I wish I hadn't read that article/post...

[NBGC]

Do you sometime's wish you hadn't read a game improvement article in a golf mag or someone's post?

It seem's every once in awhile, I'll read an article saying try this! or do that! or someone's post on this forum that's a low hdcp saying I do this! So I go out and try it, and it screws my game up.

I'm very happy with my game atm, I'm quickly and steadily improving. More birdies, eagle attempts, pars, hitting the ball straighter further and more accurate than ever. And of course, some of the articles I use and work.

For instance, there's a thread about ball position on this forum. I was taught, and practiced having the ball back in my stance for my wedge shots. I'm very comfortable with it there, I never hit fat or thin shots, and can mostly control my spin (still wanting to learn how to dial it up or down, atm it's stop and drop, or backspin...but who know's how far). So I tried moving the ball up in my stance and wow, couldn't hit a wedge for the life of me. So I went back to my original position and that was all fubar'd. Finally got it back to where I was before the change but that was a scary couple of days there.

Have you guys had the same experience with reading articles and screwing with your game?

[FortAsel]

Those used to screw my game up when I was a 20 handicapper, but since I started reading differently (I started analysing what I should or shouldn't do), that didn't influence me at all. It's good to try new things, but not things that can screw your swing

[allin]

Do you sometime's wish you hadn't read a game improvement article in a golf mag or someone's post?

I do think the longer you play the better idea you have of what fits in with your game plan. Improving sometimes means taking a risk and making some changes which temporarially hurt but lead to long range improvement. So I think you did the right thing, after all if it worked you improve, and all you lost was a couple of days.

[Harry Longshanks]

I specifically avoid "tips" in order to keep random thoughts out of my head.

I leave instruction to my pro.

[MPS67]

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[Stacey_E]

I am approximately the same handicap as the original poster. Here is my take on tips. Early on, when your swinging as hard as you can and can't get the ball in the air, you need to keep your ears open to advice. Once you get that handicap down say below 18 (abritrary number I suppose) you should be starting to have a real good idea how your swing works and what you can and can't do with the ball. I think it is about then, while wanting to improve, we genuinely try to absorb all the info we can. But what you read on page 110 of a golf mag can be directly refuted and contridicted on page 110 the next month. And a tip that works for one type swing will destroy another.

I am admitedly a feel player. I am not into mechanical golf at all. That does bias my opinion on the matter and I'm aware many won't agree with me. But I also think there is way way more to scoring well than having a picture perfect swing. Course stratedgy, knowledge of your own game, some honesty, etc.

I imagine, but don't yet know, that once you get down in the low single digits you really have to work hard to shave those last strokes. I also imagine that at this point golf tips are more useful. I'm guessing at that point you are more able to filter out what doesn't fit your game, and really be able to focus and stick with your improvement plans and practice tips.

Just some ideas from a guy whos only swing thought is "smooth back".

[jasongst]

Have you guys had the same experience with reading articles and screwing with your game?

Improvement requires having the guts to screw up your swing every once in a while. Sure you can take the easy road and never change anything, but then 20 years from now you'll be 20 years older with a goofy swing that "works for you" with lots of compromises. I say you should embrace the challenge of making changes. Not so much that you never settle into your swing, but enough that you can actually

improve over time. So in answer to your question: All the time! And yeah, it stinks, but it feels great to come out on the other side being able to demonstrate real improvement.

[jonanthans]

When I first began playing, a friend of mine who used to play on the Nationwide Tour gave me this piece of advice: Cancel all your golf magazine subscriptions, and if you watch the Golf Channel turn the channel anytime they are having a tip-session or a how-to clinic. It will mess you up more than it will help you. I didn't believe him at first, had to learn the hard way.

[NI4NI]

Like the song goes, "You don't know what you have 'til it's gone."

I guess I'm wondering why you would even read golf articles, or read posts in this (or any) forum, if you weren't open to risking something by trying a new approach or tactic.

To me, golf mags and forums are subject to the same rules as just about everything else in life: "live and learn.

Hope you get your groove back, good luck.

[Mr.Wedge]

If you build your knowledge base (mental concept) and your swing around core fudamentals of leverage, levels, and torso rotation, you will not be victim of erroneous "tips", but be able to decipher the merit of potential improving ideas. Until you have confidence in your own swing concepts, it is best to stick with those fundamentals and run from "tips" IMO.