Sorry for the delay in new posts but I followed my Packers down to North Dallas to the Super Bowl.
Wonderful event. The Packers didn’t disappoint and the Steelers and their fans showed much class.
Sadly, there was no chance to golf as ice and snow prevailed during the days leading up to the big game.
Copyright 2011 llenroc enterprises LLC
Golf Digest has a nice spread on Domenic Mazza’s swing. Swing Sequence: Swing Sequence: Long-drive phenom Domenic Mazza Swing Sequences: Golfdigest.com.
It’s uncanny how much of a Mike Austin look there is to the swing.
Now, I can assure you from personal experience, that Mike Austin would have a fit regarding the past parallel clubshaft position, however, the swing is certainly consistent with Mike’s straightening of the right leg on the backswing. Moreover, it obliterates modern thought that you must keep the right leg flexed to hit it long.
Oh, and by the way, “the kid” further validates Mike Austin’s tenet that “we want mobility, not stability”.
Photos from Golf Digest (shared per Golf Digest feed)
Copyright llenroc enterprises LLC 2011
People have asked if Mike Austin mentioned the QL in my lessons. The answer is “yes”. The QL is the quadratus lumborum, the muscles which attached the pelvic bone to each side of the spine.
There’s been much study and some dispute of late as to the precise function of the QL. Some argue that it aids in lateral flexion, as in a side bend. Others say that it has little to do with that motion. What is intriguing is the studies generally agree with how Mike Austin told me to utilize the QL. Namely, when one side is activated it brings the lowest rib (the 12th rib) down toward the hip.
To get a feel, stand erect and act as if you are going to raise your left heel but don’t allow the foot to raise. You are activating the left QL.
What does that mean to us as golfers? At address the right knee (for a right hander) is flexed. You then straighten it which bumps the right hip to 4 o’clock. At the same time you utilize the QL to crimp in (concave as Mike would say) your left side. That lowers the left hip and shoulder and sets the plane upward. Now your swing can move on the previously discussed “in curve” and the path of the club will naturally move up as it travels along the upward plane set by the left hip and shoulder. But remember our past lesson. You don’t move your head. (You’re not a dinosaur!) How is that possible? You start raising you left heel which allows the turn.
Gray’s Anatomy FIG. 389– Deep muscles of the back.
Copyright llenroc enterprises LLC 2011
To start the New Year with a bang I am going to give you a big secret of the Mike Austin swing.
It’s your belly button. Yes, your navel. Probably haven’t thought about it that much lately, have you? Unless, it relates to a New Year’s resolution.
However, it’s a major source of power. And yet, you will rarely hear about it. If you swing your belly button back and through you are activating and/or energizing many of the muscles that Mike Austin wanted you to utilize in the swing, including the internal and external obliques, the transverse abdominis, the glutes and the sartorius, just to name a few. The good news is that you don’t have to think about those muscles, if you don’t want to.
Just swing that belly button. The further and faster you move it (albeit smoothly) the further that ball will go.
Copyright 2011 llenroc enterprises LLC
Ok guys and gals. Let’s get going on the backswing and the path of the hands and arms.
I am pretty sure this is my second day with Mike Austin. As you can hear, he gave me a hefty dose of his “enthusiasm”.
I took the heat, now you can learn from the comfort of your home.
The bottom line here is that unlike a lot of teachings (and many incorrectly teaching Mike Austin’s swing), the clubhead and arms do NOT go straight back on a line from the ball. They move on an “in curve”. This is crucial to a circular motion.
Hope this helps.
Happy New Year and thanks for all of your support this year. We’ve got some great things in store for your game next year.
Best, Chuck
Copyright December 2010 llenroc enterprises LLC
Check out all the information contained in this short clip:
The name of the game is a fast clubhead – created by the hands, not the body.
As Mike Austin adamantly pointed out to me, “I don’t feel power in the shoulder! You can’t throw [with the shoulder]. You can shot put with power in the shoulder. You can throw with your hands.”
Note also, the “in curve” on the backswing. The Mike Austin swing is circular.
Listen to the difference in the sound of the hit when done correctly.
