3 years in and still cant swing!

[TwoCoatsOfWax 173]

On ‎5‎/‎5‎/‎2019 at 2:53 PM, Bizzle87 said:

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.

Honestly, I don't think you are doing that bad for being three years in.  Not that it isn't frustrating, but don't let that discourage you to the point of quitting.  Lots of good advice about lessons and instructors above, but if local instructors aren't working out have you thought about some self-learning?  There is plenty of free instruction resources available that it's very easy to record your swing and compare yourself against some "ideal swing" for lack of a better term.  Having learned the game pre-Internet access and golf lessons not in the budget, this was a staple in my learning.  My apologies for dipping into the archives of "back-in-my-day" ridiculousness, but back in my day that involved an actual video camera that used full-sized VHS tapes setup on a tripod at the driving range.  And we couldn't even watch the video until we got home.  Ok, I feel better!  Anyway, like another said, try to focus on one thing at a time.

Another tip that helped me:  I began tracking on my scorecard when I hit a fairway, hit a green in reg., take a penalty, and how many putts per hole.  For example, I hit a fairway...I mark an "F"; hit a green...mark a "G"; a penalty is a "P", etc.   Take notes even if you must.  After a few rounds, you might have some more insight into what needs more improvement.  By doing that, I found I hit a decent number of fairways, but generally hit only a few GIR so my approach game is weak. 

Good luck!

[Shankster 25,554]

36 years next weekend and I still can’t swing either.

My advice is to check out some lessons. There are even ones online you can send your swing into.

I am a do it myself guy and it doesn’t work, I’ll admit. I know what to do, just don’t know how to make it happen. I can put a decent swing on the ball, but my potential is much higher then what I am getting in return right now.

If I weren’t so stubborn I’d take a few lessons.... but I watched a Butch/Tiger video a while back and it took the best golfer in the world over a year of hard work and under the close eye of a great coach to make the improvements he wanted.

Good luck, and most of all enjoy the game.

[silver & black 5,556]

I'm 25 years in. I usually score in the low 80's -  high 70's..... way more in the 80's...lol. I can't swing for s**t. I just use what I have. Some days it works, some days it doesn't. 

 

Unless you are hell bent on being the best you can be.... just enjoy your time on the course with your friends or the solitude of playing by yourself. Golf is a great game.... and a great teacher.

[Shankster 25,554]

I'm 25 years in. I usually score in the low 80's -  high 70's..... way more in the 80's...lol. I can't swing for s**t. I just use what I have. Some days it works, some days it doesn't. 
 
Unless you are hell bent on being the best you can be.... just enjoy your time on the course with your friends or the solitude of playing by yourself. Golf is a great game.... and a great teacher.

The ultimate test. No better game around. You vs the course, like a giant chess game.

[danielS 2]

Hello Bizzle87:

Welcome to the world of Golf!

I have been playing golf for almost 30 years and I am still researching and learning and improving a little bit at a time.

I finally wrote my own golfStrggle.com to share I have been learning among fellow golfers.  We,Golfers do struggle, but we do make a improvement and get a lot of fun and joy!

First, we have to master some basics and fundamentals for playing a fairly decent golf game such as:

Grip, swing plane (extremely important), swing path, very calm swing with enough power, back swing to the top and to down-swing to contact to extension to finish...

Entire journey of whole swing - start to end...

It should not be that difficult, but if you want to play a consistent mid 80's or low 80's, Yes that would be difficult.

Again, please spend some time and quality time on the basics, get sound posture, break down whole golf swing into some components.  Just banging and banging at driving range will not (WILL NOT) help! 

Golf is the wonderful game of sport, and I really think this is one of the best sport because it requires a constant thinking and analysis.  And it requires patience. 

I hope you will improve your golf swing a lot in this season, and keep plugging!!

Thanks.

 

[Pug 216]

Many years ago I played with a co-worker who had the same problem with his iron shots going the same distance. I didn’t appreciate how severe the problem was until he lined up three balls on a short par three, and hit them with his 6, 7 and 8 irons. All three were on the green, two were pin high on opposite sides of the hole and the third was about 8 feet short. All three were within about a 15 foot radius.

It was such a unique experience it has stuck in my mind ever since. What was unique about Andy’s swing was that the arc of his swing was a narrow parabula that was nearly V shape. I was thinking the sharp change of angle at the bottom of the arc must have deaccellerated the club head sharply. This might have accounted for the constrained distance.

The other characteristics of Andy’s swing were an upright body posture. With this upright posture he had to widen his stance to get the club head behind the ball to avoid topping it. The wide stance might have contributed to his swing having very  little body rotation. His swing was all arms, and reminded me of someone trying to chop wood, not swing a golf club.

