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When I learned to play the game at the age of seventeen, I had a hunger and desire to learn as quickly as possible and apply what I learned on the course. I remember playing lots of rounds of golf with my Pro at my home course, Mimosa Hills CC in Morganton, NC. Joe Cheves was my teacher and he was commonly referred to as Pro. Every one called him Pro because in every sense of the word that is what he exudes. When I would go out on the course with him, I was always amazed at the level of focus and concentration he had.

When I would struggle with my swing while playing with him, I would ask for his help. Every time I asked for help, he would hold out his hand in the stop position and say to me, you can’t focus on your swing while you’re trying to play. He would always tell me that I needed to trust my practice, be patient, and wait for it to pay off. I just didn’t get that. How could he leave me stranded out there hitting the ball all over the place and not give me one single tip?

It may have been the best playing lesson I have ever had. He taught me to trust my swing, trust my decisions, and focus on playing the game. I had to learn how to play an undesirable ball flight and learn to score no matter how I hit the ball. At the end of each round, Joe would tell me the two or three things I needed to improve on, and I literally hung on every word he spoke and believed that with all my heart he had the right solutions. I trusted him and the things that he told me always paid off.

Sometimes as golfers we lose the focus of playing the game. Somewhere along the way, the message has been you must swing a certain way, look a certain way in order to play the game proficiently. As it is important to have skill development, it is also important to learn how to take what you know about your game and take it to the course.

I want to challenge you the next time you go out to play, to focus on lining up to your target, looking at your target with intention, and finishing to your target with balance.
Keep your mind quiet as you swing and don’t allow your mind to wander during the swing to find a tip or feel. This leads to poor ball striking and frustration.

Have some fun with the game keep it simple and stay focused on the target, because golf is a target game.

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I have heard from many of my students that their practice does not seem to affect their play. In other words there is no real evidence in their overall performance of lower scores and better ball control. I would like to highlight a few things you must do in order for your practice to pay dividends on the course.

First, you must keep accurate stats of how you measure your on course performance against what you are practicing. Golfers tend to work on what they do best and not what they need to be doing in order to lower their scores.

Second, understanding the differences between random and block practice. Random practice is one shot at a time to different targets with different clubs and can vary from short game to full swing. Random practice mirrors more of your actual playing conditions. Block practice is placing an alignment aid on the ground at one specific target and working on specifics in your swing. Research has shown that golfers improve more doing random practice than block. Block can be effective when you are making swing changes, but during those changes merge random practice with it.

Third, in order to improve you MUST practice. You don’t have to do it until your hands bleed, but you must have a specific intent on what it is you are working on and how you measure it. It simply makes the game more fun and certainly will give you a sense of accomplishment.

How much should you practice and where? Practice can be at home, in your back yard, or on the range. At home the use of mirrors to check the correct posture, along with practice swings and drills are very helpful. Indoor putting matts to enhance your mechanical skills, as well as pitching or chipping balls in to a garbage can for distance control with your wedges. Short brief practice sessions a few times a week on a consistent basis will bring a lot of benefit to your game.

The last point I would make is to make sure your practice is fun and creative. The worse thing you can do is force too much block practice that you get bored and get nothing from it. Remember, be specific with what it is you are working on and have a way to measure the outcomes.

All the best,
Dana

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As we embark on a new year of playing the game of golf, I would like to give you some helpful insights on improving your performance on the golf course. My information will not be a series of quick fix tips but rather a focus on how to identify the skills that need development and a plan to do so.

As golfers we are conditioned that reading a tip, watching a video on YouTube or the like will fix our slice and make us better. It at best offers short term solutions and usually results back to the same flaws and frustrations.

There are several steps you must take in order to change your inconsistent ball striking to a playable ball flight.

First is an understanding of cause and effect. For example, if you slice the ball, what is the reason for that ball flight pattern and what is the solution? Swing analysis and changes should be under the watchful eye of a qualified teacher/coach. A good teacher assesses what is good with your swing and then builds around that.

Second, practice what the teacher has told you. In other words, get on the program and stick with it. In the words of Gary Player, “The player who expects a lesson to take without subsequent practice just isn’t being honest with himself or to his professional.” Learning takes time and with practice it produces repetition of the skill and changes begin to occur.

Third, on course transference. When I go out on the course with my students, I do a lot of simulation drills. I have them hit lots of different shots from tough lies to get them focused on playing the game and learning how to better perform on the course.
Work on the skills that cost you the most strokes. Golfers tend to practice what they are good at, and as that is important, you must also identify areas in your game by consistently keeping stats when you play. This information is the key to how you structure your lessons and your practice.

Fourth, taking it to the course. The evidence that you are improving and have learned the skill is taking it to the course. Sometimes, success is no OB shots with that wicked slice, but may be the scores have not come down. In order to score lower, your short game work must be a regular part of your practice sessions.

