New to golf, terrible at it, but willing to work hard

[Chipless]

Three and a half months ago a friend challenged me to learn to golf so we could play together.  Since then I have had 13 lessons, hit 7,500 balls at the driving range and worked a lot on chipping and putting.  I still suck though.  Really bad.   I have played two rounds on an easy nine hole course, shooting 65 and 68.

I am 5’11”,  195 pounds, 47 years old and new to golf.  I probably have more bulk than I need for golf, left over from my competitive powerlifting days, which ended in 1997.  I still lift weights three nights per week.  Although it’s a routine based on powerlifting, I no longer train to hoist the most weight.  More than anything, I guess I am just trying to maintain some semblance of strength.

I also train in martial arts four nights per week, so my balance, coordination and flexibility are pretty good.  I am very driven, and willing to work hard to become proficient at anything that interests me.

I seem to be able to putt pretty well.  I can almost always two putt from within ten feet, and most of the time from within 20 feet.  I can chip fairly well at the driving range, but not at the course when the ground isn’t level or the ball is sunk into the grass.  There I may top it so bad that it goes three feet instead of ten yards.  Or I will somehow hit the ground before the ball.  I can hit most of my irons, but am way too consistent with the woods to use them at all.

Do these sound like normal new golf guy blues?  Should I be doing something different in my practice, or do I just need to be more patient and wait for the results to come?

[rustyredcab]

Use your martial arts training as a model for golf. Learn the positions of the good swing. Practice in slow motion. Hold the positions. Do not hit balls all the time but instead train your body to move the correct way. Use video to see if you are doing this correctly. Mirrors are helpful too just like in many martial arts studios. Relax so that your flexibility and balance can work for you instead of your bulk working against you. Speed will come from proper movement. Pick up some good drills and drill baby drill. Only then, Grasshopper, should you expect to hit the little white ball with some consistency.

Just beating balls on the range is good a good way to work out. It is not practice. You must get an idea of the correct swing and learn to feel that swing when on the range.

One of my golf instructors (see my signature below) is really into martial arts and believes the two disciplines complement each other very well. You might to come to understand how better than those of us who are not into martial arts.

Welcome to this wonderful obsession.

[bunkerputt]

First, welcome.  Second, 13 lessons!  How could you possibly have that many lessons and make effective use of them in 3.5 months?  I've done martial arts too, my friend.  Black belt or greater in 3 of them.  The biggest thing I learned is that most of it doesn't translate to golf.  Great for staying in shape, granted, but there is way too much forgiveness in martial arts.  In golf, you are dealing with precision movements.  In martial arts, you can throw a punch any of a hundred ways and still pass a belt.  In golf, the ball doesn't lie.  It takes 5+ years to develop a championship quality golf swing with solid work and effort and wise instruction.  It sounds like you've got the "work" part down, just make sure it's solid, your instruction is good, and then give it a few years.  If you're serious about the game, it takes long-term focus.  If Tiger can't figure out how to swing a club in 6 months, I'd say you need a little more time.  What are they teaching you in your lessons, out of curiosity?

[x129]

The other thing to remember is that when you go out there your goal isn't to shoot a 36. That isn't going to happen. It is to shoot a 60, then a 55, and so on. You need to realize that pars and bogeys (heck even doubles) are good holes for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chipless

Three and a half months ago a friend challenged me to learn to golf so we could play together.  Since then I have had 13 lessons, hit 7,500 balls at the driving range and worked a lot on chipping and putting.  I still suck though.  Really bad.   I have played two rounds on an easy nine hole course, shooting 65 and 68.

I am 5’11”,  195 pounds, 47 years old and new to golf.  I probably have more bulk than I need for golf, left over from my competitive powerlifting days, which ended in 1997.  I still lift weights three nights per week.  Although it’s a routine based on powerlifting, I no longer train to hoist the most weight.  More than anything, I guess I am just trying to maintain some semblance of strength.

I also train in martial arts four nights per week, so my balance, coordination and flexibility are pretty good.  I am very driven, and willing to work hard to become proficient at anything that interests me.

