The Starter: Round 1, Verizon Heritage
The first round of the Verizon Heritage is set to begin. Here's a look at Thursday's round:
| Groups We're Watching | ||||||||||||
|
QUICK PREVIEW: Here's a take on what to expect at Harbour Town in the first round:
The Verizon Heritage has been the first PGA TOUR stop after the Masters for more than 25 years. But while the intensity may not match the season's first major, the actual golf may very well be as good or better than what was on display at Augusta National, said two-time Verizon winner Stewart Cink.
"When you gear up and play a major like Augusta or any of the big tournaments, it makes it a bit more relaxing and easier the next week because your game is already prepared," said Cink, who won here in 2000 and 2004. "You've already done all of the prepartions. And the one thing that's hard to prepare for at the majors is that intensity of the golf course and the competition and what it means.
"When you come here, the intensity just seems to melt away and enables you to really relax and be at your best. That's the way I see it."
Cink said the tournament is one of his favorites to play, and he's hoping that the relaxed atmosphere at Harbour Town will raise the level of his game, which has not been to his liking this year. The reigning British Open champion has missed the cut in two of his last four starts -- including the Masters -- and has yet to finish inside the top 30 in a full-field stroke-play event this year.
"The golf course is really unique and special," Cink said. "It's like the anti-Augusta -- flat, everything is very small and closed in, whereas Augusta is so large and rolling hills. Everything here is the opposite.
"So based on my play last week, I hope that's the opposite, too."
INSTRUCTOR'S CORNER: Ed Brill, head instructor at Tour Academy Hilton Head, analyzes the playing conditions this week:
To navigate around Harbour Town Golf Links, you must have control of your tee shot, or it could be a long day on the links. One of Harbour Town's defenses are the tight tree-lined fairways, along with its small putting surfaces. Brian Gay, defending champion, is known as a very straight driver, he may not be the longest, but, there is a lot to be said for keeping it in the fairway.
Currently, Brian Gay is leading the TOUR in driving accuracy. That alone hasn't paid off much for him this year, but he obviously has good memories from last year when he lapped the field by 10 shots.
What can you do to help strike the driver straighter? First off, let's make sure the set up is correct. Most amateur players could benefit from a stronger lead hand grip, left hand for right-handed golfers. Tall, proud posture with weight on the balls of the feet, not on the heels. Also a slight bend of the spine away from the target, helping get you set up behind the ball. Align your body parallel to your target line. Ball position approximately opposite logo on your left chest (for right handers), which is 1-2 inches inside your front foot's heel. Also swing less than maximum power, think 75 percent to keep the ball in the fairway, and you might hit it farther by striking it more solid.
| The Film Room | ||||||
|
| Live Essentials | ||||
|
Shop your favorite brand name golf equipment and accessories at SHOP.PGATOUR.COM
FANTASY
PGATOUR.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network 