I Think Its Time for Lessons

[Ladysmanfelpz]

There I said it.  I think I need lessons.  Not even upset, like oh my practice isn't working, or thinking watching/reading so much golf was wasted.  I just realize training from an expert actually yields results.  

 

So I logged around 30 or so rounds this year on my Arccos app this year and got down to a 13 handicap which is right where I expected I should be at.  Those unfamiliar with the app, it breaks down your handicap into 5 areas: driving, approach, chipping, sand and putting.  My breakdown comes to 17, 17.6, 13.7, 6.4, 8.3.  So like anyone I practice my full swing the most.  Notice a trend here though?  

 

That's right, always trying different drills, some filming and just other areas to improve, but it didn't help.  The only golf lessons I had was junior camp when I was in junior high and we basically had a quick lesson on chipping or putting and then went out and played 9 holes.  The real reason I want to pursue lessons is because of the sand number.  That is my lowest and that's the last real golf tip I've ever received.  I was out playing with my brother's buddy who is a scratch/plus handicap and he gave me a great tip.  Although very good, he doesn't mind playing with hackers like me.  Well one day I was finding the bunkers too much.  Like every amature I dreaded the bunkers and it could turn an enjoyable round to a regrettable one.  So the 2nd bunker I got in, he saw the worry on my face and just said, "Come on now.  Set up, look at the flag,and hit right behind the ball.  It'll get up there."  And ever since there its just stuck.  I've had multiple compliments on my sand game, and now seeing the numbers it truly is the best part of my game.  All that from a simple lesson.  Even many of my better players will ask for advice from the sand, and I've hit great shots, such as getting out of the bunker short-sided with my PW when I got frustrated and didn't want to go back for my lob. 

 

It really just sticks, like I get the physics, and how to play the shot such as how much to open up, how much power, and where to strike.  Now I don't have this same feeling with my other shots.  I really think having someone there and confirming or criticizing your swing will yield the quickest results.  I'm an athletic guy and disciplined, but obviously me whacking at it hasn't led to much improvement since starting this game in the full swing department.  Now I know its the off-season, but I think when I get back into it it will be with actual lessons with an instructor, the right way.  The thing is just finding the time 🙄

[iacas]

23 hours ago, Ladysmanfelpz said:

It really just sticks, like I get the physics, and how to play the shot such as how much to open up, how much power, and where to strike.  Now I don't have this same feeling with my other shots.  I really think having someone there and confirming or criticizing your swing will yield the quickest results.  I'm an athletic guy and disciplined, but obviously me whacking at it hasn't led to much improvement since starting this game in the full swing department.  Now I know its the off-season, but I think when I get back into it it will be with actual lessons with an instructor, the right way.  The thing is just finding the time 🙄

Lessons aren't going to be as simple as the bunker lesson was.

Find a good instructor, commit to practicing the right way, and you'll get good results.

[scotth]

5 minutes ago, iacas said:

Find a good instructor, commit to practicing the right way, and you'll get good results.

Perhaps a few tips or ideas on how to do that?  Or link to thread where it has been discussed concisely?

Just moved to new area that has MANY instructors and courses, some very well known, obviously many others that aren't...

How do you find an instructor that is good for you and your game or personality?

[iacas]

1 minute ago, scotth said:

How do you find an instructor that is good for you and your game or personality?

There's no great way. I can find a good instructor… but I know quite a bit.

The best way for an average golfer might be to ask if they can observe a lesson or two by a few of the highly recommended instructors.

[scotth]

1 minute ago, iacas said:

The best way for an average golfer might be to ask if they can observe a lesson or two by a few of the highly recommended instructors.

That's what I have done in the past.  Sometimes can take a while when you have an area where the selection is large.  Guess that is a good problem as opposed to where we moved from where you had very, very limited quality instructors and facilities.

[Hoganman1]

I'm thinking about going to GolfTec. Several of my friends go there and they seem to like it and they are improving. Apparently, they do a complete evaluation with video of one's swing and then come up with a plan of action. My main problem is with the full swing. My short game is pretty good and putting is the strength of my game. I just need to become a better ball striker. Has anyone else tried GolfTec?

Edited October 4, 2018 by Hoganman1

[jimnm]

5 minutes ago, Hoganman1 said:

I'm thinking about going to GolfTec. Several of my friends go there and they seem to like it and they are improving. Apparently, they do a complete evaluation with video of one's swing and then come up with a plan of action. My main problem is with the full swing. My short game is pretty good and putting is the strength of my game. I just need to become a better ball striker. Has anyone else tried GolfTec?

I am currently taking lessons at GolfTec and have been pleased with my results. I first started off with a swing evaluation. At the same time, I looked at yelp reviews for the golf coach that gave me my swing evaluation. My swing evaluation went well and the reviews of my coach were very favorable, so I ended up committing to a 12month/25 lesson plan. I'm glad I did. The cost wasn't cheap, but I signed up in March during their "March Madness" sale and paid for the plan in one lump sum, which saved some money. That and having access to their facility (simulator/video etc.) for practice sessions 2 to 3 times a week has made the cost well worth it. If I can manage to find the money in my budget and continue to see my scores improve, I will continue to take lessons.

Here is a thread with data on my improvement. I haven't played a round since August. I hope to get out playing this weekend or next and will update my progress.

 

[Grass Destruction]

I've been taking lessons from GolfTec this year too. The gear they strap onto you (shoulder harness and waist) can take a bit to get used to but it's not bad. I met my goal this year by lowering my handicap by almost 2 strokes from 10.5 to 8.6 so I'm happy. I liked the way my instructor had me fixing one thing at a time in my swing. First we got rid of swaying and concentrated on making a good turn instead. Then it was onto the next phase. Very similar to the 5 keys I think. 

[jimnm]

6 minutes ago, Grass Destruction said:

Very similar to the 5 keys I think. 

This is very true. I just started reading LSW a week ago and realized that GolfTec and LSW (5SK) march you down the same path. Good stuff!