Kevin Weeks Golf Instruction

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  • Drop the Anchor?…or Not?

    Apr 18, 13

    By Garrett Chaussard with Kevin Weeks

    One of PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem’s main talking points when he announced the tour’s opposition to the USGA’s proposed anchoring ban in February was that there was no hard data to support the USGA’s position.

    In other words, there was no evidence to prove that anchoring the putter really helps players roll the ball better. After all, Finchem said, a vast majority of PGA Tour players—the best players in the world—still use conventional putters. And if the best players in the word, playing for the most money in the world, could pick the best way to putt, wouldn’t they choose to anchor the putter if it was better?

    It’s unquestionably true that some “random” factors that influence putting performance have nothing to do with how a player holds the club—like green reading ability, familiarity with the putting surface, proximity to the hole and green conditions. Even on “ideal” putting surfaces, the inconsistencies of a natural grass surface can cause even a “perfectly” struck putt to miss. We set up a putting test with a robot on the practice green here at Cog Hill a few years ago. The mechanical man—and his mechanical stroke—only made 9 out of 10 putts after the speed and break of his test putt was calibrated. So it’s obviously possible to make a perfect read and an ideal stroke and still stay out of the hole because nature has taken its course.

    But to say there is no data to support the idea that anchoring improves putting performance is just false.

    In our putting lab at Cog Hill, we have a variety of very sensitive measuring devices that can essentially create a map of a player’s putting stroke in data. We can compare that data map to other maps—either from those of other players, or from the same player using different equipment or technique—and get a very clear picture of a putting stroke’s “efficiency.” Simply put, players who make a repeating stroke, hit the ball in the optimum place on the putter face and send the ball on the intended target line more often make more putts. They have a “better” putting stroke than somebody who doesn’t do those things as often.

    If Tim Finchem wants data, we have it.

    Using a Science and Motion (SAM) Putting Lab, we’re able to catalogue every player who comes to the studio—and we have access to data recorded at dozens of other lab locations around the world. We can compare the strokes from more than 1,500 players—from the PGA Tour to 36-handicappers—instantly, on 28 different parameters.

    Over the last few years, we’ve measured numerous players who have switched from traditional to anchored putting—many because of the yips. And in EVERY case, the player who switched improved in every respect in terms of measurable SAM data. One college player improved his rotational consistency—how reliably the face of the putter opens and closes through impact—more than 300 percent, and went from the worst putter on his team to the best.

    Regardless of how you hold the putter, the way you manipulate the face through impact has the biggest impact on direction. The path of your stroke has a secondary effect, as well. How consistently you can hit the ball in the same place on the face with the same loft and shaft angle impacts distance control. Analyzing the data from the players who have made the change from conventional to anchored, it is strikingly obvious that anchoring provides very real benefits in all of those categories.

    1. It improves posture. A player with an anchored club is more likely to set up to the ball in a consistent posture every time, and make a more consistent stroke.
    2. It promotes more consistent impact on the same spot on the putter face.
    3. It helps the putter swing on the same plane or arc every time.
    4. It aids path direction right or left of the ball (assuming ball position  and body alignment are consistent relative to the target).
    5. It returns the putter to the ball at impact with consistent loft on the face, and consistent shaft angle (assuming ball position  and body alignment are consistent relative to the target).
    6. It limits the ability to manipulate the putter face open and closed at impact.

    The data as a whole is certainly persuasive, as are some of the specific case studies of players we’ve seen in our lab. The SAM system assigns an “Overall Tendencies” percentage score to each stroke that aggregates a player’s aim, impact, loft and angle of attack at impact and face rotation. The closer to 100 percent you score, the closer your stroke is to “ideal.” Rotation Consistency is a score that measures how consistently your putter face arcs through impact. A low percentage score there indicates poor consistency, while a number closer to 100 percent indicates very consistent face rotation—and consistent directional control.

