EJS GOLF BLOG
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Mastering the Art of Golf with Coach Erik Schjolberg
Welcome to my blog at EJS Golf Academy, the premier destination for mastering the art of golf. Here at our Scottsdale location, at McCormick Ranch Golf Club, every golfer who steps into my world-class teaching bay discovers a pathway to enhance their game. My name is Coach Erik Schjolberg, and I am committed to transforming your golf skills through a combination of cutting-edge technology and personalized coaching techniques.
At EJS Golf, we understand that every golfer's journey is unique. Whether you are a PGA Tour professional, a college athlete, a developing junior, or a weekend enthusiast, our blog is designed to provide you with insights and strategies to improve your game. Our posts are not just about golf; they are about becoming a better player through deliberate practice and scientific understanding of golf mechanics.
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Topped Golf Shot Mystery Revealed
Understanding the Myth Behind Topped Golf Shots || EJS Golf Academy
The Myth Behind Topped Golf Shots
Read all the way to the bottom for your FREE Practice Guide. Also, know that you can find reviews and more instruction from me at Swingyard.com. Hi friends and golfers! My name is Coach Erik Schjolberg coming to you from Scottsdale, AZ. I teach at my academy, EJS Golf, located at McCormick Ranch Golf Course.
If you're an avid golfer, chances are you've experienced the frustration of topping a golf shot. It's a common issue that many golfers struggle with, and it often leads to poor results on the course. But what if I told you that the solution to topping your shots isn't what you've been led to believe? In this article, we'll debunk the myth behind topping golf shots and provide you with a clear understanding of why it happens and how to fix it.
For years, golfers have been told that topping shots is a result of lifting their heads during the swing. Coaches and fellow golfers have likely repeated the mantra, "Keep your head down!" as a solution to the problem. But according to Erik Schjolberg, a golf instructor with 30 years of experience, this advice is misleading.
Coach Erik Schjolberg explains that in all his years of teaching, he has never witnessed a student topping a shot due to lifting their head. In fact, when he reviews video footage of golfers topping shots, he rarely sees evidence of their heads coming up. So why does topping happen if it's not related to head movement?
The key to understanding why topping shots occur lies in understanding the club's motion during the swing. Schjolberg describes a common issue known as "casting," where the club is thrown outwards early in the downswing. This casting motion closes the clubface and causes the low point of the swing to be behind the ball. As a result, the golfer ends up hitting the top of the ball, resulting in a topped shot.
To fix this issue, coach explains that golfers should focus on achieving a negative angle of attack and having the club's lowest point in front of the ball. This means hitting down on the ball and making contact before the lowest point of the swing arc. Schjolberg offers several helpful drills to train the body to achieve this desired impact position.
The first drill involves placing a quarter or a small tee in front of the ball. The golfer's goal is to swing in a way that allows them to hit the quarter or tee instead of the ball. This drill helps train the body to shift the low point of the swing forward and achieve a negative angle of attack.
If you don't have a quarter or small tee, you can use an alignment stick or a golf club instead. Placing the stick or club behind the ball helps create a visual reference point for the golfer. By aiming to hit the ball in front of the stick or club, golfers can again focus on achieving the desired impact position.
Schjolberg emphasizes that the key to successful ball striking is getting the low point of the swing in front of the ball consistently. This consistency allows golfers to make more solid contact, leading to improved distance and accuracy. By eliminating fat shots and topped shots, golfers can elevate their game and enjoy a more fulfilling golfing experience.
It's essential to understand that topping a golf shot is not solely due to lifting your head during the swing. This misconception has led many golfers down a path of frustration and confusion. Instead, focusing on achieving a negative angle of attack and getting the club's lowest point in front of the ball offers a more effective solution to topping shots.
Next time you find yourself struggling with topped shots, don't blame your head movement. Instead, reassess your swing mechanics and work on achieving the correct impact position. By adopting coach Schjolberg's advice, you can overcome this common issue and take your golf game to new heights.
In conclusion, the myth that topping golf shots is a result of lifting your head is inaccurate. Topping shots happen due to early casting and improper impact mechanics. By understanding the true cause of topped shots and implementing the correct drills and techniques, golfers can improve their ball striking and enjoy better results on the course. So let go of the misconception and focus on the real solution to topping shots. Your golf game will thank you.
