Dave Pelz: Master of the short game (512) 264-6800
800-833-7370
Ireland: 353-1-6893030

Golf School & Golf Clinic Schedule            Login / Register            View Shopping Cart            Contact Us                                            
Dave Pelz Inside Scoring Game:  A newsletter from Pelzgolf.com
    Add Dave's Tip of the Day
    to your iGoogle page.

Click here for details.

Dave's Daily Tip:      5/25/2013

Before you do anything else about improving your putting stroke, you should develop a pre-shot putting routine. It should be consistent, repeatable, and followed to the letter (step-by-step) each and every time you putt. The tempo of your pre-shot motions should be smooth, flowing, repeatable, and consistent with your personality (easy and slow vs. fast and aggressive). Your pre-shot routine sets the tempo for your actual putting stroke and can be very important to you when you get under the intense pressure of important putts.

Read more about this in Dave Pelz's Putting Bible, Chapter 5.

Get Notified By Email When the Pelz Newsletter is Updated


Enter Email Address
Re-Enter Email Address     

__
__
__
__
__
__
__


  • PAGE 2: TIPS FROM DAVE PELZ (Archives)
  • PAGE 3:  PELZ NEWS ARCHIVE
  • PAGE 4: PELZ PRESS RELEASES


An Online Tip From Dave Pelz

Pay Attention to Bounce for Better Wedge Play!

By Dave Pelz

I find that most of my students are pretty tuned in to their woods and hybrids. They know what to expect from each club and can usually rattle off the key specs (loft, clubface angle, shaft flex, etc.). Although they’re less informed about their irons and assume that what they bought off the rack works for their swings, they’ve often done some homework when it comes to their wedges. Most of them are aware of the trajectory and backspin they get with each one, as well as the loft built into each model. When I ask about bounce angle, however, the room usually just falls silent.

If this sounds familiar to you, then you may have a problem. It’s critical to outfit your wedge set with a variety of bounces, and at the very least, you should be able to point out the wedge with the lowest amount of bounce and the one with the highest. Even if you own a perfect wedge swing, it’s the bounce that ultimately determines how each club will react with the turf, sand, water—or whatever else your ball may be sitting in—through impact. The bounce on your wedges is just as important as the attack angle of your swing. The two combine to help you maintain speed through the ball or—gulp—dig into the ground and slow down.

For example, let’s say the ball is lying on hard, wet sand. If you try to hit this shot with a high-bounce sand wedge, you’re going to have a difficult time getting the ball out of the bunker. But if you know that your lob wedge has less bounce and that less bounce performs better from this type of lie, you’re in a much better position to save par. The opposite applies when you have to play a shot from soft sand. In this situation, more bounce will help the club glide instead of dig.

Take a few minutes to research the bounce angle on each of your wedges. If your clubs don’t have a bounce value stamped on them (for example, 55/12 means 55 degrees of loft and 12 degrees of bounce), ask your pro or custom club shop for help. The important thing is to learn if the range of bounces in your wedge set is wide enough to tackle whatever the course throws at you. Regardless of the lofts you carry, make sure that your wedges offer a low-bounce, mid-bounce and high-bounce option.

The perfect wedge set features loft gaps of 4 to 5 degrees between each club ? and a range of bounce angles to handle all the conditions in which you typically play. If your current set falls short of this standard, then you’re just making the game more difficult—and adding strokes to your score—every time you play.



Make This Summer Your Time to Improve

Summer. It’s your time. It’s your time to plan, play and do what you love most. We feel the same way about the sunniest season and send our teaching staff to some of our absolute favorite places in the country to host Dave Pelz Scoring Game School. Our biggest news of the summer is the long-awaited return to the exceptional Lodge & Spa at Cordillera. This luxurious Rocky Mountain retreat is the perfect summer getaway with its alpine setting, abundance of outdoor activities and sensational mountain golf.

Cordillera’s Dave Pelz-designed school grounds and adjoining 10-hole Short Course add a personal touch to the school experience. Our instructors will be in Cordillera from July 19 – Aug. 10. Join them for an opportunity to improve your game in an incomparable destination for golf and leisure. Click here to learn more about our schools at Cordillera, including a special Signature Session, featuring appearances and live instruction from Dave Pelz.

