The Tour Striker Post: 2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Gripping The Club Correctly And Why Setting Up At Address Doesn't Guarantee You'll Arrive There!

Click the link to watch a video I shot for Revolution Golf.

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

Martin

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Re: Am so impressed!!!

Chris, thanks so much for taking the time to write me a note. It's stuff like this that really makes my day. I'm glad you are starting to "get it" and that your impact is getting better. You'll be playing and contributing in those Pro Ams in no time at all.

When you feel you have the hang of the 8, you might want to try the 7 version. It's harder, but worth the effort to understand and hit.

Take care,

On Nov 16, 2011, at 7:21 PM, Chris Rinas wrote:

> Hey Martin,
>
> I married into a golf family, with the father in law, and brother in law shooting in the low 70's. After I made fun of the sport, I've embraced it the last 2 years so much that my daily routine involves some sort of practice everyday. I've never took lessons like my in laws but struggled with the concept of hitting down on the ball and if anything would fall off the ball. My father in law tried a tour striker 8 iron at golf town with no problem hitting the sweet spot. I bought one and watched the DVD. Absolutely hated it, but I knew it would turn around with patience. I would use it time to time and play some rounds. 103, 112, and so on would be my score.(playing from the blues). Lately as the golf season is ending, I've enveloped my mind and body to fitness and practice using only a lob wedge, the tour striker 8 and driver 3 days a week. Only the last two weeks after watching the DVD and calming my swing down using the power of my core and lagging naturally with your grip you teach I've gone from worm burning your tour striker to hitting beautiful iron shots that when they compress and fly brings so much satisfaction knowing I'm hitting a shot like a PGA pro with that beautiful impact. Your iron has opened the door to the possibility of me playing in a local pro-am one day with my in laws as a 18 and under handicap. My drives are long with a slight fade,(use to hook or power draw), and my short game my father in law said is quite good. Once I gain the consistent impact with my irons I'm in business. You are to thank in taking a guy who never thought golf was something to do as a hobby, to a guy that wished so bad he started younger all for the chance for that great round or for me that great shot. Thanks Martin
> Chris
> Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Re: Tourstriker First Try Today

Jeff,

Thanks so much for the kind note. I appreciate it a lot. I'm thrilled that you were able to see a difference so quickly. That is great.

Keep up the good work and stay in touch!

On Sep 21, 2011, at 3:28 PM, Jeff P wrote:

I'm a pretty new golfer. A lefty. My technical knowledge is pretty limited at this point. I have a coach who has helped me a lot but I had developed a disastrous slice that was unresponsive to treatment. I stumbled on the Tourstriker infomercial on TV. I never buy things this way but the sales pitch made sense and I was ready to try anything. I bought the standard 8 iron version and took it out today for the first time.

I can only say that this thing does what it says it will. It's kind of amazing. You IMMEDIATELY see what you need to do to hit down on the ball correctly. You see how far your hands have to be forward 9 (it's farther than I would have thought) and what your body had to do during the swing to help get them there. If you don't get them there the club spanks you with a topped shot. When you DO get them there the ball just sails and, for reasons I'd like someone to explain, it goes much straighter than before. It's almost shocking. When the first couple properly struck balls took off long and straight I just thought "No way. That's a fluke." But it happens every time you swing properly. And every time you don't, it doesn't. The immediate feedback is worth a thousand words.

I had been slicing the driver the worst. I was terrified of that club. It was my enemy. I had had a rather discouraging lesson with my coach the day before that was specifically aimed at fixing it. But the session was so unproductive he didn't charge me for it! Once I got a feel for the Tourstriker swing today and saw the results however I had to try the new swing out on the driver. I can only say I didn't hit a single ball during the coaching session yesterday nearly as well as I hit ALL the 15 or so drives I hit adapting the Tourstriker swing to the driver. Most had no slice or minimal slice that would have left the ball playable. I'm thinking that with a few more range sessions I may be playing something resembling golf.

I'm a believer. This thing gets a spot in my bag. I'll be practicing with it frequently. Thanks for dreaming it up.

JP

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Re: Tour Striker Question

Awesome! Hope to get wout your way next summer.

Martin Chuck, PGA | Tour Striker Training Products | Tour Striker Golf Academy | www.tourstriker.com | C 541.948.2480

Sent from my smart phone

----- Reply message -----
From: "Christopher Peterich" <golf.pro1972@hotmail.com>
To: <martinchuck@pga.com>
Subject: Tour Striker Question
Date: Sat, Sep 17, 2011 4:40 pm

Martin:

I have your Maximizing Distance Vol#1, and never really tried your closed face address drill till today. It really worked right off the bat, and I hit the tour striker 100%. No more deep divots, more shallow. I don't know if the drill works this fast, but I tried it and had it within 10 mins. All I did was swing in tempo with this drill, and bam it worked...Thanks so much for all of your help Martin maybe my clubface was a big issue . Please schedule a few training seminars in South Bend Indiana or the Chicagoland area.

