ASK CHRISTINA LECUYER!

(Touring Pro)

(you can ask Christina a question or read past answers at the end of this intro. or by clicking here!)

ISUCKATGOLF.NET would like to welcome Touring Pro Christina Lecuyer to our Ask The Experts staff!

If you ever used the excuse that you started golf too late and that's why you can't break 100 on your best day, you may want to go visit our Pro Shop and order some hats rather than reading on! Christina, now 26, didn't pick up a golf club until after graduating high school at age 18. She went on to earn a golf scholarship to play for the University of Central Arkansas at age 21! (For the mathematically challenged that's 3 years after taking her first swing.) Christina won her first 3 amateur tournaments and 5 times in college before turning her sites towards playing professionally.

Christina turned pro after graduating UCA in '07, and in her first Cactus Tour event Christina finished runner-up, adding 2 more second place finishes later that season. She made it to the final stage of LPGA Q-school in '07 and will be giving it another shot next year. We like her chances!

Christina has had 3 holes in one, one in a Cactus Tour event. Chris was also a contestant on The Golf Channel's Big Break Kaanapali this season and made it through a very tough field to the final four before being eliminated.

We're thrilled Christina agreed to join our "Ask The Experts" staff and will answer you golf swing questions for free! You can also ask her about her experiences on tour, on the "Big Break", whatever!

Oh, and guys, Christina loves sports, cooking, is a professional golfer, and has model good looks….. but dream on gentlemen,  you have a better chance of reaching that 620 yard par 5 (over water) in two!

 

CLICK HERE TO ASK CHRISTINA A QUESTION!

 

VISIT CHRISTINA'S WEBSITE!!!

Christina on The Golf Channel's Big Break Kaanapali

PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!

Why start golfing so late and how long before you "got good?"

Preparing for Q-school and what's your secret?

What golf ball to play in the cold?

What's your workout routine?

How to stay on plane to avoid slicing?

Tips for hitting longer drives.

Best & Worst parts of your game and how much practice.

Hitting off the toe.

Hip Rotation and ball squirting to the right.

What color tees to play from?

Does brand new young golfer need her own clubs?

Can't take a divot after the ball

When to upgrade clubs?

Can I borrow a club during a round?

Short shot shanks!

SHOUT OUTS TO CHRISTINA:

..should have won Big Break!

 

CLICK HERE TO ASK CHRISTINA A QUESTION!

 

LATE START & HOW SO GOOD SO FAST?

(NOV 08)

Hi Christina,

Why do you think you didn't take up golf earlier than age 18?

You got so good so fast!, what were your scores like the first 3 years? (were you shooting in the 90’s your first year, the 80’s etc.)

And last, when did it hit you that you loved golf? On your first swing, after starting to get better?

Thanks Christina!

Alan
Ark.

 

Hey Alan,

Thanks so much for the question! Its my first one!

I think the reason I started golf so late is because I grew up around it. That doesn't really make sense, but it is true. I was told to play golf since I was very young and I wasn't really into it. My whole family is in the golf business and as a little girl I wasn't interested. However, as I got older one of my jobs was at a golf course and all the guys I worked with played, so I started. I've always been a tom-boy and beating the guys was something that was very motivating!!

In my first summer playing I did quite well. I broke 90,80 and shot par from the ladies tees. I played my first tournament the next summer and I won that as well as two more. I think that getting good so fast was fantastic; however I hit a big road block quite soon after. Its hard to get good fast and keep excelling. I have worked hard in the last few years and I love getting better. I hope that 09' will be a break through year for me and I'm excited to see what happens!!

I really do love the game and if I didn't say I loved it from day 1 my dad would be severely disappointed!!!! Hahaha

Thanks for the question!
Christina

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PREPARING FOR Q-SCHOOL & THE SECRET TO GETTING SO GOOD SO FAST!

(NOV 08)

Hi Christina,

Big fan of yours from Big Break! My question is how are you preparing for Q-school and when is that? Are you playing in any tournaments before that to tune up for it, or just lots of practice? Also, when you first got serious about golf did you take a lot of lessons to learn or did you just teach yourself? Just wondering how you were able to take to it so fast when most struggle with breaking 100 their whole lives.