Could you have something similar going on on the bad days? You might take a video of your swing and try doing a bit of analysis yourself. Self awareness of your swing coupled with a limited number of lessons from an instructor you can trust will help. Don’t be surprised if you have to rebuild your swing from the ground up.

Of course my guess of what may be the issue could be completely wrong. Regardless, your only 3 years in on what could be something you pursue for the rest of your life. While your swing will change overtime, get a club fitting, including the putter if you are serious about improving and use the ball that is right for you. Good luck.

[FromRightToLeft 110]

On 5/4/2019 at 3:13 PM, RickyBobby_PR said:

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

I respectfully disagree with this  (on a half hour being too short). Usually in a lesson there is really only one or two things an instructor will focus on with you, which is as it should be. There's no need for an hour. What there is a need for, that most instructors don't do is video tape the lesson and send a copy to the student. We forget so much that is told to us during a lesson this should be standard practice. A half hour would be plenty then and the student could review at his hearts content and go over all the stuff he missed or forgot during the lesson. There is no cost barrier for teachers to do this, a cheep camera and a few mics will run you less than $150.00. They just mostly choose not to do this for some weird reason.

I know some instructors do this but it's far from the majority. I think online lessons with a really good instructor is a way better value for this reason. Just my 2 cents.

I agree totally that it might take time to find a good instructor. I suggest never buying a "package" of lessons until you are sure they're great. Even then I'd hesitate as I've seen some instructors lose their enthusiasm once they get paid.

 

[RickyBobby_PR 4,793]

6 hours ago, FromRightToLeft said:

I respectfully disagree with this  (on a half hour being too short). Usually in a lesson there is really only one or two things an instructor will focus on with you, which is as it should be. There's no need for an hour. What there is a need for, that most instructors don't do is video tape the lesson and send a copy to the student. We forget so much that is told to us during a lesson this should be standard practice. A half hour would be plenty then and the student could review at his hearts content and go over all the stuff he missed or forgot during the lesson. There is no cost barrier for teachers to do this, a cheep camera and a few mics will run you less than $150.00. They just mostly choose not to do this for some weird reason.

I know some instructors do this but it's far from the majority. I think online lessons with a really good instructor is a way better value for this reason. Just my 2 cents.

I agree totally that it might take time to find a good instructor. I suggest never buying a "package" of lessons until you are sure they're great. Even then I'd hesitate as I've seen some instructors lose their enthusiasm once they get paid.

 

I don’t know of an instructor who doesn’t use video these days and many use apps to share the videos and notes with their students.

I have done 30 min lessons and got nothing out of them and talked with a couple instructors about doing them and the ones I talked to won’t do them because it’s not long enough. 

i took a lesson on Saturday and at an hour it was over before I knew it and we only worked on two things and the lesson was full of videos. 

[cnosil 14,597]

I don’t know of an instructor who doesn’t use video these days and many use apps to share the videos and notes with their students.
I have done 30 min lessons and got nothing out of them and talked with a couple instructors about doing them and the ones I talked to won’t do them because it’s not long enough. 
i took a lesson on Saturday and at an hour it was over before I knew it and we only worked on two things and the lesson was full of videos. 

The length of a lesson is based on what the student needs or is trying to accomplish. Had a discussion with an instructor I have been considering. He prefers to do a yearly type contract where you work on your game. A “lesson” may last 5 minutes or 1 1/2 hours. He feels that approach benefits a player more than one off lessons. The trial lesson I did with him was about 30 minutes which included my hitting shots for him to evaluate what I was doing. We worked on a single change that I picked up in only a few minutes. I saw some video but that was to illustrate what we were trying to correct.

All of the above is irrelevant to another golfer because you may need more or less time based on your level and how much change you are making.

Just my opinion.

[RickyBobby_PR 4,793]

19 minutes ago, cnosil said:

The length of a lesson is based on what the student needs or is trying to accomplish. Had a discussion with an instructor I have been considering. He prefers to do a yearly type contract where you work on your game. A “lesson” may last 5 minutes or 1 1/2 hours. He feels that approach benefits a player more than one off lessons. The trial lesson I did with him was about 30 minutes which included my hitting shots for him to evaluate what I was doing. We worked on a single change that I picked up in only a few minutes. I saw some video but that was to illustrate what we were trying to correct.

All of the above is irrelevant to another golfer because you may need more or less time based on your level and how much change you are making.

Just my opinion.

The yearly commitment is a good idea. I did something similar with one of the instructors I’ve used for a lot of my lessons. I like the idea and like you mention length of time could vary per person I think the same goes for how long progress can be made with an instructor/coach. Some have the ability to get students to a certain level but won’t be able to take them to their full potential. 

