What style of lessons do you take?

[Sschaffer24]

Hey guys!
 

Long time no talk... Santa Claus got in the way of my MGS time, followed by one of the busiest times of year for me here at the dealership. A lot of change!

 

That being said I've always wondered how people handle this portion of their game. I've been a Mark Crossfield subscriber for longer than I've been a member of MyGolfSpy. It's been going on 6 years or so now that I've been following him. During that time, I've picked up a ton of information from him and listened to a lot of advice on how to take a lesson, how you should be practicing, etc.

 

He is all about impact focused training and not trying to build pretty pictures with your swing, but training for what's functional.

 

Recently with his daily vlogs he has been doing swing fixes from videos sent in through twitter. Inevitably he comes up with a perspective on how to handle the issue present (and the actual root of the issue, not necessarily what LOOKS wrong) in a very clear and concise way.

 

My question is, how do you guys find a swing instructor who has that same ability? When you go for your lessons, where does the confidence in his training come from? I wonder sometimes if I am trying to build pretty pictures or not fixing the root of the issue.

 

How do you guys approach this? I know in a sense you have to work with what you have. But to the people who have found a coach that teaches in a similar way and takes lessons from them, what kind of progress have you seen from that style of training?

[PlaidJacket]

Here's what I found and what has worked for me.

First I was fortunate to have been introduced to Stuart Hendley - PGA. Back in 1982 Stuart was the #1 ranked Jr. golfer in the US and was also the Jr. World Champion. Then disaster...Google him and read his story. It's quite interesting.

 

I've been working with Stuart the past year and a half. We'll be starting again soon for the 2017 season. When I first discussed taking lessons-coaching from him he asked what I wanted to do. So, I described me and my game. I remember telling him I wasn't looking to rebuild anything; rather I wanted to improve upon what I have already. He said fine come on out and lets have a look. So basically over this time we've steadily made minor changes-improvements here and there. At each meeting we'd talk and hit balls, etc. He'd usually spot something I'd let slide and remind me where I needed to be. He'd also give me one or two tips to work on. What I've enjoyed about working with Stuart is that he's easy. He'd never load me up a bunch of stuff. Only one or two simple things to focus on until our next visit. Each time I work with Stuart we are building on and reinforcing our previous meetings. I've enjoyed hearing his stories too. He has plenty of them.

 

My style of lessons are what I'd call casual and friendly. Stuart has become my friend and that makes things nice for both of us. Sometimes I tell him, "just show me what you're talking about" as I watch his moves. Or I ask how do you do such and such. He'll show me and describe a method that works for my swing and age. Sometimes we just meet and work on chipping and pitching the ball from various lies and conditions. I could go on but I think you get the idea.

[hckymeyer]

I've never had a lesson so not really sure.

[Sschaffer24]

That's awesome Plaid. I think the relationship is the true key when taking lessons. It's a class in communication. Learned how the student speaks and then how to present the information in a way that connects specifically with me.

 

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[Sschaffer24]

And really? Any reason for not having one Meyer?

 

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[PlaidJacket]

And to think.... if Mayer had taken some lessons he'd be good.

[hckymeyer]

And really? Any reason for not having one Meyer?

 

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If I have the time for a lesson I'd rather just go play.  I've also picked up things here and there just by golfing with people better than me.  Instead of practicing or lessons I feel like it's better to just do it and go play.

 

And to think.... if Mayer had taken some lessons he'd be good.

I'll make a tee time and we'll see

[PlaidJacket]

If I have the time for a lesson I'd rather just go play.  I've also picked up things here and there just by golfing with people better than me.  Instead of practicing or lessons I feel like it's better to just do it and go play.

 

I'll make a tee time and we'll see

 

Of course I'm jacking with ya. I think a 3 hcp speak for itself. And to be honest... I can play my way into a better game if I had the time. That's what used to happen when I played more. I still play more than practice. Playing's more fun.

