Harvey LaMontagne made the mistake of asking how my golf game was. I answered that it was okay, but would be a lot better if I could hit fairways with my driver. He said he could fix it so I took him up on his offer. I know I wrote about LaMontagne ‘s retirement a few years ago, but he can’t retire. He enjoys teaching golf so much that he just keeps going.

While LaMontagne no longer listed as a head professional, running everything as he did so many years at Paris Hill Country Club, his Golf Improvement Centers can be found at both Point Sebago and Dunegrass, where he also gives playing lessons.

We met at Norway Country Club and headed for the driving range. He had me take a few swings and took a look a my glove.

“The glove tells the story,” he explained. “The wear (on the heel of the hand where the end of the club meets the glove) shows that you’re losing control of the club at the top of the swing.”

Next, he worked with my back swing and determined that I should limit it to a point where the club is merely perpendicular to the ground rather than parallel to it. Making this adjustment helped me make more consistent contact, but the ball still sliced. He tried having me close the club face and finally positioned the ball ahead of my left foot.

He also gave me a drill to do without the ball. It’s a simple drill that can be done in the backyard: Alternate swings first hitting the grass, then missing the grass. This drill helps control the club. I learned far more in this half hour than I would have in a full day on the range hitting balls by myself. I also learned why La Montagne has been rated the number one teaching pro in New England and in the top 100 in America.

On the back of his business card his teaching method is spelled out in a few words: “Fit a swing to your body, not your body to a swing.”

We amateur golfers can only progress so far on our own. Playing and practicing more will help, but to make changes we need a trained eye. That’s why I go see the pros. Now, all I have to do is make the time to practice what I’ve learned.

The Greater Portland Open is set for June 30-July 2, with the Pro-Am Tuesday, June 29. The event benefits the Barron Center, Portland’s long-term care facility for the elderly and frail. Funds raised at the tournament go to help residents purchase Christmas gifts, clothing, hearing aids and other items. The facility recently purchased a wheel chair van with these funds.

This year’s event is expected to have first prize of $11,000 and has the added attraction of being teamed with the Greater Bangor Open. Players competing in both events will be eligible for additional prize money. Out of a $5,000 pool, the player with the highest combined finish will receive $2,500 with $1,500 and $1,000 going to the next two places.

The low nine amateurs will qualify for the final round.

For information on either entering or volunteering check the Web Site at www.greaterportlandopen.com.

Did you know that Father’s Day is second only to Christman as the biggest shopping day of the year?

It may not seem fair that mom gets flowers or taken to brunch while dad gets a recliner, a riding lawnmower or better yet, a set of golf clubs. The good news is there are plenty of golf gifts for dad that won’t break the bank.

How about a playing lesson with the pro of his choice. David Leadbetter or Butch Harmon might be a bit expensive, but a local pro can fit the budget. Playing with a pro is always fun, so check out signing dad up with his a pro to play in one of the Maine PGA Monday Pro-Ams. The cost is $45 plus a cart for each event.

Golf is always a great gift. This can be in the form of a gift certificate for a round at a local course, or even a weekend getaway at a golf resort like Sugarloaf, Samoset or the Balsams. Costs for these trips vary, but a few phone calls can locate a great golf package. If the budget is unlimited how about sending dad to Ireland or Scotland?

Then, of course, there is my preference. Until I finally get those drives straightened out I will need balls. Not the Pro V 1’s for $25 a dozen, but a 15 pack of Top Flites for $8. That will get me through a few rounds after the big day.