As for the length of each lesson we are roughly on the same page. Goal of player and coach will be dependent on where student is and where they want to go. The instructors I talked to don’t like the 30 minute because most students need more than that. There’s some students that are going to practice and put in the work between lessons and thus many times they have to revisit past lessons work before making any further progress, if they do lesson packages it’s minimum of 45 minutes for 4-5 lessons.

 

[Kenny B 23,087]

35 minutes ago, cnosil said:

The length of a lesson is based on what the student needs or is trying to accomplish. Had a discussion with an instructor I have been considering. He prefers to do a yearly type contract where you work on your game. A “lesson” may last 5 minutes or 1 1/2 hours. He feels that approach benefits a player more than one off lessons. The trial lesson I did with him was about 30 minutes which included my hitting shots for him to evaluate what I was doing. We worked on a single change that I picked up in only a few minutes. I saw some video but that was to illustrate what we were trying to correct.

All of the above is irrelevant to another golfer because you may need more or less time based on your level and how much change you are making.

Just my opinion.

I like this approach when a person needs to remake a swing or needs a lot of improvement for many issues.  However, it will only work if the person commits to a program.  Most don't.  Getting a lesson without a bunch of practice between lessons doesn't engrain the change.  Life gets in the way, and people go play golf and will revert to old habits almost immediately.

Another problem is that a lesson might be a band-aid for an issue but doesn't get to the root of the problem.  Several band-aids later, the person doesn't have a clue about what a good swing is.  

For this yearly contract, how often are the lessons?  Every week?  Whenever you want or think you need a lesson?

[cnosil 14,597]

I like this approach when a person needs to remake a swing or needs a lot of improvement for many issues.  However, it will only work if the person commits to a program.  Most don't.  Getting a lesson without a bunch of practice between lessons doesn't engrain the change.  Life gets in the way, and people go play golf and will revert to old habits almost immediately.
Another problem is that a lesson might be a band-aid for an issue but doesn't get to the root of the problem.  Several band-aids later, the person doesn't have a clue about what a good swing is.  
For this yearly contract, how often are the lessons?  Every week?  Whenever you want or think you need a lesson?

To answer your last question. How ever often you want a lesson. I am sure there are some limitations that I didn’t get into as I probably won’t go that route. I am more of a take a series of a few lessons to tighten up my swing.

[RickyBobby_PR 4,793]

1 hour ago, Kenny B said:

I like this approach when a person needs to remake a swing or needs a lot of improvement for many issues.  However, it will only work if the person commits to a program.  Most don't.  Getting a lesson without a bunch of practice between lessons doesn't engrain the change.  Life gets in the way, and people go play golf and will revert to old habits almost immediately.

Another problem is that a lesson might be a band-aid for an issue but doesn't get to the root of the problem.  Several band-aids later, the person doesn't have a clue about what a good swing is.  

For this yearly contract, how often are the lessons?  Every week?  Whenever you want or think you need a lesson?

For the pro I worked with he had a couple programs and the price was slightly different.

he had 3,6&12 month programs with options for 2x/mo or 4x. He was accessible via email/app in between 

[FromRightToLeft 110]

On 5/15/2019 at 3:39 AM, RickyBobby_PR said:

I don’t know of an instructor who doesn’t use video these days and many use apps to share the videos and notes with their students.

I have done 30 min lessons and got nothing out of them and talked with a couple instructors about doing them and the ones I talked to won’t do them because it’s not long enough. 

i took a lesson on Saturday and at an hour it was over before I knew it and we only worked on two things and the lesson was full of videos. 

Hi there. Yes they all use video but did you get a copy of your lesson with audio at the end emailed to you? That's what I was saying, that every student should get a copy of the full lesson at the end of it. Did your coach do that?

[cnosil 14,597]

Hi there. Yes they all use video but did you get a copy of your lesson with audio at the end emailed to you? That's what I was saying, that every student should get a copy of the full lesson at the end of it. Did your coach do that?

That will be lesson dependent. My last lesson we walked to the 18th hole and hit pitch shots from all over. The instructor was watching me and only used video to make a few points. I have had video lessons is the past and never went back and looked at them. Video is a great tool to make points but people learn differently and seeing something on a video won’t always be beneficial. I don’t think we can make blanket statements that an instructor should always provide a video with audio commentary. I have had lesson videos with audio commentary back in the days of VHS tape. To be effective with the video the student will have to have the ability to video themselves and compare side by side.

[FromRightToLeft 110]

12 minutes ago, cnosil said:

That will be lesson dependent. My last lesson we walked to the 18th hole and hit pitch shots from all over. The instructor was watching me and only used video to make a few points. I have had video lessons is the past and never went back and looked at them. Video is a great tool to make points but people learn differently and seeing something on a video won’t always be beneficial. I don’t think we can make blanket statements that an instructor should always provide a video with audio commentary. I have had lesson videos with audio commentary back in the days of VHS tape. To be effective with the video the student will have to have the ability to video themselves and compare side by side.

