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By Al Vallecorsa, PGA Director of Golf I have noticed that most golfers spend too much of their practice time on the driving range and not enough time on their short game. Why is this? My guess is that we want to find the "perfect" swing which will help us hit the ball longer, straighter, more solidly, and more consistently to produce lower scores. This type of practice may improve your ball striking, but do you notice a change in your scores? For most golfers, 35 percent of their score comes from shots of 50 yards and longer. The remaining 65 percent is the short game. To break this down even more, 40 percent of your score is on the green and 25 percent of your score is from the edge of the green to approximately 50 yards from the green. I challenge each of you to reconsider your practice routine and focus continually and equally on working on all parts of your game. A great routine is to practice in thirds. The first third should be putting. The second third should be spent hitting a variety of shots around the green. The last third should be ball striking on the driving range. Following this routine will create consistency in all areas of your game resulting in your shooting lower scores. PLAYING IN WINDY CONDITIONS When the cold winter season arrives, so do windy conditions. Below are some important tips to know when it comes to hitting solid shots and controlling your golf ball when playing in the wind. 1. Judge the Wind – This is vital when it comes to controlling the direction of your ball and club selection. Determine if the wind is left to right, right to left, toward you, or downwind. Remember, if you are hitting into the wind, you may have to take more club; if you are downwind, take less club. 2. Rhythm – The harder you try to hit the ball, the more spin you put on it. The more spin, the more the wind affects the shot. Focus on a smooth swing that is in rhythm, and you will notice yourself striking the ball more solidly. You may have heard this before, "When breezy, swing easy." 3. Take a Wider Stance - The wind can move you around and affect your balance. To counteract that, widen your stance. This lowers your center of gravity and helps to maintain a solid base into the ground. Tips for the Short Game | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2017 | 19 We will start construction with the executive golf course lakes, #15 being first and the rest of the lakes once #15 is complete. Effective immediately you will see the lake water level being reduced. In early January we will start to pump any remaining water out drying up the lakes. Construction will begin after the first of the year 2017 and work will continue through July and possibly into August pending weather. This process will help us address water seepage as well as give us a more "consistent look" of the lakes being full. We will also be adding more energy efficient pumps. All the lakes will get new aerifiers to help circulate water. During construction entering roped off areas or any removal of golf balls is strictly prohibited. Any fish in the lakes will be captured with nets and relocated to other lakes and the fountains serviced. We will do our best to keep golf holes open, however, there may be times when we will need to close these respective holes. Should this occur, we will update the website daily under "golf course conditions" and the "main golf shop phone system, 845-2135, xt. 1. As a reminder you can take par plus your handicap for handicap posting purposes and proceed to the next open teeing area. Furthermore, during construction there may be days we will be diverting traffic within Sun Lakes to facilitate concrete trucks on property. This is done for your safety as well as to speed up the concrete construction process. We truly appreciate your patience during this improvement project and it is our intent you will be very happy with the end results. 2017 Executive Lakes/Championship #9 Lake Lining Project Jan. 11: 9 am and 10:30 am: 50 yards and in Jan. 13: am and 10:30 am: Full Swing Jan. 17: am and 10:30 am: Full Swing Classes are one hour in length, two staff members per group max 10 spots each clinic Cost: $10 cash or check due the day of sign up. Please sign up in the Main Pro Shop. GOLF CLINICS

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