Matt10

68 for me (-2), it was like I was in a daze. Had a chip-in for birdie to start off, then an easy tap in after my approach shot on a par 4 came a fot away from the cup. My driving was the best ever (wish I knew how) and I do not recall a single conversation to any of my playing partners after the round - until after the last hole in which I asked them to sign my scorecard so I could have some memorabilia (and my current scoring goal).

My method of putting is really why my handicap has lowered this year. 1. squat behind the ball - align the putter behind the ball so hold the grip to make the face aimed at your intended target. 2. After doing so, and finding your aim, stand up and make sure the club is in the same position (so all you are really doing is standing up instead of squatting behind the ball) and take your putting stance - knowing that the face is already aimed at your target. 3. Putt the ball with top-spin. This part might be tricky for some - but I've found that doing this has helped me keep the ball rolling true and on the target line. It takes some practice to get used to - but man, if you stick with it, it'll yield results. There - that is my routine, I do include one other way to judge putting distances, but I think that depends more on the type of player you are. I used to be a feel putter, but now I'm a technical putter - with a tad feel :)

I think there are times for quick fixes and there are times to do an overhaul on your swing. From there it is up to you to decide. My problem was whenever I was in a rut - I would just drop my swing cold turkey and move onto a different method. It's funny that after a couple of months that you end up finding the way you were swinging before was working out - but with the addition of some different moves: setup, hand path, eyes closed, one eye closed - etc; that one of those might be the key. Recently the thing that has helped me out when I feel my bad shots coming - is that I focus on keep my hands well ahead of the ball on the downswing - so much that it is a punch shot. It's a hard shot to control - but I found that I have started to hit the ball more crisp than before - even if it's a 3/4 swing. There are a lot of different ways to swing the club - if you are okay with it, go ahead and explore - if you need any advice on the ones out there, let me know - I think I've tried just about all of them - but have yet to commit to any yet, which is why my handicap has escalated these past two years.

Woops - didn't see you guys up there. My bad. Yeah - I figured if posted this someone would think of me as a rep, whatever - ask the guys on GTO, they know I'm just a struggling golfer like the majority and just thought I'd share. Didn't think you could be judged on the number of posts - I think my first post ever on here was about AJ Bonar,lol. Just goes to show how many methods I have tried. Thought about it the other day and it added up to 17 total methods tried.

Thanks for those links - they are an interesting read, but why make it about the legitamacy of my score? I mentioned that only to say that I had stumbled upon this method (before the DVDs) on my own and had excellent success with it - thus shooting that score. So I relate success with this method now that it is in DVD format and even better I know the faults and fixes that I couldn't figure out before on my own - which is the reason I gave up when my scores started raising. I do have the scorecard - signed by my fellow playing partners - it was in competition for a men's league; and I haven't even come close to shooting it since trying other methods. I love your posts, AG, you always compare and contrast and take swing snapshots for those in need - but this one you just posted was neither constructive nor relevant, it is a different method than the traditional one and I thought I'd share becasue I believe handicaps are rising these days - well, heck - instead of spending $200 on lessons every week - try the 30-day trial of these DVDs.

I recently purchased the 6-DVD IGS Golf Systems from this site: http://interlinkgolfsystems.com/home.php , and have loved this style of swing. I believe I had stumbled upon this type of swing early on in my golfing life last year when I shot a 68 (-2) as a 17 handicap. The way your hands are at address just present an easy back and through motion and guaranteed to be straight every single time. The instructor Craig Johnson is a bit candid, and likes to talk, but he backs up what he says in my book because of my results. The basic premise of the swing is the hans at address, the stance and the shoulders closed to the target line. There are two swings, the non-release swing (what I use) and the release swing. The Non-Release swing is keeping the angle of the wrists (right wrist bent at address, thus opening the club face and pushing handle far towards the left leg) the whole way through and the release is the idea of crossing your hands over after impact. Because I have only had the DVDs for a couple of days, I'm sticking to the non-release for now. It works well with all clubs, especially with the driver (straight straight straight), and while the distance isn't as long, it is well worth it to aim for a target and hit it. I hit plenty of greens yesterday - something I had struggled with in the early season. I would like to say that the DVDs fresh full of drills - there about 20 of them total that can be taken to the range, and the short game ones are by far the best I have ever learned. I made 4-15 foot putts yesterday by pacing off how far from the hall to my ball, then just thinking to myself "Okay, this is a 15 pace put - easy", and that is all. I have a lot of work to do - but this is the foundation of something great, I must say for those interested that it is $9.95 for the trial (Shpping and Handling) and then 30 days afterwards one payment of $99.99 will be billed. I'm fine with this because this is by far the best system I have tried in a long time - and I have tried them all. Best of all anyone can do it and you don't need a teacher to be directly beside you to tell you what you are doing wrong, the DVDs tell you that. You will know when you've missed without even looking up - it's starting to be ingrained into my swing. So try it out, thought I'd share, this season could be a lot better than I thought. I'll probably post this on other forums to get the word out - no, I don't work for IGS, I just think many struggling golfers will love at least some part of this system. I sure have.

