IS THERE A GOLF PROGRAM FOR YOU?

The long history of Golf Mentor started with us offering Junior Golf Programs at the Meadows Golf Course when it still existed. The following year we added the Ladies Only Program and then our Adult Program. As years go by we continue to add different/unique programs on a yearly basis.

So is there a program that may fit you? Did you know…

1) We offer Ladies/Adult program where we expect you know nothing about the swing or golf in general. This allows everyone to be relaxed while learning with no tension.

2) If you play regularly, you can take advantage of our spring tune up programs and get some friendly reminders.

3) Advanced player looking for one on one lessons? This is great way for you to build a plan and set a goal.

4) Junior golfers we have you covered with our future links programs and summer camps. Our spring future links are separated into age groups for better learning environments. If you are more advanced we offer a program for that as well.

5) Last year we offered for the first time our young adult program, built for those 15-18 years of age.

With all this being said you may still be wondering where I fit in if I wanted to participate in one. This is where we can come in, simply email us at info@golfmentor.ca and ask us. Let us know if you don’t or do have any golfing experience and we would be more than happy to let you know what program is best for you or your junior. Lastly we want to say thank you for all your referrals, this continues to be our number one source of growth. We look forward to seeing you at our facilities very soon.

How to play better golf

Its no secret we all want to player better golf and believe it or not its not that hard to accomplish that goal.

1. Manager your expectations. Be HONEST with your skill level so that you will select the shot you SHOULD HIT and not the one you see on TV.

2. Stats don’t lie. Keep track of how many fairways, greens, and putts you have per round and improve those stats. If you hit more fairways, that leads to more greens in regulation. For example you don’t need to hit your driver off the tee all the time, consider using a 3 wood or hybrid especially on narrow holes. When hitting your approach shot aim for the middle of the green when you are hitting an 8 iron or lower lofted club. Only attack the pin when you know you will be successful. Simply play SMART golf.

3. When you find yourself in trouble don’t try to play the miracle shot through 5 trees, chip back out onto the fairway and take your medicine.

4. Putting - A part of the game where we see many struggle. After you read the break in your putt you should focus on only one thing…. DISTANCE CONTROL. Don’t leave yourself 3 and 5 foot second putts all day and put stress on yourself. Always keep a consistent routine and focus on what length you need to take your putter back and forth to have the ball die into the hole.

5. Have fun - If you get upset after a shot you will just get raddled and continue to play poorly. Remember everyone will hit a bad shot, its those who can move on from it quickly that will be successful.

Try these tips out during your next game and let us know if it helps.

What is your goal for 2023?

Everyone needs some kind of goal in golf, whether it is to play more golf, have more fun playing golf or trying to get a little better in golf.

Let's start with trying to get a little better in golf, saying you want to get better is great but let's have a plan. To have a plan you need to write it down. Here are few possible things to consider….. Improve my putting, spend at least 20 minutes a week focusing on distance control and pressure putting, iron accuracy on the range, save time for random practice at different targets, and one shot and change club continuously.

For those players that may be newer to the game, maybe get some coaching help and avoid coaching help from your significant other as is usually doesn't go well

Wanting to play more golf! Everyone is busy these days so playing more golf doesn't have to mean 18 holes every time, it could mean 9 holes. Still don't have time, why not head to the range for 30 minutes.

Hitting a few more balls between 18 holes will only set yourself up for a little more success when you do have time for the 18 holes. 

Wanting to have more fun playing golf? Obviously playing better golf makes it more fun, but let's say you don't have time to work on your game or simply do not really want to but love playing golf

Here are a few ways to have more fun out there. Don't count your score, your score does not matter unless you are in a real tournament… maybe just count your good shots.  Avoid golfing with people that count every shot (if you are a newer player or trying to get better) and play by rules, most people don't really know all the rules anyway. Partner up with a friend and play a two-person (or three or four) best ball/scramble, maybe count your team score as its always fun to work as a team. Just can't hit your woods in the fairway that well, or even your irons in the fairway, TEE UP the ball in the fairway.

Golf is supposed to be fun, make it fun in your way. 

The more fun we have with something, the more likelihood we will reach our goal.

Are you a good Putter?