[Sschaffer24]

It's weird, but I find it oddly therapeutic to practice instead of playing. When I head to the course I expect the best I can put out there. When I can't perform to that standard I get frustrated and just want to go practice.

 

Not saying im a raging lunatic. Just that I get a high amount of confidence on practicing. So it's always cool to hear the exact opposite take.

 

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[Big Canoer]

It's weird, but I find it oddly therapeutic to practice instead of playing. When I head to the course I expect the best I can put out there. When I can't perform to that standard I get frustrated and just want to go practice.

 

Not saying im a raging lunatic. Just that I get a high amount of confidence on practicing. So it's always cool to hear the exact opposite take.

 

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Shawn - I am like you as I suspect most of us are, we hit the range, practice and that becomes the standard for the next round. Unfortunately I think the majority of us fail to execute that plan or capitalize on the practice. Lets be honest - average handicap is what 15-16 and average age, at least here at my club is 63, so hitting the range or taking lessons is not a priority. For me personally I love to hit balls and try different things. I take about 4 lessons per year and learn something each time or I think I learn something where perhaps my instructor told me the same thing on the previous lesson and I forgot

[Liberty Ball Markers]

I just play. If I'm alone, I'll try weird things - play a draw on every shot, play a fade every shot, intentionally hit toward the trees so I can practice getting out of them, hit my approaches a club short so I have to try to chip close and 1 putt for par, or whatever seems to be my 'issue'.

 

I also like to play with new people that I come across - I always learn something no matter how good or bad they are, and hopefully it goes both ways.

 

 

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[cnosil]

For me I talk to the instructor prior to the lessons or I schedule a quick lesson.  I treat it basically like an interview about his philosophies and approaches and what my goals are.   If the instructor has a website you can often find some of that information out ahead of time.  The first lesson or interview is also to get recommendation and a plan of attack for what we want to accomplish.  You should be able to find out how the instructor communicates and determine if they are for you.  

[Jmikecpa]

I am with Meyer and never really had a formal lesson. I have a teaching pro that looks at my swing on occasion but more for a second set of eyes. I am more or less completely self taught and plan to stay that way. To answer the question my favorite lesson style is watching my son on the range getting his lesson with the Asst. Pro at my club. It is really cool to watch him soak in all the points and then be able to execute them.

 

 

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[Mr_Theoo]

I take my lessons indoors at golftec. I like it because we have the cameras to see what's going on with my swing. correct what's wrong as well as associate the new moves with a feel. it's nice to be able to go back online and watch the lessons to see what I'm supposed to be working on and such.

[Sschaffer24]

All super interesting points. It's crazy how there are so extreme of differences and yet people can still go out and perform to a high standard.

 

Jmike, that does sound like a pretty great lesson by the way.

 

And Theo I don't have a golftec around me unfortunately, but what kind of progress have you seen from taking them? How long have you been doing it?

 

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[Gogolf]

Shawn, depends what you're looking for. I've taken lessons from pros who can flat out play and have played in majors, so a lot of their confidence comes from knowing their technique has held up under the most intense pressures.

And, I think playing lessons with these pros are underutilized and often the best way to learn from them

 

Sometimes a pro who isn't a good player but an amazing instructor could be what you're looking for because he/she has studied the game and can clearly articulate what you're struggling with.

 

All in all, I think it comes down to communication. Who do you feel understands you the best and sometimes online instructors are a great option because they have the opportunity to re-record themselves and be concise or defer you to prepared material.

[Mr_Theoo]

And Theo I don't have a golftec around me unfortunately, but what kind of progress have you seen from taking them? How long have you been doing it?

 

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I've been taking lessons from my coach for about 4 years now and it's help my game a lot. When I started I was shooting around 130 and barely able to hit a 6i 150 yards. Now I'm close to breaking 90 which doesn't seem like a huge deal but seeing the ability I do have gives me great confidence that once I do the flood gates will open and the game will be come much easier for me.

[Sschaffer24]

That's great news man! 40 strokes is nothing to sneeze at either. That's a big deal! Have you picked up significant yardage?