I seem to be able to putt pretty well.  I can almost always two putt from within ten feet, and most of the time from within 20 feet.  I can chip fairly well at the driving range, but not at the course when the ground isn’t level or the ball is sunk into the grass.  There I may top it so bad that it goes three feet instead of ten yards.  Or I will somehow hit the ground before the ball.  I can hit most of my irons, but am way too consistent with the woods to use them at all.

Do these sound like normal new golf guy blues?  Should I be doing something different in my practice, or do I just need to be more patient and wait for the results to come?

[patrick]

Just broke 100 for the 1st time today, been playing for about 2 years.

I would say you are taking too many lessons in too short a period.

I like the idea of practicing the "forms" for golf in slo mo, it really helps me.

It takes time to integrate all the thoughts into a smooth flowing swing.

Also, video and mirror help a lot.

Btw, hit 51 on front 9 today.  44 on back 9.

Honestly, fine motor coordination has never been my strong suite.

What really helped my game most as of late?

Analyzing the types of shots taken during rounds.  I realized I tee off ok, hit toward green ok, putt ok, but over do it with chipping, like 2 per hole.

As I saw a guy put it here:  Get on the green, close to the hole, dont get cute.

It takes time for the learning to percolate into reality.

Thats just gonna be a long time for some of us.

[inthehole]

I'm also 47 - a bit more couch-potatoish than you (ok alot more), been playing just over a year (packed a whole helluva lot of golf into that year tho) & I'm usually somewhere in the 90's.     My best advice is to just slow it down.     Nice easy CONTROLLED back swing - no need to overextend like the pro's do on  your backswing, easy transition, and begin the downswing.    Nothing worse than a herky jerky rushed swing - nothing good comes from that (not saying you do this, but we see so many high handicappers with this type of fast erratic swing).      My back is hammered and I'm overweight, so I have no extension in my backswing at all ... I am trying to develop a smooth, slow tempo swing with a good hip slide - I still drive as long as everybody I play with using my slow swing.    Its all about hitting the sweet spot - the ball will jump without a hard swing.     My $.02 ... slow it down, and hit the ball in the sweet spot.    Straight is way more important than far...

[Chipless]

Quote:

Use your martial arts training as a model for golf. Learn the positions of the good swing. Practice in slow motion. Hold the positions. Do not hit balls all the time but instead train your body to move the correct way. Use video to see if you are doing this correctly.

This is good stuff.  I will try to start working these ideas into my practice sessions.

Quote:

13 lessons!  How could you possibly have that many lessons and make effective use of them in 3.5 months?

I am not sure if I made it clear how bad I was when I started.  I didn't actually try to golf, but I am confident I would have shot over a hundred (for nine holes).  I started with a lesson every week.  Just recently I switched to a lesson every two weeks.  I plan to continue decreasing the frequency of the lessons over time.

Quote:

What are they teaching you in your lessons, out of curiosity?

Most of my lessons so far are spent trying to get my swing to smooth out.  Right now I tend to refuse to keep my left arm straight through impact, and my head comes up.  It's pretty shitty, really.

Quote:

long term putting is what will make you able to score well but a bad putter only loses 18 holes a round.

My golf coach gave me his old putter last week.  I have had had three practice sessions with it, and am starting to feel like I am getting the hang of putting.  Following are my results from today’s putting session.  I did half of these with my left hand behind my back, and the other half normally.

Quote:

(it is hard to shoot in the 60s if you can hit the ball 150 yards straight on command) so that is where I would focus.

I am at the point now where I feel pretty comfortable with my pitching wedge and 9-iron.  I can hit both of those clubs pretty solid, and fairly straight, most of the time. I am using 20 year old junk clubs for another week or two.  My current pitching wedge goes from 90 to 110 yards, and the 9-iron goes 100 to 120.  As the irons get longer, my distance and direction becomes less and less consistent.  For example, my 5-iron is 145 to 170, but I am much more likely to mishit it.

Quote:

The other thing to remember is that when you go out there your goal isn't to shoot a 36. That isn't going to happen. It is to shoot a 60, then a 55, and so on. You need to realize that pars and bogeys (heck even doubles) are good holes for you.

That seems like solid advice.  My third round will be this weekend, so I will try to break into the 50s.

Quote:

I like the idea of practicing the "forms" for golf in slo mo, it really helps me.