Fifth, after each round review your stats and write down those things that you did well and the areas of improvement needed in your next lesson and/or practice session.

Enjoy this great game, for it is the greatest teacher of life than any other game in the world!

Best to you,
Dana

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The holidays are fast approaching and I would like to take this time to wish you all a wonderful holiday season.

As I reflect on the past year, I have come up with the top five things I am most thankful for. They are:

#5 – Having a career that I love for the past thirty one years in which I get to teach people how to play golf;

#4 – Seeing the smile on a frustrated student’s face when they are ready to quit playing, but then hits that perfect shot which brings the most authentic smile I’ve ever seen;

#3 – Living in Charlotte NC and being a part of the Ballanytne Hotel and Lodge team;

#2 – Working with my team at Dana Rader Golf School. In all my years in business, this is by far the best team of teachers and administrative personnel I’ve ever assembled. They are all committed to our mission and vision, and they know that their purpose is all about serving you better; and

#1 – Serving YOU, our loyal students. I am thankful for every single person that has ever been to the school. It is because of you that we celebrate fourteen years at Ballantyne and look forward to the years ahead.

Thanksgiving is a special time to celebrate with family and friends those things we are grateful for. I know that I am most thankful for my Dad who is my hero in many ways. He is 86 years old and a World War II veteran. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the Army, and shortly after training, he was sent to the front lines. He was captured by German Nazi, imprisoned for nine months, and liberated when the war ended. He still remembers vividly all the horror of his near death experiences and the day-to-day loss of lives he witnessed.

When he returned home from the Army, he got married and opened a grocery store called Rader’s which established itself as a very successful brand. My father taught me the value of hard work, customer service, and to do the little things – those tiny details that may not seem to matter, but always do. His love for his trade, his attention to detail, and his strong sense of survival during WWII are just a few of the qualities that impacted my life. I am thankful for him and that he is still here today so that I can tell him how much I love him and that he will always be my hero.

Happy Holidays to you!

All the best,
Dana

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I don’t know about you, but I watched nearly every shot Rory hit on the final round of the U.S. Open. I watched with amazement and awe at a game that we all would like to experience just one time. I was thrilled to see this for several reasons. 

First, golf needs its star power back!! A wonder kid that even amazes his competitors and can get his fans engaged in the game he is playing. We had that with Tiger and we have missed seeing that spectacular play we’ve grown accustomed to.  Second, we need to be inspired. To see someone play this game and actually make it look easy gives us the inspiration to keep playing and making improvements with our swing. His performance in the U.S. Open showed the world that he is a champion. 

But here is the really neat thing about Rory. When I watched him play the final round inAugustawhen he shot 80, it seemed like he may never recover from that kind of a meltdown. I said to myself, Rory needs to seek out advice from the world’s top players. I thought to myself Jack Nicklaus would be a perfect person for him to talk to. 

Jack’s mental toughness and his innate ability to bounce back from poor rounds would be a great mentor for him. I was not surprised when I heard Jack’s voice on the final round of the U.S. Open talking about his conversation with Rory. You see, winners seek out winners. They want their best practices, thoughts, feelings, and how they dealt with the pressures of competitive golf. 

Rory will be a top player for many years because he has developed a slight edge in his game. He knows what it takes to be a major champion now and he will continue to keep his edge over his competitors. Seeking the wise council of Jack Nicklaus was brilliant and a great example to ALL players of the game of golf, no matter what level you play. Seek out your teachers, coaches and mentors not only in golf, but in life. Remember, we are in the world to help each other, so don’t be afraid to get help with your golf game.

Call 704.542.7635 to book a lesson with a Dana Rader Golf School instructor today! 
Get social with us at www.facebook.com/danaradergolf and www.twitter.com/danaradergolf, or visit our website at www.danarader.com

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Our number one job as golf professionals is to grow the game of golf. There are many ways to do that, but for me the growth of the game is achieved by teaching golfers how to have a more enjoyable experience with the game. In all my years of teaching, the number one thing I hear from my students is they don’t want to embarrass themselves in front of others, which means they don’t make solid contact with the golf ball.

As teachers, our job is to communicate to the student the absolutes of the swing that will help them develop a repeatable and sound motion. It does not have to be perfect, nor does it have to be a textbook swing. The problem with building a repeatable swing is golfers tend to apply too many tips, training aids, or newest methodology or trend that may or may not adapt to their motion.  

I believe golfers should be refining and making their golf game better, but with caution and care in which road they choose to go. For example, you may read about Tiger Woods latest changes in his swing and think that makes sense for you, so you go out on your own to create a swing like Tigers. I encourage all golfers to choose a path for better golf, just not every path that is out there.

So before you go out and try the latest and greatest swing fad, golfer beware. It is very difficult, and in some cases impossible, to make a change in your swing plane without help from a trusted teacher with a good eye.

To stay away from the swing of confusion and delusion, here are three things that can get you back on course making solid contact.