Thank You from a devoted follower

Chris P.

To:
From: martinchuck@pga.com
Subject: Re: Tour Striker Question
Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:53:21 -0700

Shallowing out your swing is a path thing that is tied to clubface. You won't shallow (more inside out path) unless the face provides for a tolerable shot. It's likely that you have an open face and your steep downward action is your attempt to help square the face. It sounds like you might need a grip adjustment so the face is more closed encouraging more inside out path.

Martin Chuck, PGA | Tour Striker Training Products | Tour Striker Golf Academy | www.tourstriker.com | C 541.948.2480

Sent from my smart phone

----- Reply message -----
From: "Christopher P
To: <martinchuck@pga.com>
Subject: Tour Striker Question
Date: Tue, Sep 13, 2011 11:52 pm

Martin

Can I shallow out my swing by turning my shoulders more on the backswing? Having my back facing the target?

Thanks
Chris Peterich

Subject: Re: Tour Striker Question
From: martinchuck@pga.com
Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:44:18 -0700
To:

Hello Chris,

If using the TS hurts, stop!!! I don't want you hitting down so much to where you are hurting yourself.

I have just shot a video for revolutiongolf.com where I talk about being an "educated" picker. Learn how to hit the TS w/out hitting the ground very hard. My preference is that you have a shallow angle of attack WITH forward lean.

Shallow AoA + Forward Lean = Great shots!

Cheers,

On Sep 12, 2011, at 5:14 PM, Christopher P wrote:

Martin:

Been using striker 7x for 4 months and have some quick questions. 1st) I have the most success when I think about hitting down with the palm of my right hand facing the ground. Unfortunately, the down part has led to alot of sore wrists and sore knees since im driving more forward then usual and striking the ground. Any advice? I love your products but really want to avoid any type of injuries or pains from striking down all the time. Did notice my ball flight has dropped and the contact sounds real flush.. Just a little hesistant about striking the ground alot.

Thanks
Chris

Friday, September 16, 2011

Fwd: using the club

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for the note.

The learning curve with the TS takes a few steps.

1. You realize that a shaft leaning a tiny bit has advantages over a vertical or rearward leaning shaft.

2. The rounded leading edge on the club lets you hit the ground without fear of taking a big divot or hurting yourself. Divots don't hurt if they are taken correctly, with a forward leaning shaft.

3. Overcoming the fear of touching the ground will develop your "low point control." Fancy phrase for where your club touches the ground. Hopefully that point is at and on the target side of the ball.

Start off with half swings, waist high to waist high and touch the ground. Put a ball down and repeat. When you gain some confidence, go ahead and hit fuller shots.

Cheers and keep in touch with your progress.

From: Kathy H
Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:47:01 -0400
To: <testimonials@tourstriker.com>
Subject: using the club

Good afternoon:

I just purchased the Women's Tour Striker and am anxious to try it. I have been playing for about 6 months now and I have a tremendous problem of topping the ball and just not making consistent contact with the ball to be able to get it into the air. What can I do to improve this and will the Tour Striker help me correct the making better contact with the ground and getting the ball up into the air and at least traveling some distance rather than scooting more across the ground.

Thanks so much look forward to hearing back from you.

Kathy

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Re: Tour Striker Question

Hello Chris,

If using the TS hurts, stop!!! I don't want you hitting down so much to where you are hurting yourself.

Shallow AoA + Forward Lean = Great shots!

Cheers,

On Sep 12, 2011, at 5:14 PM, Christopher P wrote:

Martin:

Been using striker 7x for 4 months and have some quick questions. 1st) I have the most success when I think about hitting down with the palm of my right hand facing the ground. Unfortunately, the down part has led to alot of sore wrists and sore knees since im driving more forward then usual and striking the ground. Any advice? I love your products but really want to avoid any type of injuries or pains from striking down all the time. Did notice my ball flight has dropped and the contact sounds real flush.. Just a little hesistant about striking the ground alot.

Thanks
Chris

Fwd: Junior Club

Bryson, two aspirins cure a headache. The whole bottle kills you.

Yes, your can overdue it. The key is to "swing" the club freely with the undoing of the angles so you "get" the great look and inline condition. Nothing should be "held" or force...just encouraged!

Glad your son is having fun. Spending time together is the key.

Very cool to hear that.

Martin Chuck, PGA | Inventor - Tour Striker Training Products | Instructor - The Tour Striker Golf Academy at Sunriver Resort | C 541.948.2480 | martin@tourstriker.com | www.tourstriker.com

On Sep 13, 2011, at 6:32 PM, Bryson wrote:

Still rockin' the TourStriker. My 12 year-old son was rockin' his today. He hit about 4 in a row flush and was so excited it was funny. He said he was just going to play with it on the course.

