A thank you

[Biddy]

I guess I just wanted to thank those of you that take new players under their wings or even just spend 5 minutes to correct something they may see.

I've only started roughly a month ago and I went to the driving range today (I try to go twice a week), after picking up a used TaylorMade R5 3W, to replace the one I broke prior (to date I've broken 2 drivers and a 3W). As soon as I stepped up to the mat, it started to downpour, with the occasional thunderclap. I wasn't about to waste 12 bucks, so I stayed on and continued to practice despite being soaked and having the rain show no signs of letting up.

I decided to start working with irons for the first time, as I had only really been concentrating on my driver and woods. After missing the ball entirely the first 10 or so strokes, an older man who also stayed out must've heard the "swishes" of missed shots and looked up to see me performing terribly...to say the least. I didn't notice he had seen me until I heard a "do you need some help?"

Within 10 minutes he had me hitting the ball every single time, and even sending it out straight to the 75 mark (I'm not sure if it's marked in yards or meters) with a 9 iron. He single-handedly turned what could've been a mediocre and wet trip to the course into an enjoyable learning experience.

I guess I have no real reason to post this asides to thank those who help newer people they see struggling and share my pretty good day out.

[LuciusWooding]

Originally Posted by Biddy

As soon as I stepped up to the mat, it started to downpour, with the occasional thunderclap. I wasn't about to waste 12 bucks, so I stayed on and continued to practice despite being soaked and having the rain show no signs of letting up.

I have some advice; getting hit by lightning won't give you superpowers. Don't hesitate to play golf in the cold, wind, rain, and heat if you're properly dressed and drink fluids. But the second you hear thunder, get inside. Don't stand under a tree either. Your life is probably worth at least like 200 bucks.

Other than that, it's nice of the guy to point you in the right direction. If you're a beginner, even an athletic one, it can be really hard to learn the game's fundamentals and often times it goes against one's instincts.

That said, from the perspective of a young man who taught himself how to play, I still think it's poor etiquette to offer someone unsolicited advice at the range and practice green. If you're someone with professional credentials then it's a bit less presumptuous, but I don't like pros giving fly by lessons either (Hey, are you a college player? I noticed your chipping technique isn't right. Accelerate into impact. Here's my card). Personally I've come a long way and I'm more comfortable building my game on my own, even though I make mistakes on the way. This goes double for you old-timers, regardless of handicap . Don't assume that your age compared to mine gives you the license to spout swing thoughts at me. I'm all for holding a civil conversation and sometimes I hit the ball like crap at the range, but telling me to slow my swing down isn't helpful.

Be careful of stock advice and swing tips. There are some chestnuts out there that have lost their meaning or don't apply to everyone. Like "Turn your hands over at impact to hit a draw", or "Hold the club as loosely as you can", or the ever popular "swing slower". All of those tips could help someone if they have the proper faults, and interpret them correctly, but to others they could hurt more than help.

Some of the well regarded people on this site are a great resource, offering free critiques of video. Iacas is a pro and charges for lessons, but offers general analysis for free. That's brilliant. The majority aren't really qualified, but some are really good and most will keep their mouth shut unless they've suffered from the same faults. It's not the same mentorship, they won't know your game like a live person, and they can't always teach everything through writing, but it's still free and easy. And they don't mind letting you figure it all out for yourself, for which I'm thankful.

[Biddy]

Originally Posted by LuciusWooding

I have some advice; getting hit by lightning won't give you superpowers. Don't hesitate to play golf in the cold, wind, rain, and heat if you're properly dressed and drink fluids. But the second you hear thunder, get inside. Don't stand under a tree either. Your life is probably worth at least like 200 bucks.

Oh believe me, I've been struck by lightning already...and they say it dosen't strike twice ;)

[Goonsidious]

So you missed the ball completely roughly 10 times in a row?

Watch some youtube videos maaaaaaaaan.

[Mattplusness]

I've only played with 1 person who was receptive of my tutelage. He was lifting his back heel on his back swing and it instantly fixed his slice