    Player A (Competitive Junior)

    • 155 percent improvement anchored vs. conventional
    • 34.6 percent Conventional Overall Tendencies
    • 88.3 percent Anchored Overall Tendencies

    Player B (Scratch Player)

    • 69 percent improvement anchored vs. conventional
    • 55.3 percent Conventional Overall Conventional
    • 93.6 percent Anchored Overall Anchored

    Player C (Division 1 College Player)

    • 304 percent improvement anchored vs. conventional
    • 21 percent Rotation Consistency Conventional
    • 85 percent Rotation Consistency Anchored

    Player D (Mini Tour Player)

    • 32 percent improvement anchored vs. conventional
    • 58.2 percent Overall Conventional
    • 77.2 percent Overall Anchored

    Player E (Competitive Junior)

    • 75 percent improvement anchored vs. conventional
    • 49 percent Rotation Consistency Conventional
    • 86 percent Rotation Consistency Anchored

    Player F (15 Handicap)

    • 126 percent improvement anchored vs. conventional
    • 38 percent Rotation Consistency Conventional
    • 86 percent Rotation Consistency Anchored

    Player G (18 Handicap)

    • 97 percent improvement anchored vs. conventional
    • 40 percent Rotation Consistency Conventional
    • 79 percent Rotation Consistency Anchored

    One PGA Tour player we tested in the lab consistently started his putts 1.5 degrees left of target with a conventional putter — consistently pulled.   With an anchored putter, he started the ball 0.0 degrees to the target—consistently square.

    Whether or not anchored putting is “fair” or within the spirit of the rules is another issue entirely. As it stands now, any player can elect to use an anchored putter and get the benefits of it. That makes it fair. And the player still has to read each putt and hit it on the right line with good speed. But anchoring sure does make that pesky part about actually rolling the ball a lot easier. To me, the skill of stroking the ball without the assistance anchoring provides is something that should still be valued—certainly at the elite level. I think the USGA and R&A are making the right call.

    Not everybody agrees, obviously. My Cog Hill colleague Kevin Weeks works with dozens of PGA Tour players on putting. He believes anchoring should continue to be allowed because banning it would be tantamount to changing the rules in mid-stream. Since the method has been legal for so long, now players like Keegan Bradley have reached the tour level having putted no other way. It would be the same as banning the two-handed backhand in tennis—plus it could deprive fans the chance to see players who anchor survive out on tour for the long term.

    Garrett Chaussard is a teaching professional at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, IL. He is currently ranked 5^th on Golf Digest’s list of the Best Teachers in Illinois, and is a former Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year and competed in the 2008 U.S. Open.

    
    
  • Congrats to Kevin Streelman on his 1st P

    Mar 17, 13

    Congrats to Kevin Streelman on his 1st PGA Tour Win!!!!

    
    
  • Making Short Game Practice Fun, Mid-Atla

    May 07, 12

    Making Short Game Practice Fun, Mid-Atlantic Section Short Game Summit http://vimeo.com/41706499 thanks Leighann Albaugh for recording it.

    
    
  • Garrett (@super_g1) and I have been work

    Apr 05, 12

    Garrett (@super_g1) and I have been working with Trackman that past couple of weeks and WOW. It is going to be a invaluable training tool for us this year.

    
    
  • Just updated website with Spring Program

    Mar 28, 12

    Just updated website with Spring Program http://ow.ly/9VJ6e and Short Game Schools http://ow.ly/9VJzp information…check them out

    
    
  • WGN Sports – Belly Putting Segment – Sunday

    Jan 13, 12

    It’s been a busy week, even with all the snow these last two days.  Here are a few behind the scenes pictures from a segment on belly putting I filmed with WGN Reporter, Dan Roan.  Look for it this Sunday!!

    
    
  • Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor #fb

    Oct 10, 11

    I am excited to say that I have been named to the Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor list, debuting at no. 44. The Golf Digest Top 50 is an annual poll of over 1,500 teaching professionals from around the country. Top names on this list are instructors everyone has heard of, like Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, and Jim McLean. I would like to thank all of my peers for taking notice of my work and voting me onto this year’s list.

    Also, congratulations to my 49 peers on this year’s list. Check out who they are in the November 2011 Issue of Golf Digest in print, or online at www.golfdigest.com

    
    
  • XM Radio Live From Cog Hill#fb

    Sep 16, 11

    I will be joining the Teed Off Show this morning with Brian Katrek, live from Cog Hill. Pretty pumped up for my first national radio appearance. Hope everyone will tune into Sirius 208 XM 93 this morning.

    
    
  • Radio Appearance #fb

    Aug 12, 11

    I will attempt to bring some life to “The Scorecard” between 7-8 am tomorrow morning on 670 The Score in Chicago. Hope you tune in.