I have a question...is it possible to try too hard to maintain lag? I actually hit the ball pretty well today after trying to just turn and extend my arms through the ball. I saw on one of your videos where you speak a bit about not trying to hold on to the lag so much...

Thanks for any insight! Let me know when new products come out!
Bryson

Monday, September 12, 2011

Re: Huge announcement

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for the great E-mail. I had to shoot some video today for Revolution Golf and I did an interview prior to taping the video tips. I was asked what customers think of the TS so I said, "hold on and I'll read you a testimonial I received last night!" Thanks so much for your kind words. I thrilled that you have "figured it out" and can now lag the club into impact! Very exciting.

Take care and keep in touch.

On Sep 11, 2011, at 10:57 PM, Tracy T wrote:

Martin,

It's been a few more weeks of taking tons of reps with the Tour Striker Pro 7 iron….huge announcement: I'm a LAGGER! I never really have been overly technical about my golf swing but learning the grape methodology from your video and also randomly finding a short clip of Ben Hogan talking about grip on YouTube really brought it all together. Here's the link, although I'm sure it's something you've seen many times before: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38rVU6ak0jA&list=PLD04E3D75A870850A&index=1

For me to feel the right index finger pushing thru the ball at impact is tremendous, to feel that powerful move in the downswing "pivot" is incredible and to watch the flight of MY golf ball screaming off the club face going farther and straighter than I've seen before is down right addictive. It's a feeling thru the entire bag, driver to 60 that's a huge impact on how I feel standing over the ball.

It really makes me wanna hand the club to those "scoopers" I see at the range in hopes they'll catch on. I think it's gonna turn me into a golf snob causing me to not wanna play with some weaker players.

Thanks again,

Tracy

Friday, September 9, 2011

Re: Impact Zone question

Hi Trey, glad you had fun in your matches. Very cool.

I'm a big fan of BC and his book. The aiming point concept can cause some confusion and trouble though. My preference for "aiming point" is simply to understand that your hands don't return to the same place they began. In most cases, better players start with mid-body hands and their impact hand location is forward of where they started. I don't want my students to "aim" their hands at some forward location as I've found this to be more trouble than good.

Martin Chuck's version of aiming point: eyes on the ball, mind in the hands and periphery on the target side of the ball (future divot). You can look at the ball and anticipate the divot with your peripheral vision. Bam: solid shot.

At some point the shaft has to line up with the left arm. Some "aiming point" folks take the "aiming" too far and stifle freedom required to play great golf with the longer clubs.

Take care and keep in touch.

On Sep 9, 2011, at 10:17 AM, Trey wrote:

Martin, thanks for turning me on to the "Impact Zone", great book and right up there with my thoughts! I am reading it again and again and I feel I am the "poster child" for being ball bound. Could you clear up the aiming point technique for me? Is he suggesting NOT looking at the ball on the start of the downswing? I read it as "at the completion of the backswing focus on where the divot WILL be in front of the ball, not the ball". I like the idea of the mind in the hands instead of the club and or ball but having trouble wrapping my head around not seeing contact.....

Trey

Monday, September 5, 2011

Tour Striker Question

Hi Larry,

I hear you are an inside out guy:)

Why do people swing too far inside out?

1. The face is closed

2. The grip is too strong (the face is closed)

Open face players do not swing inside out very often. That shot goes right to right and hits a bunch of houses or corn fields. Better players get the club going too inside out because their strong body move gets the club mass stuck behind them during the downswing.

Things to look out for:

1. Take a good look at your grip

2. Take a look at what your forearm and wrist are doing during the backswing (are you getting the face closed?)

Simple drills:

1. roll up a big beach towel so you get a "towel roll" and use it as a plane board. Set it parallel to your target line, but only slightly inside the heel of your club. Hit shots and don't hit the towel.

If you are interested in having a video lesson, let me know.

Cheers,

Re: "Tour striker"

Henry, I'm trying to help golfers (and make a living). If you find you don't like the club or just don't understand the way to get better, give me a call and we can work it out. Take care and thanks for trying it out!

All the best,

On Sep 2, 2011, at 8:05 AM, wrote:

No, I am going to keep it , but I am going to change the shaft to a longer stiff shaft and see how it works. I have hit over length shafts for so long it just doesn't feel right with a standard length shaft. After its all over I'll give you an update on the results. (length +2")
Thank you for your quick response, most peoplewouldn't even reply.
Henry F. G

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Martin Chuck <martinchuck@pga.com>
To: @juno.com
Subject: Re: "Tour striker"
Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 21:34:11 -0700

Hello Mr. G,

Thanks for your note and sharing your opinion of the product. I'm sorry you don't like the Tour Striker. Please call me personally to arrange the return of the club and your refund.
Take care and thanks for trying the product. Thousands of people have been very satisfied with the product, but you can't win'em all!

