RubxQub

I've only been playing for a little over a year, and I've been self taught up to this point. I'm really hesitant to get instruction because I feel like if I don't go consistently (which isn't free, mind you), I may just end up worse than I started because I wasn't there to keep getting molded into what they started. I've got the name of a good S&T; instructor, I just need to either convince my wife it's a good investment or get a substantial raise to justify it. I think I've done a pretty good job of developing my own swing by practicing as often as I'm physically able in the house or on the range and reading up and watching videos...but I'm sure there's nothing quite like having direct 1:1 time with a good instructor. Was hoping to get by on my own personal determination and dedication, but it sounds like I'm fighting a battle more easily won by just getting proper instruction, eh?

Reading this is kind of blowing my mind. Every training video I've watched has mentioned that you keep the ball just inside your left foot, but your right foot will widen the longer the shaft is for the club. I'm just getting into this sport, but is it possible that there is solid reasoning for both of these setups? These people putting out these videos are training professionals so I can't imagine that so many of them would put out the same disinformation. Seeing as you guys are much better at this game based on your handicaps, all I can think is that there is a valid reason to do either. Edit: I think this article sums up both arguments excellently now that this debate has come up.

Your feet are the same width apart with your SW as they are your driver?

Wedges are all pretty close as far as stance goes: Legs closer together Ball in the middle of your stance Stand pretty close to the ball Are you adjusting these things when you switch to other clubs? Legs should get further apart the lower the club. Ball should drift to the left in your stance the lower the club. Distance from the ball should be further away the lower the club. The differences in stance between a SW and a 9i aren't dramatic, but there should be a noticeable difference between your SW and your 7i, your 7i and your 4i, your 4i and your driver.

Working on my mental game. My last outing on a course was pretty damn poor due to being rushed by the ranger and being paired with a near scratch golfer. Been listening to "Golf is Not a Game of Perfect" and I think it's got the right stuff to help me stay in the moment and out of my head.

Back to the thing I should have got right to start with: my grip. I used to curl my right fingers around the grip and press my thumb against the right side of the shaft. Working on getting my pointer in that hook shape and my thumb on the left side of the shaft, forming a V towards my right shoulder. Was able to see results with my old grip, but I'd often slice my driver and hybrid pretty hard. This grip change has made all the difference. ...it just hurts as I'm getting used to it! My hand doesn't like that position, but I know I have to work through it because it's correct.

Working on research since I injured my hand when I first started getting into golf (a little less than a month ago) and I haven't given it proper time to heal. I've picked up Hank Haney's: Essentials of the Swing book and been using my clubs around the house to hit my dog's tennis ball. Low impact exercises to work on my stance and grip and observe how they are affecting my ball flight.

The grass at the range I go to is actually awful, and more often than not you're hitting off hard dirt instead of grass. Hitting off that range grass really messed with my swing and I really don't hit off of it anymore unless they've just recently moved the line to some fresher area. In general grass > mat, but the mat is a fine alternative if there's nothing else around you or if the grass is poorly managed (like at my range). I've made great improvements to my swing by hitting almost solely off mats, so I know it's not impossible!

24 here. Just picked up the game two weeks ago but I'm obsessed with the sport now. Buying a cheap starter set of Walter Hagen's from Dick's was the best decision I've ever made, otherwise I'd be missing out on all the fun! Can't wait to improve my game to justify upgrades already

I'm currently trying to decide if I should adjust my swing to be more traditional, or keep my current swing because it's working for me. Just picking up the game and I'm starting to get a good feel for all my clubs, but I'm almost positive my swing has a few things wrong with it. ...problem is, I'm seeing results. My irons are getting a nice loft to it and generally going where I want them to. My driver shots are solid, straight and long. I'm leaning towards just keeping what's working, accepting the fact (for now) that I could have a potentially even better swing if I worked out the kinks in my swing. I'm constantly adjusting little things about it, but I haven't gone out of my way to receive formal lessons. I've been largely depending on the advice of random online golf videos (from pros) or tips from friends. Through the combination of these and a lot of practice, I've been able to create decent results.

So my friend is looking to purchase a new set of irons, and he's narrowed it down to 2. They sets are right in his price range, and he's just getting back into the sport after not having played for quite a few years. The sets he's looking at are: TaylorMade r7 Nike SasQuatch Sumo (non-hybrid set, not sold on this site) I haven't been playing anywhere near long enough (2 weeks) to offer him any solid advice on the subject, but was hoping anyone who has experience with either of these irons could shed some light on them. I see some folks here saying positive things about the r7s which I'll certainly pass along, but some added incite on either of these sets would be greatly appreciated.

Just started playing myself and I did the same thing you did. Dick's Sporting Goods had a complete set of Walter Hagen clubs for $200. I bought them for two reasons: The price was right They were yellow (my favorite color) My plan right now is to keep going to the range until my swing is consistent and I'm making good contact. I figure this will take me about a month, and then I'm off to the courses. Looking at all the fancy clubs makes me drool a bit, but I figure I'll stick with these for a bit while I get used to the game and start my golfing career. Glad I found this thread, as this was the first question I was looking for an answer to.