Dr. Gary Wiren, Ph.D.

          When watching golf tournaments on television the interest level is raised dramatically if it is one of the four majors, particularly The Masters and The US Open. But for truly compelling viewing of a golf event, nothing compares to the Ryder Cup. It has not only the drama of head to head match play which is always more intriguing, but also it adds both the team element and the nationalistic pride of playing for one's country, making it a triple decker golfing treat. This year's event at Valhalla in Louisville, KY, was no exception: a real winner, from the conduct and production of the event to the outcome. But beyond the entertainment value for you the viewer,

what should you have learned from watching that would help your game? Here is what I would say.

          1. If you can't putt you can't win. Almost without question the majority of holes won and lost at the Cup matches was determined by the player's ability to hole putts. Putting is also the single most important place where improvement can affect your score. So, when is the last time you had a putting lesson? And, when you practice, how often do you make sure that a good bit of that time is spent on the putting green? The Ryder Cup players from both sides can putt, and it is no accident.

          2. Even the greatest players in the world miss simple shots. I am not talking about hitting an occasional errant drive, but how about a short easy pitch, or a 90 yard iron to the green, yes, and a three-foot putt. These were all demonstrated by players from both Europe and America. The point is don't get down on yourself when you make some mistakes during your round. Accept that you are human, and go on with a positive approach to the next shot. That's what they do.

          3. The hands and arms don't get ahead of the trunk rotation in the forward swing. Maximum power and correct timing are best reached when your lower body leads and your arms and hands follow while moving together. This is not necessarily easy if your body lacks flexibility and your core is weak. So ask your professional for exercises to increase strength and flexibility and for swing drills to apply your improvement to a golf shot. It will help you to make a rotary body motion accompanied by freely swinging arms.

          4. Notice that all players had pre-shot routines. If you pay attention to the times during a round that you hit any type of poor shot and then look back at why, you may realize you didn't do your routine. A pre-shot routine can't swing the club, but it helps to prepare you to swing it correctly. Develop a routine or procedure for all the various categories of shots and your consistency will improve.