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.
Explore Our Blogs
The Science of Shallowing
The Science of Shallowing the Golf Club
Hi friends and golfers! I'm Coach Erik Schjolberg, owner of EJS Golf at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ. With over 25 years of experience coaching golfers from PGA Tour pros to passionate amateurs, I'm dedicated to helping every player improve from their very first lesson. My state-of-the-art facility and data-driven approach guarantee results, whether you're seeking in-person Scottsdale golf lessons or online golf lessons. Visit my website, EJS Golf, to learn more about the Science of Better Golf and let's elevate your game together!
As a golf instructor, I'm always excited to discuss the latest scientific findings in golf biomechanics, especially when it comes to improving swing mechanics. Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, a renowned golf biomechanist from Canada, has provided some fascinating insights into the concept of shallowing the golf club during the transition phase of the swing.
The Importance of Shallowing
According to Dr. MacKenzie's research, 39 out of 40 touring professionals exhibited some degree of club shallowing during the transition from backswing to downswing[2][4]. This statistic is significant because it highlights a key difference between elite players and amateurs. Many amateur golfers tend to be too steep in this crucial phase of the swing, which can lead to inconsistency in both contact and ball flight.
Biomechanical Explanation
The scientific explanation for why shallowing is beneficial lies in the relationship between the club's center of mass and the hand path. Dr. MacKenzie explains that when the center of mass of the golf club gets under the hand path during the downswing, it becomes much easier to square the clubface at impact[1]. This positioning allows for a more efficient transfer of energy and improved control over the club head.
The "Dropping" Sensation
Many skilled golfers describe the feeling of the club "dropping" or "falling" during the transition. This sensation is directly related to the shallowing motion. From a biomechanical perspective, what's happening is that the club head is moving faster than the grip during this phase, creating a momentary feeling of weightlessness.
Implementing Shallowing in Your Swing
As a coach, I often use a drill to help my students feel this shallowing motion:
1. Take your backswing to the top position.
2. Allow the club to drop, with the club head falling slightly faster than the grip.
3. As you catch the club, begin rotating your body and pulling the club in the direction of the target.
This drill helps create the sensation of the club shallowing without actively manipulating it with your hands or arms. It's important to note that this motion should feel natural and not forced.
Checkpoints
I am a firm believer in feedback tools in order to reach our goals the quickest way possible. Shallowing checkpoints:
1. Arm Parallel. Backswing - line down the club shaft will land somewhere between the golf ball and the golfers feet
2. Arm Parallel Downswing - line down the club shaft will point outside of the golf ball
The Bigger Picture
It's crucial to understand that shallowing the club is just one piece of the puzzle. As with any swing change, it needs to complement other aspects of your motion. For instance, players like Sergio Garcia who have a pronounced shallowing action also tend to have significant lag (wrist cock) late into the downswing[1]. These elements work together to create a powerful and consistent strike.
Remember, every golfer is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. That's why at EJS Golf, I use advanced technology like 3D Force Plates, TrackMan 4, and Sportsbox 3D to provide a comprehensive analysis of each student's swing. This allows us to make targeted improvements based on individual needs and biomechanics.
If you're interested in learning more about how to incorporate these advanced concepts into your game, I invite you to visit EJS Golf or book a lesson with me at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ. Whether you're looking for in-person Scottsdale golf lessons or online golf lessons, I'm here to help you understand and improve your swing using the latest in golf science and technology.
(480) 861-9370
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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phone: 480.861.9370 email: [email protected]
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
