Ryder Cup Preview

Ryder Cup Preview

Hard to believe it’s been two years since the Ryder Cup was hosted in (kind of) our own backyard. The U.S. put on a dominating performance at Hazeltine National in Chaska, MN, (17-11 U.S. win) and the Euros will be looking forward to avenging the loss on their (kind of) home turf. Let’s take a look at the Ryder Cup so you know what you’re talking about this weekend.

Dates: September 28^th – 30^th

The Course: Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France (Outside of Paris)

Par 72, 7,331 Yards

The Albatros Course at Le Golf National will host the 2018 Ryder Cup, as well as the 2024 Olympics. Le Golf National has hosted the French Open on the European Tour since 1991 (with the exception of 1999 and 2001), so obviously some of the Euro players will have a course history advantage. Take a look at the course here. The place looks gorgeous.

The Format: The Ryder Cup is played over three days. The first two days are comprised of four-ball and foursome matches (see below), and the third day is 12 singles matches.

Four-ball is basically best ball, where everyone plays their own ball. In teams of two, the lowest score on each hole is taken. The team who has the lowest score wins the hole. If it’s a tie, the hole is halved. If you win more holes than your opponent, you win the match.

Foursomes is alternate shot, also played in teams of two. One player tees off on odd holes and the other on even. The team who has the lowest score wins the hole. If it’s a tie, the hole is halved. If you win more holes than your opponent, you win the match.

Singles is straight up match-play. Everyone will play singles on Sunday. The player who has the lowest score wins the hole. If it’s a tie, the hole is halved. If you win more holes than your opponent, you win the match (notice a trend?).

A team wins the Ryder Cup by gaining 14 ½ points (out of a possible 28). Each match in the three formats is worth one point, with halves (ties) worth ½ point. If the Ryder Cup ends in a 14-14 draw, the previous winner retains the cup. That would be the U.S. this year folks.

The Teams:

U.S.A. (CP = Captain’s Pick)

Captain: Jim Furyk

Vice-Captains: David Duval, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Davis Love III, Steve Stricker

Players: Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson, Bryson Dechambeau (CP), Tony Finau (CP), Phil Mickelson (CP), Tiger Woods (duh, CP)

Europe:

Captain: Thomas Bjorn

Vice-Captains: Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington, Robert Karlsson, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood

Players: Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari, Alex Noren, Thorbjorn Oleson, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Paul Casey (CP), Sergio Garcia (CP), Henrik Stenson (CP), Ian Poulter (duh, CP)

For the U.S., the top eight in the Ryder Cup points standings automatically qualify. The Captain (Furyk) then chooses four other players.

The European team’s first four are decided by the European points list, then the next four the World points list. The last four are also Captain’s picks (Bjorn).

What to Expect: As always, an electric atmosphere. I was lucky enough to go to the Saturday matches at Hazeltine in 2016, and it was, for lack of a better word, nuts. People were dressed in crazy costumes, screaming at the top of their lungs and yes, inebriated. It seemed to attract a different type of golf fan, which is awesome. I can’t speak for the Europeans, or if it will be any different because it’s the first Ryder Cup played in France, but I would guess they’ll be just as wild.

The U.S. hasn’t won in Europe in 25 years, but many experts think this is the team to do it. The Americans have often been overshadowed by drama between players (cough…cough…Tiger and Phil) players and captains (cough…cough…Watson and Phil) and simply not as much team chemistry as the Euros have had.

This team, however, is stacked. The U.S. has 9 of the top 15 players in the world. There is much more comradery than in years past. Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth grew up together, and are obviously good friends with Rickie Fowler. Koepka and DJ work out together and play a similar type of game. Mickelson has mentored many of these guys since they first hit the Tour. Patrick Reed is basically the U.S. version of Ian Poulter.

That’s not to say the Euros won’t be tough, especially at the site of the French Open. Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are in fantastic form, and Francesco Molinari won the (British) Open this year. They will be a little more used to the course and have home-field advantage, which I didn’t think was big in golf until Hazeltine last year. The crowds will be roaring and chanting through all three days.

Prediction: U.S. 14 ½, Europe 13 ½

I’m predicting one of the closest Ryder Cups in years. This is the strongest U.S.A. team since world rankings were introduced in 1986, but they’re away from home on a somewhat unfamiliar course.

