3 years in and still cant swing!

[Bizzle87 4]

Hello, my names Steve, its my first post on this forum and I’m seeking advice! I’ve been playing (trying to) golf for around 3 years now on and off and I have been a member of the local 9-hole course for this amount of time also.

My problem is that I feel like I’ve never got better. Don’t get me wrong I probably don’t help the situation by falling in and out of love with the sport, as I have a good round and feel like I’ve cracked the code, to then play the next time and be the worst I’ve ever played!!!

I’m not sure what to do to improve my ability however. A lot of people say “just go and play… everyday.. as much as you can, that’s the only way to get better”. It doesn’t feel right though. It feels like I have fundamental issues with my golf swing. Example, went to the driving range today, every club goes 100 yards! Whether it’s a 9 iron, 7 iron, 5 iron, rescue (sometimes 125y) and my 3 wood reaches 125 yards with what I consider a clean hit!! And I don’t even pick the driver out of the bag anymore! When I first started and also for the years afterwards I had loads of lessons with the course pro, and to be fair to him minor things did improve and he got my grip sorted etc, however a lot got worse also. I felt I was paying a lot of money for 30 mins to have 20 mins of nicey nicey chat and 7 mins of lesson talk… the other 3 minutes were where he would regularly be late!! So I’ve avoided these for the past year!!

So I guess my question is, has anyone else found themselves in a similar position when starting out, and how did you figure out what was going wrong and start hitting the proper distances? I appreciate that there is no magic pill and it wont change overnight, but any help to get back on the right track would be awesome!

[tony@CIC 16,841]

Hello, my names Steve, its my first post on this forum and I’m seeking advice! I’ve been playing (trying to) golf for around 3 years now on and off and I have been a member of the local 9-hole course for this amount of time also.

My problem is that I feel like I’ve never got better. Don’t get me wrong I probably don’t help the situation by falling in and out of love with the sport, as I have a good round and feel like I’ve cracked the code, to then play the next time and be the worst I’ve ever played!!!

I’m not sure what to do to improve my ability however. A lot of people say “just go and play… everyday.. as much as you can, that’s the only way to get better”. It doesn’t feel right though. It feels like I have fundamental issues with my golf swing. Example, went to the driving range today, every club goes 100 yards! Whether it’s a 9 iron, 7 iron, 5 iron, rescue (sometimes 125y) and my 3 wood reaches 125 yards with what I consider a clean hit!! And I don’t even pick the driver out of the bag anymore! When I first started and also for the years afterwards I had loads of lessons with the course pro, and to be fair to him minor things did improve and he got my grip sorted etc, however a lot got worse also. I felt I was paying a lot of money for 30 mins to have 20 mins of nicey nicey chat and 7 mins of lesson talk… the other 3 minutes were where he would regularly be late!! So I’ve avoided these for the past year!!

So I guess my question is, has anyone else found themselves in a similar position when starting out, and how did you figure out what was going wrong and start hitting the proper distances? I appreciate that there is no magic pill and it wont change overnight, but any help to get back on the right track would be awesome!

When I started out just a few years ago I went through 2 instructors before I found the right one. Once I found the right instructor we worked on changes to my swing vs. trying to teach me the perfect swing. And of course I practiced a lot after each lesson. I'm a lot better but still no where that I'd like to be. But then I'm very competitive and have high expectations.


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[bens197 5,899]

Start with putting and chipping. It may sound silly but the best fundamentals are built on the shorter stroke.

Ultimately, you’ll need to find an instructor who speaks your language.

Be patient and keep working...and welcome to the forum!!


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[RickyBobby_PR 4,898]

30 min lessons are pretty much useless for the large majority of golfers. As you mentioned very little time was spent on lesson stuff. Even if one got all 30 mins of the lesson it’s not enough time for the instructor to adjust to what that person is doing, feeling, what’s working or not. 

It sometimes takes time to find the right instructor.  Playing as much as possible without some good mechanics won’t make anyone better nor will practicing bad moves.

learning/understanding the swing is what’s needed

[tony@CIC 16,841]

1 hour ago, bens197 said:

Ultimately, you’ll need to find an instructor who speaks your language.
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Yup! Not all instructors are created equal. If they don't understand you or try to make it too complicated move on to the next one!  

