5-minute lesson

I haven't been on here in a few weeks, and also haven't been playing, due to it being winter and also getting very busy at work. But I played a couple of days ago, for the first time in about two months. And I played today.

Playing two days ago, it was like I'd never played before. Everything felt strange and unnatural. But I remembered my 5-minute lesson, and also the various videos I've taken of my swing. It always looks rushed, even when it *feels* slow. So I worked on that, and it slowly started to come back.

Today I went out late, and only had time for eight holes. I didn't even keep score. I worked on slowing down, to the point where I was imagining I was swinging underwater. That worked well.

I also worked on one mechanical problem that always affects me. I seem to lose all awareness of my legs and, as a result, I straighten them without even being aware that I'm doing it. I've seen it over and over in videos, but it's very difficult to correct. Even at the driving range, doing drills, my legs seem to have a will of their own, and the weight rocks to the outside of my feet, and I lose control of what's going on.

Today, once I got the slow tempo thing going, and was getting at least some results, I tried something else. In my setup, I took my stance and then pushed my knees together just a little; just enough so I could feel the tension. This, of course, restricts leg movement, and that's what I wanted. Some golfers are "leggy" and some aren't. This small adjustment was very effective, and for the last four holes I was suddenly playing golf again. I went from triples to pars and bogeys. And I hit all four fairways.

So that was a little encouraging anyway.

__________________
Todd
Philadelphia, PA
USA

The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing. ~Phyllis Diller

Yeah, I'd definitely take it to the course, if you hit fairways and don't go out of bounds then it all comes down to your irons and your short game. If you have that part down then you should have no problem scoring very well.

Spot on advice! When I did these things, I was able to get inside better and not change posture on the downswing. I actually tee the ball's inside edge to the toe of the driver

Hi Ubizmo.

Great thread. Slowing it down has to be the key. If you apply the main basics such as good set up, ball position, etc, then it doesnt matter how slow you swing. If the club impacts square, and you are applying the weight transfer, then I would be happy with the end result.

G'day All,
Whenever I'm out and find myself in the bunker the guy's all say, "There goes Scotty, he loves the beach, he must he spends so much time in there"!
I really have trouble getting out and normally wipe the hole, when I do finally get out I normally overshoot the green entirely.
Any tips for this Rookie. Whenever I watch the golf I see the Pros get out with so much ease and try to emulate the swing but just can't seem to get it.
Appreciate any help
Scotty.

The simplest method when you're in a round and unsure is to play the chunk-and-run. If your sand is wet, firm, and/or dense, leave the club square to your target, and make sure you hit 1 or 2 inches behind the ball, with a motion like you're trying to bury the club. You can swing fairly hard. The ball will come out and run.

If the sand is dry, fluffy, and/or soft, you can use the same trick, but open the face. Again, hit 1 or 2 inches behind the ball, and try to drive the club down under the ball.

__________________
True Length Technology Fitter - www.truelengthtechnology.com
It's live! - www.ShipShapeClubs.com
PCS Class 'A' Clubfitter

A new highlight: Golfing the home course on Christmas Day.

I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.

Cheers LowPost, I'm out with the Lads next weekend and I'm sure I'll get the oportunity to try it out!!

Just wanted to to get that other stupid post off the front of the board.