Thanks and good luck in Q-school!

Frank
Orlando

 

Hey Frank!
 
Thanks so much for the question and for being a fan of the show.
This year the first stage of LPGA Q-school has already passed, the sectional stage comes the 3rd week of september and the 1st week of October. There are two locations for women: Palm Springs, Ca and Venice,Fl. Sadly this year I did not make it through these stages and into the final stage in Daytona, FL. What I can say is that I will be there again next year and hopefully a fully exempt player in 2010!!
As for prep heading into any big event practice is crucial, especially short game and playing in a few events in the same area leading up to the event is what I think works best for me. Staying in tournament mode is big for me, it keeps me in a rhythm.
 
As for how I got good in such a short time, I think comes from many aspects. The biggest one is that I grew up around the sport. Its not like I had never seen a course or a club before, I knew nothing but golf. I also think that I had a natural talent and the biggest thing is that i'm super driven and competitive. I hate not doing anything well. I have also had my dad and my brothers there for me for many years and I learnt from them, they all are so talented.
 
I think you can do anything you put your mind to, but it takes a lot of work. I feel like those who cant break 100 is because they don't have the time to actually practice and put in the work. This is not a bad thing and as long as you enjoy it, its a great game!
 
Thanks and have a great holiday season
 
Christina

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WHAT BALL TO PLAY IN THE COLD

(Dec. 08)

Hi Christina,

Do you ever change balls depending on the weather conditions? We play sometimes in the cold, and even sometimes in the snow!, and I wanted to know if you change the type of ball you use if it’s exceptionally cold and if you have any tips on playing in the cold? You’re very pretty by the way.

Suzanne P.

 

Hey Suzanne,

Thanks for the question and the complement!
I grew up in Canada so I know what cold is, and I've played in snow too; however I will admit it happened like once and that was enough for me. You are a trooper to be out when its snowing, I tend to say anything below 40-45 is an inside day for me!
As for ball choice, I have two favorites and heat actually helps me determine which to use, not so much cold. I'm sponsored by Callaway and love the tour ix ball; however I find that when its really hot it becomes a bit sticky for feel shots and I go for the pro v1. There are so many good companies and awesome technology out there so my best advice would be to try a few balls and see what feels best to you in all types of weather.

Thanks again for the question and stay warm!!!!

Christina

ISAG Bonus Tip: We agree with Christina! The technology today is so good that the better ones (you can tell by price if nothing else!) perform pretty well in all weather. If it's exceptionally cold you should keep a few balls wrapped in a towel or even one in your pocket and change balls every 2 or 3 holes. A really cold ball won't give you a good feel.

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WHAT'S YOUR WORKOUT AND STRETCHING ROUTINE?

(Jan 08)

Hey Christina,

     I am a PGA Professional and Titleist Certified Golf Fitness Instructor.  I work with mostly males right now in training and swing instruction so I would like to get a female pro's take.  What kind of workout and stretching routines do you use during the season?

Thanks!

Clayton Garland, PGA, C.G.F.I.

 

Hey Clayton,

Thanks for the question and I hope you had a great holiday season.

During the off-season I run and work on core a lot. I'm not a huge lifter, about 2 years ago I had a personal trainer that worked a lot with weights and I tend to get bulky, and I didn't love that, so now I work with light weights (5-15pds). I do shoulders, back, biceps, triceps and abs. I stretch on the bosu ball with weighted bars. I typically workout 4-5 days a week.

When season is in full swing I actually do all the same things just a little less. I will still run most days, lift light weights and do ab exercises. I feel that I could and probably will do more stretches this season. If you have some stretch suggestions let me know!!

Hope that helps you and me both !!

Have a great 2009,
Christina

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HOW TO STAY ON PLANE?

(Feb 09)

Christina,
   I have trouble staying on plane during my downswing. I tend to end up outside the target line and I hit weak slices. Do you have any idea how I can work on fixing this problem. Thanks!