What defines a good putter? When we ask our students that question the response is typically 2 putts per hole. Well the leaders in both the LPGA and PGA Tour are around 28 putts and most are below 30 putts over 18 holes of play. You are probably asking how can you compare us to the professionals? Well that’s a fair question but consider this… Is there any physical advantages that would make them better then you? Meaning if you are 10 years old or 80 years old a 10 foot putt is the same for everyone and it doesn’t take much force at all so everyone is capable. So why are some better then others?

1. Reading the putt - Many struggle to read the green properly. Make sure you read it to the side to see if its uphill or downhill. Read it from behind the hole and in front and take the difference.

2. Develop a great pre shot routing and don’t change it even if you are not having a great putting today. The pre shot routine does not have to be long and should focus on point 3.

3. Frist you read the line and then you focus on DISTANCE CONTROL. You don’t have to worry about the line anymore. In fact when you mark your ball and replace it use the strip or name on the ball and point it toward where you are aiming. Then during your pre shot routine you are focus only on how hard you need to swing. ALWAYS keep the same tempo and adjust your putting stroke length accordingly. So for shorter putts smaller swings, and longer putts larger swings both back and forth.

4. There are two styles of putters, the one who like to hit the ball 2 or 3 feet by the hole and the other is trying to die the ball into the hole. Both have there advantages but I prefer to die the ball into the hole as it give the ball more opportunity to get into the hole and avoid the dreaded lip out, it also allows you to have a tap in for your second putt and not put pressure on you for those annoying 3 footers.

5. Lastly it doesn’t take much effort to practice, next time you go to the range hit a few putts first before your bucket and try the above.

Happy Putting,

Golf Mentor Team

Are you and over thinker?

Are you an over thinker when you play golf?

Here is a guide to see if you are an over thinker:
1) You run a check list of things to do or not to do while standing over the ball

2) Give the ball a long death stare and building up tension the HIT the ball

3) Over the ball for more than 2 seconds standing still

4) Trying to remember what time your next appointment is after golf 

I could go on, but I think you get the picture

Every successful golfer has a routine before they swing the club. It might not work out every time but the consistency will be a lot higher than if they didn't.

Here are a few ways to help you with your routine.
1) Keep it smooth and have some flow to it. Avoid the long drawn one that makes it hard to do the same thing every time

2) Practice swing that is just like what your actual swing will be

3) Focus on target from behind the ball

4) Step up to the ball, club first to the ball, set feet and GO. 
5) Swing the club to the target, hold that finish.

A quote from the new movie Top Gun, "Don't think, Do."  Same applies in golf

What Should Your Golf Expectations Be?

 Everyone needs to have proper golf expectations. You need to understand how much you have practiced and played. When was the last time you have done either. Living in Manitoba in 2022 is very different compared to last year when we were already open for 2 months.

Here are a few tips to start the season…

-Enjoy just being on the golf course or range, long winter, much better being outside

-Avoid counting your score, just remember the good shots and continue to improve on how many you have per round
-Try a few different clubs off the tee, no reason to hit driver every time. Most will actually hit their 3 wood farther… do you know why? Please reply and we will tell you why?

-After the round relax, think of the good shots and then think of what you may want to work on in your next practice session

A few tips to avoid
-Comparing your last few rounds of last year to now after you played 20-30 rounds in the summer. Very hard to repeat that this early in the season

-Count your score, first rounds will not be great, hard to have any short game, course conditions are not mid summer shape yet either

-Think you can hit the ball just as far as you did last year, colder now and unless you worked out regularly you will not be in shape to make that full turn, no chance

Enjoy your early rounds, avoid any frustration and simply have fun playing golf again

Best Gift For The Golfer On Your List

It seems most of us have a golfer on our shopping list… so what do we do? Driver, putter, or wedge,  If you answer yes to anyone, we would have to disagree. Why NO on those first, it is better to get someone to try a type of club to fit their game first, or in fact get fitted to make sure the club is right for them. Many players should be hitting a three wood instead of a driver in fact, how do we know? Over 50 years of experience has show us that most golfers hit their 3 wood straighter and farther. We think one of the best gifts for a golfer, new, old, struggling, wants to get better golfer would be a few golf sessions with a PGA pro. They can help with getting the right clubs or explaining what you have done incorrectly in your swing. If the best players in the world are always getting some help, I think we can get a little help. Instead of tying to help out your friends and family with free advice that usually doesn’t work well, visit a PGA professional to get proper advice.