It takes time to integrate all the thoughts into a smooth flowing swing.

Also, video and mirror help a lot.

More good stuff.  I plan to start adding these things to my practice sessions.

Quote:

Straight is way more important than far...

My coach has told me that at least fifty times now.

[Chipless]

Quote:

Use your martial arts training as a model for golf. Learn the positions of the good swing. Practice in slow motion. Hold the positions. Do not hit balls all the time but instead train your body to move the correct way. Use video to see if you are doing this correctly. Mirrors are helpful too just like in many martial arts studios. Relax so that your flexibility and balance can work for you instead of your bulk working against you. Speed will come from proper movement. Pick up some good drills and drill baby drill. Only then, Grasshopper, should you expect to hit the little white ball with some consistency.

Quote:

I like the idea of practicing the "forms" for golf in slo mo, it really helps me.

It takes time to integrate all the thoughts into a smooth flowing swing.

Also, video and mirror help a lot.

Good stuff.  I will plan to start incorporating some of these ideas into my training.

Quote:

13 lessons!  How could you possibly have that many lessons and make effective use of them in 3.5 months?

I started with weekly lessons, then recently switched to bi-weekly.  I intend to continue reducing the lesson frequency as I gain a better understanding of how the swing should look and feel.

Quote:

What are they teaching you in your lessons, out of curiosity?

Mostly we are continuing to tweak my swing.  And mostly, I keep refusing the stop bending my left arm before impact, and raising my head up.  It's pretty ugly, truthfully.

Quote:

it is hard to shoot in the 60s if you can hit the ball 150 yards straight on command) so that is where I would focus.

I am starting to get comfortable with my pitching wedge and 9-iron finally.  I have 15 year old set of Dunlops, with a new set of modern clubs on the way.  Right now my pitching wedge will go 90 to 110 yards and my 9-iron is 100 to 120.  I can hit these two clubs pretty consistently, and fairly straight.  My 5-iron goes 145 to 170 yards, but I can't hit it consistently.  For most of the irons, I get less and less consistent direction and distance as the clubs get longer and the loft decreases.  I can't hit any wood or hybrid at all yet. The ball just goes a hundred yards straight, and a hundred yards to the right.

Quote:

long term putting is what will make you able to score well but a bad putter only loses 18 holes a round.

My golf coach gave me his old putter a couple weeks ago.  I have had had three practice sessions with it, and am starting to feel like I am getting the hang of putting.  Following are my results from today’s putting session.  I did half of these with my left hand behind my back, and the other half normally.

Quote:

The other thing to remember is that when you go out there your goal isn't to shoot a 36. That isn't going to happen. It is to shoot a 60, then a 55, and so on.

I plan to play my third round this weekend.  Hoping to break into the fifties.

Quote:

slow it down, and hit the ball in the sweet spot.    Straight is way more important than far...

I think my coach has said these things to me a hundred times now, but I don't seem to be listening.

[rustyredcab]

Originally Posted by Chipless

...

I think my coach has said these things to me a hundred times now, but I don't seem to be listening.

Look for someone who can say it to you in a way that you will get it and do it.

I sing and years ago (as an adult) I took voice lessons. Metaphorically, I went from a 16.0 handicap singer, to near scratch. I'm not a pro, and I am not a real trained musician, but I'm a low-single digit choir member. One of the things that made my voice coach great was that she told me what she wanted and what I was to do. When I did not do it, she told me the same thing in a different way. When that didn't work, she tried another way. The actual advise was the same, and was the same as almost any competent instructor would give. It was her ability to say it in a how I needed to hear it that made her a great coach for me. I think of a hot marshmallow in my mouth when I want to make sure I'm raising my soft pallet and "singing through my mask." I never really got the "mask" thing that every voice coach uses and that connects with so many students.