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Coach Erik Schjolberg
EJS Golf
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What You Can Expect from Our Blog
1. Expert Insights on Swing Mechanics:
With over 25 years of experience as a PGA Professional Golf Instructor, I delve deep into the nuances of golf swing mechanics. My articles break down complex theories into understandable concepts, focusing on ground reaction forces (GRFs), biomechanics, and efficient energy transfer.
2. Advanced Technological Guidance:
Our academy is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like the Trackman 4 Launch Monitor, 3D Pressure Plates, and Hackmotion, among others. On the blog, I share how to leverage these technologies to gain precise feedback on your swing, helping you make informed adjustments and see measurable improvements.
3. Tailored Practice Routines:
My philosophy is built on the belief that improvement should be evident from the first lesson. I advocate a '15 minutes per day' practice model, designed to fit into your busy schedule while ensuring consistent progress. Each blog post aims to offer practice drills and routines that are easy to implement and effective in refining your skills.
4. Real Success Stories:
Read about the experiences of those who have trained at EJS Golf Academy. These testimonials not only inspire but also illustrate the practical application of our teaching methodologies and the real results achieved.
5. Interactive Learning:
We occasionally feature video tutorials and interactive content that allows you to visually grasp techniques and corrections. This blended approach helps reinforce learning and allows you to engage with the content actively.
How Our Blog Helps Golfers Get Better
Every post is crafted with the intent to educate. We cover everything from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques, ensuring there's something valuable for every skill level. By presenting data and evidence-backed strategies, our blog demystifies the 'why' and 'how' behind effective golf training. This analytical approach empowers you to make smarter decisions about your practice and play. We understand that generic advice does not suit everyone. Our blog posts are designed to help you identify your own needs and adapt our techniques accordingly. Whether it’s adjusting your grip, stance, or swing path, you’ll find personalized tips that resonate with your specific challenges. Beyond just reading, our blog serves as a community hub where you can interact with fellow golfers and share your experiences. This supportive environment encourages learning and improvement through collective wisdom.
Join Us on Your Path to Mastery
Whether you’re looking to refine your swing, understand the biomechanics of your body, or simply get more enjoyment out of the game, our blog at EJS Golf Academy is your go-to resource. Bookmark our page, subscribe to updates, and start transforming your game today.
Remember, at EJS Golf, we don’t just teach golf; we craft master golfers. Let’s begin this journey together. Visit us atEJSGolf.com to learn more about our programs and start your training online or at our Scottsdale location. Let’s make every swing count!
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I've taken multiple private lessons with Erik and he's been by far the best swing coach I have ever worked with. He has the ability to dissect your swing and make small changes for big improvements. What I love most about his lessons is they go far beyond the 1 or 2 hours you're with him. He follows up with videos of how you can improve at home and on the range. The value he provides is absolutely worth the cost of his sessions. I would recommend any golfer at any level who truly wants to get better to go see Erik.”
- Reanol H.
Erik is the best! and that is not an exaggeration. There has not been a single lesson where I haven't walked out and felt like a far better golfer than before. What can't be praised enough is the effort and dedication that Eric puts into each of his students, as his approach to fixing and improving my golf swing was specific to me. While teaching, Erik takes the extra time to truly dive into what he is trying to convey rather than just telling you, allowing for a better understanding. Beyond the instruction at the course, Erik sends specific drills to you from an app that allows for slow motion replays, letting you break down everything and work on your game at any time. I genuinely mean it when I say that I would recommend Erik to anyone wanting to improve their golf game, as he is not only a top not instructor but also a top notch person who cares about his students.
- Brennan K.
Erik is flat out a great coach and mentor! I highly recommend him! Working from the ground up, my swing is healthier and smooth! I wanted a coach that shared the same main principles as the late Tony Manzoni and Erik hits the mark! Found Erik by listening to the Golf Smarter podcast by Fred Greene and connected with EJS Golf through the Perfect Motion app. Erik is motivated and incredibly gifted at his craft!
- Bryan B., Indiana, USA