Kevin

Hey kevin,

Thanks for the question, and I think I may be able to help due to the fact I have had this problem many times. There are two things that I do that may help you too. #1: place a paper cup or empty plastic water bottle a few inches away from the ball and "behind it. (see diagram) What this will do is make you swing from inside to out in order to miss hitting the cup.

The second thing I do and and you could also try is to aim 5-10 yards right of your target to force yourself swing "around" the ball.

Hope this helps!
Thanks,
Christina

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TIPS FOR LONGER DRIVES

(March 09)

Christina,

How far do you hit your Driver and how does that compare to other girls on tour? Also do you play a certain compression ball? And what flex shaft do you use on your Driver? Any tips on hitting it longer? I’m 28, shoot around 110, and I only hit my driver about 200 yards.

Thanks!
Karen

Hey Karen,

Thanks for the question!
Currently, I hit the ball about 230-240yrds which is pretty average. I'm really not extremely long, but it is ok because I'm pretty straight. To be honest its much more important how the straight the ball goes under pressure rather than how long, at least for me.

I use the CallawayIX ball and I have a stiff shaft.

For added length I would suggest that perhaps you could strengthen to a mens shaft, but honestly if your hitting it solid now, work on the short game and play smarter shots to lower your scores. Length isn't overly important if you can get the ball in the fairway and have a solid short game.

Hope that helps!
Take care and enjoy your season,
Christina

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BEST & WORST PARTS OF YOUR GAME AND HOW MUCH TO PRACTICE EACH.

(April 09)

Hi Christina,

Just wanted to know what is the strongest and weakest parts of your game and how much practice you devote to each?

Thanks
Chris

 

Hey Chris!

Thanks for the question.
I think that many players may have different answers to this question at different times, but overall I can say that my strongest suit is my drive to succeed and from just off the green chip shots. I really feel that if I'm 20yrds or less in I've got a great chance of holing it. Ever since I told myself that I want to make it every time my odds in doing it have increased big time. I also feel that I'm a very good putter, even when I have more than 30 putts in a day, I believe I am good.

My irons have been my weakness in the last year or so. I am improving all the time, but the lack of consistency in hitting them solid is a down fall.

As for practice, I try and do something a minimum of 6 days a week. I do sometimes take 2-3 days off after a 3 week stretch of events, but I try to at least do something everyday even if its just an hour or so. Some days I can practice for 6+ hours, but some days I'm done after 3. It really depends on what I'm working on and how I feel I'm doing. I also including working out and planning my schedule into my daily golf routine. I'm constantly doing things that revolve around golf, like writing responses for your questions and this site! Ha ha

Hope you got some of your questions answered and good luck with the rest of your season.

Christina

 

HITTING ON THE TOE

(MAY 09)

Hi Christina
                I've noticed on my irons that most of my shots are coming off the club face towards the toe of the club instead of the center of the club face. I'm wondering what would be causing these miss-hits.

Thanks,

Aps

Hey Aps,

Thanks for the question!
Many things could be causing this; however my best suggestion would be to go and see if your clubs have been fitted properly for you. It could be that you need your clubs flattened out a degree or two. That would be my best suggestion to see if that helps.

Good luck!
Christina

See also: How to stay on plane by Christina Lecuyer...cutting across the ball can also cause you to hit it off the toe. Watch your divots! If your divot is pointing left of the target this could be part of your problem.

and...Barry Goldstein "Hitting on the toe".

                                                

BIG BREAK

June 09

Christina,

I think you should have won Big Break.  I just hated all the bitches bitching at you.  Hope you doing well.  Where will you be playing next. Good luck in your next golf tourney.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Dennis

 

Hey Dennis,

Thanks for the complements and yes it would have been nice to win, but kim is a great player.

As for the next event, I am sitting in the airport waiting to fly to texas for the 2nd section of the us open qualifying. Its 36holes on the 15th so hopefully the next official event will be the us open!

Thanks for being a fan, I appreciate it!