    
    
  • Golfers on Golf

    Aug 04, 11

    Recently the folks at Golfers on Golf did an interview with me, check it out here www.golfersongolf.com

    
    
• Teaching Philosophy

  Teaching Philosophy

  • My goal with each student is to help them reach their goals.  I strive to give the same quality lesson regardless if the student’s goal is to make their high school team or competing on the PGA Tour.

    I spend countless hours studying every element of the golf swing and pride myself on continuing education to stay on the cutting edge of instruction.  I believe in enforcing solid fundamentals and catering a swing to the student’s body type.  I want my students have a strong understanding of their tendencies so they can adjust if needed during the round. 

    Once solid full swing fundamentals are in place, I believe in devoting the majority of a student’s time on their short game.  I stress mastery of all aspects of the short game including putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play and ball control with all wedges.  Having the ability to hit all of these scoring shots allows the player to play aggressively.  I want my students to play fearlessly on the golf course, so they can make more birdies and shoot lower scores.

    I want to develop really good players, not ones that can only swing the golf club beautifully. I don't want pretty swings. I want my students to write pretty numbers.  I have seen during my years teaching that there is no substitute for putting in hard work to improve.  But putting in hard work is only the beginning; a student’s practice must be specifically focused with a purpose to be effective.  

• Rates

  Rates

  • 2013 Rates:

    
    $150 per hour for Adults
    $130 per hour for Juniors
    
    Note: Above rates DO NOT include Cog Hill facility fee
    
    Kevin offers numerous year round junior programs for more information check for specific programs or email Kevin at coghillpro@aol.com

    Specialties: Low Handicap Players, Junior, Putting, Short Game, Full Swing

• Student's Success

  Student's Success

  • Professional

    • PGA Tour Wins (8)
    • Over 25 PGA Tour/Nationwide Tour Top 10 Finishes since 2007
    • 2010 Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year
    • 2005 and 2006 Illinois PGA Match Play Champion
    • 2004,2005, and 2007 Illinois PGA Player of the Year
    • 2-PGA Championship Qualifiers (2005)

    USGA 

    •  2012 US Women's Open Qualifier
    • (3) US Women's Public Links Qualifiers
    • (2) US Amateur Qualifiers
    • (1) US Women's Amateur Qualifier
    • (4) US Junior Amateur Qualifiers
    • 2008 US Open Qualifier 

    Collegiate

    • 8-NCAA All-Americans
    • NCAA Div II Player of the Year
    • Over 20-Individual NCAA Tournament Champion
    • Kevin's students play collegiate golf at over 25 different programs from Stanford, Notre Dame, and University of Illinois to Lewis University and Carthage College, and many inbetween 

    Junior/High School

    • Over 100 Illinois State High School Qualifiers (over 20 top ten finishes) since 2003
    • 2-PGA Junior Series Players of the Year
    • 3-Illinois Junior Golf Association Tournament of Champions Winner
    • Illinois US Kids Player of the Year
    • 2011 Women's Western Junior Amateur Champion
    • (2) 2011 AJGA Victories
• Year Round Junior Programs

  Year Round Junior Programs
  • Junior Developmental Programs

    
    

    This program is for the junior golfer who is serious about improving his/her overall game.  Note: All programs must be completed by the end of the calendar year.  

    
    

    #1 - $1,020 (saves 9%)

    2 Private Lessons

    7 Skill Buildings Sessions

    1 Short Game School

    1 Playing Lesson with Garrett

    
    

    #2 - 1,370 (saves 10%)

    4 Private Lessons

    8 Skill Buildings

    1 Short Game School

    1 Playing Lesson with Kevin or 

    2 Playing Lessons with Garrett

    
    

    #3 - $1,950 (saves 11%)

    6 Private Lessons

    14 Skill Bulidings

    1 Short Game School

    1 Playing Lesson with Kevin or 

    2 Playing Lessons with Garrett

    
    

    #4 - $2,770 (saves 12%)

    10 Private Lessons

    20 Skill Buildings

    1 Short Game School

    1 Playing Lesson with Kevin & 

    1 Playing Lesson with Garrett

    
    

    #5 - $3,550 (saves 13%)

    16 Private Lessons

    20 Skill Buildings

    1 Short Game School

    2 Playing Lessons with Kevin

    
    

    **Additional Short Game Schools may be purchased for $200 per school.

    
    

    ***Additional playing lessons with Garrett may be purchased for $60 per two-hour session.  Email Garrett directly at onerollgolf@gmail.com for availability. 