Why Does Your Practice Swing Look So Good?

Have you ever been told your practice swing looks so good by your fellow golfers? But then why can't you hit the ball you ask yourself. 

That is simple, you are "Trying to hit the Ball," stop that. Swing the club. When you take your practice swing (no ball swing as I like to call it), you focus on "Swinging the Club" or the process of swinging the club, not trying to hit the ball. When golfers focus on the ball, what happens, they death grip the club at impact, they try and lift it up (chicken wing arms), or fall back by trying to scoop the ball up. Let the club do the work and swing to your finishing position. Worst case you swing to your finishing position and hold your finish you will look great, who doesn't want to look great when they golf. No one will notice the outcome of the ball, they will just be looking at you. But you will suddenly realize your good-looking finish will match up to your good-looking ball flight. Everyone wins.

Have fun swinging the golf club.

What Is Your 3 Wood Length?

The golf industry’s addiction to distance has led to longer and longer clubs. Drivers are now 46” off the rack (PGA tour average is 44.5”) #3 fairway metals are as long as 43.5. The longer the club the more difficult it is to hit the ball consistently well. Yes, that one shot out of ten goes farther but the other nine were all over the map. Hence, the new and innovative fairway wood designed by Tom Wishon. The EQ1-NX Fairway Woods represent the most unique and versatile fairway wood design ever created through a greatly expanded internal weight addition capability to allow custom assembly to achieve a fairway wood single length or to be played at conventional fairway wood lengths.

In other words, we have a 3 wood that can be played anywhere from 40 inches (7 wood length) to a more conventional 43 inches. With an option of playing all your fairway woods at equal length between 40 and 41 inches. I’ve tested the new EQ1-NX 3 wood at 40.5 and 41”. Using a launch monitor. I hit 10 balls with a conventional 43” 3 wood and 10 balls with the EQ1 - 3wood at 40.5”. On average I was longer and straighter with the EQ1 and who does not like longer and straighter. I will soon add a 5 wood at the same length.

For single length use Wishon recommends a set makeup of #3/#5 for better ball strikers or players with a driver clubhead speed over 95mph and a set makeup of #4/#7 for average players or any golfers with a driver clubhead speed under 95mph.

Jacques Lavack

PGA of Canada

PCS Class A Clubmaker

Are you ready for the best golf season ever ?

It is not very often in Manitoba we get such an early start. If you ever wanted to see improved results, this is your year. Most times everyone just rushes to the golf courses and begins the year, why wouldn't you, especially when there is a late start. No late start this year. 

With the extra time you can head to the range, get some extra chipping and putting in as well. At home practice is good, but when you have a chance to get on the real surfaces, then it's great.

Here are a few early season practice tips….

-Always, and I mean always get some dynamic stretching in there (don't forget the Jazz hands warm up)

-Start with some half shots or even shorter shots around the green, ease into it.

-Move onto some 3/4 wedge shots, after a dozen warm up shots, hit a few at targets

-Okay now some full wedge or mid iron shots

-Spend more time on short to mid iron shots if it is your first time out.

-Yes, of course save some balls for the long ball, everyone needs to hit the long ball.

The first session is all about simply getting some golf muscles back in action. Do not analyze your swing or get down on yourself it is not so good. Proper expectations are needed early in the season.

It is great to get out these days, do not ruin it by feeling bad about a few shots

Have fun, it is going to be a great year!

A Simple Way To Increase Your Swing Speed

 I have never been a big training aid fan as I find many of them gimmicky and simply don’t work. So after some research on SuperSpeed golf, Golf Mentor decided to invest in a few sets. Well I don’t think I will become the next Bryson DeChambeau or Cameron Champ who’s swing speed with their driver averages 125 MPH, I thought it would be a good idea to try out the SuperSpeed program for myself. I also thought it would be a great idea for one of our students to try it out as well as he was looking to create more speed and of course distance. Neil our student began his training 6 weeks ago and I did 4 weeks ago, of course talking with each other during the process to make sure we are continuing to do it so we can make sure the data can match the process of the program. The process of SuperSpeed golf is very simple and takes less then 10 minutes to do 3 times a week, it consists of 3 differently weighted speed sticks and a video on how to do it properly. Without getting into all the details the goal of the process is to swing the speed sticks as fast as possible always trying to beat your last swing.

