golf lesson - not before time!

[birdieman]

Had my first golf lesson in over 3 years this morning from a club pro (not my own club). Combined this with a bit of a fitting session, no launch monitors just a strike plate and the eye of a pro. Glad to say the lie of the clubs was perfectly in the middle so it is official that off the shelf clubs fit me. The rifle flighted 5.5 lites are also about right.
Anyway 3 'concerns' one major, 2 minor. The major problem is my grip, particularly the left hand which has been in a very weak position, got that sorted out but man does it feel weird now but my set up position is much better.
2nd fault was my left foot position. This pro is insistent the left foot should point left at address, I had both feet pointing basically straight ahead.
3rd problem was a poor hip rotation on the downswing, I have a good leg drive but rather than sliding left the hips need to rotate better on the downswing so that the upper body faces the target at the end. I pointed out that usually I'm ok on this but the fact I put my back out in December may be affecting this a little.
Going back to see him in a few weeks after I've worked on this grip change for a video session and a bit more coaching.
Feeling mildy panicked with golf season starting that I have changes to try and implement and scores may suffer but also optimistic that maybe if I implement the advice I can become a better player. Happy to take one step back if it means taking two steps forward.
I know a few players who are afraid to see a pro for fear of their swing being taken to pieces. I have also been a bit reticent feeling I can self-cure my swing but I admit I was deluded. My experience with the Pro was very positive and it has encouraged me to get professional advice more often.
Who says a leopard can't change it's spots!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Its a funny thing the golf swing. It is unique to every one of us and somehow we feel fiercly protective of it even when it isn't working for us.

I know I was really reluctant when I first went for a lesson last year. The first lesson was an evaluation where I was videoed and we sat down and discussed what my aims were.

The first actual lesson led like you to some major changes. My grip was actually too strong but it was my plane and takeaway that were my major problems. I was fine at the range straight after but the next session on my own I found it veryhard to replicate what I had been told and nearly went back to my old swing.

Eventually I made a breakthrough and hit the ball well on the range. When I took it onto the course for the first time I played a solo round just to get use to it. I lost four balls but I am proud to say I didn't use the old swing once. After a few more range sessions the changes became second nature. When I ventured out a for a solo game for a 2nd time I was invited to make up a 4 on the 3rd tee.

I am pleased to say I had a brilliant round. I think it was the fact that I was with others and forgot the technique. No one could believe I was a 20 handicapper (I was legitmately at the time) and they said I had a swing on someone in single figures.

From there as you know my handicap tumbled from 20 to 13 in four months thanks to a few more lessons to sharpen up my irons, putting and approach shots.

Since Christmas though I have been struggling and like you thought I could self-cure. It was only when I had a lesson with a different pro (my home pro) last week that he pointed out what was wrong.

The secret is to try and hit as many balls as possible to make the changes second nature and when you go out to try and relax and trust the changes.

Good on you for taking the plunge

 

[DCB]

Birdieman,

Been in the same boat myself. You saw how badly I played at Blairgowrie, well, it was all down to simple set-up issues. Ive had two video sessions with my pro so far and another tomorrow afternoon hopefully. Basic allignment , a more narrow stance and a better start to the backswing have all made such a difference so far. The biggest hurdle is going to the range and looking like a complete wally trying the simple routines to get the swing movement ingrained.

Difference in the first two videos was astonishing with just some basics reinforced! Here's hoping I can progress a bit further and get a more repeatable swing with a more consistent strike.

Hope things work out for you with the stronger grip and you get used to it quickly.

Dave

 

[happyhacker]

Birdieman I too went for my first lesson (ever, not just in a while) and the pro changed my grip which was very weak.

Was strange for about two rounds but now feels quite natural. Has really helped me release the hands through ball better and stopped by bad shot (big slice).

Apparently I should never have hit a straight ball with my grip but somehow I managed to correct it through the down swing most of the time. Problems just arose when it broke down. Anyways, I was happy with the pro's input as well so I am due back in a couple of weeks for the next tweak!

 

[RGuk]

It's always interesting experimenting with the position of the left hand. I see a lot of players with neutral or weak left hands trying to get the face square with a strong right hand. My experience (not that it's necessarily correct, only a "feeling") is that with a decent left hand grip, the right can sit "on top" more (i.e. not strong) and the release is much better. I worked out on the way home from my match with Homer vs. GM that I'd slackened off the left hand a tad and was wondering why I hit a few weak shots and/or nasty fades. More often then not, if I turn up the left hand and get the right more neutral, I hit it better....the other way round seems a disaster for me.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Dave,

Shame you couldn't have thought of that around 11.30!!!! Only kidding mate. Thought you did fine given the distraction of the photographer, the juggernaut that was team GM and being so tired from carrying me

 

[RGuk]

If I'd thought of it a 11.00, I might have been more in the game on holes 2 and 3.....

I'll be putting things right tomorrow at the range.

 

[AliB]

It just so happens I have also booked a lesson - my first in a long time. Have got to the point of thinking 'it can't get any worse' then reading your comments remind myself it probably will!
Hoping I haven't left it to late for start of the main season. Think I'll probably have some short game lessons too.
The pro I went to before has left, and I have booked at the same club with someone I don't know for next Wed. If anyone has been inmpressed by a teaching pro in Bristol, please speak now (bearing in mind I am a mid- high handicapper in ladies' terms).
will no doubt be back with my tale of hope and/or woe, depending how it goes.