In addition to Cordillera, we will also be offering schools at some of the top locales around the country, including the destination voted “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning, America viewers—The Homestead in Glen Arbor, Michigan. This idyllic hideaway on the shores of Lake Michigan combines the intimacy of a small ski village with majestic beauty and family fun at every turn. This place is one of a kind. We offer programs at The Homestead all summer, so pick a week and prepare to be amazed. Click here for details.

Join us at an upcoming school in Florida, Georgia, California, New York or Michigan. We’re ready to help you learn the short game and putting skills that bring confidence, consistency and awesome skills to your game. Sign up today for Three Days That Will Change Your Game Forever.

Click here to learn about our “Bring a Friend” discount for three-day school enrollees.

Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton, FL
PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Cimarron Golf Resort, Palm Springs, CA
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Atlanta, GA
The Homestead, Traverse City, MI
Centennial Golf Club, Carmel, NY.

Carpenter Enjoying Successful
Senior Season at Abeline Christian


One of our favorite Pelz Alumni families shares some big-time news. The Carpenter family has attended the three day school numerous times and presently has three brothers playing on the Abilene Christian University golf team. Senior Alex Carpenter (who plays on the team with twin brother Adam and sophomore younger brother Luke) recently set the record for wins during an NCAA collegiate career and was named to the Palmer Cup team for the second time in his college career.

For the second time in his distinguished collegiate career, Alex will represent the United States this summer at the 2013 Palmer Cup. The annual Ryder Cup-style competition will be played June 7-9 at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, Del.

The Palmer Cup teams for both the United States and Europe were announced Monday. Previous players at this event include current PGA tour professionals Luke Donald, Webb Simpson and Graeme McDowell.

“I'm really excited to make the team,” said Carpenter. “I knew there was a good chance that I would be selected, but I hadn't heard anything leading up to today and didn't want to get my hopes up. There are a lot of great players they could have chosen from the non-Division I level, so it was good to find out that I was picked.”

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and Alex is well deserving of this honor,” said ACU head golf coach Mike Campbell. “There was only one spot reserved on this year's team for a non-Division I golfer and Alex was right at the top of the heap when comparing everyone's statistics. I really believe the best golfers in D-II are in the same class as D-I, so he's seen a lot of good competition throughout his career.”

Carpenter, who previously represented the U.S. at the 2011 Palmer Cup, has recorded five victories this season and recently accepted his fourth Lone Star Conference Player of the Year award. The three-time all-America also made Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' page in its April 22 issue after winning his 20th collegiate tournament on April 9 at the Dallas Baptist Classic.

Carpenter is believed to hold the NCAA career record for individual collegiate wins (20), having surpassed the previous record of 16 set by Phil Mickelson from 1989-92. Coincidentally, Carpenter earned the 2010 Phil Mickelson Award presented by the Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation as the most outstanding freshman in NCAA D-II men's golf.

A native of Little Rock, Carpenter won the 2011 Jack Nicklaus Award as the NCAA D-II Player of the Year, and earlier this spring, he finished tied for second Sunday at the Jones Cup Invitational, one of the top amateur golf tournaments in the United States.

“I work hard because I love it,” Carpenter said, “and I enjoy improving in different areas, and reaching the goals I've set for myself. So it's really special when I receive these types of honors (named for the greats of the sport). I also feel it's important to take advantage of being at these different tournaments and really enjoy the experience.”

Congrats to Alex and proud parents, Larry and Lisa! Go get ‘em!





Scott's Masters Win Reignites Anchoring Debate

In sinking two of the most clutch birdie putts in the history of The Masters, Adam Scott became a popular champion and also added fuel to the ongoing debate on anchored putting. Scott’s success with the long putter was impressive but also sparked discussion on both sides of the anchoring argument. The USGA and R & A have proposed a ban on any putting strokes in which a player’s club is anchored to his body. USA Today writer Steve DiMeglio wrote recently:

(Scott’s) victory completed an "Anchored Slam," as all four majors now have been won by players anchoring the putter — Scott in the Masters, Webb Simpson in the 2012 U.S. Open, Ernie Els in the 2012 British Open and Keegan Bradley in the 2011 PGA Championship.

That's four of the last six majors won with an anchored putting stroke.

A run like that, however, might never happen again.

The Royal & Ancient and the U.S. Golf Association proposed a ban on anchoring clubs to the body last year. The custodians of the game allowed for a three-month comment period, which ended six weeks ago. No final decision has been announced. It is expected within the next six weeks.