So week one I put my skeptical mind to work and started the process making sure I follow procedures as it is important to stretch and warm up the body before you swing the first speed stick. Well after the first session was complete I was out breath, yes you heard me correctly. Two days later I had did my second session and although I wasn’t out of breath as much my muscles were a bite sore from the first session, hence this is why they only want you to do it 3 times a week for muscle and body recovery. As I continued for the next 4 weeks I found each time I was swinging a bit faster with the speed sticks and can really start to feel the core build/strengthen in my body, simply put my body is feeling better and speed gaining. As Neil and I talk back and forth we are feeling the same feelings in our body and swing. Neil is doing this at home while I am at the range, the difference is Neil does not have a swing speed tracker and I do so I can see real time results each time I do it. Well it was time for Neil to test 6 weeks into the program, his starting speed with his driver was 90 MPH and now at test time he measured 95MPH. Not only did he see a gain of 5 MPH his swing looked very solid in tempo and balance as well. Well I will admit I was surprised by the early results and very impressed. Now my turn for the test, starting speed was 100 MPH and the same jump of 5 MPH occurred as I was swinging it at 105 MPH. In my competitive days I was swinging at 110 MPH which is a goal of mine to do once again. Neil sent me a text later that day that said... “I can’t thank you enough for the help you’ve given me with my golf game. It was so gratifying to see the increase in swing speed that I’ve achieved so far. I will be happy to speak with anyone if they have questions about the speed sticks. I am very impressed with the SuperSpeed program, it works exactly as advertised so far”. I thank Neil for is comments and his feedback and asked if I could share his story and he said of course.

If a gain of 1 MPH in driver speed yields to approximately 2.5 yards distance then Neil has gained over 12 yards to date!

So am I still skeptical today? No. That being said I probably would be still had I never tried the program myself. Golf Mentor offers a SuperSpeed program in the spring that will give you an intro to the SuperSpeed program and how you can take advantage of it here at the range.

Simply reach out to adam@golfmentor.ca if you have any questions or comments.

What Should Your 2021 Expectations Be?

Let me help you with a starting point, have more fun and enjoy golf that much more. I think we can all agree when you are enjoying an activity or sport, you have a better chance for success. This might sound easy but I think too many people forget how important this is.

Next step, how much time do you have for golf this year, this is very important as if you don’t have much time you should lower your expectations. But who doesn’t want to make more time for golf, like really?

Here are a few good ways to set expectations:
   -If you want to hit the ball farther, start with improving your flexibility, balance, and swing speed
        -how often will you do this in a week, don’t forget the jazz hands
   -If you want to lower your score, you need to decide which areas you think are your weaknesses
      -Hint, most people are from 100 yards and in. Did you know you have as high as 65% of your shots in a round from that distance?
                -create a plan of what you should practice, start with short term goals, for example 20 short putts made in a row once a week, mid range goals like improved distance control over longer distances, and long term goals of consistent putting on the course
      -Full swing shots might be a problem, focus on one aspect at a time, short term goal, set up and pre shot routine, same every time to name one.

It is also so important to write the above down, if you do not write it down, you may not stick to the process. When you accomplish your goal, it will be that much more satisfying when completed when you see it in writing.

The biggest mistake on expectations and goals I see is golfers set a score they want to break. The tough part on this that this is an outcome, you need a process on how to get there. If you focus on the process you will be enjoying the journey along the way that much more.

If you don’t know what type of stretch the jazz hands are, you will have to come to one of our fun sessions this spring.

Indoor Putting With Distractions

You always hear about putting can be 90 % mental, but then why do people not work on this when they practice? I see far too many golfers simply hitting putt after putt at the same hole getting second and third chances from 20 feet away, "How is this anywhere close to the real thing." Sure, you might sink the odd one or the third chance ball, how many mulligans do you have in a round?

This is a perfect time of year to practice with distractions and improve your mental game while stuck inside.

"Glad you asked?"

For those working at home, everyone needs a little break from work. Why not practice your putting inside for 10 minutes. Here is how…..

