Become a Master of Hole in One Accuracy

By Mancil Davis, King of Aces
Canongate at The Woodlands

A Little Bit of Background
As last month's series drew to a close, I'm sure many of you were disappointed that you would no longer be getting putting tips from golf professional David Schreyer; however starting this week, we will be embarking on a 4 week series to assist you in what some golfers deem impossible - getting the ever elusive Hole in One!

Our very own, Mancil Davis in The Woodlands, TX is also known as the King of Aces, and for good reason - over his career, he has amassed a record 51 holes in one over the course of his golf career.

Mancil claims that he is often asked why he isn't on the tour, and the answer is that he was, albeit briefly. He acknowledges that there is more to winning on the tour than accurate irons, which are his forte! Nevertheless, the most important requirement of the game, according to Mancil, is the ability to hit the ball where you want it to go. If you can't do that, only the world's greatest short game will help you.Mancil Davis has developed a four part plan to approach his golf shots, and he attributes this plan, as well as a lot of luck to his successes on the green.

Hole in One Series - Part One, The Basics
Before I hit any golf shot, alignment is foremost in my mind. After all, you can't hit a target if you are not aimed at it correctly. Most weekend players aim well right of the target at address and make the dreaded "over the top" move to compensate. We all know this usually produces a slice or the big pull left. I prefer to keep things simple. First, align the leading edge of the club to the target and then the body (shoulders, hip and feet) to a point just left of the target. Such a setup position is often referred to as the "Railroad Track) setup, in which the golfer imagines a railroad track running toward the target. The outer track is your guide for the clubface and the inner track is a reference for your body. From this stance, it is my belief that the golfer is in the best position to make a free and more complete swing with less restriction.

An easy practice drill to learn correct alignment is to lay clubs on the ground and create a mock railroad track. After just a few shots with the "tracks" in place, you'll begin to see your targets more clearly and feel as the club is moving towards them.

Be on the lookout for upcoming articles from Mancil! Coming up in a future Issue:

* Dominant Hands
* Pace
* Mental Notes