Had a lesson this week and my game has gone completely to pot

[pendodave]

I'm in the middle of a set of lessons at the moment. Brought on by being fed up of the course being shut or pretty unplayable. I thought it would be a good way to use the time constructively.

I have been trying to modify my takeaway (it turned out I was whipping it back inside quite dramatically). In my experience this sort of change is really quite hard work to make. It certainly isn't something that gets fixed in a single lesson, or even two or three. So don't be too surprised if you are a bit rubbish for a while.

The important thing is that you know what the end game is, and can understand how you are going to get there. To just be a bit rubbish without believing in what you are trying to achieve is no fun at all.

How long have you been playing and what standard are you at btw? (apologies if this is already in one of your posts).

 

[rudebhoy]

I'm in the middle of a set of lessons at the moment. Brought on by being fed up of the course being shut or pretty unplayable. I thought it would be a good way to use the time constructively.

I have been trying to modify my takeaway (it turned out I was whipping it back inside quite dramatically). In my experience this sort of change is really quite hard work to make. It certainly isn't something that gets fixed in a single lesson, or even two or three. So don't be too surprised if you are a bit rubbish for a while.

The important thing is that you know what the end game is, and can understand how you are going to get there. To just be a bit rubbish without believing in what you are trying to achieve is no fun at all.

How long have you been playing and what standard are you at btw? (apologies if this is already in one of your posts).

I've been playing since last May, very much at the beginner stage. I don't have a handicap, but scorewise I'm averaging around 50 for 9 holes (par 35).

 

[Three]

yep, that's it exactly. The butt is pointing straight down at the ground, inside the ball, rather than pointing at the ball.

Not necessarily a problem.

What angle is the club on the downswing?

 

[Garush34]

Have you been to the range to practice this or just headed straight out on the course? I find its pointless trying to play straight away after a lesson as you just can't concentrate on the change and think it's not working when it reality you just haven't given it time. It's going to feel uncomfortable at first because it's something you don't currently do.

 

[ChrisB0210]

I experienced similar to the op a couple of years ago following a swing change. A couple of chats with my teaching pro before the next lesson paid off and I've definitely progressed since.

Stick with it, you'll definitely overcome your current issues and kick on. Good luck!

 

[jasondransfieldgolf]

tell me about it, I played in a comp and shot 116..... its for this reason I'll never have another lesson again. I'm now down to 14.5 hcp and am happy with how its progressing.

It was so disappointing to read your post, that you lost faith in lessons. A bad round should not deter you from having another lesson again. There are many great Pro's out there, in my opinion a Pro should be simplifying the process for you. I like to keep away from getting too technical and give drills and visual cues on how to make changes to my clients.

 

[Robster59]

Years ago my missus bought me a set of six lessons. About halfway through the set I called her from the course and told her (in jest) that she had totally ruined my game.
But I stuck with it and it definitely paid off as my game was going nowhere and I now play better and on my lowest handicap ever.

 

[Curls]

OP, be very careful about listening to the negative experience of others, what they're telling you is A. Maybe not what it seems and B. While given with the best of intentions, has no relevance to your situation.

If you want to actually materially improve, you will have to change what you're doing. If you think that's possible without assistance then that's okay but if like many others you could benefit from a good pro then you have to stick with the changes or accept that the game you have now might get slightly better with practice but you probably won't make a leap in improvement on your own whacking balls. That said if your enjoyment from the game comes from scoring well within your accepted limits, then play on, we play to enjoy it, for some of us that means seeing improvement and playing better than before. For others it's an enjoyable round with good company. If you are in later camp walk away and don't torture yourself

Ps I am happily in Both camps! And am a convert to lessons having reached a plateau and seen a massive improvement after some initial graft. Put it this way before lessons at the range I'd hit 100 balls and I'd be happy with 75 of them. After a lesson that drops to 30. That's not the point! Some say you shouldn't even look where the ball is going but just focus on the mechanical movement or drill you are practicing. When it becomes natural then care about the ball. I might still be happy with 75, but they are a vastly superior 75 to the first lot.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Take a week off playing and practice first.

So many people take an instant fix right to the course without practicing, it will never last long.

IMO people play too many competitions when they should just have a casual round or practice.

I was guilty of it, fearing I shoot well when not entered the competition.

I soon realised I have to beat my handicap in practice more than once before I beat it in competition. If I didn't do that it was a cycle of depression and hating the game.

To make the handicap tumble play less competitions and prove yourself in practice to make beating your handicap the norm and take that into competitons

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Sorry to hear that the OP is struggling but it's not uncommon after a lesson. Personally I'd always have several range sessions after a lesson, working on the drills I've been given to try and make it feel natural before taking it on the course. I've found it hard going straight onto the course after a lesson. No trust, too many thoughts

 

[rudebhoy]

played 9 holes this afternoon, even worse than the other day. My head is totally gone.

Went to the practice ground for 30 minutes beforehand, and hit a load of irons, some good, some bad, but on the course was pretty awful. I know I am thinking too much about my swing on the course, but it's hard not to!

 

[Curls]

played 9 holes this afternoon, even worse than the other day. My head is totally gone.

Went to the practice ground for 30 minutes beforehand, and hit a load of irons, some good, some bad, but on the course was pretty awful. I know I am thinking too much about my swing on the course, but it's hard not to!

Listen chap we've all been there, but if you read the advice back people are asking you to not play but practice the mechanical change, and if you're finding it too difficult go back to your pro and ask him to explain again, maybe start you off with a smaller change if there's too much going on upstairs. If you give it a good go and it isn't working out then there are other pros, but you have to put the graft in on the range if you're going to alter what you're doing now. But the only way anyone plays well on the course is when their mind is blank (ish). Certainly not in knots. Don't lose heart, think of it as a challenge, like I say this isn't unique to you!

 

[rudebhoy]

Listen chap we've all been there, but if you read the advice back people are asking you to not play but practice the mechanical change, and if you're finding it too difficult go back to your pro and ask him to explain again, maybe start you off with a smaller change if there's too much going on upstairs. If you give it a good go and it isn't working out then there are other pros, but you have to put the graft in on the range if you're going to alter what you're doing now. But the only way anyone plays well on the course is when their mind is blank (ish). Certainly not in knots. Don't lose heart, think of it as a challenge, like I say this isn't unique to you!

Cheers, am going to make the most of the awful weather over the next few days to get to the range.