Christina

Hip Rotation and ball squirting to right

(July 09)

Christina,

I became determined to improve my swing this past year and have seen pretty good results.  I’ve figured out the weight shift to the left and the simultaneous rotation of the hips.  A lot of times, I hit it really well but sometimes I have this shot where the ball just squirts right.  This squirting shot once happened for 3 days in a row.  It’s not a shank though as contact is good.  It just squirts right.  I don’t know what’s causing this.   I suspect that my shoulders are getting stuck and not unwinding.  Any thoughts?  Please help!

Brandon

 

Hey brandon,

Thanks for the question and I think I can help if I'm picturing it correctly.....?? What you're saying about the weight exchange makes sense to me and its true that you do get a lot more power if you can have all your weight on your left side after impact. What I think you may be doing when the ball goes right is turning your hips faster than your shoulders and arms. If this happens, your club is open at impact which causes the ball to go right and it may still feel solid.

Keep up what your doing since its working, but make sure that your hips aren't out running your shoulders, they need to move in sequence. You just may need to concentrate on keeping your lower body a little more still.

I hope this helps!
Thanks again for the question,
Christina

 

What Color Tees To Play From?

(July 09)

Christina, Hi!

I’m a 40 something golfer and play to a 8 handicap. I can hit my t-shot 250 yards when I hit it well, but the gals I play with aren’t near as good. ( high 90’s, 100’s) So we sometimes struggle to keep pace on the weekends if they get in trouble. They don’t play slow, just not that well and it is a very challenging course with lots of trouble! When I play with my  husband I always hit from the white tees with him, but I feel bad doing so with my girlfriends as I don’t want to make us play slower. What do you think? Am I hurting my game playing from the red tees on the weekend and whites during the week? It is kind of fun to be able to reach the par 5’s in two on Saturdays. It’s very nice of you to answer questions like this.

Thanks you,
Susan Brown
Tx  

 

Hey Susan,

Thanks for the question and I don't mind at all answering them. Your question isn't the typical so that's nice! As for the question, I don't think its bad at all to play from different sets of tees. Its actually, in my opinion, a good thing. It changes the course and makes different shots for each round. You may think that it hurts playing from the red, but actually its a good thing, it helps the short game sooo much.

If I were you I would continue to play from various tees and practice the different parts of your game each round. Keep having fun with the ladies and challenging yourself with the guys!

Hope that helps!
Thanks again and enjoy your game this summer,
Christina

 

Does brand new young golfer need her own clubs?

(August 09)

Hi Christina,

I’m 13 years old and just started hitting golf balls for the first time. I really like it and can hit pretty well with my dad’s clubs, but we’ve only hit in the back yard with whiffle balls and have been to the range once. I’d like to get my own set of clubs, as the ones I’ve seen at the pro shop are so much lighter than my dads. My dad wants to see if I stick with it first. My questions are do you think I can learn if I like the game using a men’s set? And if/when I do get my own any suggestions on what brand or style to get? My dad says I’m too new at the game to get fitted. I’m average size pretty much, but maybe a little tall for my age and pretty strong.

Thank you!
K.

K,

Thanks for the question and for asking me for advise!!
I would have to agree with you AND your dad.

First, I think you dad's right to get you started more than once with a hand-me-down set. Golf clubs are an expensive investment and if your not sure about it yet, older mens clubs are fine.
I started my whole first year with mens stiff blades! Yikes, not good, but can be done.

If and when you do decide you want to be playing see your local club pro and get there opinion on clubs. I can't suggest anything without seeing you and your swing, but that's there job and you can be fit at any age. You don't need to get anything too expensive or top of the line, there is great starter sets available.

I hope this helps and I hope you do stick with it. Who knows where it could take you, plus its a lot of fun when you beat the guys!

Enjoy the game,
Christina

see also LPGA pro Diana D'Alessio's answer and European Tour pro Sophie Sandolo's answer to the same young girls question.

 

Can't take a divot after the ball

(Sept 09)

Thanks for your site Christina and great job on the Big Break by the way!

   I have had a question for a long time so I want to run it by you.  I have been playing golf for 20 years on and off but more seriously in the past 4 years.  I have always seen the pros hitting short irons and the divot is always after the ball.  They hit the ball first then these huge divot coming flying out later.  I am a 16 handicap and can hit the ball ok but I never take a divot like that.  Of course I take enough big divots before the ball but let’s not go there.  How is it done? I have read enough golf magazine about weight shift but it’s not happening for me.   Thank you for any help with this and also thank you for having this opportunity for me to ask you!
I wish you the best of luck in your golf career!