1. Learn to get the club face square at impact. You can do this by hitting in to an impact bag that gives you both the feel and visual of the proper position.
2. Learn to completely transfer your weight to a full finish after you impact the ball.
3. Swing with balance. I believe you should swing as fast as you can, but do it with balance and rhythm.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Lastly, no matter how you choose to work on your game, remember to keep it simple and please don’t over think it –doing so will only lead you to frustration.         

Call 704.542.7635 to book a lesson with a Dana Rader Golf School instructor today! 
Get social with us at www.facebook.com/danaradergolf and www.twitter.com/danaradergolf

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I love the Masters for various reasons. It’s exciting, inspiring and entertaining. I have had the great pleasure of playing Augusta National twice. To walk on the same course as the worlds greatest players was not only an honor, but an experience I will never forget! I appreciate the attention to every detail that sets the golf course apart from all others. I love the history of Augusta and all the winners that have emerged through it’s curling challenges.  

This week I think you will see some history repeat itself. I think the winner will be a familiar player…one that has lost his way for awhile, but will find it again on the very grounds that gained him his dominance. I believe that Tiger Woods is very close to a come back. May be I just want to see him have redemption, or may be it’s time for him to become the man he is supposed to be. I think the game is about second chances, and it just may be his time to make his move back to the player he once was.

No matter who wins The Masters, there is one thing for certain. The man that walks away with the prize is the one that believes he can win, has prepared, and has the patience to carry it out for seventy two holes.

Who do you think will be wearing the green jacket this Sunday?  Share your pick or leave a comment.

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I wanted to take a moment to talk about influence. It is a simple word with great meaning. I have given thought to all the things we do in our lives that impact others. For me, golf has been a vehicle not only to help people with their golf games, but also to help others in life using those same lessons I learned in golf. Learning the basic fundamentals in golf has taught me to pay attention to the little things. Those things that don’t seem to be so fancy, cutting-edge or trend-setting. 

The difference between a good teacher and a great teacher are the ones that major in the minors. The great teacher builds. In contrast, a good or novice teacher, while they may see the same things as the great teacher, tends to be led astray by the latest and greatest theories and methodologies. Teachers empower their students with the ability to make necessary changes in their swings which creates trust during the lesson. This all takes influence and it takes time to build that relationship of trust and partnership.

The influence the game has had on my life has been incredible. It has taught me that Fundamentals are the foundation of the game, and when we understand their importance, we understand how the swing is really built. Although it may seem basic, the fundamentals are the roots that grow deep in your soul. The fundamentals of golf are grip, stance, posture alignment, and ball position. In other words, the pre-swing setup. Learning how to properly hold the golf club and address the ball with consistency are the keys to building a repeatable swing.

There are also fundamentals that influence our lives every day. Our values, purpose and journey. Without a foundation of what we truly believe, we tend to fall for anything. I believe every golfer and every athlete must have those basic skills that are practiced on a routine basis.

Enjoy this great game. Keep it simple and focus on a few things – the little things that bring great benefits to your game!

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When I was sixteen years old, I began playing the game of golf. My dad was very smart as he got me lessons from the very start. That first lesson made a lasting impression on me. My pro told me the importance of good fundamentals starting with the most important one – the grip. As I began playing and respecting this great game, I soon realized that getting off track and this game was easy. I focused so much on creating the perfect swing that I neglected the basic fundamentals I was taught. I thought fundamentals were for beginners and I had been playing the game then for three years, so I knew it could not be something that simple. My grip continued to get in a very strong left hand position which means that the left hand (for right hand golfers) was on top of the club showing four knuckles. This produced a hook to the left of my target and then started to produce compensation in my swing to keep the ball on line. These poor swing tendencies were a direct result of neglecting basic fundamentals.

It’s that time of year to tune up your swing with a check up on your basics. Basics are for a lifetime of better golf. Remember, it is the little things that you do over and over with consistency that will bring about change in your ball striking and make the game even more fun. Stay focused on a few basics this year and you will see how attention to the small details of the swing produces great results.

Call 704.542.7635 to book a lesson with a Dana Rader Golf School instructor today!

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This week at Charlotte Country Club they are hosting the 110^th US Women’s Amateur. I love amateur golf and that is how I got my start in competition. I competed on a national level before turning pro in October of 1980.  The field will have the top women amateurs in the world and certainly Charlotte CC will test every club in the golfers bag. If you have not had a chance to see the finest players on an incredible golf course make plans to attend. The finals will be this weekend but right now there is head to head match play competition going on all week. I love match play and everyone can learn from the players out there how they manage their game through out the day.

Join me Sunday afternoon for the final round of match play. I love this format of head to head competition. Only two players on the course and the drama and excitement will be incredible.

Every woman and young girl that has a love for the game should be there. Bring the family and watch some of the world’s best golfers right in our back yard.

Hope to see you there!!

Dana