You need to remove your stressful thoughts from the aggravating emails and get focused on putting. Breath a few times, create a routine and putt to a target. Have some long putts and short putts, but only ONE putt at from each spot. The key to this exercise is to forget the other distractions(just like on the course with people pushing you or after a bad chip) and just putt. Turn everything else off and go through the process.

For those coming home from work or dealing with the kids all day, but have a little more time.

How many putts from 3-foot, 4 foot and 5 foot in a row can you make. I like to use a hockey puck for this drill. Challenge yourself or set a goal, 20 in a row from 3 feet. Remember if you miss you MUST start over. This drill is building confidence for short putts, it also puts pressure on you the next time you have a 4-foot putt to save your par. By the end it becomes so automatic you feel you can't miss when you have these on the course.

These easy drills are great ways to take advantage of having a little more time at home and be ready for the golf season in 2021.

The Do's and Don'ts on helping your partner/friends/family play golf

Why wouldn't you want to play golf as a family, it is a great sport you can do together and have great conversations and fun at the same time. When golfing with your partner, family, and friends you should know there are some do’s and don’ts to make sure everyone is enjoying the experience.

The Do's:

-Always start with the positives

-Understand where the golfer is in their golfing career, just starting out, keep it very simple, 

-Offer advice that is easy to do, for example, relax, swing and try and touch the grass

-Mention what is needed to do

The Don'ts: (will try and keep it short)

-Never ever use the line "You lifted your head", if you use this to help someone, never ever offer golf advice again because you do not know the golf swing at all

-Do not tell people what the golfer did wrong, help them do what they are supposed to do

-Do not be a hero and complicate the swing, the golf swing is not that complicated but to many people like to show they think they know the golf swing like a pro

-Just because a swing thought works for you, do not assume it works for the one you are helping

If you really want to help someone learn the game for a lifetime, get someone that knows how to coach to teach them. My guess is when they come back after a session you will learn something along the way as well.

I have never had one person come to me after getting a gift certificate say, "I don't really need any help, but my friend got me this." The common response is… I am so happy I got this, I always wanted to get some help but never got around to getting some. More times than not, they then tell the person that the session really helped, thanks so much. A great Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

Hit or Swing?

Interesting question and you are probably asking what does it mean. What we mean by the question is do you hit the golf ball or do you focus on making a good swing? The difference is when you focus on making a good golf swing the golf ball simply get in the way and the out come is much better. When you focus on hitting the golf ball you will often have flaws in the swing such as bad temp, no follow through or holding of the finish position, and often very unbalanced. When we see people hitting on the range they tend to focus on making good golf swings and the outcomes is good, then we see them on the golf course and now with the pressure they mind starts to think about hitting the ball and not making a good swing. To correct it simply challenge yourself on the range by selecting precise targets, maybe even challenge the person you are practicing with. Also a good routine helps as well, this will allow you to get focused on the shot and making a good swing.

There is still time to play golf so hit the range and golf courses and focus on making a good swing!

Stay Safe,

A-Bomb & Stretch

Want to live longer, PLAY GOLF !!

There is a study out there that says playing golf may help you live longer. Based on preliminary research that has found playing golf at least once a month can lower older adults' risk of premature death. Remember we are only golf pros and not scientists, I am just reporting the research I have read. So here is why the experts think this is true. "The intensity level of the activity is such that it can be maintained for a longer period of time, and it's something that maintains the interest of the individual so people can continue it on a regular basis. So having fun playing golf will get you to play more, so why not always have fun on the golf course. Next time you hit a poor shot, forget about it and move on to the next shot.

For more information on how to enjoy golf more email us at info@golfmentor.ca or check out our website www.golfmentor.ca 

The Need For Speed

Most golfers are always asking or want to hit the ball farther. Many try and practice to hit the ball farther, but really do not know how this is accomplished. Did you know for every mph you increase your swing speed you can increase your distance up to 2.6 yards. Think of it this way, you swing your club at 95 mph which in turn allows you to hit the ball about 240 yards. What if you could increase your swing speed to 105, that is only 10 mph and now hit it 260 yards off the tee. How will that change your game? Instead of a 6 iron into the green, now its a 9 iron. Which can you hit closer to the flag?

