IMPACT ZONE™ Master Instructor, Sam Randolph, gives insight into his work with Joe
Long-time journeyman, Joe Daley came through big on Sunday at the Constellation Senior Players Championship with a sizzling hot final round of 68 that left him two shots clear of Tom Lehman with a four round total of 14-under par. Considered a true underdog entering the final round, Daley proved his mettle, besting his playing partners Fred Couples and Marc Calcavecchia. Daley was the last man standing in the Sunday shoot-out, and he claimed his first Champions Tour victory in his home state of Pennsylvania .
A member of the PGA Tour in 1996 and 1998 and a long-time mini tour player, his record i
ncludes two victories on the newly named Web.com tour. Daley began the year seeking playing opportunities on the Champions Tour as a Monday qualifier. A fourth place finish in the Senior PGA Championship in May earned him a spot in the Senior Players Championship, and he took full advantage of it. His victory in the Senior Players Championship gains him fully exempt status for one year on the Champions Tour. Daley’s “grind it out” attitude and “work for everything you get” mentality are the stuff of role models.
Members of “team Joe” include Sam Randolph, former PGA Tour winner, and the 1985 US Amateur champion. Randolph, an Impact Zone Golf® Master instructor, has enjoyed a long-time friendship and coaching relationship with Joe Daley. Read Sam’s full bio at www.impactzonegolf.com under “Instructors and Coaches.”
Impact Zone Golf sat down with Sam to discuss his work with Daley.
Joe has been grinding it out as a professional golfer for a long time. What do you credit for Joe’s recent success?
Just getting better at all of the little things that increase the chances for success. Joe’s confidence and success is hard-earned. A lot of it comes down to attitude and confidence that he belongs out there . . . because he does.
How long have you been working with Joe?
It’s been several years now. We’ve known each other a long time and our friendship led to a coaching relationship.
What would you say you work on the most?
When we started working together, Joe was tied up with backswing thoughts. I encouraged Joe to accept his backswing style and to focus on the “forward” part of his swing, including the all-important impact zone. This freed him up to focus more on swing dynamics and less on style.
Now our efforts are holistic really: attitude, fitness, swing mechanics, and putting. In the end, we’re always working to keep things simple and to eliminate self-interference so that confidence can remain high.
How do you reinforce impact dynamics with Joe?
We work on Joe’s pivot to ensure optimal club delivery through impact. Joe has some mental images/pictures that help him feel his own best swing. Joe has always been one to exercise, but recently he has made some changes to his fitness regimen and it has made a big difference. To succeed on any tour, especially the Champions Tour, players can’t overlook keeping their physical system tuned up.
Are you surprised by Joe’s win at the Senior Players?
Not at all. Joe belongs out there . . . he’s really stepped up every aspect of his game. Joe played in seven Champions Tour events last year and the Constellation was his 4th event this year. It’s very gratifying to see Joe’s efforts pay off, especially at a major event.
Take Away . . .
Joe and Sam’s coaching relationship illustrates Impact Zone Golf’s unique position in the world of golf instruction. More than a passing swing style or method, Impact Zone Golf is a comprehensive, holistic approach to peak performance. Based on the 5 Facets of Dynamics, Styles, Knowledge, Health and Fitness, and Mental, you can read more about Impact Golf under “About – Our Story” at www.impactzonegolf.com.
Now more than ever before, Impact Zone Golf is proving to be the preferred golf instructional system for touring and teaching professionals alike, and a way for golfers of all levels to improve their games. Please visit www.impactzonegolf.com to find an instructor near you.