AliB

 

[HomerJSimpson]

AliB

Don't let your ability put you off. A good pro will do everything they can to make a lesson as much of a success as possible especially when meeting a new pupil. It is not in their interest to be pre-judgemental about a persons ability as they want you to return as often as your game needs help.

It depends on what he says is wrong as to how much he needs to change and how long it will take to implement. Don't be put off. If it is something major just keep working on it at the range but don't be tempted to rush it and compromise any changes made.

Just remember these changes take time. OK you may not start the season firing on all cylanders but with your game in its current state would you really have been competitive anyway.

Adopt the changes suggested and aim for the middle of Summer to really start your season. Your swing changes will be oiled and working like clockwork, the course will be dry and running and you will have the sun on your back.

Oh yes, and you'll have the pleasure of beating hubby.

Good luck with the lesson. Keep us posted

 

[TonyN]

As some of you already know, I had my first lesson ever a few weeks back, and the pro told me to change my hands around. Left hand on top like normal people instead of right at top.

First session was awful, i couldnt even hit the ball, seriously. Then for the first few range sessions, my seven iron was only travelling about 100 yards at most.

I thought it was gonna take me months an months to get to any type of playing level. The cold turkey idea had me at the range, most nights that same week and after about a thousand balls i cracked it.

Hands ached at set up, felt really wierd. But my swing wasn't bad so just getting my left hand to be the dominant one was the challenge.

Anyway, after 6 days of changing i was playing a full 18 and come away with a 93. Not great but considering i had been playing with my hands this way for less than a week really impressed me.

Best/worst thing is, it cured my slice. I bought an FTI a couple of months ago because it was the only driver that suited my old grip. Feeling confident with the new grip i picked up a cobra hs9 (i sold a cobra f speed because EVERY shot was a slice) First shot was long and straight, fluke i though. Second one, long and straight, and third and fourth.
Driving was always my weak point but now it seemed a doddle. Hit 10 out of 18 fairways and the others were only in the light rough at worst. So i wasted £270 on a square driver.

Now gotta sell the driver because it just isnt the same with the new grip, now am looking to replace it with nothing in particular.

Almost finished.

Point is, any changes made by a pro are a good thing, and with a little hard work and determination it shouldnt take long to adjust. No one should be scared of a visit to the pga doctor.

I also gotta thank you guys for encoraging me to 'take the plunge' and stick with the grip! Thanks you guys/gals!

 

[AliB]

Hom,er
Thanks for the encouragement. I played a real shocker today so I'm at least certain I need lessons and also that I need to do a lot more practising. I scored 35 Thursday but 23 today (yes, 23!!! possibly a personal worst on my home course).
Thinking positive, my driving was okay and I had some nice mid-iron shots (usually my weak point)but no consistency.
I have booked with a lady pro in the hope she'll be on my wavelength.
Fingers crossed. will keep yuo posted!
AliB

 

[Nico]

Tony, so so pleased for you. It is actually a very brave thing to change your grip so radically.

Just reading the above you can see that even strengthening slightly feels awkward so what you did is massive. Good on you.

 

[TonyN]

Nico (that was my nick name in school spelt nicko, seems wierd to call it some one else) it was hard at first and i came away from the lesson really peed off and didnt have the will to go back the next day. was even gonna go back to my old way and just move ranges, but i didnt. My bro in law is complaining of a slight push out to the right, i have told him he has a weak grip (1 knuckle left hand) and he should try bringing his hands hand around the grip abit to show 2 or even 3 knuckles but he will not do it and thinks it feels to wierd. Am no pro but this seems to be a common fix for this type of error. I am gonna ask my pro next lesson see if he agree's. I know it could be other things too.

 

[birdieman]

Hit about 100 balls today to try and implement yesterdays advice. Went better than I hoped but I'm hooking a lot badly - just the result of this new stronger grip combined with my old faults on many of the shots. Managed to get enough good ones in there however to really feel a difference - much better distance and trajectory when I make the correct move.
Practice, practice plus a good dose of patience needed.

 

[bunkered]

Birdie, whats he got you doing to rotate your left hip, i tend to slide the left hip instead of turning it.

 

[birdieman]

Divot, it's a thought pinched straight form Ben Hogans book!
As you are at address imagine a wall behind you parallel to your target line. From your left hip there is an strong elastic cord attached to the wall - as you turn in the backswing you are tightening that elastic. As you start the downswing you imagine that elastic cord pulling your left hip straight back toward the wall - that thought should get your hips rotating better, nothing wrong with a bit of hip slide but hips need to turn as well to get out of the way of the downswing and get you facing the target at the end of the swing - if you don't clear hips arms can take over and scoop ball resulting often in weak high shots and shanking.
I have been perusing Mr Hogans book again with interest after yesterday!

 

[bunkered]

Got a lesson other week, pro told me to try and straighten left leg on the downswing, that,s supposed to clear the left hip. By the way dont ever mention that word to me, i had them for 2 years

 

[Nico]

Tony, I actually used to spell it Nicho but after a mis spelling on my My-Joys Nico has stuck!!

On to your bro in law, strengthening your grip is something the majority of golfers would benefit from. Check out the Tour boys and see how many have a neutral or week grip?

Have you tried my idea about getting a club with a training grip on it,it helped me.

 

[TonyN]

second name aint Nicholls by anychance is it?

I havnt tried the training grip as my pro is very happy with how it is at the moment. But if he says it will help i may go for it!

 

[Nico]

No but very close only a letter out!!