and up.
- An outside-in swing path: the club head attacking the ball from the outside of the ball, then having to pull the club head inside to make contact with the ball. This causes left to right spin on the ball.
If you are a left-handed golfer, do the opposite.
Check the above and I’m sure your ball will arrive at the target on a straighter flight path.

Impress your playing partners by playing well and have bragging rights the next time you play.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

Here a few ideas to help you enjoy your round:

• Try to find out as much as possible about the course you are going to play. If the course has a website look for details such as type of grass used on the greens and fairways, type of sand in the bunkers, club professional tips on how to play each hole, length of holes, diagrams or photographs of each hole and finally make sure you get the proper directions on how to get to the course. There is nothing worse than arriving late for your tee time.
• If you can, arrive early, say 30 minutes ahead of your tee time. Loosen up on the range, spend a few minutes on the putting green, and check out course conditions. If you are playing a new course, most of them are built on a blend, with a sand and topsoil base, bent grass fairways and tees, and Kentucky bluegrass rough. The bent grass tees and fairways allow the golf course superintendents to cut the playing surfaces much shorter if required to provide faster and smoother playing conditions. Playing on this type of grass, I would recommend playing the golf ball slightly further back in your stance when playing fairway shots; this will help you make a more descending blow on your golf ball at impact.
• When you get to the first tee, hopefully you have made some notes on how to play each hole from the golf courses website tips. If not, try and visualize your shot, and align your body parallel to the target line. Mental imagery is your best asset when hitting your shots.
• I highly recommend you play the course at a yardage you will enjoy. Try a set of tees similar to the course you play all the time.
• When approaching the green, try to look at the different contours of it: slopes, right to left, tilted back to front etc. This will give you a better idea of the type of putt you have. When on the green, distance control is the key to good putting. With the practice you had on the putting green, you should have a better idea of the speed and pace of the greens you are playing. My final tip while on green would be to visualize a 3-foot radius circle around the hole and try to put your first putt within that circle.

Try these tips and I’m sure your score will be lower.

Cameron Rankin is a member of the CPGA and British PGA, and the head pro at Sand Hills Golf Resort between Port Franks and Thedford.

Highway 21 north of Grand Bend
(800) 387-2324 or (519) 238-2324
Pro shop (519) 238-8060

Information from Colin Scatcherd

Hours:
7 a.m. to dark

Number of holes:
18

Prices:
Weekend – $37.50/18 holes. Weekday – $32.50/18 holes. Carts – $32.50. Specials – $10 Tuesdays (after 1 p.m.). Monday to Thursday -$34 per person including shared cart, based on two people

Owners:
Dave and Valorie Scatcherd

Golf pro’s name:
Colin Scatcherd – Class A CPGA professional

Year established:
1922

Skill level of golfers:
It ranges. Some of the top golfers in Ontario have played here. The course plays much tougher for women. But anyone can have fun.

Longest hole:
14. 600-yard, par 5

Shortest hole:
9. 90-yard, difficult par 3. If you miss it you’re done.

Most difficult hole:
13. The layout makes it difficult. It’s a nice looking hole too. Number 7 is hard, too.

Most interesting hole:
8. It’s a hidden hole. I bought long pins so you could see the pin. The green is lower than the hillside.

Best time of day to golf here:
Just before dusk. The rates are lower, there are less people and the sunset is gorgeous. Not too many bugs either.
Pro shop products: We carry a variety of clothing from Antigua Second Skin, Titleist, PING, Full pro shop. Rental clubs, head covers, hats, t-shirts, tees, beverages, ladies and men’s clothing. Fitting cart – helps get people properly fit for PING clubs.

Dining facilities and information:
Full menu restaurant and bar. Barbecue for people on the run. Conference facilities for 300 people; breakout rooms and Terrace room for weddings.

Other activities:
Tennis pro on site, golf lessons, spa, indoor pool, sauna, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi.

What people say:
One of the best things is the pub. You can watch the first and tenth holes from inside or on the patio. You can watch the greens all day if you want. They enjoy the whole atmoshere and the friendly people. The new clubhouse, games room upstairs and conference facilities upstairs are great for locals and guests. People like the natural setting compared to the city courses.

Highway 21
6 miles north of Grand Bend
(519) 236-4030

Information from Chris Masse

Hours:
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. approximately

Number of holes:
18

Prices:
Weekend – $35/18 holes; $22/9 holes. Weekday $30/18 holes; $20/9 holes. Carts – $30/18 holes, $20/9 holes

Owner(s):
Archie Masse

Year established:
1981

Skill level of golfers:
Wide variety. We get scratch golfers and hackers. Slope rating 117 from blue tee.

Longest hole:
17. 542-yard, par 5

Shortest hole:
9. 150-yard, par 3

Most difficult hole:
14. Tough undulating green, narrow driving area. Par 4 – tough hole.

Most interesting hole:
13. A short par 5, but it’s risk reward. Your tee shot and approach shot have to be precise to get on the green in two shots.

Best time of day to golf here:
The afternoons – the business dies down, as does the wind. The speed of play is a little quicker.