Martin Chuck, PGA | Inventor - Tour Striker Training Products | Instructor - The Tour Striker Golf Academy at Sunriver Resort | C 541.948.2480 | martin@tourstriker.com | www.tourstriker.com

On Sep 1, 2011, at 9:21 PM, pargolf79@juno.com wrote:

I have had your club for 2 weeks and wanted to tell you what a ripoff it is. It hasn't help me hit the ball better or anything else it is advertised to do. Hell I might as well bought a good wedge fot that price.
My wife has used it and it hasn't help her much either.
Henry

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Re: "Tour striker"

Hello Mr. Gotcher,

Thanks for your note and sharing your opinion of the product. I'm sorry you don't like the Tour Striker. Please call me personally to arrange the return of the club and your refund.

Take care and thanks for trying the product. Thousands of people have been very satisfied with the product, but you can't win'em all!

On Sep 1, 2011, at 9:21 PM, pargolf79@juno.com wrote:

I have had your club for 2 weeks and wanted to tell you what a ripoff it is. It hasn't help me hit the ball better or anything else it is advertised to do. Hell I might as well bought a good wedge fot that price.
My wife has used it and it hasn't help her much either.
Henry F. Gotcher

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Re: Schools

Kevin, thanks for the update. I look forward to your call.

Cheers,

On Aug 30, 2011, at 3:42 PM, Kevin K wrote:

Martin,

I will try and call next week. Here is an update for you,
·         The more I practice with the 8 iron the better it gets (amazing how that works, haha).
·         I have added roughly 20-30 yards with my driver. I am now within range on most par 4's to get there in regulation.
·         I am now able to use my 5 wood in place of my driver on holes where accuracy not length is warranted (previously I could not carry the hazards). I get some strange looks from the guys but they are envious of the results (middle of the fairway).
·         My irons have me laughing, I keep getting longer with them and am "long" on my shots to the greens. Now I know this is not what usually happens to 17 handicappers (usually we are short).
·         I am now going to spend the bulk of my practice time on my short game (pitching & putting) so that I can take full advantage of this marvelous new found distance (thanks to your TS and videos).

I can't tell you what a pleasure it has been so far, I love the game and now am seriously enjoying it. I hope I can attend one of the schools in Arizona (a short drive from Texas) as I imagine I have only discovered a small % of what "striking" the ball can do for my game.

Take care & Well Done!

Kevin K

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Re: Had to Comment on Tour Striker - Martin Chuck

Dear Jeff,

Thanks so much for the kind note. I'm thrilled that you are enjoying the TS and have seen a big change in your game. Keep up the good work and stay in touch!

Cheers,

Martin Chuck, PGA

Tour Striker Training Equipment

From: Jeffry B
Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:31:25 -0700 (PDT)
To: "support@tourstriker.com" <support@tourstriker.com>
Subject: Had to Comment on Tour Striker - Martin Chuck

I started playing golf about 9 years ago or so. Never really took lessons until I had played for a while and then only a few (not recommended). I thought I was emulating a two plane swing. Got to the mid 90's or so and just couldn't make any more progress. In addition, I just couldn't understand why my shots were always much shorter than others I played with.

My brother mentioned to me that it looked like I had the tendencies of a one plane swing which he had switched to. He is basically a scratch golfer so I asked him to teach me the one plane swing. I have been working with him for about a year. He kept telling how important the grip was and that I needed to feel that lag in my grip but I just couldn't seem to get the feel. I was always to handsy in my shots but just couldn't feel it.

After purchasing the Tour Striker 8 iron recommended for high handicappers I watched the video very carefully several times. Besides all the other excellent information Martin has on the video I was particularly struck by the description of the feel of the lag. Martin's statement to have your eyes on the ball and your mind in your grip is right on. It was exactly what my brother has been trying to get through my head. I also watched the section on grip several more times and can simply not believe the difference that it has made to build the grip from the impact position up rather than from the stance position. This has had an enormous impact on hitting the ball much more consistently, on target, and with the correct impact position.

I took the Tour Striker to the back yard and hit plastic golf balls with it for a few days. I then took it to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls just before a round of golf, alternating between hitting a few with the 8 iron Tour Striker and my Ping K15 8 iron.

I can not put into words the dramatic difference this has made in the very, very short time I have had it (about a week). I went to the driving range today and practiced some more with the Tour Striker, again alternating between the Tour Striker and, this time, my Ping K15 7 iron. After I would get consistent hitting the Tour Striker well I would switch to my 7 iron.

I have been normally hitting my 7 iron roughly 130 to 140 yards at best. Today I was hitting it between 165 to 175 yards.

