Scoring question

[Zeph]

It was you who came and called my statements as false based on your own perception.

Of course a professional teacher is the preferable way, but the way you wrote it, you implied that it was the only way to learn this game. I know which way my clubhead is pointing, I don't need a mirror, to turn my head or a video to know this.

I know I came off a bit harsh, it was not my intention, but I was a bit upset with how you claimed that having a professional watch most of your swings is the only way to get better at this game. You most likely know more about golf than I ever will, but I still don't think you have the right to claim your adviced way to practice to be the only way.

I have several friends and single digit hcp who have had maybe 1-2 lessons in their entire life.
In your last sentence you again write that you know that this is wrong. I offered an alternative way to practice for those who can not afford lessons every week, but aparently you'd rather have them quit golf or just keep hacking away, because the only way to practice is with a pro.

I don't have a distaste for your posts, your advice or your experience, but I have a distaste for how you claim you are correct about this matter.
I won't ignore you, don't see why I should ignore someone as experienced as you. If you want to ignore me, then go ahead, if you can't accept that I think you are wrong then maybe it's for the better. We're bound to run into eachother on the forum at some time anyways. I'm not an idiot, nor do I think you are an idiot, but I am stubborn and stand for what I believe in, and what I have experienced.

If having lessons is the only way, why don't we just ask the admin of this forum to shut down the "Swing Tips" category right away and replace it with "Take lessons from a professional". Internet, videos, swing analysis and YouTube has made the possibility of game improvement much more accessible for many people. Some don't have a pro within reach, some don't have the money to spend, I don't see why they should not be able to work on their swing like everyone else.
Edit: If you ignore me, would you be kind enough to let me know so I don't engage you in other threads without getting an answer?

Another edit: What are your thoughts about practice with a purpose? You said you hit 1500-1600 balls a week, but I'm sure you didn't have someone watch most of the shots? What about range mats, do you have any tips on how to practice with mats effectively? They are hard and can mask bad shots, but can you practice well with them if you take some things into consideration?

[MiniMoe]

On our normal weekday game, we play double max. After that... we all pick up.

[Hidalgo]

Another edit: What are your thoughts about practice with a purpose? You said you hit 1500-1600 balls a week, but I'm sure you didn't have someone watch most of the shots?

Zeph, I currently practice 2-3 times a week and hit 150-175 balls per session. Unless something's "wrong", I simply work on the basics of getting the clubhead on the ball solidly and making it go where I'm looking. The 1500 balls weekly was a couple of years ago when I was trying to ingrain a HUGE swing change. I decided to change my 20 year old fade into a draw. It was the most difficult thing I've ever done related to golf. Actually...I did have someone watching. My partner would supervise for the first 5 minutes or so to make sure we were where we wanted to be with the change, and would then leave me and return later on as I was finishing up. Anything that didn't feel "right" in his absence resulted in me summoning him back to the range for an analysis. Golf isn't rocket science (as you know) but it is usually very difficult for most people to feel comfortable with a major change until it becomes habitual. We wanted the draw to be swingpath oriented, and not have the hands and shoulders come into play to move the ball.

What about range mats, do you have any tips on how to practice with mats effectively? They are hard and can mask bad shots, but can you practice well with them if you take some things into consideration?

Personally...I HATE mats. They conceal fat shots, and are extremely hard on the joints in your hands and arms. Can you practice well with them? Obviously. Butch Harmon used mats indoors every winter with his students hitting balls out of the garage doors. Most facilities in winter climates have no choice. Mats are the vehicle of choice for a lot of so-called practice facilities because they are basically maintenance free. In my opinion, a good practice facility allows you to work on everything in your game. Bunker shots, chips, pitches, etc. That can't be done on stationary mats. But in the long run, we all have to make the best of our available conditions. If I were relegated to only mats I would use them "sparingly" and only to keep my swing in some type of order until the weather or whatever afforded me the opportunity to hit off turf. I would rather limit my practice time and drive considerable time to hit off turf rather than spend all my time hitting off artificial surfaces.