The important question is HOW can I increase my swing speed? There are two ways that I will guarantee you will increase your swing speed, and I do not guarantee much when it comes to a golf swing. The first way is improve your flexibility. Easy, proper warm up and 5 minutes a day with some stretching. Everyone can find 5 minutes. The other way is using the new technology and proven analytics. That is using the speed golf sticks. These sticks have different weighting and lets you swing faster with the lighter weight and work up to a slightly heavier weight. Sounds simple, well it is.

Still interested in hitting the ball farther no problem, the "Need for Speed" is now at St. Vital Golf Centre in 2020.

We will be holding speed clinics to help you hit the ball farther. We will also have the Super Speed Sticks at the range available all season long with the Swing Speed Radar this year as well.

Stay tuned for dates and details on how you will be able to reserve your sticks all season long.

Why Not In 2020?

Uncomfortable joining a golf program or just unsure which program is for you. Most people have one of two reasons why they join a golf program. One is to get better and the other is make it a fun outing. We have both programs. We also know the best way to learn and get better is feel comfortable and have fun. Even if you find our bad jokes not funny, we think this process will set you up for success on the golf course.

We offer all levels of programs for all ages.

We start with discover golf day for juniors that have never tried golf. We strive to get everyone involved and that is why Discover Golf Day is free on April 25th.

There are three week future links programs for all levels. 

If your junior has tried the future links we have a our new competitive golf program that challenges them for six weeks.

For adults there is the spring tune up, which is three week that tweaks your game to get it ready for the season starting in May.

We also have a three week and seven week "Ladies only," This program is great if you are just starting out, played some golf or want to get to the next level. Also includes no bad advice from husbands that think they know it all, and of course wine to follow.

Morning and afternoon programs for all levels throughout the season, similar to the ladies programs, but the guys can join in, just can't give other bad advice.

Still unsure, email Glen, glen@golfmentor.ca to help you decide or customize a program for you.

2020 is the year to have more fun on the course, playing better and knowing why makes that easy

Why do we play golf?

We all know there are many reasons we play golf and many different reasons we all play golf. There really isn't a right answer. So why do you?

 Is it to just get outside and enjoy the walk, is it to get a chance to have an activity with your children or family,  maybe to meet up with your friends regularly (of course beat them at times), gives you a reason to travel to a course or location you haven't seen, or is it the feeling of the ball hitting the club face and seeing the perfect ball flight and then the ball landing on the green.

Did I miss some, probably, please email me and let me know.

Does it really matter why you play golf as long as it has something that you enjoy.

So the next time you hit a not so good shot, think of all the good reasons why you play golf. Maybe in the upcoming year find someone that hasn't tried golf before and show them what they are missing out.

Over the next cold couple of months if you choose you want to improve your game or just get a bit more comfortable leave a couple of clubs around your house. Say a putter and wedge, roll a few putts each week and grip your wedge from time to time. A few little things here and there can make you enjoy the game that much more.

Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends,

Golf Mentor Team

Is Your Goal To Hit The Ball Farther In 2019?

Is your goal to hit the ball farther in 2019?

How do you think you should go about trying to get the ball to go farther? Swing faster ? Well swinging faster does help the ball go farther, but how can you do that?

Sports science has decided there are four equal ways to do that. 
   1) Technical efficiency - proper practice 
   2) improved mobility - walking from the coach to the fridge while watching golf is not one of them, stretching while watching golf is a little more recommended

   3)proper equipment - clubs that fit to your swing 
   4) Physical power -  speed + strength = power

I think many believe that 1, 3 are the only ways to do that and forget about 2. The interesting study on this is that all four are equal at improving your swing speed. 

Here are a few results from the study as to where everyone stands

If you are between 17 - 29 the average swing speed is 113 for men and 92.8 mph for women.  The top golfers in the world are 126 and 100.6 respectively

Ages 30 - 50  swing speed is 103 for men and 84 for women. The top is 126 and 98

Ages 50 - 60  is 98.9 and 73.

Ages 60  and up 93 and 72

There is obviously a drop as we age but by trying to maintain our mobility and strength the decline will not nearly be as much.

So if you set a goal of trying to hit the ball farther this year, do not just practice on your swing, remember the other three to help you.

New for the St. Vital driving range will be our App that will have the range mapped out so you know exactly how far the targets are to hit at.