Andrew Reynolds

• Monday, 7 July 2008
• Neil Tappin
• 0 Comments

Andrew Reynolds is the head professional at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Kent.

Age: 53

Turned Pro: 1971

Years Coaching: 37

Notable Coaching Achievement: I coached Wadsworth, Stupples and Masters to the Curtis Cup then on and on. My finest achievement was actually a a very very poor golfer that couldn't get the club onto the ball - it took 25 mins to make contact. Almost 3 years later she birdied the par 5 5th at Deal and gave up golf. She saw someone get a birdie on TV and decided she wanted to do that too. She only ever played with me and was the happiest person I had ever seen when she birdied the hole. Pure elation. She's over 80 now and I still get a bottle of champagne each Christmas with a card 'My finest achievement.'

Best tip: Sound fundamentals are always a big key - its hard to move the club easily when the set up is wrong. Get the clubhead moving in plane and remember its the clubhead that strikes the ball. Think strike. As a teacher try as hard as you can to ensure that the pupil has only ONE thought when swinging.

How to stop slicing: To cure this shot, you must feel the clubface is aiming left at the moment of impact. Imagine that you are hitting a top spin shot at tennis. See how top players hands crossover after impact, while the shoulders are still parallel to the target line. You might hit a few a bit left to start with but soon your slice will be gone.

How to stop hooking: The hands are generally too active for this shot. Check the hands are not too far over to the right of the grip – see 2 knuckles maximum on the left hand. Keep the ball 2 inches inside the left heel at address then feel that the left hand dominates the swing by leading the club through impact.

Lack of power: We create more power by getting the body to release faster. A wider backswing will create more shoulder turn and then from the top of the backswing a faster release with full weight transference to the left side will get the club working quicker through impact for greater distance.

How to stop yiping: My cure starts with grip check. Hold the club in your fingers, making sure that BOTH thumbs are straight down the flat front of the putter grip. Have a light grip pressure and keep your backswing low to the ground. Make sure that your putter and your arms swing past your upper body towards the target line.

How to stop fat/thin strikes: Both these shots are caused by a lax posture, which creates a change in your height during the swing. Stand to a full height, bend forwards from the hips and then flex your knees a little. This will put you body in the optimum, tall position for a free repetitive swing at a constant height through the ball.

Best tip to avoid the shanks: Shanks come off the neck of all iron clubs. Feel that you are slightly reaching for the ball in your address position. When making your swing, make a big effort to hit the ball from the toe end of the club. This will keep you ‘inside’ the shot and the shank will be gone forever.

Best tip to avoid three-putting: Three putts will disappear with good distance control. Mark your putters’ sweet spot and make sure you use it! Then go work on the putting green at marked distances of 15, 20, 25 & 30 paces. With 5 balls at each target, putt until you can get all 5 balls ‘inside the grip’. A few practise sessions and you’ll improve beyond recognition.

Best course management advice: We don’t often have our ‘A’games, so we must play with the game we have. Aim for the biggest bits of the fairways and greens – always away from the trouble spots. Hit to where you can see is safe and think a shot ahead – make sure you next shot isn’t from water, rough or a bunker.

New equipment advice: All decent PGA Pro shops have extensive demo products and trained staff. Get some expert help and a proper fitting. Spend some time on the range and see the ball fly through the air. Have an open mind and buy only when you are sure the equipment is working to your satisfaction.

Which Tour professional and why? Retief Goosen is my man to watch. He plays the game we all want – consistent, repetitive and in control. He is comfortable in his set up, neutral at all times and in plane throughout his swing. His rhythm and timing are as good as it get. It’s the swing I’d like to have.