I just had my first lesson. WOW!

[klaymon]

I have some basics down (posture and grip for example) but I've just not been hitting the ball. Topping everything from the driver down to the PW. I broke down and had a lesson tonight and I feel like a golfer. I hit three 6i shots in a row with extremely clean contact (nice crisp sound and no vibration through the club).

It boiled down to 2 things: plant my feet like they were in cement (I have a very active lower body), and hold my wrist cock for a long time (I was releasing long before the ball). Now when I throw the club through the ball, it actually pulls me up onto my front leg entirely.

Man, what an awesome feeling! I feel like a little kid that just learned how to ride a bike! I have to get to a course this weekend.

[Bowker]

Congrats!

It feels great to finally get it right doesn't it? I guess thats what keeps us coming back.

Taking lessons was a wise idea. I wish more would do this rather than going out and buying the most expensive clubs they can find.

[marpr]

Congrats!

i have to agree with you.

a golf lesson is the best way to just simplify the right/important things. grip, stance/feet and swing. congrats.

[JonnyGolf]

I'm going to point to this thread whenever new players are trying to learn by themselves.

[klaymon]

I had it in my head for the longest time that I would learn on my own. I realize now that I would have continued to struggle. It's amazing what you can learn in 45 minutes with someone that knows the game. I really like the instructor. He's very personable and can really get the information across to me.

[Norm66]

Cool! I had the same experience after my first lesson. It turned out I wasn't actually doing what I thought I was doing. It's worth a lesson or five just to have someone who can stand behind (beside etc.) and tell you what you can't feel for yourself. I wasted almost my first full year trying to learn on my own and just snicker now when I see guys posting about being able to figure it out for themselves. My bet is most of those guys will either quit or wind up getting lessons eventually.

[tm22721]

Eureka !

You had a better instructor than me because I had to figure that out on my own.

There may be no such thing as a magic move. But "hands ahead of clubhead" comes close.

[Shindig]

I had it in my head for the longest time that I would learn on my own. I realize now that I would have continued to struggle. It's amazing what you can learn in 45 minutes with someone that knows the game. I really like the instructor. He's very personable and can really get the information across to me.

I had the same thoughts and when I finally had a lesson, wow. After my second lesson, I could hit any club in the bag (on the range). I think I stayed that night and hit 300 range balls, mostly with my 4,5 irons and 5-wood. I ended up cutting one of my fingers from repeated impact (those mats were hard) and had trouble typing the next day at work.

In any case, congrats on finding an instructor you like and a swing that gives good results and repeats.

[byron70]

Hey, that's cool. Keep up the good work. Let us know in a month or six how it's working. I'd be curious.