    
    

    **** Playing Lessons normally last for nine holes and about two hours.  

    
    

    If you have any additional questions or to sign up for a program please contact Marla or Kevin Weeks at (630) 301-9357 or email at coghillpro@aol.com

     

    
    
• Articles/Appearances

  Articles/Appearances
  • Note: All text in "quotes" is linked

    • Breaking 100, 90, 80 "Its All Fun and Games" Appeared in the January 2011 issue of Golf Digest
    • Titleist Tour Blog Video "Inside Kevin Week's Putting Studio" w/Brad Faxon
    • Golf Digest Top 60 Drill of All Time
    • "The Only Putting Drill You'll Ever Need" Appeared in the March 2010 issue of Golf Digest
    • Hinsdale Suburban Life "Q&A w/Kevin Weeks"
    • Breaking 100, 90, 80 Appeared in the October 2007 issue of Golf Digest
    • Guest speaker of the PGA of America at the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show
    • Frequent contributer to PGA.COM 
    • "Winter Golf: Possible and Enjoyable"
    • "The Plane Truth"
    • "Bunker Shots Made Easy"
    • "Your Mental Game"
    • "Up Against the Collar"
    • "Breaking Out of A Putting Slump"
    • "Turn Bad Days into Big Wins" (via yahoo sports)
    • "A Lesson Learned Shell Houston Open"
    • 2008-2009 Contributor to Crain's Chicago Business Golf Tip Section
      

    • Options Around Greens

    • Add More Options to Your Game

    • The Dreaded Half-Wedge

    • How To Hit a Draw or Fade

    • Get Out of Trouble (Part 2)

    • Improve Your Drives

    • Get Ready to Play in 15-Minutes

    • Get More Out of Your Practice
      

    • Session

    • Fairway Bunkers

    • Putting Distance

    • Par 3 Tip

    • Straight Drives

    • Crisp Iron Shots

    • Pitch Over Bunker

    • Course Management

    • Putting Direction

    • 100 Yards

    • Bunker Shot

    • Knock Off the Rust

• FAQ

  FAQ
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    
    

    • How do I book a lesson?  
      Call 630-301-9357 or email coghillpro@aol.com, to schedule a lesson or a school.

    • Does Kevin only teach putting? 
      No, Kevin teaches all facets of the game and has an excellent understanding of the full-swing and the different full-swing beliefs.  He has spent countless hours studding the golf swing, attended numerous seminars, and worked with some of the top teachers in the country.

    • Are the lessons flexible, can I come when I want?  

      Whenever is best for the student. Kevin has 45+ hours of lesson time available per week.  The lesson packages need to be completed by the end of the calendar year.

    • When is payment required? 

      Payment for a program isn’t required until the first lesson is taken.  Prepayment is required for all short game schools and Fall and Spring programs ($100 of that is not refundable, unless we fill your spot). 

    • What happens if I sign up for a junior development program take a couple lessons, and am not happy?

      You will be charged for the lessons taken at the normal hourly rate, we will refund the rest.

    
    
• Short Game Schools

  Short Game Schools

  • Research undeniably states that more than 60 percent of all the golf shots a player takes during a round of golf are from inside of 75 yards to the hole.  We feel most players do not spend nearly enough time practicing their short games.  

    We will offer several schools specifically focused on improving the short game.  As in the past, there are two types of Short Game School’s the standard and advanced school.  

    The Standard Short Game School specifically focus’ on the fundamentals or foundation of the short game.  The school progresses through each segment building upon the previous segment, learning to control the golf ball with each type of shot.  (Please see the types of shot listed below).

    As in any program the key to success is that the player takes what they learn, and practices it...a lot. 

    Details:

    Putting - Since a player uses their putter on almost every hole they play, it is essential that they develop and understand their putting fundamentals.  We will spend considerable time with fundamentals, distance control and green reading.  

    Chipping - Chipping takes place within 10 yards of the green.  The player will learn the basics of controlling the golf ball in this part of the program. 

    Pitching - Pitching will build on chipping by adding trajectory (height) to the shot inside of 30 yards.  

    Bunkers - The school progresses into the sand, where the player will learn how to properly use the bounce of their wedges to never fear sand shots again. 

    Distance Wedge Control - Finally, the program concludes with distance wedges where the player will learn to control their distances from 30-75 yards.  