If the proposal becomes a rule, implementation would begin Jan. 1, 2016.

The PGA Tour and the PGA of America have formally protested the ban. All other professional tours who have commented on the impending decision have not opposed it. Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National, did not side either way last week when asked about the proposed anchoring ban.

"Given that the ruling bodies have not yet declared a decision following that open-comment period," Payne said, "I do think it would be inappropriate for us to express an opinion other than to say that we hope and believe that they can reach common ground so that golf will continue under one set of rules."

Scott, 32, has frequently opined — he's a vocal opponent, saying once that there seems to be no logic to the whole issue. He was asked Sunday while wearing his green jacket whether or not his victory would have an impact.

"I don't know what it's going to do," said Scott, who has seven top-15 finishes in his last nine majors. "We are all waiting to hear what's going to happen. I don't know that this is going to impact any decisions at all.

"You know my feeling on it all; that it was inevitable that big tournaments would be won with this equipment because these are the best players in the world and they practice thousands of hours. They are going to get good with whatever they are using. It's inevitable."

Angel Cabrera doesn't think much of the proposal, either.

"No, I don't think there is any advantage," he said. "If it really is an advantage, why doesn't everybody play it?"

Scott is expected to play next in The Players Championship May 9-12.




Dial In Your Distances

Dave Pelz has a unique feature in his backyard golf practice area: target pads set at 10, 20, 30 and 40 yards from a hitting area. The circumference of each target corresponds with the average “leave distance” of PGA Tour players from those yardages. Dave knows that if he can hit shots into the targets consistently, he’s playing those shots as well as a Tour player. OK, easier said than done, but it is a benchmark and a good way to practice.

Not only do the sizes of the targets provide feedback on the quality of the practice session, the practice of hitting several balls to each target greatly improves a golfer’s ability to learn their individual distances and the corresponding swings that land shots at the targets. The more you know how much of a backswing with which club produces which shot to which yardage, the better you’ll be on the course. You will be amazed at how quickly you can improve around the greens just by hitting shots with different swings to known yardages.

Even if you just have a small space in your backyard, set up targets at specific distances and hit 10 shots to each target. Take note of how many hit the target out of 10. You’ll want to try shots with low, medium and high trajectories to see which ones you’re better at hitting to specific distances. Definitely hit shots in which the length of your backswing helps you control the distance of the shot as you accelerate your wedge swing to a full finish. Keeping that consistent technique and tempo will help you learn better distance control. If all you’re changing is the length of your backswing and the club you’re using, you’re going to get better and more consistent as you learn your yardages. Soon, you'll have a shot for almost any shot around the green! Try this and send us your feedback to askpelz@pelzgolf.com.



Get Sun Safe For Summer

If you play golf, some things are inescapable—greenside bunkers, tricky breaking putts and, of course, the sun! Dave Pelz’s hat from Imperial has become somewhat of a trademark for the six-foot-five Scoring Game guru, but its sun-safe properties can benefit any golfer who wants to play a lot of golf but also avoid the harmful effects of sun exposure. “I wouldn’t go anywhere without this hat,” Pelz says. “As much as I need to be in the sun, I need full coverage from a hat and this one provides it. It’s also light-weight, breathable and very easy to pack in a suitcase.” The Imperial lightweight, full-brimmed hat with patented “MCST Blocker” and CoolMax sweatband provides an evaporative cooling effect by wicking away moisture. The dark underside of the brim enhances visibility and minimizes glare. For more information on the hat Dave Pelz wears, click here. To learn more about what you can do to stay “sun safe” on the golf course, visit our friends at Sun Safetee, www.sunsaftee.com.

Enroll Your Future Star
in Our Summer 2013 Juniors-Only Camp


For years, customers have asked about a Pelz Junior Camp at our school locations. The wait is over as we're proud to announce that this coming summer, our schools at The Boca Raton Resort & Club and PGA National will host Five-Day Junior Camps for serious juniors ages 12 - 18. Help your young golfer establish a competitive edge at this one-of-a-kind camp.

For five straight days at each location, our staff will work exclusively with junior golfers who are poised to take their games to the next level. Geared for tournament players or juniors aspiring to play on teams or in elite events, our 20-hour curriculum will help students improve their key scoring skills—chipping, putting, pitching and sand play. These skills make up 65 percent of the shots played in golf and 80 percent of the shots golfers lose to par.