Pro shop products:
Gloves, balls, tees, drivers, wedges, club sets, logoed golf ball on a Precept ball

Dining facilities and information:
Can host 140 people in air-conditioned dining room. Basic lunch menu but we cater in for tournament weeks.

Other activities:
We have a nice deck out back where people can enjoy a beer overlooking the course. They seem to enjoy that.

What people say:
It’s very easy to walk. It can be challenging. We’re probably best known for good greens.

9767 Port Franks Road
Off Highway 21 at Port Franks
(519) 243-1800

Information from Cameron Rankin

Hours:
6:30 a.m. to dark

Number of holes:
18

Prices:
Weekends and holidays – $30/18 holes; $20/9 holes. Monday to Friday – $26/18 holes; $20/9 holes. Carts – add $12/18 holes, $10/9 holes

Owners:
Stubbs, Brown and Walden families

Golf pro’s name:
Cameron Rankin, CPGA professional

Year established:
1996

Skill level of golfers:
Novice to advanced. There’s a bit for everybody.

Longest hole:
14. 550-yard par 5

Shortest hole:
3. 115-yard par 3

Most difficult hole:
11. Tee shot is demanding with water on both sides.

Most interesting hole:
14. There’s a pond on the left, fescue grass on the right. Demanding tee shot and a tree in the middle of the fairway, so it’s tricky.

Best time of day to golf here:
Early morning, late evenings for fast game.

Pro shop products:
Callaway clubs, Toureg clubs, Spalding clubs. Shoes by Callaway and Etonic, clothing by Antigua, Lady Haggar.

Dining facilities and information:
Pub fare, and finer dining with dinner buffets Friday and Sunday nights after 4 p.m. Nine and dine is popular – $19.99/person for golf & dinner.

Other activities:
Driving range – $6/large bucket, $4/small.

What people say:
Not a really long course but it’s fun and enjoyable to play. It’s a fair test for new golfers. Fair pricing. It’s in good shape. That’s what people tell us.

8395 Decker Side Rd, just off Highway 79, southeast of Thedford
(519) 296-4653

Information from Pete Overholt

Hours:
6 a.m. to dark

Number of holes:
18

Prices:
Weekends – $35/18 holes; $21/9 holes. Weekday – $30/18 holes, $18/9 holes. Carts (all week) – $30

Owners:
Stubbs, Brown, Walden families.

Year established:
1993

Skill level of golfers:
Moderate. It suits all levels of players. Most of our clientele is average. We’re not too difficult.

Longest hole:
4. 540-yard, par 5

Shortest hole:
2. 124-yard, par 3

Most difficult hole:
8. You have to hit it far enough to get it past trees and there’s trouble on both sides. It’s tight.

Most interesting hole:
18. A par 5 that’s risk reward. You can make birdie but a lot get 10 or 12. Plus there’s lots of hecklers on the deck watching you come in.

Best time of day to golf here:
Any day’s good for golf. Our busiest is Saturday. Monday and Wednesday afternoons are quiet. Even Friday afternoons or Sunday afternoons are quiet.

Pro shop products:
Name brands – Callaway, Nancy Lopez, Antigua, Top-Flite.

Dining facilities and information:
A little dining room inside – deli/pub style. No dining service. Come in, order a beer, we’ll make food. There’s no wait staff.

Other activities:
We’ve done weddings, anniversaries and special occasions. We’re not specialists but we’ve done lots.

What people say:
Service is outstanding. The course is usually in good shape. Number one is that the staff is courteous. People come and enjoy and like the course.

70969 Morrison Line, 1-1/4 miles east of Exeter
(519) 235-1521

Information courtesy Kathy Pfaff

Hours:
Daylight to dark; clubhouse 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

Number of holes:
18

Prices:
Weekend – $37/18 holes; $22/9 holes. Weekday – $32/18 holes; $20/9 holes. Carts – $30/18 holes; $18/9 holes

Owner(s):
Gib Dow

Year established:
1965

Skill level of golfers:
Low to high handicappers. It’s a user-friendly course. It’s a challenge, but it doesn’t beat you up. The length and the layout don’t make you take 10-15 on a hole.

Longest hole:
17. 488-yard, par 5

Shortest hole:
13. 118-yard, par 3

Most difficult hole:
For the women, #15. It’s long at 423 from the red tees. For the men, #3. It borders the river, the hole’s narrow, and the tees are close to the OB area. If you slice or pull, it’s difficult.

Most interesting hole:
12. Our signature hole. It’s just a pretty hole. Lined with trees and an elevated green. For the guys it’s narrow so a lot don’t use a driver off the tees or they end up in the trees.

Best time of day to golf here:
Mornings. We have leagues every night so mornings are a good time to get a round in. If you want leisure come in the afternoon.

Pro shop products:
Golf bags, balls, gloves. We have a new pro shop with clothing for men, women and children. Nike, Nancy Lopez, Antigua, Abacus. Sunglasses by Sundog and Paula Kramer.

Dining facilities and information:
Our dining area seats 150 for banquets and weddings, special events and meetings. Our clubhouse is a brand new $1 million facility, so it’s impressive.

