Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36Online programs and phone consultation with kids, teens, caddies, and coaches www.MentalGolfGame.com mental golf game Dr Steve's Sport Psychology January 2017 | 29 Subscribe today at juniorgolfmag.net THE CLUBHOUSE Golf Please Mention Junior when Responding to Advertising www.Truechampioncoaching.com 757-407-1907 Download your free report “The Champion’s Way: 3 Keys to Peak Performance” THE ORIGINAL COOL ® SINCE 1926. PRIME AGED STEAK JUMBO NOVA SCOTIA LOBSTER CLASSIC ITALIAN SPECIALTIES thepalm.com I remember, as a kid, thinking that to outdrive my buddy, I simply had to swing harder. It sounds cor- rect, but it turns out to be not quite that simple. Un- til we factor in spin rate and launch angle, those long par 4’s will remain ever-elusive to reach in regulation. Let’s take two spheres. Both are the same weight and size, but one has dimples and the other is as smooth as a ping-pong ball. Add a nice swing speed and an efficient launch angle and we generate a 260- yard drive with the dim- pled sphere. Now, at the same speed and launch angle, how far does the smooth golf ball travel? You may be surprised to hear that the smooth ball travels 130 yards (half)! We can all thank our game’s forefathers in the 1800s for doing away with the smooth golf ball. Dimples with the proper spin rate reduce drag and increase lift on the golf ball, thus making the drive twice as long. Forging the most efficient spin rate takes some practice and time. Rory McIlroy has spent a little time figuring this out. With a spin rate of 2,297, this 5'9", 159 lb. golfer is number two in the world and averages 306 yards off the tee. The truly developed golfers are making practice practical by using the data from accurate, affordable, portable golf launch monitors that provide you with instant shot and swing data. What are you doing to maximize distance? Don’t say “just swinging harder.” You need the whole trifecta – speed, launch angle and spin rate – to get it right for maximum distance. Next time, we’ll explore that launch angle ingredient so you can put it all together. Travis Hancuff is a sales executive at Ernest Sports, Inc., developers of portable launch monitors for golfers. Follow Ernest Sports on Twitter @ErnestSports Shifting to dimpled balls helped to increase distance Launch monitors provide data to improve your game TheTrifectaofMaximizingDistanceBYTRAVISHANCUFF Subscribe to JuniorGolf Today! Get the most up-to-date golfing news and nuggets from the exciting world of junior golf! Save 50% OFF the Cover Price! Print Edition–$ 20 (Just $ 2.50 per Issue) Digital Edition–$ 8 | Digital & Print (Best Value)–$ 25 Go to juniorgolfmag.net and click the Subscribe tab — now! Golf Fitness for a Competitive Edge Online and In-Person Programs Available www.par4success.com 919.377.2084 CREATING A PURPOSE THROUGH THE GAME • Charity and corporate golf event creation • Event management • Golf program development • Consulting www.fourundergolfpartners.com