Finally, check out how Mike Austin used intonations to reinforce key facets of a lesson. Keep reviewing the clips and I guarantee you that you will hear that voice during your practice.
Hope this helps!
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!
Best,
Chuck
Copyright llenroc enterprises LLC December 2010
It frustrates me to no end to hear people speak of Mike Austin’s instruction as if it was devoted only to power.
Note the effortlessness and accuracy (check out the barrel) of these partial shots utilizing the same motions and technique.
Also, note how Mike Austin had me practice – picking targets at various distances.
Get your game on and go practice these partial shots. You’ll be amazed at the effortless power and accuracy.
Copyright December 2010 llenroc enterprises LLC
Here Mike Austin and I are working on the lower 6 joints – the ankles, knees and hips.
The body shifts via the first part of the pivot, then turns. Note the complete turn. I found that I often did not complete the turn, so check yours. Also, note how Mike is interested in the resultant lively “click” at impact – not a dull thud.
Finally, check out Mike giving grief to a buddy of his in the next stall who is hitting the ball with only his upper six joints.
That’s the banter common to one of Mike’s lessons (along with his devious laugh). Hopefully, this gives you a sense of being there.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Copyright llenroc enterprises LLC November 23, 2010
I decided to do a quick clip on my own in response to questions about the pivot and on the lack of precision hitting experienced by some viewers. If you don’t take the proper measurements at address and don’t keep the head steady, problems with precision may creep in. Actual clips from Mike are to come but this will provide you with some critical foundation.
Hope that helps!
Copyright llenroc enterprises LLC November 3, 2010
Check out this teenager from California.
He’s new to long driving and just qualified in Nevada for the National Long Drive Championship with a drive of 436 yards.
Copyright 2010 KGO-TV/DT
Note the leg action and the speed generated with the hips ala Mike Austin.
Copyright 2010 llenroc enterprises LLC
Viewers have requested more on the power move along with a different angle.
Here goes:
Note the reference to the “speed” that Mike Austin wanted to see out of that right hip.
Copyright llenroc enterprises LLC October 2010
Mike Austin would constantly stress to me that you want to hit the center of the golf ball with the center of the club face.
You could hear the difference and he often commented on the the sound of hits. He did not want a dull thud. He wanted a lively thwack.
In addition, you could see the difference in hits. Often, Mike would grab my club and take a look at the face.
I’ve tried to work hard on my game recently with success. Broke 70 last week and had a great practice session yesterday.
At one point I stopped, thought of Mike’s club face comments and took a gander at the face of my 4 iron.
As Mike would say,
“Now that’s hitting the center of the ball with the center of the club face.”
The impression is the result of the measurements taken at address and the precision hitting stemming from Mike Austin’s action.
While practicing, be cognizant of the sound of impact. And, every so often take a look at your club face.
Copyright September 2010 llenroc enterprises LLC
Many have commented that they have enjoyed learning and/or reliving the feats of Mike Austin.
One of my prized possessions is a poetry book that Mike gave me that he authored. Included were several great photo’s of Mike including those taken in movie roles. If you look closely at the cover of the 20th Century Fox movie dvd pictured below you’ll see a distinguished gentlemen at the right front of the table.
Yup, you’ve guessed it. That’s Mike Austin as Judge Lange in “The Star Chamber” (1983) starring Michael Douglas.
The proper use of the right hand is an absolute imperative to the power and accuracy of Mike Austin’s teachings.
Mike even had me hit balls with only my right hand. Look at the way the balls jump off the clubhead.
Give it a try. You will know immediately if you are using the right hand correctly.
BTW, note Mike Austin’s reminder not to use a closed stance (a/k/a “blocked position”).
Copyright August 2010 llenroc enterprises LLC
Many have asked to see the driver swing. So, here goes:
The driver swing motion is the same as the irons.
Note the ball acceleration and the straight path of the ball flight.
Mike Austin provided me with these results in my second (!) lesson with him. Best of all, there’s no pain and strain.
“That’s killing it!” And, so can you.
Remember, it’s supple quickness.
Copyright llenroc enterprises LLC, August 2010
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