DLGA training camp gets under way

Mark Reid, Director of Golf, DGLA will be imparting training skills to the likes of Feroz Ali, Ajay Gupta, Kiran Kanwar, Amit Luthra and Anish Jaitha.“At DLGA we concentrate on the three Ps; preparation, pivot and positioning,” said Reid. “Ninety per cent of the bad shots are to do with basic errors in hitting the ball. Hence we need to prepare to correct that. Second is the pivot action while playingand third is positioning of the legs.”

“One has to feel the game to really master it,” added Reid. “Unlike other sports, Golf is one sport which controls the player. And quite contrary to what it may look, golf requires a lot of physical and mental strength.”Working with DLGA since 1995, the Ireland born Reid has worked with notable players like Padraig Harrington, European tour player and Keith Nolan. US tour rookie.

The David Leadbetter’s theories and philosophies on the golf swing are based on an effective method which is fundamentally simple and easy to repeat. The technique aims at `shaping the game to fit the golfer instead of shaping the golfer to fit the game.’

The first session will involve the video taping of the golfers as they play their natural game. This will be analysed by Reid who will suggest specific drills and with the help of training aids try to rectify the problem.

Even though Reid has not watched much of Indian golf he feels that the country has a bright future. “You haveto develop the sport from the grassroot level like Sweden. Twenty years ago Sweden were no where on the golfing map and today they dominate the European tour. Of course they got lot of support from corporate sponsors and their Government,” noted Reid. “I think the success story can be repeated here too. If the sport has to catch up. it has to be honed at the grass root level. Then only will it get mass appeal,” opined Reid. “Younger children absorb things very easily, just like a sponge piece. I guess a solid junior program would go long way.”