Martin states that it is all you can do to pivot your core and hold on to the lag in your grip/club. By focusing hard and doing this there is an added bonus. Your core is trying to out race your hands to keep the lag pressure and it is almost impossible to end up on your right leg (reverse pivot). It forces you to follow through and end up with your weight on your left leg. In addition, as he mentions, you don't get the feel that you are swinging as fast but you are swinging with abandon because your core is turning hard to keep in front of your hands. Feels slower but hits much harder!!!

WOW. Just had to tell you that this has got to be the best thing I have ever done for my golf game. Looking forward to working with it more and improving my game.

Thanks,
Jeff B
Kansas City, MO

------ End of Forwarded Message

Monday, August 29, 2011

Re: George Knudson tribute DVD

Dear John, thanks for the kind words. George was a special guy and I was extremely fortunate to have spent quality time with him.

I'm presently in Toronto playing in a tourney at the same club where I spent most of my time w George. I'll be in touch in a couple of days.

Cheers,

Martin Chuck, PGA | Tour Striker Training Products | Tour Striker Golf Academy | www.tourstriker.com | C 541.948.2480

Sent from my smart phone

----- Reply message -----
From: "john mule" <john_mule@bellsouth.net>
To: <martin@tourstriker.com>
Subject: George Knudson tribute DVD
Date: Mon, Aug 29, 2011 9:26 am

Martin,

Your George Knudson tribute DVD was excellent. I spent many hours watching George play in the '70's in New Orleans at Lakewood C.C. in the New Orleans Open - it really brought back memories of his great techinique and ballstriking. I could tell that this DVD was a labor of love on your part. I really did not expect to see the volume of detail you went into regarding the lessons you received from George. I too wanted to take lessons from George in the late 80's and sent him a long letter (via Lorne Rubenstein) reminiscing about the rounds I'd seen him play. Tragically, George was critically ill at the time and could not particpate in the lessons that I dreamed of years before. He did have Lorne write me a very thoughtful reply (that I still have as a keepsake...)

Since I probably will not be able to take part in the Tour Striker academies until Spring of next year, I'm wondering if you offer Internet lessons. If so, please let me know the details regarding cost, filming angles, etc. Thanks again for the great video on George.

John Mule'

Baton Rouge, LA.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Re: Tour Striker Schools

Terry,

OB Sports are a bunch of great guys and friends. I'm excited to be maintaining an association with them after my days at Tetherow. Looking forward to seeing you down there. The Raven is an excellent course, too!

On Aug 23, 2011, at 7:31 AM, Terry wrote:

Martin,

Thank you for the great news!

And . . . the OB Sports organization appears to be an excellent group to partner with.

Phoenix is much easier to travel to, and offers numerous courses to play, so I'm looking forward to your posting of the dates for your schools and making plans to attend.

Hopefully, Mr. McCord will take you out to Whisper Rock for a few rounds!

Take care and very good luck with your future ventures.

Cordially,

Terry H

On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 2:46 PM, Martin Chuck <martinchuck@pga.com> wrote:

Hi Terry,

I'll be at a place called The Raven at South Mountain in Phoenix. It's only 10 minutes south of the Airport. Great course and fantastic place to practice. I'll have more info soon. I just got the deal put together about a week ago.

The Square it Up program is going along, but a little slower than we would like. It will be great, but don't think it will officially launch until October.

I appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you during the winter some time if your schedule allows.

Take care,

Martin Chuck, PGA | Inventor - Tour Striker Training Products | Instructor - The Tour Striker Golf Academy at Sunriver Resort | C 541.948.2480 | martin@tourstriker.com | www.tourstriker.com

On Aug 22, 2011, at 12:03 PM, Terry Harris wrote:

Martin,

Hope this finds you well and enjoying the last days of summer.

I have a few questions for your review (please).

When you finish the T.S. Schools in Sun River, what are your plans then?? Are there going to be schools in other places?? If so. . Where and when??

Also, what is the status of square it up? You made mention of it, in your tweets (I'm a follower).

I would like to attend a school, but its too far to go to Oregon . . . maybe you can go to Scottsdale or Palm Springs in the winter months.

Thanks for the information,

A True Follower!

Cordially,

Terry H

Monday, August 22, 2011

Re: Fantastic Club

Tracy, sincere thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with the Tour Striker. I'm glad it has changed how you perceive striking a ball. That was my goal from the onset!

Keep up the good work and I hope you are kicking your buddies behinds in no time!!

Thanks,

On Aug 22, 2011, at 6:53 AM, T wrote:

Martin,

First, thank you for coming up with such a simple idea that produces huge results. I've always played pretty decent and in my group of a few golfing friends was the best of the bunch, but I suck! Not really, but having up and down summers of playing & practicing over the past 10 yrs I had tinkered my way to the point of no return and utter confusion.