Other activities:
We have a pro named Rob Bannerman who comes from the city and lessons can be arranged with him.

What people say:
It’s one of the best-manicured courses in southwestern Ontario. Tournament coordinators say the staff is friendly and suitable to corporate business. Our leagues are popular. New members say they feel at home and blend in quickly.

40384 Kirkton Road, southeast of Exeter
(519) 235-1517

Information courtesy Janet Mason

Hours:
7 a.m. to dark

Number of holes:
9 holes

Prices:
Weekend – $30/18 holes; $20/9 holes. Weekday $28/18 holes; $18/9 holes. Twilight (after 5 p.m.) – play as many holes as you wish for $16.50. 16 and under and 60 and over (all week) – as many holes as you wish for $16.50. Carts – $32/18 holes; $17/9 holes

Owners:
Bob and Janet Mason

Year established:
1961

Golf pro’s name:
Bob Mason, CPGA professional

Skill level of golfers:
Families and beginners come because it’s 9 holes. It’s not a short 9-hole course so it’s harder than some people might think. It’s fairly gently rolling and the fairways are wide. The slope rating is 127 from the white tees, 113 from the red.

Longest hole:
9. 510-yard par 5

Shortest hole:
3. 135 yards from white tee; 6 is 100 yards from red tee.

Most difficult hole:
7. It’s relatively long, you have to cross the creek and it has lots of trees.

Most interesting hole:
7. It’s pretty because of the trees and the berms around the green are like arms embracing the green. You also have to negotiate various hazards.

Best time of day to golf here:
Quietest times would be: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and weekend evenings.

Pro shop products:
Soft goods, balls, gloves, tees, hats, towels, bags, and some clubs. Small selection of nice shoes from Footjoy.

Dining facilities and information:
Snack bar; buffet if there is a tournament. Hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled cheese, BLTs, candy and pop. Licensed.

Other activities:
Practice facilities. Nice deck overlooking course.

What people say:
The barn is incredible. You don’t have a lot of buildings like this. It hasn’t been winterized so you can see all the history of the 135-year-old barn. We also have old clubs Bob has collected. The course is in great shape this year. We’ve had our ups and downs over the years but the grass is holding up well. We’ve had a lot of good feedback this year.

Golf tips
By Cameron Rankin

Almost all swing flaws or faults stem from incorrect swing fundamentals. Check the following before making any changes to your swing.

The position of your clubhead (face) at address: position it at a right angle to your intended target line.

Grip: both hands should work together, with the back of your left hand facing the target, palm of your right hand facing the target. Looking down from your address position, you should see two knuckles on the back of your left hand. (The opposite for you left handed golfers.)

Posture: pelvic tilt from the waist keeping your spine as straight as possible. Your arms should hang directly down from your shoulders at the address position. Your legs should also be slightly flexed.

Foot/stance position: have your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly wider for wood play and slightly closer together for short irons.

Ball position: longer clubs, position your ball forward in your stance (closer to the target), moving your ball back in your stance as you get to your shorter irons (middle of your stance with wedges).

Body alignment: your clubhead and ball are positioned on the target line, your body alignment should be parallel left of your target line (for right handed golfers). Think of a railway line: clubhead and ball on one track and your body on the other track.

Check these six fundamentals and your shot results will improve.

Cameron Rankin is a member of the CPGA and British PGA, and the head pro at Sand Hills Golf Resort (www.sandhillsgolf.ca) between Port Franks and Thedford.

Golf Tips
By Cameron Rankin

Most recreational golfers’ are rushing to the 1st tee from work after a short or long commute and they wonder why their round starts off so badly.
Golf course owners and operators throughout the world would ideally like all players to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before their tee-times. This gives you time to check in for your official tee-time and organize a golf cart rental if required, plus pay for your green fee etc.
Additionally if you could give yourself another 15 to 20 minutes before you tee-off you could hit a small bucket of range balls. Start by doing a few stretching exercises; some practice swings then start hitting some balls. Start with some short wedge shots to set your swing tempo for the day, then move to some fuller swings with some mid and long irons and if you have time finish off with some driver shots. Remember to leave time for some chip shots and putts to give you an idea of the pace of the greens for the day.
Give yourself this time and I guarantee you will start off your round with lower scores.

Cameron Rankin is a member of the CPGA and British PGA, and the head pro at Sand Hills Golf Resort between Port Franks and Thedford.

Golf tips
By Cameron Rankin
Having your clubs ready for the season would be my #1 tip to get the new season off to good start.
Check your grips: Oil and perspiration from your hands form a build up of an oily residue. When combined with keeping your clubs in the trunk of the car during hot summer days, this hardens and cracks your grips over time.
The cure: clean regularly with Comet or Ajax in the power form. Use a scrubbing brush and warm water to remove residue to increase the life of your grips.
Cleaning your grips will relax your grip pressure at address and throughout your swing, which in turn will increase your clubhead speed, translating to more distance. This relaxed grip pressure should also improve accuracy and feel on your shots.
For more tips on your game, see your local golf professional.

Cameron Rankin is a member of the CPGA and British PGA, and the head pro at Sand Hills Golf Resort between Port Franks and Thedford.