[phillygolf]

When I take a practice swing, I take a nice, good divot after the spot where the ball would be. But when I put the ball down, I cannot take the same divot. It is as if I am afraid to hit down and through the ball. I almost always pick the ball up off the ground with just a smidgen of divot. It appears to me that I have some kind of unconscious reflex that keeps me from smashing the ball into the ground and taking a good divot. I am sure that this is a common problem amongst new TGMers, but I don't know how to get over my fear here. Can anyone suggest to me some drills or swing keys, or can point me to other threads discussing this,that might help me overcome this hurdle?

Try moving your aiming point. Meaning - and this is by trial and error - move the place you are trying to hit an inch in front of the ball (say with a 5 iron)....and if that doesnt work, try 2 inches and adjust accordingly.

And dont forget, try to drive the ball - or your aiming point - into the ground.

Let us know how you make out.

Patrick