Hi everyone. I have been playing for 5 years now, and each year since the first I progressively get more serious about the sport. I have come to a crossroads and I need some advice. I want to progress to the next level of play... for me it would be consistently shooting 84-88. Sometimes I have good nine hole rounds (44-45), sometimes I dont (48-50).
Just the other day I went to the driving range and could hardly hit anything. Rather than pack it up and go home I tried to grind it out and find out myself what I was doing wrong. Needless to say, I couldn't figure it out.
Basically, should I keep trying myself or do I need to go to a pro...($) and get proper instruction? I am willing to do what is best for me.
Agreed, it sounds like you are making good progress. Everyone has days where they just don't have it. One day at the range can be really bad and the next day everything is back on track. I do suggest seeing a pro every once in a while and taking away one or two things to work on. If you've never seen a pro, it would be interesting for him to review your swing and let you know if anything is really in need of changing.
At that point, I'd seek the help of a professional, why batter yourself over it? He/She may be able to point out a small detail and save you lots of mental anguish in the end.
As a teaching pro, I suggest that everyone try to fix their own swing, but if the first attempt does not help, DO NOT KEEP TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS! If what you think is wrong and you know how to fix that, then try it. If it does not help then you are doing something wrong that you can not tell for yourself. If you keep trying other things you will mess up what you are already doing correctly (of course that means more business for me,ha). Like I tell my students, no one takes more lessons than Tiger Woods.
A question for you Gary and thanks for the guidance. In your estimate of the students you've worked with...would you have knowledge of a percentage you believe are able to successfully fix their own swing? I'm just curious about how many of us amateurs have enough knowledge of the swing and tenacity to be able to pull it off. I realize this depends on the difficutly of the problem and may be a tough thing to quantify.
I consider myself fairly knowledgeable of the game, but is it more knowledge that lends the solution or a mix of knowledge and experimentation (sometimes dumb luck too) in order to fix one's flaws. Anticipate your thoughts.
know this to be true- you know your swing and I think knowing what breaks down 1st- going to pro is good idea if you want to change it entirely- get a friend to video your swing and play it back & use slow- motion- you can really look at all aspects of your swing- hey that method got me froma consistent 95-105 shooter down to the 80's
just my thoughts Cuz- let us know if you get w/ a pro and fix it
golf-a-holic,
The more a person understands their swing the more they can self correct. Most of my students can fix their swing as long as it is their same problem, which it usually is because I have found that most people have their same bad habits. The main thing I see is that when something goes wrong, everyone thinks it is their swing. The number 1 fault I see is something wrong in their set up. Next is moving their swing center, followed by their timing being off. Most people can fix their timing if they get setup and quit moving on the ball. And of course quit trying to hit it so hard.
I'm in the same boat as you. I usually shoot about 100. Occassionally, although more often in the last 3 months, i'll shoot in the mid 90's. I've been considering lessons also, and i think i will take some lessons. I need someone to tell me what i'm doing wrong because sometimes its feels like i do nothing different. Oh yeah, you might want to ask some of your golfing buddies for references. My buddy's pro is giving me $20 off each 60 min lesson.
I think it's much easier to progress by both taking lessons and playing. I recommend taking a lesson every couple of weeks while they are still helping.
Lessons are usually pretty cheap...about $35 for 1/2 to 3/4 hour here this season.
Video helps quite a bit, so look for someone that will show you the video of your swing...even better if you can get a copy.
If I had been taking lessons every now and then during my 30 years of playing I would probably be a much better player. I have been taking a few lessons every season lately (past several years).
When it comes to lessons I always tell everyone that it never hurts to go just once. Atleast go to find the basics of the swing so you are learning in the right direction.
Harvey Penick said if you have a bad round, don't worry. If you have two bad rounds, check your fundamentals: grip, alignment, stance, etc. If you have a third, go see your pro.
I do understand why people are reluctant to take lessons. It is fun to figure things out for yourself and I have seen those guys who have become so depend on their pro that they basic ask how to tie their shoes. Although I really do believe in lessons. After my first lesson I broke 80 for the first time. A year later after my second I went out and made 7 birdies in one round. The most that I had ever had before in a round was maybe 2 or 3. Short game is very important but taking pressure off of it by hitting a lot of greens in regulation helps too. First and foremost I would ask around and find a good pro in your area. I truly do believe that a lot of club pros out there are terrible. I've only had 4 lessons in my life, which is about to change soon, but I would say that 2 were good and 2 were terrible. Looking back at what the guys told me with the bad lessons I can't believe it. Some guys come up with these weird ideas and drills that are more destructive than constructive. So my advice would be to definately get lessons but make sure that it is from someone good that has been recommended to you.
November 16th, 2005, 09:54 AM
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