Sometimes the "right" way is the "wrong" way

[Hacker James]

a bit anecdotal......reading a lot about the so-called proper aspects of the golf swing. Viewed countless videos. Pretty much confirmed in my mind what I should be doing and pretty much what many of the "top" instructors are in agreement on.  The swing feels good, looks not so bad on video (a little caveat, I do better when there is no camera), and my shots are decent as far as direction goes. BUT, I have lost a LOT of distance on my iron play and I am talking about two or three clubs!. I am able to hit draws and fades most of the time, short game is not bad.  Things I have noted:  very little (if any) divots. (Cherry picking?), could be hitting fat, but no evidence of that, OR hitting amateur side thin.  I know, most will say.. "well, we really can not tell  you anything without a video".    That may be so, but to tell the truth, every time I try a video, I am just too self conscious, and what you see is not representative of the norm. 

A lot may have to do with age maybe. I get fatigued much easier than before, too much practice into a net rather than actual play. I know conditions are drastically different.  I don't know...probably just babbling.  I guess I should just "Go Play" and take what it gives me.

 

[SavvySwede]

5 minutes ago, Hacker James said:

a bit anecdotal......reading a lot about the so-called proper aspects of the golf swing. Viewed countless videos. Pretty much confirmed in my mind what I should be doing and pretty much what many of the "top" instructors are in agreement on.  The swing feels good, looks not so bad on video (a little caveat, I do better when there is no camera), and my shots are decent as far as direction goes. BUT, I have lost a LOT of distance on my iron play and I am talking about two or three clubs!. I am able to hit draws and fades most of the time, short game is not bad.  Things I have noted:  very little (if any) divots. (Cherry picking?), could be hitting fat, but no evidence of that, OR hitting amateur side thin.  I know, most will say.. "well, we really can not tell  you anything without a video".    That may be so, but to tell the truth, every time I try a video, I am just too self conscious, and what you see is not representative of the norm. 

A lot may have to do with age maybe. I get fatigued much easier than before, too much practice into a net rather than actual play. I know conditions are drastically different.  I don't know...probably just babbling.  I guess I should just "Go Play" and take what it gives me.

 

 

Not true despite how it may feel/seem.

Just post the video.

[Hacker James]

Well, I might. Lets see how I feel after next time out.

[Patch]

I have alway believed that what ever the individual is doing, that improves their game, and/or keeps them consistent once they are as good as they can be, is the right way for them.

In other words, one person's right way can be another person's wrong way, and vice versa. 

[David in FL]

3 hours ago, Patch said:

I have alway believed that what ever the individual is doing, that improves their game, and/or keeps them consistent once they are as good as they can be, is the right way for them.

In other words, one person's right way can be another person's wrong way, and vice versa. 

I tend to disagree.  

Many of us have had bad swing fundamentals for so long that we've made unconscious accommodations for them and somehow find a way to advance the ball in a reasonable manner.  That doesn't mean that it's "right", nor that significant improvement can't be had by working with a qualified instructor to improve on the fundamental keys that are missing.  The higher the handicap, the greater the need to discard the bandaids and get some honest help evaluating the genuine opportunities, because they stand to gain the most benefit in the least amount of time.  

[Hacker James]

7 hours ago, David in FL said:

I tend to disagree.  

Many of us have had bad swing fundamentals for so long that we've made unconscious accommodations for them and somehow find a way to advance the ball in a reasonable manner.  That doesn't mean that it's "right", nor that significant improvement can't be had by working with a qualified instructor to improve on the fundamental keys that are missing.  The higher the handicap, the greater the need to discard the bandaids and get some honest help evaluating the genuine opportunities, because they stand to gain the most benefit in the least amount of time.  

as always, quite logical assuming the person is willing to expend the effort.  If not, they have no one to blame but their selves.

Edited February 5, 2016 by iacas
fixed double embedded quote

[Ernest Jones]

7 hours ago, Hacker James said:

a bit anecdotal......reading a lot about the so-called proper aspects of the golf swing. Viewed countless videos. Pretty much confirmed in my mind what I should be doing and pretty much what many of the "top" instructors are in agreement on.  The swing feels good, looks not so bad on video (a little caveat, I do better when there is no camera), and my shots are decent as far as direction goes. BUT, I have lost a LOT of distance on my iron play and I am talking about two or three clubs!. I am able to hit draws and fades most of the time, short game is not bad.  Things I have noted:  very little (if any) divots. (Cherry picking?), could be hitting fat, but no evidence of that, OR hitting amateur side thin.  I know, most will say.. "well, we really can not tell  you anything without a video".    That may be so, but to tell the truth, every time I try a video, I am just too self conscious, and what you see is not representative of the norm. 

A lot may have to do with age maybe. I get fatigued much easier than before, too much practice into a net rather than actual play. I know conditions are drastically different.  I don't know...probably just babbling.  I guess I should just "Go Play" and take what it gives me.

 

@Hacker James, I read the OP twice, not sure if there is a question in there or not.  

The more you work with video, the less "aware" of the presence of the camera you will become. (Ha, that sounded a little bit like Yoda!)

I used to have trouble making a "normal" swing in front of a camera but now I don't even think about it. I also agree with @SavvySwede, what you perceive as your normal swing and the non-representational swings are probably a lot closer than you realize. Most people, when making a change, will exaggerate the hell out of the feel, but at full speed, even with the massive exaggerations there is very little change when viewing the video. Ask @Abu3baid, he had to feel like he was swinging 45*-50* to the right just to move his swing path 2* or so. Feel is most definitely not real.  

I haven't seen video of your swing in a few years, not since your last go round at TST, but if IIRC, you used to have a pretty significant OTT move. You should really post a video to get some useful feedback. I know you predicted in the OP you'd get that answer, and you were right. There is a very good reason why everyone gets that answer. If you want decent swing advice that applies to your swing, you have to let the knowledgable people on the site see your swing. Duh...

[iacas]

10 hours ago, Patch said:

I have alway believed that what ever the individual is doing, that improves their game, and/or keeps them consistent once they are as good as they can be, is the right way for them.

In other words, one person's right way can be another person's wrong way, and vice versa. 

I too disagree. A lot of band-aids, compensations, and quick fixes might "improve their game" but do more harm than good long-term.

[Patch]

2 hours ago, iacas said:

I too disagree. A lot of band-aids, compensations, and quick fixes might "improve their game" but do more harm than good long-term.

I am not talking about band-aids and quick fixes. What I mean is that good instruction that does not work for some, could work well for others. Everyone learns things differently, and I believe this is true in golf instruction. 

[BaldTexan]

Another consideration is physical problems which may keep someone from swinging the golf club as taught by PGA professionals.

I have a really bad left hip and through trial and error have found that by moving my right foot into an open stance and keeping my shoulders square allows me to hit into a firm left side.  Otherwise my left hip will turn and slide so as it is more like hitting into a left wet noodle side.

It is all about how the club impacts the golf ball.  That is the one thing I am learning.  A person can have a really ugly swing and still get good results.

[phillyk]

Also look at contact on the face.  Even just making contact higher on the face can cause a little loss in distance.