Now that I have some extra free time on my hands, I've been playing more golf trying to improve my game and hone my mental skills.

I'm almost there, hitting the ball pretty well most of the time. However, I tend to pull the ball to the left, sometimes even hooking it. Some shots I hit pure as can be, and while the ball starts heading directly at the target, it veers off with an aggravating draw pulling the ball off of the green. Every once in awhile, I even unexpectedly shank or on occasion even top the ball. Killing for any good round, such stupid and undeserving shots.

So it was time for a lesson. I needed to get in good shape for this weekend: the Monthly Medal A on Saturday and the Davilex Open at Liemeer on Sunday. Normally I never take lessons, figuring I can work hard and figure things out on my own. But this had been going on for way too long, and over the last six months it was slowly getting worse and worse. I was desperate feeling desperate.

I went straight to the club pro and told him it was an emergency: I needed his help right away. He would finish his lunch and could help me fifteen minutes later.

The pro already knew what was wrong after I hit two balls. In no time and with only a few small adjustments I was cured. Bang, bang, bang. Seven iron, five iron, three iron, five wood and driver. Pitching wedge also good, right down the smokestack. Shall I hit the flag for show? It was a miracle, I felt ecstatic and relieved at the same time. There's still hope, thank the golfing gods.

Basically, I need to address the ball (with confidence) and remember thee following three things in this order:

• Weaken my grip slightly by turning my right hand a couple millimeters clockwise.
• Take a solid stance, place the club face behind the ball, and step back half an inch so that I am slightly reaching for the ball (or at least it feels like that).
• During the backswing keep right wrist relaxed, cock it back about half way up, and follow the swing through (don't force it, just let the left arm and hand do most of the work).

Tomorrow afternoon I will practice some more, and put in some short game exercises as well: sand shots, chip and runs, putting long and short. Good luck, I'll be thinking of you.