I picked up a TS out of a demo bag of a retailer and hit a few balls off the mat...I was sold without even knowing what was suppose to happen, it just seemed to click in my mind. I bought my TS Pro about 1 1/2 month ago, used it at the range a couple of times, got too busy to play or practice until last week....man, what a difference the TS & video make. In just 4 rounds and some very methodical practice sessions I'm completely in love with The Tour Striker. To hit balls flush, pure whatever anyone wants to call it changes the way you think about playing. I don't know if there's ever been a time where a topped ball produced a sly grin on my face instead of a mutter of "what the hell was that?" as it has recently, knowing what the hell caused it now changes the perspective considerably.

I was very fortunate to attend the final round of the 93rd PGA Championship. While there I was on the ropes of several tee boxes and zoned in on the players hands at address, ball position and trying hard to get a quick glimpse of their impact position...with that said, you are 200% correct on your references to these positions between Pros' and us hackers.

In my opinion there should not be a junior golfer swinging anything but this club at the range, think about how much better the average golfer would be if this club was a prerequisite for a summer or two...as a kid I would have taken to this club instantly. Not to mention the instructional DVD is worth the price of the club alone. I've started recommending it to a few friends but almost wanna keep the secret to myself selfishly.

My only wish is a lie board was included because these are so hard to track down and people think you've lost your mind for wanting to practice off one.

Incredibly Grateful Customer,

T.
Chattanooga Tn.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Re: Thanks for the lesson

D, nice playing!

You can feel the gentle push of the right arm at all times. My right arm is always pushing (lifeline of right hand onto left thumb) even at address. At address, my right shoulder is lower than my left shoulder allowing my right elbow to be bent yet still keeping the gentle push on the left thumb.

Don't bend the right arm with the right arm:)

Cheers and keep up the good work.

Martin Chuck, PGA | Tour Striker Training Products | Tour Striker Golf Academy | www.tourstriker.com | C 541.948.2480

Sent from my smart phone

----- Reply message -----
From: "Darin/HQ4SPORTS" <ddavis@hq4sports.com>
To: "Martin Chuck" <martinchuck@pga.com>
Subject: Thanks for the lesson
Date: Fri, Jul 29, 2011 9:56 am

Martin  A follow up on the concept of pushing the right arm out to get the left arm straight which will limit my backswing length... When does this happen? I was working on it this morning and I think I am getting the feel of it. I just kept the feel of keeping the right arm straight during take away and into the backswing. Both arms seemed fairly straight until about parallel to the ground. Is this ok or should I feel a push of the right arm at the beginning takeaway...  Side note. Shot my personal best at woodlands from the blue tees... 79 which included 3 consecutive 3 puts on GIR's. On that course it was 81 from the whites.  Thanks again.  Darin D On Jul 27, 2011, at 9:26 AM, Martin Chuck <martinchuck@pga.com> wrote:  > Darin, that is awesome. You were an excellent student! I could tell you were soaking in comments and trying to get it into your personal language. Keep working on "educating" those hands on the short shots and the long shots will take care of themselves.  >  > Here's the link to you lesson wrap up: http://www.box.net/shared/static/q210cjst79yatkqss2d9.mp4 >  > Looking forward to seeing you in a month or so. >  > Cheers, >  > Martin Chuck, PGA | Inventor - Tour Striker Training Products | Instructor - The Tour Striker Golf Academy at Sunriver Resort | C 541.948.2480 | martin@tourstriker.com | www.tourstriker.com >  > On Jul 27, 2011, at 9:08 AM, Darin wrote: >  >> Martin, >>  >> I wanted to send you a quick note regarding the yesterday's lesson. I really found every item you wanted me to work towards to really ring true. I don't think change is supposed to happen so quickly, but yesterday was interesting. After the lesson, hit one bag of chips/pitches on the practice green. Then another bag hitting 1/2, 3/4 and some full shots. I decided to do the things I could implement now.. >> Grip-right thumb loose on left side of shaft and right index finger in a trigger position >> Ball position. Moved it about 3-4 inches away from me and had to have a bit more knee flex and waist bend to reach it. >> Eliminated the wrist cock >> (right arm straighter will take a bit more time) >>  >> Hit good shot after good shot. 7 iron went from 150 to 165. Went out and played Woodlands from the Blue tees which usually give me a great deal of problem. This year I have been shooting mid to upper 80's there...and today shot 81 with 1 ball OB and 3 putting the first 2 holes. Like we talked about, I tend to be streaky and when on, I play pretty well. I hit it all clubs better yesterday than I can remember. And you were right about the spin into greens. Spun 3 balls back yesterday with my gap wedge about 3 feet. >>  >> Sorry for the long "note", but just thought I would pass it along. I was fully expecting things to get worse but to my surprise saw immediate results. >>  >> Thanks again. I will probably check back in with you in a month to see how things are looking. >>  >> Darin D

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Re: Question regarding hand position

Alan, thanks for sharing your success and enthusiasm with your buddies. I really appreciate it! Keep up the good work. Soft wrists that allow the club to lag is a critical step in a golfers evolution. Sounds to me like you are getting it!