Mark

Hey Mark!

Thanks for the question and for watching BB!

Well the divot thing kinda just happens. When you have that much power from the turn and holding the angle the way most pros do its inevitable. The best way for you to try and make this happen is not to hit down on the ball, but to stay down through the swing, turning your body through as much as possible and not breaking the angle.
One thing you may try when you practice is to place the grip of a club on the ground where the ball is set, then hit the ball and see if the pivot starts after the grip??? If not, try placing the ball further back in your stance. This will help you hold the angle longer and produce a divot. Be careful not to start breaking the angle just to produce a divot, you can hit a solid shot without a big one.

Hope this helps! Play well!
Christina

ISAG Bonus golf tips: Check out: Better Contact Drills, and Better Backspin. These may also prove helpful.

 

When to upgrade clubs?

(Dec 09)

Hi Christina,
What determines in your opinion when it’s time to upgrade your clubs? I’ve had people tell me since I’m hitting my clubs well that I should stick with them. But I’m sure Nicklaus was hitting his first or second set well and upgraded at some point. I mean at some point your clubs have to hold you back. I mean can’t a well coordinated player adjust his swing in order to hit say a regular shaft when he really could play better with a stiff shaft? Hope that makes sense and you can shed some light. I don’t want to just go to the club fitter’s blindly as I know they just want me to buy something no matter what. I don’t really have a pro or such that I really trust as I just moved here.
Thank you,
Justin

 

Hey Justin,

Thanks for the question and its a good one with probably a couple good answers...but here is my opinion! haha
First, it kind of depends on how much you play and if you feel you have gotten what you can get out of the clubs you have now. I think that yes technology gets better yearly and especially in certain things like drivers, hybrids, and shafts. However, that doesn't mean you need to upgrade yearly to the most expensive, but i do think the best thing you can do is get fit. I know you mentioned that your weary of that, but a good club fitter isn't trying to sell you just the highest priced stuff he should be getting you into what's best for you at all price ranges. Look into a fitter outside of a club or a big golf store and ask around for opinions of who's reputable. Most people can hit a lot of different specs, but I do think you will get more out of your equipment if it is made for you. 
I hope this helps a little and you get into something that will help you get more from your equipment.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christina Lecuyer

 

Can I borrow a left handed club during a round?

(March '10)

Hi Christina,

I'm a right handed player, if the ball was up tight to a tree say, and I needed a left handed club to make the shot could I borrow one.

Regards Ian

Hey Ian!

Thanks for the question; however I don't have the answer you probably would like. You are not allowed to share equipment or advise in a tournament format. However, if your just playin for fun with your buddies, feel free!

Try flipping your club head around to make your own left handed club... Good luck!

Christina

 

Short Shot Shanks!

(March '10)

Hey Christina,

This has been happening off and on for the past 15 or 20 years. I am a 6 handicap(not when this starts happening). Only from 25 yards and in on pitches and chips very frustrating. The ball squirts to the right and nothing I try works consistently.Sometimes I think I have it figured out and just as I have a good round going I can turn a great par 5,ten yards off the green, looking at worse, a short birdie putt, into bogie or double. It would be a blessing to cure this. Never have hit a shank on a full or 3/4 shot.Keep pressing, you will make it.

Thanks,
Bobby

Hey Bobby,
Thanks for the question and ill give you my best answer from what I understand and I hope it helps.

It could be your getting a little quick and you bring the club up and in from the outside causing a little bit of a hozzle or shank. Try keeping your head down longer and keeping the club lower to the ground. Also try not to break your wrists and swing out and around on the ball.

Anyone of those things may work and I hope one does. I suspect keeping the wrists cocked and head down will work!

Good luck and enjoy your season!
Christina

ISAG Bonus Tip! : See both Better Contact Drills and IMPACT (this one should help especially.)

 

CLICK HERE TO ASK CHRISTINA A QUESTION!