so I got my first lesson today...

[c4m]

He had me strengthen my grip, stand closer to the ball, relax my arms and hands, and do the 3 to 9 drill.. now I'm hitting the ball every which way but straight.. any more drills to help these things sink in because it feels very uncomfortable right now.

[klaymon]

I think it's a common golf axiom: "if it feels comfortable, you're not doing it right". I think most of us have been through the same thing after a lesson where something gets changed (especially grip). The important thing is: stick with it. It will be second nature before you know it.

[wannabe]

patience, grasshopper

[Marmitetoo]

I agree with the others. As soon as I read that you felt "really uncomfortable", I new you'd made the right decision to get a lesson. Just be patient and for now, I'd suggest not worrying about where the balls are going, honestly. Your result for now is knowing that you are being guided down the right path. Get in front of a mirror for 5 minutes a day and watch yourself do the drill. FEEL IT. Trust it. The results will come later.

Good Luck! and keep us informed on your next lesson!

Steve

[TN94z]

I agree. Stick with it. Don't worry about where they go, just worry about accomplishing what your teacher wants you to accomplish. You need to get proficient at one thing at a time to build a good swing.

Mirrors are very handy!!!

[Scottydoint]

Don't worry about where the ball is going. Just work on the mechanics you were told to do. The grip change is probably the biggest change you can make for golf. Be patient, the results will come.

[srjorion]

Agree 100% with everyone above.

[ninetwothree]

for the 9 to 3 drill, the focus is normally on speed and your ball contact.

look for good feelings and the sound of contact and a consistent flight will come.

[grantc79]

What your teacher is doing if they are worth anything is building a process. You went to see that teacher because you weren't happy with the results. The results are bad because your process was bad.

If your process improves then the results take care of themselves.

If you don't have a good process then you can aim left and play that big slice or aim right and play that big hook but your results will be continually limited by your inferior process.

[HSip]

for the 9 to 3 drill, the focus is normally on speed and your ball contact.

100% Agreed. One thing about the 9 to 3 drill (particularly) is NOT trying to "hit" the ball. When you get over the urge to kill the ball and just concentrate on that motion the ball will start flying in the right direction and much farther than you imagine. Stick with the drills/instruction and hopefully they will stick with you. Good luck

[opie]

9-3 works. Keep at it. You'll come around

[c4m]

for the 9 to 3 drill, the focus is normally on speed and your ball contact.

so I'm guessing it is better to use real balls then? I was going to practice with some practice balls before my next lesson, but would I be better off going to the range and hitting a bucket?

[HSip]

so I'm guessing it is better to use real balls then? I was going to practice with some practice balls before my next lesson, but would I be better off going to the range and hitting a bucket?

Better yes but practice balls can help until you can get to the range again. Remember smooth swing with good tempo. Cheers

[CarlSpackler]

Stick with it and trust your pro, but more importantly, trust yourself.

[c4m]

a bit of an update.. my instructor had a major surgery so I havent been able to get a second lesson, so my game is kindof messed up right now.. I played yesterday for the first time since my lesson and while I hit some good shots, it was a pretty terrible round.. I guess I'm just going to have to deal with it until I can get my next lesson.

[BirdIsTheWord]

Swing changes aren't fun. Just make sure that you find a teacher that doesn't suppress the natural skills that you DO have. For everyone who gives you one piece of advice, there is someone who will give you the exact opposite. Golf swings are like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Look at the swings of the pros. Some are downright funny-looking, (Furyk and Arnie come to mind). We all strive for the sound swing. But you can't outrun your insticts, and sometimes you might not want to. It is key to find someone who will enhance your good attributes, while working on your more obvious flaws.

[grantc79]

Swing changes aren't fun. Just make sure that you find a teacher that doesn't suppress the natural skills that you DO have. For everyone who gives you one piece of advice, there is someone who will give you the exact opposite. Golf swings are like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Look at the swings of the pros. Some are downright funny-looking, (Furyk and Arnie come to mind). We all strive for the sound swing. But you can't outrun your insticts, and sometimes you might not want to. It is key to find someone who will enhance your good attributes, while working on your more obvious flaws.

There are imperatives.........

They all have perfect or near perfect plane lines. They all have good rhythm. They all have good lag. They all have minimal head movement during their swings. They all have good balance. If you are searching for a GOOD coach who is going to tell you that you don't need those things then you will be looking for awhile. If you are going to get lessons then go there under the right frame of mind. If you are going there to "fix your swing" then you have problems. If you are going there to develop a fundamentally sound swing that will help you play better golf then you are on to something. In short, stop looking for a coach who will tell you that you are doing everything really good. If you are a high handicapper and you aren't uncomfortable after you leave a lesson you probably didn't get a good lesson.

[Marmitetoo]

C4M, You have me a little concerned!
I've been following this thread with great anticipation, awaiting some news of your second lesson. But shock horror! Your instructor has had to have major surgery....Now I could see that teaching you may have given him a slight headache, or even a sever migraine.....BUT Major Surgery!
Exactly HOW bad is your game?......Have you considered Tennis?...........lol

So when is he back? Should you maybe find a new instructor? Because the suspense is KILLING ME

Your Pal Steve