Long, long, long, long road ahead...

[Tiger]

Had a lesson today. Really didn't want to look at my long game but this month's medal changed my mind. I said from outset I didn't want to make any swing changes right now and we will look at that over the winter. However, my pro identified a number of things straight off. Feet pointing forward instead of flared out, not enough flex in the knees causing balance issues and head problems keeping me stuck behind the ball. A few changes and boom much better mid irons instantly. Going to take sometime to adjust with the longer clubs but the Driver is now in the garage. A quick check with the Mizuno DNA and the shaft might be too whippy for me but we need to resolve the other problems first.

However the point of this post is that there were loads of things I thought I should be doing that we're actually counterproductive. Found similar issues with my putting, chipping and pitching. In fact everything we seem to look at I seem to be making things harder for myself. Looks like there's a long road ahead but the good news is after every lesson I walk away a better player. Practice session tomorrow methinks...

 

[Region3]

Good on you for being prepared to do what it takes Tiger. You know it'll be worth it in the end.

I'm in a similar process at the moment. Although I was playing well enough to squeak into the 70's every now and then, when I looked at my swing I knew things weren't right and decided to start taking lessons.

I'm really excited about the future and wonder how much lower I can get if I iron out the little wrinkles. Of course it might not work out that way but at least I'll know I've given it a crack.

Good luck with it Tiger. The biggest thing imo is being confident in your coach and having the trust to persevere if things don't go as well as you'd hoped.

 

[USER1999]

Ditto what Gary has said. Lots of hard work ahead, but a few years (maybe less!) down the line, you will benefit. For me, lessons have been a revelation, and although my swing is still changing week on week, I have never, ever, hit my short irons like I have this weekend. I just need to carry this swing through the bag.

Keep at it. It will pay off.

 

[Tiger]

Thanks Gary. My only wish is that I could go back to the start and work with her from the beginning. My other coaches have been good but her teaching style suits me 100%. Admittedly the work I've done on my swing in the past is helping, but I've had five lessons so far and after every lesson I've walked away a better player. None of this my game is now a mess malarkey

I think the key is just doing it in small bitesize chunks. I've felt overwhelmed in the past with too many things to think about but building it my game up one bit at a time

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I've got a lesson tomorrow with the old coach I had. Was booked and paid for months ago before I went tot he guy that is finally releasing some of my potential. Not letting him anywhere near the long game but will be good to get an hour of short game work with a decent teacher which should take the burgeoning recovery on a stage. After that, cutting the ties (in a nice way - never say never in case my new guy leaves etc) and sticking with the guy I have now

 

[Stub]

I have improved steadily after lessons but was still lacking distance off the tee with the driver. Had a lesson on that issue alone which identified a few issues to address. Practiced at the range and then played in the weekly roll-up. Marginal improvement on most drives BUT one drive went 30 yards further than the others - and straight! Back to the range for more practice and slowing the extra yardage is becoming regular and greater.

I suppose that is a long-winded way of saying changes made in lessons don't give instant returns (in most cases) but working at the changes usually gets you there in the end.