If you want your junior player to stand apart from the field, sharp short game and putting skills offer the surest path to optimum scoring. Our expert staff has worked with some of the finest players in the world. It’s time to trust the proven name in Scoring Game instruction and put the results to the test. We look forward to seeing a great group of juniors this summer in Florida!

Click here for more information on the Pelz Junior Golf Camp



New Clinic Locations Highlight Summer Schedule

We are pleased to announce a full slate of traveling Dave Pelz Scoring Game Clinics. A new addition to the schedule is The Courses at Watters Creek located just north of Dallas, TX. This completely renovated property offers a state of the art teaching space, renovated golf holes and a brand-new six-hole “Futures” Course all crafted by Champions Tour player D.A. Weibring and his design partner Steve Wolfard. Clinics at Watters Creek will run from June 12 – 15.

Also newly “re-added” to the 2013 schedule is the popular Pinehills Golf Club near Boston, MA. Pinehills winds through 300 idyllic acres of rolling hills punctuated by glacially-carved undulations. The two 18-hole championship courses (by Rees Jones and Nicklaus Design) take full advantage of an amazing natural setting. Consistently ranked one of the top daily-fee operations in New England, Pinehills is a “complete” golf destination. Join us for clinics at Pinehills June 26 – 29. Call 800-833-7370 to enroll.

The Pelz One-Day Clinic is the ideal introduction to the chipping, pitching, putting, sand and wedge skills you need to be a better golfer. The short game makes up two thirds of the strokes you play in a typical round of golf. If you’re not improving in that all-important scoring range, you’re probably seeing your handicap stuck in neutral.

Sign up for a one-day clinic near you and get your game in gear. Come learn the practical, proven methods your game is missing. You’ll be glad you spent the day “changing the way you look at Up and Down.”

Join us at one of these upcoming locations:

Oak Creek GC, Newport Beach, CA May 23 – May 25
Centennial Golf Club, New York, NY May 17 – Aug. 31
Cypresswood GC, Houston, TX June 6 - 8
Watters Creek, Dallas, TX June 13 - 15



Pelz Students Deserve Special Treatment:

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR PELZ STUDENTS:
Our three day schools are hosted at some of the finest golf resort’s in the country. Check out some exclusive package offers currently available if you book your school visit soon. It’s always a great idea to extend your stay and get in some rounds of golf at these awesome locales:

BOCA RATON RESORT & CLUB
Uniquely Boca Inclusive Package from $349 per night

Experience the best of everything the Resort has to offer with this incredible inclusive package; the activities are endless and the savings are unprecedented. Ideal for a family staycation or even just a romantic evening away.

Uniquely Boca Package Includes: Parking, Breakfast, Late checkout, Inclusive of resort fee, 25% Off Golf Greens Fees (excluding cart), 25% Off treatments at Spa Palazzo, 25% Off Tennis Court Time, 25% Off Camp Boca. Click here for more information.

PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA
The Gold Golf Package provides the perfect South Florida golf vacation with options for players of all skill levels at an incredible savings. The Gold Package includes the choice of one round per person each day at the newly updated Palmer course, or The Haig, Squire, or Estates courses. Advance tee times are recommended.

PGA Gold Golf PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1 round per person per day at The Palmer, Haig, Squire, or Estates course, Upgrades available to The Champion course for a surcharge, Nightly deluxe accommodations in a standard hotel room with private balcony or terrace, Daily breakfast buffet per person, Complimentary bag storage, Complimentary unlimited practice balls during stay. Click here for more information.

CHATEAU ELAN WINERY & RESORT
A deluxe overnight room in the Inn at Château Élan, two rounds of golf plus cart and range balls on the Château course or Woodlands course and breakfast for two the following morning in the Versailles Restaurant or Golf Grille. Tee times are recommended at the time of booking. Click here for more information.









boca raton

o balls

pga national

practice makes permanent

Dave Pelz's Damage Control

chateau elan

dave pelz students quotes

pro shop

wedge

killeen castle

pelz putter

pelz putting tutor

Special Offers & Featured Products


One Day Clinics
Lower Your Scores!

Dave Pelz Special Feature


Bring a Friend & Save
on a 3-Day School

Dave Pelz Special Feature


Pelz Schools in 2012 ...
Make it Your Best Year in Golf!

Dave Pelz Special Feature


White Ice O-Ball Putters!

Dave Pelz Special Feature