[Mr_Theoo]

That's great news man! 40 strokes is nothing to sneeze at either. That's a big deal! Have you picked up significant yardage?

Roughly 50 yards or so

[EthanSterlingPrice]

This is a video my Coach made a while back. Ray Lamb out of Waco Texas is the fella I go to. When I first went to Ray I was 15, we worked and changed a lot but now we work more on game management, playing different shots and swing upkeep. I'm technical to a fault when it comes to golf, I like to know exactly what's going on in the swing which Ray will explain but he also does a great job of helping me to keep that in check and play golf not swing. What hooked me was how he always told me why we were working on something and why it works. I could break 80 on occasion before I met Ray but he's the main reason I can play decent golf now. http://youtu.be/mgvUxcSYT-0

 

 

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[MattF]

Have you picked up significant yardage?

 

You have to play with us some time...you need binoculars to see his tee shot!

[Sschaffer24]

That's awesome and I would love to!

 

Distance is bar none the biggest issue in my golf game. I'm excited to see how losing this weight and the new set will change that for me next season, but when I am hitting my 7 iron 150 and hoping that it flies the full distance I think we have a problem.

[Mr_Theoo]

That's awesome and I would love to!

 

Distance is bar none the biggest issue in my golf game. I'm excited to see how losing this weight and the new set will change that for me next season, but when I am hitting my 7 iron 150 and hoping that it flies the full distance I think we have a problem.

A good amount of my distance gain came from switching to a draw from a fade. What is your shot shape like?

[Sschaffer24]

I used to try and force a draw, which caused a major issue for me. I had trouble getting to my left side and would hang back on the ball. Causing my path to go dramatically left.

 

Since I've switched to a fade as the predominant feeling for me I have noticed an uptick in yardage. My fitting added a considerable amount for me as well. The unfortunate part is I haven't gotten to play since I received my set outside of two rounds due to the weather. So it's still. Huge unknown for next season.

[Maverickping]

I liken it to a job interview. If possible it is nice if they played at a high level as for me it demonstrates their abilities but in saying that, there are many teaching pros that are incredible.

My friend who was one of the partners at Modern Golf (since left and recently opened his own) played competitive golf, worked for TM in their Tour van on the European Tour  and as a bonus he also builds and fits my clubs for me so he would know my tendencies and if need be we can tweak my stuff on the spot. Also, having a Trackman etc is great as there can be things that can be corrected once looking at the data. Besides I think it is fun looking at the numbers. Here is a picture up at MG when I was warming up.

After their credentials, I think it is important if you like each other

[Mr_Theoo]

I used to try and force a draw, which caused a major issue for me. I had trouble getting to my left side and would hang back on the ball. Causing my path to go dramatically left.

 

Since I've switched to a fade as the predominant feeling for me I have noticed an uptick in yardage. My fitting added a considerable amount for me as well. The unfortunate part is I haven't gotten to play since I received my set outside of two rounds due to the weather. So it's still. Huge unknown for next season.

 

Nice, we will have to try and get a round in this season somehow with matt

[djahubes]

I was thinking about golftec. Anyone have any feedback? Not looking to change too much.

 

 

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[Sschaffer24]

Theoo we absolutely have to do that! You're not too far from me and I'm happy to drive to get together with some guys! Would be a blast.

 

Maverickpig, you're a lucky man. I wish mightily I was closer to Justin and the guys at Modern. They would be a fantastic place to hang my hat for lessons. Oh well.

 

And djahubes, Theoo seems like your guy!

[Mr_Theoo]

I was thinking about golftec. Anyone have any feedback? Not looking to change too much.

 

 

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It's definitely worth taking a swing evaluation, even in that hour you can learn a lot about your game and swing

[PDT816]

IMHO, lessons are the best money you can spend on the course.

 

I played for decades without ever having one and now I have them at least once every other month.

 

I'm a big tech geek in all other things, but having a pro on the practice range always is my preference.