[ODogs Driver 9]

I us an app called technique its great to video tape and examine your swing.you can compare side by side with pro swings.start by comparing set ups ie hand position ball position what not and work back from there. The most important thingnfor distance other than ACTUALLY making a full shoulder turn over a full hip rotation is to make sure your left wrist(for righties) is atleast flat if not a la Ben Hogan and cupped down(knuckles down NOT up) at the top of your swing. It will feel very strange at first but you can not impact properly without this position. Hope it helps keep us informed of your progress

[PlaidJacket 7,724]

18 hours ago, Bizzle87 said:

So I guess my question is, has anyone else found themselves in a similar position when starting out, and how did you figure out what was going wrong and start hitting the proper distances? I appreciate that there is no magic pill and it wont change overnight, but any help to get back on the right track would be awesome!

The easy answer says that you find a golf instructor you like and who actually understands how to help someone like yourself. I don't know your age but that could be a factor if you are not particularly young. Youth is key and important for many things in life. Golf is no exception. Doesn't mean that if you're old (50+) that you can't learn to play reasonably well. So, what are your expectations? Break 100? 90? 80? Is that realistic? From what you've written it doesn't sound like you've ever really "been on track" but would like to get on one. I assume you shoot above 100 most if not all the time. Most people do that are starting out or folks that only play off and on like yourself. Golf isn't a sport/game where you can improve with just a few lessons. Certainly not by occasionally playing. You'll need to become very dedicated to improving incrementally and after finding someone that provides proper instruction. There's always the possibility that Golf just isn't your thing. No shame in that. Golf isn't for everybody.

Best of luck.

[russtopherb 5,835]

I agree with all the others who suggest finding a pro that works for you. When I started out, I attempted self-teaching via YouTube. Big mistake. I then moved to a local pro who was highly recommended... and had my back constantly in spasms. It was terrible. 

Eventually I took a few lessons with a former club pro who had played on mini-tours before settling down. After 5 minutes of swinging, he asked me my goals and then proceeded to give me 3 tips that had me hitting the ball better than I ever had within a few range sessions. Those couple of hours I spent with him made a world of difference to me. Hopefully you can find someone who clicks with you also and makes things fun. 

[Jus1412 99]

You really need to find a pro that can communicate with you, and stick with him. I've had some bad lessons, until I found someone I clicked with.

As for time frame of getting better. I've been golfing for 10 year's avidly. I tried doing it on my own and engrained some bad habits that I had to work out of my swing. It has been a long process for me. Started out hitting high, spinny slices. Worked hard and learned to hit hook/draw. Now currently learning how to lessen the curvature of my hook into a nice draw. I've found that learning how to play and struggle with both an extreme left miss as well as a right miss has taught me how to neutralize my swing, producing playable golf shots.

If you don't have raw talent, and a natural swing, golf will take alot of time and dedication. But I can't think of anything better to do with my time, except flyfish.

 

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[Bizzle87 4]

Many thanks to all of you who have spent time in replying.

Just to go over a few points, i'm early 30s, shoot 100 - 110 most rounds, and really my only real goal is to be able to hit the course and shoot 90 comfortably and feel confident on course too. Rather than that feeling of hitting a creamer of a shot, strutting up to the next shot and shanking the bugger into the trees!! 

So I went to a new golf establishment today and talked to some pros about coaching, so will give them a go. got some great indoor equipment and good levels of golf experiance. Very tempted to fork out 1000 bucks for a year improvement course too!!

[RickyBobby_PR 4,898]

3 minutes ago, Bizzle87 said:

Many thanks to all of you who have spent time in replying.

Just to go over a few points, i'm early 30s, shoot 100 - 110 most rounds, and really my only real goal is to be able to hit the course and shoot 90 comfortably and feel confident on course too. Rather than that feeling of hitting a creamer of a shot, strutting up to the next shot and shanking the bugger into the trees!! 

So I went to a new golf establishment today and talked to some pros about coaching, so will give them a go. got some great indoor equipment and good levels of golf experiance. Very tempted to fork out 1000 bucks for a year improvement course too!!

I would be weary about dropping $1000 for a yearly commitment right out of the gate. If things click after a few lessons between you and the pro then consider it. 

[Bizzle87 4]

54 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

I would be weary about dropping $1000 for a yearly commitment right out of the gate. If things click after a few lessons between you and the pro then consider it. 

You are spot on, that was my thinking to have probably around 5 lessons with them first to make sure I can see a level of improvement and then commit if happy!

The one thing I would say is that I’d much rather invest 1000 smackers on lessons rather than 1000 smackeroonies on golf gear that I can’t use properly!! 

I’m currently using a bag of clubs that are made up of donations and eBay buys, taylormade RAC HL irons, Taylormade SLDR 3 wood, Yonex Driver and recovery and ping putter! 