Cheers,

On Jul 26, 2011, at 6:54 PM, Alan S wrote:

Martin,

Thanks very much for the quick reply. I am not sure why it is easier to move into a correct position, but it seems to be. With the irons I hit the ball better when I have the "bent" left wrist at address. My question is, do you also recommend this hand position for the driver?

What I like about the Tour Striker is that one has to find a way to hit the ball correctly (with hands ahead of the clubhead at impact), there just is no other option. It took me about three days to get a feel for the changes I had to make but now I am hitting the ball well with the Tour Striker. I found that a different address position with the wrists, and with more relaxation in the wrists, has allowed my hands to get ahead of the ball at impact and now I also have more of a weight shift to the left foot on the downswing. So far so good.

You might also like to hear that I have been responsible for the purchase of 3 other Tour Strikers. My enthusiasm and showing it to others on the range has resulted in these folks making a purchase.

Thanks.

Alan
----- Original Message -----
From: Martin Chuck

Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2011 11:11 PM
Subject: Re: Question regarding hand position

Alan, thanks for your note.

I was always taught that it is easier to move into a position that to start in one. Golf is a very dynamic game and we need to stress the shaft. I like to think of the back swing as a loading motion and the loading of the shaft is more like a "buggy whip" than a careful placement of the club at the top.

Impact is a millisecond and is very dynamic and can't really be controlled. We have to free wheel through impact with the right intent on how we use the tool.

Addressing the club with a vertical and bent left wrist (mid-body hands) lets us "swing" the club into a flat left wrist condition and thus create more dynamics and load.

I hope that makes sense and I'm glad you are striking it better!

Martin Chuck, PGA | Inventor - Tour Striker Training Products | Instructor - The Tour Striker Golf Academy at Sunriver Resort | C 541.948.2480 | martin@tourstriker.com | www.tourstriker.com

On Jul 17, 2011, at 8:22 PM, Alan S wrote:

Martin,

I have purchased the Tour Striker and have used it on the range a number of times. I am confident that this is a valuable training aid. I am not striking the ball as consistently as I would like with the Tour Striker (5 handicap) but will continue to use it. The one question that have is based upon your comments about hand position in the training video that you have included and also my experience. You note in the video that the correct address position of the hands is a break (cup) of the left wrist and a straight right wrist. I have started to do this and so far it seems to have improved my impact consistency. This has surprised me somewhat    because I have always thought that at address a flatter left wrist and a bent (cupped) right wrist would be closer to the impact position and therefore would be preferable because all one has to do at impact is to feel like you are returning to the address position.

If you have a couple of minutes would you please send me an email explaining why it is preferable to have the left wrist bent and the right wrist straight at impact?

Thanks very much. I also plan to purchase a Tour Striker 5 Pro as soon as you have it in stock.

Alan

Re: Thanks for the lesson

Darin, that is awesome. You were an excellent student! I could tell you were soaking in comments and trying to get it into your personal language. Keep working on "educating" those hands on the short shots and the long shots will take care of themselves.

Here's the link to you lesson wrap up: http://www.box.net/shared/static/q210cjst79yatkqss2d9.mp4

Looking forward to seeing you in a month or so.

Cheers,

On Jul 27, 2011, at 9:08 AM, Darin wrote:

> Martin,
>
> I wanted to send you a quick note regarding the yesterday's lesson. I really found every item you wanted me to work towards to really ring true. I don't think change is supposed to happen so quickly, but yesterday was interesting. After the lesson, hit one bag of chips/pitches on the practice green. Then another bag hitting 1/2, 3/4 and some full shots. I decided to do the things I could implement now..
> Grip-right thumb loose on left side of shaft and right index finger in a trigger position
> Ball position. Moved it about 3-4 inches away from me and had to have a bit more knee flex and waist bend to reach it.
> Eliminated the wrist cock
> (right arm straighter will take a bit more time)
>
> Hit good shot after good shot. 7 iron went from 150 to 165. Went out and played Woodlands from the Blue tees which usually give me a great deal of problem. This year I have been shooting mid to upper 80's there...and today shot 81 with 1 ball OB and 3 putting the first 2 holes. Like we talked about, I tend to be streaky and when on, I play pretty well. I hit it all clubs better yesterday than I can remember. And you were right about the spin into greens. Spun 3 balls back yesterday with my gap wedge about 3 feet.
>
> Sorry for the long "note", but just thought I would pass it along. I was fully expecting things to get worse but to my surprise saw immediate results.
>
> Thanks again. I will probably check back in with you in a month to see how things are looking.
>
> Darin D

Monday, July 25, 2011

Re: We last spoke in 2010

Dave, thanks for the kind note. Keep your positive vide and good things will come for you and your family. Glad to hear about your great round! You never know, I may get out your way one of these days. Funny how things work out.

