The Kinematic Sequence

Take a close look at the above video, especially the downswing. Without reading further, take a minute or two and really try to observe what is happening.

OK, since you didn’t do that, I’ll just tell you. What you’re observing is a near-perfect kinematic sequence, or what you hear golf announcers and great players call efficiency.

You can go all sorts of crazy watching extremely technical videos that will break down the sequence frame-by-frame, but in all honesty that’s not going to help your golf game. I’m going to try to make it as simple as possible.

A kinematic sequence is the order in which various parts of the body and club accelerate and decelerate. There is a kinematic sequence in the backswing, but it’s more often referenced in the downswing, so that’s what we’ll focus on today.

Think of it like throwing a ball. In a good throwing motion, the first thing you do is step forward with your lower body, then rotate your torso, then fling your arm, then release the ball. A bad motion would be to fling your arm, then rotate, then step. This wouldn’t feel very natural, and the ball wouldn’t fly very far. It’s the same in golf.

To start the downswing, we want to lead with our lower body, then rotate our torso, then swing our arms and finally release the club. The builds speed until it is released fully into the clubhead at the moment of impact. Take a look:

From GForceGolf.com

Most people tend to start the downswing with their upper body. Again, this is like flinging your arm before you step to throw a ball. We need to get into the habit of starting the downswing with our lower body. See what a legend (who was way ahead of his time) had to say about it:

One of the best drills to learn a good kinematic sequence is the stop-at-the-top drill. It’ll be tricky to hit good shots at first, but stick with it. Slowly take the club to the top of the backswing, then stop for a good 2-3 seconds. Now feel your lower body unwind, followed by your torso (ribcage), then swing your arms, then whip the club through the ball. Do this slowly at first. You’ll feel a good stretch in your midsection and probably your upper lead arm. Keep working at it until you can actually hit balls. When you can make decent contact a few times, you’re well on your way.

This is probably the most important aspect of a good golf swing, so keep at it. If you can change this, you’ll definitely become a better ballstriker. Happy golfing!

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Building the Sim Room (Photo Gallery)

A photo gallery update on our progress…much more to come!

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The TrackMan Simulator

The TrackMan Simulator

If you’ve stepped inside the Hart Ranch Pro Shop lately, you’ve noticed some big changes. We’ve gutted out the back room for our brand-new TrackMan Simulator, opening November 1^st (which can’t come soon enough with the way the weather looks). Here are some of the changes from last year:

1. Projector and Screen

Last year we hit into a net and watched the ball flight on the TV screen. This year, we’re hitting into a large screen with an image of the course/range. This will obviously offer a much more immersive experience. You TrackMan numbers will show up on a different TV display so you can monitor the quality of your shots.

This isn’t ours but it will look somewhat similar.

2. TrackMan

We used a SkyTrak launch monitor last year, and while it was fairly accurate, we’ve upgraded to the most advanced launch monitor ever made. TrackMan is the gold standard for Tour players, Top 100 instructors, clubfitters and golf industry leaders. The numbers you see while watching PGA and LPGA Tour broadcasts often come from TrackMan.

3. Surround Sound

To make the simulator experience more immersive than ever, the room will have surround sound. Feel free to play music, or just listen to the natural sounds the golf course software offers. You can also watch/listen to any games or TV shows you may want to watch.

4. New Mat

While the hitting mat we had last year was OK, it got worn down through a lot of use. We’re upgrading to a more durable and realistic-feeling mat. This will give you a better sense of the quality of your shot and won’t allow you to “cheat” your results as much (this makes you a better player!).

5. More Comfort

With lounge chairs, tables, more TVs and more space we’re able to offer an awesome setting for your next get-together. Birthday parties, corporate outings, big-game nights and more are welcome.

Last year those who don’t play much golf might have felt a little uncomfortable as the SkyTrak sat fairly close to the ball. With TrackMan you don’t have to worry about hitting the device as it sits behind the golfer.

We’re obviously excited to get up-and-running. Stay tuned to your email and Facebook as we’ll be offering some awesome deals and memberships as we get closer to opening. Let’s hope we can get in a few more great days of outdoor golf, but if not an awesome indoor golf experience is right around the corner!

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