[cnosil 14,704]

Based on your comment of $1000 a year,  I am guessing GolfTec.   They are going to do a lot of things and measurements to try and get you into specific positions.   Not saying that is good or bad,  but that is their approach.   I would personally recommend you treat the first lesson like an interview,   have the pro look at your swing and get and explanation the approach that the pro thinks will make you better.  Communicate your goals and see where it goes.  

[RickyBobby_PR 4,898]

57 minutes ago, Bizzle87 said:

You are spot on, that was my thinking to have probably around 5 lessons with them first to make sure I can see a level of improvement and then commit if happy!

The one thing I would say is that I’d much rather invest 1000 smackers on lessons rather than 1000 smackeroonies on golf gear that I can’t use properly!! 

I’m currently using a bag of clubs that are made up of donations and eBay buys, taylormade RAC HL irons, Taylormade SLDR 3 wood, Yonex Driver and recovery and ping putter! 

I would maybe consider spending $1000 on both. It’s very quite possible that a reason for your struggle is poorly fitted equipment. Equipment should work with you and having poorly fitted equipment means you are trying to find a swing that you have to use to make the equipment and it’s not efficient.

 

[GB13 7,777]

4 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

I would maybe consider spending $1000 on both. It’s very quite possible that a reason for your struggle is poorly fitted equipment. Equipment should work with you and having poorly fitted equipment means you are trying to find a swing that you have to use to make the equipment and it’s not efficient.

 

I'd personally start with a few lessons first, and then get fit. Your swing is guaranteed to change during the lessons, and it wouldn't do you any good to spend $1000 on custom fit equipment that doesn't fit after a month. 

[RickyBobby_PR 4,898]

1 hour ago, GB13 said:

I'd personally start with a few lessons first, and then get fit. Your swing is guaranteed to change during the lessons, and it wouldn't do you any good to spend $1000 on custom fit equipment that doesn't fit after a month. 

I didn’t say what order but since his plan is to take lessons then this is the logical order. 

[Brjpool 199]

Looks like a lot of people have already chimed in with good advice. Welcome to posting on the forum by the way. As someone who started this game as a 30 handicap I feel your pain.

 

Finding an instructor is like finding a doctor. They all know more than you, but they aren't all right for you. They work for you, if you aren't getting results find another. You should always ask questions and they should never be annoyed or not be able to give you a good explanation as to why. As you learn the why you will pick up on when things are wrong and they should teach you how to recognize and make adjustments on the course.

 

One of the best things I did was find a coach who also was my club fitter, so not only did get improve my technique, because he knew my game and my strengths and weaknesses he was able to help me build a bag that really maximized my strengths. He is brand agnostic and will bluntly tell me if he thinks a club is good or bad for me. If you can do that I would I recommend it.

 

It's a long journey, enjoy it, even during the bad times, always try to have fun and find joy in simply getting a little better.

 

I've been on the journey you're on, but it's your journey, don't compare yourself to your buddies, always compete against your former self. I'm down to a 12 handicap now. A spot that two years ago I couldn't have dreamed of, now my goal is to break 10.

 

You will get there, keep pushing. Enjoy the game, enjoy the people who play with you. Good luck my friend, find that instructor who really clicks with you and let them elevate your game.

 

 

 

 

[tony@CIC 16,841]

I would be weary about dropping $1000 for a yearly commitment right out of the gate. If things click after a few lessons between you and the pro then consider it. 

I'd agree. Take a lesson then go out and practice. Repeat.

Also you'll need to manage your expectations so you don't get frustrated. Going from 110 to 90 consistently is a pretty big jump.


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[fixyurdivot 8,589]

Lots of great suggestions offered.  One thing I'll add is to ask around for a golf instructor that specializes in beginners.  Not that most (if not all) cannot teach from ground zero, but some probably spend so much time with students having advanced skills that they may not be the best choice.  I have instructed fly casting and found this to be true - just something to consider.

[jestrella18 13]

When starting out, i went to the range 2 times a week and played once during the weekend.  I did this all summer.  I can say that repetition helps but if your fundamentals are off then you would have to begin trying new things.  I religiously watched Sean Clement on youtube.   Now you have even more content on there but youtube videos helped me try to figure out some tweaks. 

There are small tools you can purchase and hopefully not spend a lot of money on to help you. 

I've spent a lot of money on instructors over the last 11 years only to forget half the stuff and need more lessons to go over some of the same stuff.. So now I just go to the range and work on my issues. 

My advice is only work on 1 thing at a time. 

How's your ball flight?  If everything is going 100 yards.  Are they flying high or low or average?