Vince Giunco

Expert in customer service, club relations, and the business of golf2008 New Jersey PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the YearFour time nominee for the New Jersey PGA Teacher of the YearCompetitor in New Jersey PGA Junior and Senior eventsHead Coach for the Manasquan High School Warrior golf teamPGA Certified Golf Instructor for the Monmouth County Parks SystemU.S. Kids Certified InstructorDistributor of Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles, and Street Legal LSV’s for Vic Gerard Golf CarsFormer PGA Golf Professional at the Manasquan River Golf ClubFormer Two-time MVP & Team Captain for the Monmouth University Hawks golf teamFormer employee of Giunco’s Market in Sea Girt, established 1933Proud graduate of Manasquan High School and Monmouth UniversityMarried to Lori and proud Father to Caroline, James, Emily and Catherine.Provider to Candy, Bear, Eli, Autumn, Angel, Squeaks, and Pinch

Teaching Philosophy

Many instructors have different views and thoughts on what makes a good golf swing. I believe an excellent golf swing starts with basic “tried and true” fundamentals.  These fundamentals have been tested by the finest players and are the basis of every lesson I have ever given. These fundamentals, coupled with custom adjustments designed for each different body type and level of talent, delivered in concise, simple, and bite sized portions.

Mental Preparation

A positive outlook is necessary before any warm up session, competitive round, or practice session ever begins. A player can only hit the shot that sits in front of him or her.

Technology

Teaching with Track Man technology is imperative to the success of any golf program. Slowing the swing down using the TrackMan video component can help both student understand the difference between “feel and real”. Measuring spin rate, club path, clubface, and launch angles help both student get the most out of his or her swing.

Full Swing

• Pre-Shot Routine – Build a pre-shot routine that incorporates proper aim, feel, trajectory, and club head speed needed to produce the shot. A good pre-shot routine should be concise, consistent, and prepare the golfer to stand up to any situation.
• Grip – Traditional neutral grip. Both hands opposing, connected, and fitting together like a glove. Light grip pressure for most shots. Two-knuckles (index and middle) showing and the club resting in the palm of the lead hand. The trail hand holds the club more in the fingers while in the “hand shake” position. 
• Stance – Shoulder width for driver and inside shoulder width for irons. Proper width tends to be narrower to help produce rotation instead of a wide stance that promotes sway. Feet, knees, hips, and shoulders all parallel to the target line.
• Posture – Head, shoulders, and spine all begin erect and in alignment. Student would bend from the waist and let the arms hand down from the shoulders.
• Body weight placement – 25% each on both heels and toes before beginning swing.
• Back Swing – Both shoulders rotate away from the target over the back foot with arm / hands above the back shoulder. Shoulder angle should be perpendicular to the target line (90 degrees). Hips react to the shoulder turn by rotating with roughly half of the movement (45 degrees). Head held high and out of the way throughout the entire swing.
• Transition / Down Swing – Lower body begins the downswing. Back foot fires while forward hip clears “out of the way”. Chest then turns through while arms and clubs fall down through impact zone to a balanced finish.

Short Swings

Most short swings (short game) are very similar to the full swing but just not as long. 

• Chipping – Ball back, hands forward, and weight forward. Stand close and tall to the ball. Shaft angle more up and down and blade resting more on the toe. Shoulders control the club back and through impact with very little hand involvement. Proper set-up promotes a slightly descending angle of attack through impact.
• Pitching – Ball slightly back of center. Hands slightly forward. Hands will hinge depending on the length of swing. Weight slightly forward. Chest and shoulders rotate through impact. Hands release naturally.
• Bunker play – Ball forward, weight forward, clubface and stance open. Club is swung back on a steeper plane and impacts the sand two inches before the ball. Sand throws the ball out of the bunker. Clubface will still be open and facing the sky when swing is completed.
• Trouble shots – Goal is to pick a club that will first get you out of trouble and help put you in a position to save a shot. Imagination is the key. Understanding the ball flight laws are paramount to success.
• Putting – Consistent re-shot routine required for success. Proper posture to ensure eye placement over ball. Lock eyes on spot where you want to start the ball when making practice swing. FEEL how hard you need to strike the ball.  Consider the practice swing a dress rehearsal for the stroke. Make the practice swing you believe will produce a holed putt, and then repeat through the ball. Neutral grip with shoulders controlling the swing.

Competition

Golf swings, both full and short, need testing under extreme circumstances. The best way to learn if your swing will hold up is by competing in bigger tournaments with better players. Playing in these events will uncover weaknesses so a player can refine before the next challenge. Good instruction paired with proper practice will help you achieve your golf goals. “The secret is in the dirt” - Ben Hogan