Take care and keep in touch.

On Jul 25, 2011, at 2:59 AM, WDM wrote:

We last spoke as you left for the evening from the club and then you had to hang up because you received an emergency call about a worker at the club from the hospital. I took what you told me and made the sticks in my seven iron work perfectly.

So yesterday, yes yesterday in 102 temperature my wife and ventured out to the course. I took my time, stayed low in the drive and hit the living stuffins out of the ball. I had the irons down good and with the drive coming back slowly, I broke 90 for the first time in my life.

I wanted to share this with you because of your videos, phone call, and your sincere way of really showing me that you cared. I know you'll never come east because after all of this heat I wouldn't either. I never got to own the tour striker because of the financial misfortune. I hope the tour striker makes you a million plus but just don't change the way your are because even without tour striker, your worth more than a million to me.

Thanks,

Dave M
Edgewater, MD 21037

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Re: Tour Striker Advice

Hi Jeff, thanks for buying the TS. You are the "educated picker." You have good hand eye coordination and use it. GREAT for juggling, but not the best for golf.

Keep using the club. You'll have a breakthrough with it. Start with 9 to 3 swings with soft wrists and touch the ground with the leading edge closer to the ground at impact than you had at address.

You'll be striping it in no time!

On Jul 23, 2011, at 5:09 PM, Jeffrey M wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I just received my Tour Striker Pro today and promptly went to the range. I hit about 120 balls with it and only about 10 were hit in the air; and those were not hit very solidly. I'm a decent golfer (low to mid 80's), but I've always had issues hitting solid irons...I'm a turf-picker. Also, lately, I've been hitting nearly all of my iron shots off the toe, even with multiple adjustments. I know it's a swing path issue, and I was hoping the TS would help solve that issue. I've never had a lesson and don't really want to, but I enjoy practicing and like the concept of the TS and the fact that I can teach myself. From what I have read about the TS, I know that it can take time to master, and I'm willing to put in that time. I'd just like to know if it's likely that I will figure this club out on my own with more practice, or if I have to do something else. Thanks for you help.
>
> Jeff

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Re: Tour Striker 8

Steve, thanks for the kind note! I'm happy that you have made a positive change in a short time. That is awesome!

On Jul 12, 2011, at 6:20 PM, steve wrote:

Martin, your t.s.8 is the best training aid I've ever used. It took me about six shots to fiure it out but once I did, WOW, good .crisp shots between 140-145 everytime. My coach was truly impressed when I went back to my short irons in practice. If it had'nt been for the infomercial on the Golf Channel I may never have found out about it. It should not be too much longer before I'm ready for the 7pro and maybe even the 5. Thanks for a great tool and keep up the good work. Steve G, Broomfield,Co

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Re: Tour Striker - Thank You

JB, sorry for the delay.

The face has a huge impact on swing path. Guy who get to the top with an open face quickly realize that an on plane path will hit the ball to the right, so they come over the top to help hit it straighter. Some open face guys can square it up on the way down and use a neutral path.

Same goes for closed face guys; they get swinging it too much inside out and and shallow. They need to feel like they can get OTT.

Regarding deep divots; you are likely a little steep and have an outside in path. Roll up a bath towel and use it as a towel plane board. Set it parallel to your path, but just barely off the heel of your club. Hit some balls and see if you don't hit the towel after impact. I get a little steep too.

Outside in paths = deep divots. Inside out = shallow divots

Thanks for the kind words and support!

On Jun 16, 2011, at 6:15 AM, Jonathan Bwrote:

Martin,

I bought a tour striker last year and it has really improved my contact. It has to be the best training aid ever developed. No frills, nothing based on junk science to get you more "on plane," just something that makes you hit the sweet spot. I don't hit the ball straight all the time, but at least it's in the middle of the face which is half the battle. I'm thinking about getting a TS 56 to help me out with pitches. Anyway, a couple of things I'd like to hear about are:

1. Why the clubface orientation has anything to do with coming over the top. I know it does because so many guys have been fixed by getting the clubface right at the top, but I don't understand why it has such a huge effect on path.

2. What can be done to stop getting those huge, deep divots on iron shots! I've been a walking scorer at a few tour events and have noticed the pros all have these nice, LONG, shallow divots when they hit an iron. My divots are shorter and deep and I'd like to get some direction on shallowing out so that I can get just enough downward strike to hit the ball well.

At any rate, thanks for a great product and for being so responsive to your customers. I've read the tour striker blog here and there and I'm impressed with the way you get back to your customers with swing issues, whether they are related to your product or not. Keep up the great work. I wish you a lot of success.

Thanks, JB