Fair enough that everyone leans differently but you certainly don't need to compare video's to get value out of what I'm saying. If a coach is explaining something you aren't clear on or forget what he said, it's really valuable to go back and look at the video. The only video I've been sent was when I took some online lessons. I went back and got something new out of them several times. Things I forgot, especially over time.

I can't see why you would argue against getting a video of your full lesson? (Also I'm not saying that they should edit in audio commentary. I'm saying the coach and the student should be mic'd for the lesson. This means no editing which would cost time/money.) In your case I guess you wouldn't use it but it literally costs them next to nothing to do and lots of us would. It's a no brainier to include in a lesson and should be standard practice imo. Or at least give us the option. I can't see how getting a video of the lesson your just paid $100 or whatever for would be a negative.

* I also don't recommend getting a package of lessons of paying for a year in advance unless you are very, very sure about the coach. I've seen teachers enthusiasm fall off once they get paid up front for future lessons. Again I know this isn't all, but it's worth being cautious, especially if you don't know the instructor. 

[RickyBobby_PR 4,793]

2 hours ago, FromRightToLeft said:

Fair enough that everyone leans differently but you certainly don't need to compare video's to get value out of what I'm saying. If a coach is explaining something you aren't clear on or forget what he said, it's really valuable to go back and look at the video. The only video I've been sent was when I took some online lessons. I went back and got something new out of them several times. Things I forgot, especially over time.

I can't see why you would argue against getting a video of your full lesson? (Also I'm not saying that they should edit in audio commentary. I'm saying the coach and the student should be mic'd for the lesson. This means no editing which would cost time/money.) In your case I guess you wouldn't use it but it literally costs them next to nothing to do and lots of us would. It's a no brainier to include in a lesson and should be standard practice imo. Or at least give us the option. I can't see how getting a video of the lesson your just paid $100 or whatever for would be a negative.

* I also don't recommend getting a package of lessons of paying for a year in advance unless you are very, very sure about the coach. I've seen teachers enthusiasm fall off once they get paid up front for future lessons. Again I know this isn't all, but it's worth being cautious, especially if you don't know the instructor. 

Everyone I’ve gone to or talked to do because they use a coaching app (v1, hudl, Coach now). They either do a video recap, video of your swing with voice over talking about the lesson, sing thoughts, etc, notes to go with the recap or some combo of them.

student being mic’d Is debatable. Most struggle when the red light goes on and putting a mic on them or having voice recorded may add to the nerves.

imo how the pro wants to do things and what the student wants need to be discussed before they start working together to ensure both are on same page. 

[cnosil 14,597]

Fair enough that everyone leans differently but you certainly don't need to compare video's to get value out of what I'm saying. If a coach is explaining something you aren't clear on or forget what he said, it's really valuable to go back and look at the video. The only video I've been sent was when I took some online lessons. I went back and got something new out of them several times. Things I forgot, especially over time.
I can't see why you would argue against getting a video of your full lesson? (Also I'm not saying that they should edit in audio commentary. I'm saying the coach and the student should be mic'd for the lesson. This means no editing which would cost time/money.) In your case I guess you wouldn't use it but it literally costs them next to nothing to do and lots of us would. It's a no brainier to include in a lesson and should be standard practice imo. Or at least give us the option. I can't see how getting a video of the lesson your just paid $100 or whatever for would be a negative.
* I also don't recommend getting a package of lessons of paying for a year in advance unless you are very, very sure about the coach. I've seen teachers enthusiasm fall off once they get paid up front for future lessons. Again I know this isn't all, but it's worth being cautious, especially if you don't know the instructor. 

Not arguing against video or providing video. I just don’t consider it a requirement for a lesson or something that an instructor has to provide. If you want video of your lesson tell the instructor, see if video is included with the lesson, or if there is additional cost. You also discuss online lessons where video is mandatory since there isn’t an interactive discussion. I do video with my putting instructor since we work online.

[FromRightToLeft 110]

7 hours ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

Everyone I’ve gone to or talked to do because they use a coaching app (v1, hudl, Coach now). They either do a video recap, video of your swing with voice over talking about the lesson, sing thoughts, etc, notes to go with the recap or some combo of them.

student being mic’d Is debatable. Most struggle when the red light goes on and putting a mic on them or having voice recorded may add to the nerves.

imo how the pro wants to do things and what the student wants need to be discussed before they start working together to ensure both are on same page. 

That's awesome they used that app or a video recap. None of the coaches I've ever seen used either. I don't think mic'ing the student would cause nerves as it's only them that would be seeing the video. I see zero downside to recording it.