Ryder Cup 2008 What the Europeans are practising – Graeme McDowell

Published: 17 September 2008 Last updated: 27 June 2013

European Vice Captain Jose Maria Olazabal used his time wisely yesterday afternoon to help team member Graeme McDowell around the greens.

The renowned short game expert spent several hours demonstrating key shots and sharing his vast knowledge with the young Irishman.

Olazabal was encouraging McDowell to take his hands out of the chipping action by using the big muscles in the body to turn the club through. By getting the body to rotate with the arms you will strike chip shots with more consistency and control.

If you want to practise this drill at home try to allow your core to turn in unison with the butt of the club. Remember not to be too rigid with the movement, but allow the body to move freely. Think of this chipping action as a miniature swing, not just a hand and arm movement.

Scroll down to McDowell practising at the Ryder Cup…

Ryder Cup 2008 Preview & News

Ryder Cup 2008 Fantasy Golf League
Join our Free Ryder Cup Fantasy Golf League and not only spice up the Ryder Cup bu also give yourself a chance of sharing in our £5,000 golf prize pot!

The Latest Ryder Cup News Stories
Check out all the latest Ryder Cup 2008 news…

Ryder Cup History
The Ryder Cup’s greatest moments and Ryder Cup history represent some of the greatest moments in sport…

Ryder Cup Forum
Join in the Ryder Cup 2008 debate by visiting our Ryder Cup forum and making your opinions and feelings heard!

Ryder Cup Golf Polls
Do you think you know who will win the Ryder Cup 2008 or who has the best golf swing? If so tell us here!

Ryder Cup Valhalla Golf Course Guide
Find out what lies ahead for this year’s Ryder Cup players with our in depth Valhalla golf course guide.

Ryder Cup Matchplay Golf Tips
Watching the Ryder Cup Matchplay format makes you want to play a matchplay game yourself. We’ve created a special Matchplay golf tips video series to help you play better.

Ryder Cup Betting Tips
Fancy making this year’s Ryder Cup exciting with a flutter or two? Find out who to back with Paddy Power’s own betting expert tips.

How To Win The Ryder Cup
Golf World talks to former winning captains about what you need to do to win the Ryder Cup.

Ryder Cup Player Interviews
Want to know what the players are thinking and feeling? Read extracts from Golf World’s exclusive interviews here.

Ryder Cup Nick Faldo Interview
We talk to Ryder Cup Captain Nick Faldo about this year’s event and find out how confident he is of success.

Ryder Cup Nick Faldo Golf Tips
Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo shares his top golf tips with you as part of our Ryder Cup 2008 preview special.

Ryder Cup TV guide
Want to know when you can watch the Ryder Cup? It’s all here.

Ryder Cup Clothing Designer Interview
What the Ryder Cup teams are wearing is always a talking point and we find out what we can expect direct from the supplier to the European team.

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us.