Big Play With Brad Redding
ANALYSIS
YOU MUST play perfectly to beat Sorenstam, as Kerr learned the hard way. On Sunday, Kerr hit 69 great shots and only a single bad one--a 188-yard approach with a seven-wood that she pushed into the pond on 18 during the playoff. That mistake cost her the title. Sorenstam is so consistent because during her swing she does something that most golfers have been told is the kiss of death: She lifts her head before impact. Doing so frees up Sorenstam's body, allowing her to make a full, powerful turn. It also helps her approach the ball from the inside.
THE TIP
Miss the Pillow For a Solid Shot
THE WORST TIP IN THE history of golf is that you must keep your head down throughout the swing. In truth it inhibits a full body turn and makes it harder to hit the ball from the inside, a key to good ball striking. To groove an inside approach into the ball, place a pillow parallel to your target line, about two inches outside your ball. If your clubhead approaches the ball from the inside, you'll make solid contact and miss the pillow.
AND ANOTHER THING ...
" REPRESENTING one's country at international team events should be an honor, but it seems to be a pain in the butt without a payday to U.S. Tour pros."
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" BULLE ROCK, the Pete Dye--designed course near Baltimore that will host the McDonald's LPGA Championship, will be the best new pro venue in 2005."
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" FORGET MOE NORMAN, Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods. Mickey Wright had the best swing ever."
Redding teaches at Hartefeld National Golf Club in Avondale, Pa., and is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher.
COLOR PHOTO
ERICK W. RASCO (REDDING, 2)
COLOR PHOTO
COURTESY OF CBS (SORENSTAM)
COLOR PHOTOMONTAGE
ERICK W. RASCO (REDDING, 2); JIM GUND (BACKGROUND)