|
Thursday, 18 June 2009 |
|
By Leslie Mielke BLACKFOOT — “Hot dog, french fry,” says Blackfoot Golf Course Professional Mike Dayley. No, it’s not lunch. It’s how to swing a golf club properly at the First Swing golf class held at the Blackfoot Golf Course.
 The Morning News / Leslie Mielke
Seven-year-old Mason Coffey, on right, is keeping his head down as he prepares his golf swing at the Blackfoot Golf Course during his First Swing golf lesson Wednesday morning.
“Little kids don’t know their right from their left,” Dayley said, “so I use the terms hot dog and french fry to help them develop their golf stroke.”
“I borrowed the terms from skiing,” he said.
As a member of the First Swing Club, kids are told to “get your legs set.” Their feet need to be a shoulder’s width apart with their weight evenly distributed, the golf pro said.
“Their weight is divided 50/50 between their legs,” he said.
“Hot dog refers to their back leg,” Dayley said. “As the golfer puts weight on his/her hot dog or right leg, the golf club is at the top of the back swing.”
“Then as the swing follows through, the golfer’s weight transfers to his/her french fry or left leg,” the golf pro said. “The lower part of the body creates the motion.”
“Hopefully by the time they’re finished, they know their right from their left,” Dayley said.
Beginning lessons focus on holding the golf club properly, placement of feet, hot dog and french fry and follow through.
Golf lessons are scheduled through June. The First Swing lessons are from five- to seven-year olds; the next class is for eight- to 11-year olds with the final class for 12- to 17-year olds. This year, between 150 to 160 students are taking lessons, Dayley said.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 19 June 2009 )
|