Any chance you can divulge more information on how your instructor helped you out? I am suffering the same problem you did a while ago. I would love to hear your directions. Thank you.

Tom - would you say you teach a one plane swing then? The idea of swinging left, right? Look up a guy named SliceFixer on youtube and GolfWrx. My problem with swinging this way, other than I can't find an instructor here in Kansas, is that the arms can get out of synch easier than the two plane swing - my main problem.

I just remind myself that I'm playing golf and not behind a desk.

Well, guys - just try focusing on something - then blur it with your eyes... - some would say, if they looked at you, you'd look cross eyed. Maybe this is why Johnson wears shades the majority of the time :P

^ Manzella, Ringer, Shawn Clement --- there are some more, bu those are my top 3 (in no order). Youtube is a great place to find FREE information - and especially on video to actually show what you're talking about. Some of these guys are even nice enough to critique your swing for you free of charge.

That is interesting - never thought about that. Might have to try it out and see what happens on the range :) Thanks!

I'm in the process of a job change which will allow me to have shifts at night. This means every single day I will be on the range and the occasional round. It will be great because the woman works the same time shift at her job - so I will never feel like I'm leaving her behind. If I can continue the determination and focus, I will be scratch by start of 2009.

After a series of 20-30 degree weekend weather...It's going to be 61 this Saturday! But no courses are open!! Argh....

That's crazy, Leek - congrats on the yardage increase. I'm in the process of purchasing the SwingSpeed. So I will also be able to share results in a couple of weeks :) I must note it was funny seeing FOX4News highlighting the swingspeed device - because I'm from Overland Park and that is our station, one which I pay attention to weather to specifically :)

Yeah, it was pretty boring. Maybe I'm just too used to watching Playing Lessons on TGC - but I didn't like that the camera didn't follow the ball flight all that much. I think it should be moved to the travel channel or fine-living, not TGC. I could watching Playing Lessons all day though - thankfully I've recorded everyone that has been on. Need more though.

First Name: Matt Age: 22 City/town: Overland Park State: Kildare, Kansas Handicap index: 13 (5hcp beginning of 07 - game has gone to crap since) Career low round: 68 (2 under par) How far you usually hit your driver: 240 Favorite course you've played: Thai Country Club Favorite course you haven't played yet: Ironhorse or Falcon Ridge Favorite golf movie: A Gentleman's Game Favorite golf book: ThreeSkills Golf Favorite golf magazine: Golf Digest Favorite male golfer: Tiger Favorite female golfer: Natalie Gulbis, Christie Kerr Pro teams (NFL, NHL,MLB,NBA,Worldwide Soccer): Chiefs and Fulham FC College teams (Hoops,football etc.): Mizzou - dad went there

So what was your final score? Hopefully you continued to play well. As for the jerks behind you - they must have turned red when the ranger said you guys scored all holes - thus proving you did not skip ahead.

I had never tried to start my downswing before my backswing - but the first time I tried it out on the course, I had the longest drive of my life of 280 yards (lasered with SkyCaddie), before my longest was 250. Now I try to start my downswing before my backswing is complete, it makes the swing effortless and lets me just remained focus on the target and not what I'm doing in my swing. Bad shots occur when I start the downswing too fast, it has to be nice and easy - then let the momentum of the hips to let the arms through.

Hey guys, name is Matt; 22yrs old, about a 13 handicap from Overland Park, KS. Been playing the game for just over 3 years and have loved it from the start. Previously played semi pro and pro soccer in Asia, but suffered a couple of injuries that set me back for a while. During rehab in Thailand, I found golf to be a cheap ($10 a round) and convenient outlet. I was never great there, but was definitely hooked - even let myself go a bit. Played to as low as a 5 handicap when I came back to the US, but a back injury and overall paralysis by analysis of my swing (countless of idiotic videos), ruined my approach to the game. After getting right in the head and dedicating the end of the 2007 and hopefully beginning 08 season to the teachings of Dan Shauger and Mike Austin - I think I'll be a better player soon enough. Currently in the process of setting up lessons with a Wichita coach who teaches Shauger's 21st century golf swing; so I cannot wait for that. Phew! That's enough babble - back to work...or browsing more forums. Take care.

Seriously the funniest thing I have ever read on a golf forum. Had me cracking up at work - thanks for the share.

Even though I'm not as big as him - I try to swing exactly like Jaacob Bowden. My tempo is a bit fast than his and I think this is what I really need to work on.

I hate to bring up an old thread as my first post, but I believe the article is misled. The key part that I found is here: http://www.golfonline.com/golfonline...4401-2,00.html The backswing, that is the key. Without that backswing method in AJ's method - the 'secret' will not be effective and will in fact result to offline shots and poor contact. Try working on the backswing a couple of times and then implement the 'secret' home-run into your swing.