Enjoy the pageantry this weekend ladies and gents. Happy golfing!

The post Ryder Cup Preview appeared first on Hart Ranch Golf Course.

What Does TrackMan Do?

What Does Trackman Do?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that we now have TrackMan at Hart Ranch. This week, we’re going to give you some insight into what exactly TrackMan is, what it’s capable of and how it can help improve your game.

TrackMan is a radar system that reads club and ball data by the changing frequency of microwaves reflected off the club and ball (much like a doppler weather system). This allows TrackMan to record critical data, including Club Path and Speed, Attack Angle, etc. In essence, it shows exactly why a golf ball behaves the way it does. TrackMan has redefined golf instruction, as old ball-flight “laws” were shown to be false when TrackMan was introduced to the industry. For example, for years people thought that club path was the main indicator of where the golf ball started relative to the target line. TrackMan showed that Face Angle was actually the main indicator (~80%). This along with other new data has changed golf instruction significantly.

Here are some of the many parameters TrackMan records:

Ball Speed: The speed of the ball immediately after impact. The biggest factor for distance. Center contact creates the most ball speed (relates directly to Smash Factor).

Club Speed: The speed of the clubhead at impact. More Club Speed equals more potential distance (relates directly to Smash Factor).

Smash Factor (Club Speed divided by Ball Speed): The amount of energy transferred from the club to the ball. The higher the number, the better. Max of 1.5(1) due to USGA club regulations.

Spin Rate: The amount of spin on the ball immediately after impact. Extremely important for distance and height of golf shots.

Club Path: The direction the club is moving (right or left) at impact.

Face Angle: The direction the face is pointing (right or left) at impact. This is the main factor in determining the starting line of the shot.

Face to Path: The direction the face is pointing relative to the path of the club. This is different than Face Angle, as it relates directly to where the face is pointing compared to the path of the club rather than the target line. Assuming centered contact, this is the main factor for Spin Axis (a fancy word for how the ball curves in the air).

Attack Angle: The direction the clubhead is moving (up or down) at impact. Shots hit directly off the ground should have a negative Attack Angle in order to create ball-first contact (this isn’t to say you should try to smash down on the ball like chopping wood folks).

Carry: What we all want more of. Carry is how far the ball is hit in the air before landing. Carry is mainly determined by Ball Speed, Club Speed, Smash Factor, Launch Angle and Spin Rate.

These are just a few of the numbers you’ll get when hitting golf shots on TrackMan. This data is why the best instructors and players in the world rely on it to get better, and so can you. Whenever we as instructors ask what our students struggle with, the overwhelming answer is “consistency.” The truth is, your swing is probably much more consistent than you think, just not necessarily in the correct way. TrackMan gives us reliable data to show you why you hit the ball the way you do, and ultimately give you the tools and drills to help you improve.

Be sure to stay tuned as we post updates on our new simulator room (it’s going to be awesome) and other TrackMan events. We’re ready to help you unleash your potential. Happy golfing!

The post What Does TrackMan Do? appeared first on Hart Ranch Golf Course.

The Trackman Cometh

The Trackman Cometh

Besides the fairly recent revolution in golf ball and club design, nothing has changed the game of golf more than launch monitor technology. We’re proud to announce that we have acquired Trackman, widely recognized as the most advanced launch monitor in the world. Used by tour pros, instructors and amateurs around the globe, nothing has advanced the understanding of why the golf ball flies the way it does quite like Trackman.

Obviously, we’re excited. In the coming weeks, we will schedule demo days where you can hit shots on Trackman to get your numbers. It will also be available for certain lessons and clubfittings, giving you exact details on why you’re hitting that monster slice or hook. When the cold weather inevitably hits (ugh) we will move Trackman inside. There will be more information to follow as we iron out details, so stay tuned.

If you’d like to further your understanding, we highly suggest visiting TrackmanUniversity.com, where you can get a free, in-depth education on everything our new launch monitor offers. We’re looking forward to making your golf game better than ever. Updates will follow soon ladies and gents…let’s have some fun!

The post The Trackman Cometh appeared first on Hart Ranch Golf Course.