Barry Loman, PGA Professional

 

Bio:  Born Bethesda, Maryland 1963.  Grew up in Bethesda and attended University of Maryland.  Became a PGA Member in 2002.   Head Golf Pro-fessional for the VFW Country Club in Frederick, Maryland, 2001-2008.  Accomplished instructor, training experience with top rated golf coach Chuck Cook (coach to PGA Tour greats Tom Kite, Corey Pavin, and Payne Stewart).  Married to  Karen, 1992.  Three children: Steven, Daniel & Amanda. Daughter-in-Law, Ruthie, and two grandchildren, Faith & Kayla.

Teaching Philosophy:  I believe that there is not just one swing for every golfer; therefore, you must fit a swing based on one’s strengths and limitations.  You must first prioritize your game, paying attention to contact, then direction, distance and finally orthodox.  With change there will be an adjustment period, but through diligent practice, change can occur.

Tip of the Month

Chipping can often separate a good round from a bad round of golf.  Most students I see the majority of mistakes made in their set-up.  Chipping is putting with loft, and the set-up is very similar.  Chipping is a no-wrist stroke that enables you to strike the ball and the club is still descending with the handle of the club in front of the club head at impact.  To enable more solid contact, the club should be taken straight back and through, trying to avoid any inside path.  To assist with this, try setting up the same way as you do for putting.  The heel of the club may be slightly off the ground, but will assist with solid contact especially in thicker lies.  After getting positioned like you are putting, lean about 75% of your weight to your forward foot bringing the center of your body and your head in front (target side) of the ball.  The handle of the club should be equal to the center of your body.  Take the same stroke you do in putting, striking the ball then the turf.  I think you will find your trajectories and distance control will get better through more consistent contact.  So chipping is really putting with a lean.  Hope this helps lover your scores.