Ask Retief
Thank you for all the questions you have sent in, please keep them coming in (use the form on the Contact page). Here goes, below are some of your questions answered.
Q. How do you stay in the present without getting ahead of yourself. I am a low handicap player who can get it to under par on the front nine but seem to let the round get away from me on the back nine. Any ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated?
A. Focus more on playing one shot at a time, don't think about what hole you are on or how many holes you have left.
Q. I am a junior golfer off a hcp of 3 and just wandering what you feel is the most important part of your game to practice ?
You are obviously already a very good golfer with a 3 handicap. My only suggestion is to keep sharpening you short game. If you have a good short game this can help you save shots when you hit bad shots off the tee!
Q. Just wondering whether you play any golf with your children and if your children are keen about the game of golf.
A. My children are just a little too young yet, although Leo does have a set of Taylor Made kids clubs that he plays around with.
Q. What was the last music CD you bought.
A. Neil Diamond. I went to see him recently with Tracy when he played a few dates at the 02 Arena in London. He was fantastic and it was the first time I had gone to the 02 Arena, it was a great venue.
Q. I was wondering if you play any other sports besides golf.
A. I don't play any other sports but I do enjoy watching Rugby and Cricket. I often Waterskii when I am back home is South Africa in the months of December and January.
Q. What tips can you give me to improve balance, rythym and tempo.
A. You need to start with a solid stance/posture in order to stay balanced throughout the swing. For rythym you need to keep focusing on the swing and don't try and hit the ball too hard. Tempo comes with rythym.
Q. Hi Retief, My question for you involves your work with coach Gregor jamieson. My dad thinks your swing looks different from when you were winning your opens, like your holding back. I was wondering if your work with Gregor Jamieson was to help you swing more like you use to or are you aware of the changes and think its to help your game, and does its feel as natural as it use too?
A. I started working with Gregor to change my swing. However, I have also used Gregor in putting/short game as well, but this isn't to change, just to practice.
Q. What marks do you make on your Golf Balls, do you have Goose on your ball?
A. I have 'Goose' printed on the ball.
Q. How often do you change your equipment - which piece have you used for the longest time?
A. I have been with my sponsor, Taylor Made for more than 10 years. I only change my equipment when Taylor Made bring out new equipment. The club that I have kept the longest is my putter which I have used (give or take a couple of events) since 2001.
Q. Retief, what are some drills I could use to keep my head down on the ball through impact, I have a tendency to look up right before I hit the ball?
A. I believe that keeping your eyes still and focused is more important than keeping your head still.