If you are bending your lead arm and trying not to bend it is not working, then you must try something else. Taking lessons and having an instructor tell you the same thing over and over does not work. The best instructor for you, will be one who finds a way to get through to you. I have taken most of my "lessons" in golf schools. I love schools in part because many instructors are there to watch and suggest. One may have a way of saying it that connects. At one point I was working on getting my trail shoulder into a position and could not make myself do it. Finally one of the newest instructors came over, asked me what I was working on, and suggested I ignore my trail shoulder and put my lead should in a position. For some reason, I could do that. (Since the two are connected, it was the same suggestion but with a new twist and it worked for me.) Another example is that no amount of concentration, badgering, or coaching will get me to keep my trail foot down like I want. But when I was told to ignore it and think about driving my swing into a flexed forward knee, my back foot stayed down by itself. For another student, working on keeping that back foot down created the flexed front knee...

Everyone learns from different advise. Most of us feel different things while making the same move. I usually do not think about my lead arm but do think about my hands being "wide and low." For me, that keeps the lead arm straight. You need to find someone who will tell you multiple ways until you find your "hot marshmallow" swing thoughts.

[RFetters]

Likely after all those balls, lessons and thoughts, you have way too many ideas floating around in your mind when you actually get ready to hit the ball.  You also seem to be "forcing" a bit, and a bit too impatient.

I'd like to see you start playing with the idea that fun is first, score is second.  Take the approach that your first goal is just to hit the ball solid and into a spot where you can find it.  Get those woods out as well.

You likely have plenty of power, if you can just hit it solid, so consider shortening your back swing, and also slowing your take-away as well.

And last, once you start your take-away, your only thought should be focus on the ball.

[robinoso]

I started playing about a year ago due to a friend trying to get me involved.  It helps to have somebody who can see things you do and is eager to help you get better that plays with you.  I can attest as mentioned earlier that recording yourself is a good way to see your swing.  I use an app on the iphone and swing multiple times to see it.  I don't play w/ the lines and planes on it as I wouldn't know what to do anyway, but it gives you a good view of what you are doing.  The cool thing is seeing the transition as months go by of your swing.  I also let my buddy look at it and he'll see something.  He's no pro, but gives sound advice.

From beginner to beginner, be patient is what I can say.  You are going to have moments of greatness followed by wth was that.  Set acheivable goals and celebrate the small things.

[Ernest Jones]

I'm a hack, however, I find the best way to keep my lead arm straight(ish) is to concentrate on keeping my hands as far way from my head as possible throughout the swing. This allows you to keep that lead arm straight without the tension that you might develop if your actively trying to keep your arm straight. You don't want it RIGID either, just straight ish .

[Chipless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyredcab

Everyone learns from different advise. Most of us feel different things while making the same move. I usually do not think about my lead arm but do think about my hands being "wide and low." For me, that keeps the lead arm straight. You need to find someone who will tell you multiple ways until you find your "hot marshmallow" swing thoughts.

You post great stuff.  Even I can understand it.

Quote:

Take the approach that your first goal is just to hit the ball solid.  And last, once you start your take-away, your only thought should be focus on the ball.

I think you are right on the money with this post.  Inability to make solid contact seems to be my biggest problem by far at this point.

Quote:

I can attest as mentioned earlier that recording yourself is a good way to see your swing.

I definitely plan to start getting some videos.  I'll post them here, and forum traffic will be sure to increase.

Quote:

I find the best way to keep my lead arm straight(ish) is to concentrate on keeping my hands as far way from my head as possible throughout the swing.

Interesting thought.  I will give this a try during my next practice session.

[Chipless]

Shot my third round of nine holes today, and scored a 55.  I still had a bunch of shots where I barely hit the ball and it went two inches or twenty feet.  But today I was saved by some incredibly good putting.  I have had three practice sessions with a new putter that my coach gave me, and I really like it.  My aim is more accurate, and my distance much more consistent.  Here were today's putting results:

4 1-putts (6' to 20')

4 2-putts (12' to 75')

1 3-putt (~100')

Average = 1.67 putts/hole

I realize it’s a small sample size, but I really like the new putter.

[Chipless]

Originally Posted by rustyredcab

Use video to see if you are doing this correctly.

Originally Posted by patrick

Also, video and mirror help a lot.

I posted my first swing video today, in case anyone needs some amusement.

http://thesandtrap.com/t/54398/ex-powerlifters-golf-swing

[slykatrinah]

that's the spirit; hardworking and eager to learn. i think you should try and find a balance between patience and desire to improve. most importantly: enjoy your golf!