100 rounds & 20 lessons later

[John_Findlay]

Being the over-analytical golfing type, I've often wondered whether it's all worth the effort. I'm sure we all have.

Can we improve through lessons and practice or are we stuck with what we've got?

Since I took up the game again 3 (ish) years ago (off 13) I've been trying to improve. A lesson a month, maybe 50 rounds a year. Yes, it's been fun but is it all in the head or do mechanics alone make the difference?

Can you spot the best shot from these 4, for example? Sorry for all the photos. I had to do top of the swing and at impact.

Personally, I think there's a difference between the years but it has been hard work for such a small change. Is this what it's all about and does it explain why the improvement is so slow?


Early 2005 wedge

Late 2005 9 iron

November 2007 Driver

November 2007 3 wood

 

[Gasp]

J-F, the club position at the top is so much better now than it was, much less laid off. Before I imagine you had alot of pushed shots or came over the top. Your weight transfer has also improved, the impact position looks much less restricted and more flowing. Congratulations Mate, I think the hard work is paying off.... But thats just my laymans opinion.

 

[DCB]

J_F

Yep, agree with Gasp here that the club is in a better position at the top, you also seem to be standing just a little bit taller when striking the ball.

It certainly looks like the hard work has payed off.

 

[The23rdman]

I think the only thing wrong with your initial BS position is your hands are a bit hooded. I like the plane your arms are on.

your hands look so much better in the newer swings, mate, well done!

It seems you've moved to a more two plane swing model with much more active arms and hands as shown by your impact position with yor arms further away from the torso. How has this helped your game?

Dean

 

[MVP]

looks spot on at the top on the last picture. Good work!

 

[John_Findlay]

Thanks for the comments, guys.

Gasp, you could be a teaching pro by the sounds of it. You have a good eye. Exactly what my own pro has said.

My old swing meant I collapsed my legs into the ball and got my hands (and right elbow) trapped. Wasn't swinging through the ball and pushed lots of shots or overcompensated with the hands and pull hooked. Got rid of those very destructive shots now.

Yes, the 3 wood shot was the best. The club was square at the top, the shoulders square at impact and I got some room at the ball thanks to those left hand only drills, which help me feel the arms swinging past and in front of my body.

I wasn't actually asking for an analysis of my swing, but do appreciate the comments. I was actually just trying to make the point that very subtle changes can make a huge difference to your game....and often those are the hardest to make.

Would only one or two lessons have helped me? Probably not. It's a constant battle.

Dang, this golfy thing is hard work...but what fun!

Guys, you have encouraged me to keep up the lessons. Thanks.

 

[RGuk]

all looks most tidy.....well done to you.

what are you using to capture the piccys....I'm presuming a camcorder and then saving the stills?


what I particularly like is the constant height of your posture....look at the position of the head (on the vertical).....good work J_F.

Dave

 

[John_Findlay]

Yes Dave,

These are still captures from video.

I'm a great believer in watching yourself on vid. I was up the range with Madandra the other day and after the comments here and watching a couple of his shots on video I've noticed the extra room he has through the ball, explaining the extra 30 yards he has on me. It's all a learning process, eh?

Still amazed by the difference a minute change makes, though.