"Grooving" My Swing

[N8theGr8_1988]

So I'm as "green as grass in Ireland," in the game of golf and I posted a less than flattering video clip in the Member Swings forum. Since receiving some A1 advice, I've worked on establishing a center pivot, as well as finding other things that help me consistently drive near 200 yds, instead of one in 5 or 6. Things such as getting a good shaft angle at address, setting up behind the ball, teeing the ball a little higher, and attacking it on the upswing with an inside-out swing path. My consistency has gotten better, but I obviously still need to fine tune my movements and get repetitions in. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to make a few more videos from different perspectives and keep posting to my swing thread. When I mis-hit now, I feel like it's because of over rotation on my backswing (getting greedy after I hit a few straight near the top of my current range.) I feel like I'm close to "clicking," because when it all falls in order I'm able to launch the ball high while still getting what feels like max distance with my beginner's driver (12* loft, lot of flex in the shaft.) With a range finder I found my ball at rest 207 yds from the tee this afternoon. No extra distance as it landed it just died right there. No idea about clubhead speed, as I have no way of clocking it right now. I feel like the loft of the club is good for me at this stage, but maybe a slightly stiffer shaft would benefit my drives. Any input? Should I continue to work hard on just the swing mechanics for now, or would it have an immediate impact if I went to a better driver? In any case, it does feel good to be making progress. I'm of the mindset that if you want something, you do what's necessary to make it yours, but through the years I've realized that it's foolish to try and achieve a difficult feat by yourself if you have the best resources at your fingertips. That's why I love these forums and the infinite wealth of knowledge that the members are willing to share.

[N8theGr8_1988]

What I'm getting at, is should I continue working on solidifying my swing mechanics expecting the desired results with my current driver, or would I benefit from a stiffer shaft? Feels like it flexes a little too much and that it could be affecting the consistency of my shots. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but I'd like to know if I'm beating a dead horse with my current equipment, or it it matters at all at this point.

[DaveP043]

I'd suggest two things.  Yes, continue to work on your mechanics, do whatever drills have been suggested.  Many drills do not involve hitting the ball, so your club won't hold you back at all.  Keep up with full-swing practice, within whatever parameters have been suggested in your swing thread.  Continue to take video , in the two specific angles suggested and post the video in your Member Swing thread.  You'll continue to get feedback about your progress toward a better swing.

But a poorly fitting club or shaft can indeed produce erratic results.  I wouldn't suggest you go out and get fitted for a $500 driver, but you might want to look at used drivers if you can find some locally.  

[Blackjack Don]

2 hours ago, DaveP043 said:

Continue to take video

We can't emphasize it enough. This is the difference between now and the old days, and makes it so much faster to improve.

One thing I'd point out. You speak only of driver. Are you also practicing irons, pitching and chipping? There are different swings for driver and seven iron, as different as putting, imho. They have to be learned and practiced differently. What are your goals?

[N8theGr8_1988]

On 6/11/2018 at 11:03 AM, Blackjack Don said:

We can't emphasize it enough. This is the difference between now and the old days, and makes it so much faster to improve.

One thing I'd point out. You speak only of driver. Are you also practicing irons, pitching and chipping? There are different swings for driver and seven iron, as different as putting, imho. They have to be learned and practiced differently. What are your goals?

I want to build a reliable game. A reliable, COMPLETE, game. I realize that it's about putting in the hours and learning the stroke mechanics of each phase of play, and I look forward to that challenge. I'm going to be a hobbyist, of course, but I'm about the most competitive guy I know an if I'm going to put in the time and effort of learning this game I want to be able to win against other club level players. I do not just want to be the guy who shows up to hang out with the fellas on the course, kicking back on the cart and tossing back Michelob. I want to compete, to be in the conversation at some point. That might sound a little funny to some, but it's how I'm wired. Went to a true range for the first time today (I've been working on pitching, chipping, and putting lately.) I was a little surprised to see that I was launching the ball much further out there than I'd originally guessed. The range at Emerald Mountain Golf Club in Wetumpka, Alabama is 263 yards to the very back end, past the last flag (according to the attending pro.) After I've worked on flexing my forward knee and getting more of my hips into the swing since my last video, (which of course, allowed a more complete backswing than my previous one which was almost completely arms alone,) I was driving balls out to the end flag and beyond (260-265 yds.) I'd have had a lot more in that range if I had been able to keep most of them straight. I guess I'm apt to draw the ball more often than not. I can play the natural draw to a degree by adjusting my stance alignment at address, but I would much rather be able to consistently hit my driver straight. Irons and wedges, although not always straight, tend to have a more direct path to my target. I have to admit though, that hitting a pitching wedge from 80-100 yds has become addicting. I was able to easily land my ball within 5-6 yds of the 100 yd flag multiple times and loved watching the ball pitch high and fly straight. At $9 for 100 range balls and that range being open to the public at any hour, I feel like I've found a great place to hone my strokes that's just a short drive from my home. All in all a great experience there.

[MarvChamp]

@N8theGr8_1988, suggest you get the Lowest Score Wins and get a good teacher so you can work on the right things. A good teacher will be able to tell you more about your equipment needs as well. Best of luck, -Marv

[Buckeyebowman]

N8theGr8, yes! Continue to take videos, but forget the idea of "new perspectives"! Take the new vids from as close to the same aspect that you took your originals. This allows for a valid comparison between the two! Moving the camera all over the place does not help!