    Dates

    2013 TBA

    Advanced Short Game School

    Our Advanced Short Game Schools are for serious competitive high school, college and adults with handicaps of 10 or less.  This program will allow the player to develop a wider variety of short game shots.  Having more shots in your arsenal, gives you the greatest control of the golf ball.  

    The Advanced Short Game School takes the standard school areas of focus and expands each area.  The player will be challenged to hit many different shots from different locations.  The advanced school also focuses more in depth on when to use certain types of shots dependent on the situation.  

    Top players are separated from the rest by their mastery of a wide variety of shots around the green.  Having these shots will allow the player to play aggressively, make more birdies and play fearlessly.  

    Dates

    2013 TBA

    
    

• Putting Lab

  Putting Lab
  • Analyze Your Putting Like a Tour Player

    Kevin’s putting lab is one of the finest and most technologically advanced putting lab's in the nation.  The Lab is a 670 square foot climate–controlled room that contains: a 420 square foot putting green, a Scotty Cameron loft and lie machine, several cameras attached to video analysis softare, and three of the most high tech putting teaching devices available; The Dynamic Impact Indicator, the Sam Put Lab, and the Sam Balance Lab.  All of these systems allow Kevin to precisely pinpoint what is happening in your putting stroke.

    
    

    Over 200 players from the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour,  Champions Tour, LPGA Tour, Mini Tours, and many Illinois PGA Professionals have spend time in Kevin’s Putting Lab.  

    PGA Tour winner, Dickey Pride spend time in Kevin’s Putting Lab the day before posting a 7 under par, 65 for a share of the first round lead at the 2004 LaSalle Bank Open held at The Glen Club.

    
    

    Lab Details

    
    

    ▪ Cameras film from 9 different angles, including a 1000 frames-per-second camera that helps analyze ball roll.   

    ▪ The Dynamic Impact Indicator is a patented device invented by, Kevin. The Dynamic Impact Indicator uses laser technology to pinpoint the exact aim of the putter at address and impact, using video.  By analyzing this video using the latest in computer software Kevin can exactly measure your aim, backswing path, downswing path, impact, and follow through.   

    ▪ The SAM PuttLab is a revolutionary product that utilizes state of the art ultrasound technology and specific mathematic algorithms for precise measurement of 28 parameters of your putting stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports.  Among the many parameters measured are the amount of putter face rotation through the swing, the rate at which the putter face rotates, and the velocity of the backswing and downswing.

    ▪ The SAM Balance Lab is a force plate the player stands on that provides real time assessments of a players weight distribution during any part of the putting stroke.  

• Uploads

  Uploads

  Favorites

  Profile
• Spring Program

  Spring Program
  • My Spring Program is a short game focused program, with some full swing, geared for players who want to improve their short game from 100 yards and in.  

    
    

    The program has 6, two hour sessions (12 hours total) and will cover Putting, Chipping, Pitching and Bunker play, Distance Wedges, and finally full swing.  

    
    

    Dates:

    
    

    2013 TBA
• Playing School

  Playing School
  • Play with PGA Tour Winners!!!!

    2011's playing school was a great success. Check out my facebook page for highlights from the school.  For more information or to express interest in next year's playing school email me at coghillpro@aol.com

    
    

    Playing School Description

    
    

    Many instructional programs spend ample time on specific instruction on the range but leave out the most important part, how to play the game. 
    
    This years program is designed for the high-level competitive high school, college or adult player.  High school players must submit competitive experience for approval to participate. 
    
    This year we will bring PGA Tour players and their caddies for two days of on course instruction.  Each participant will play with each Tour player. 
    
    Topics Covered
    

    • How to Practice
    • How to Prepare for a round
    • How to Prepare for a tournament
    • Shot Shaping
    • Shot decision making
    • Pressure Situations

    Tour Players
    
    2013 TBA
    
    We feel the Players School is a unique opportunity to pick the brain of those that have won at the highest level of professional golf, and will absolutely help you shoot lower scores. 
    
    
    
• Location

  Location

  • Kevin Weeks Golf Instruction is located at the Learning Center at Cog Hill.  Located 25 miles from downtown Chicago in Lemont, IL, Cog Hill features 72-holes of championship golf, a year-round learning center, and a newly-renovated 35,000 sq. ft clubhouse.  Cog Hill's famed "Dubsdread" is home of the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship.  For more information about Cog Hill visit www.coghillgolf.com.

    Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

    12294 Archer Ave

    Lemont, IL  60439

    866-264-4455