I'm having serious issues!

Okay, so I've posted here a couple of times and have gotten great advice each time, but my problems come back and I get frustrated all over again. I've taken lessons from two different pros: one has me just focusing on turning back and turning through, which has really flattened my swing. The other has me leaning back severely at address which has improved my ball striking, but is inconsistent and I'm certain that addressing the ball like that is incorrect. I wish I had the ability to post a video of my swing, but hopefully you geniuses can assist me without it. So I played today and shot 90. Not bad if your just getting into the game, but I've been playing for over 10 years with many rounds in the 70's including an even par 72. Yesterday, while playing with another twosome, one of which is an older gentleman preparing to compete in the Arizona senior open, I got some more swing advice. This guy told me that I needed to get more wide on my backswing and not to rotate the hips until the downswing. It seemed to help a little in terms of striking the ball in the center of the clubface, but as usual, my shots went kind of everywhere. Today, my dreaded sh***s showed up only twice, but the shots I thought I hit square went nowhere. On a 135-yard par 3, I hit a 9-iron and came up short and right by about 20 yards! This is getting ridiculous! So now that you know my life story, let me get to my question(s). I guess I've forgotten what a proper golf swing should feel like. How do I know if I've made a proper back swing? How should it feel? What is the proper first move to transition into the down swing? What should I feel? What is the proper position prior to striking the ball? What should that feel like? I've got a summer of golf coming up where I'll be playing four to five times a week (I'm a teacher and have a wealthy golfing partner that usually takes care of my green fees), but I don't think I'll be able to survive if I keep playing the way I am right now. I'm definitely obsessed with this game and will virtually try/do anything to develop a consistent swing. If you have any thoughts or advice, please HELP!!!!!!!!!

I suggest you pick one pro and stick with it for a while. It sounds to me like you are getting to much advice from different people and are losing track of the basic fundamentals. AS they say if all else fails "go back to basics"

CW, having a flat back and a shoulder turn take away go hand in hand. Go to this site and do a search on Right forearm pick up, and right forearm take away. http://www.manzellagolfforum.com/for...asp?FORUM_ID=1 And make sure your grip, posture, stance, weight position, are all good at address

I am far from being one of the "geniuses," but here's my thought.

I tend to over-analyze everthing about the golf swing, and I certainly fail to visualize what I'm actually doing. So, when everything goes awry, I try to come back to basics, overlooking nothing. A good grip, on the strong side for me, good posture, a nice turn around my spine angle, and an unhurried swing. I cannot think about all the intricacies of the swing and swing with anything approaching a fluid swing.

My problems get compounded when tension gets added to the mix. The worse the shot, the greater the tension of the next shot, and the problems escalate.

It's easier said than done, but tension must be released for the shot to be made. After all, it's only a golf ball, and the fate of the world does not hang in the balance. Only our pride is at stake, and the more worried I am about looking good to my partners, the poorer I'm going to play.

And remember, my advice is always worth what you pay for it.

Bill

I guess my thoughts for what they are worth, is that there are many diferent variations to a golf swing. You need to decide if you want to totally redue your swing or just make some minor changes. (Look at Tiger/Sergio they were on top of the game and both decided to almost rebuild their swings so it is possible to get the type of game you want with a less then ideal swing) Then find a coach who is working with you on want you want to work on and deal with 1 set of advice instead of conflicting advice.

Next it may be hard to do but when going to the course maybe have one or two swing thoughts but primarily need to just let the body react and focus on where you want the ball or positives as opposed to am I doing this right? Such doubts are bound to lead to bad results.

Bob

I recently went through a very similar ordeal. Sounds to me you are really pressing, you need to simply relax! Tension and too many swing thoughts are cancer to the golf swing. If you shot even in the past, you obviously have solid fundamentals, I would focus on relaxing and concentrate on one thing - a fluent move through the ball as opposed to hitting it. Trust me - It'll pass.

These guys are on to something when they say relax before the swing.
It made a huge difference for myself. I know I add 10 to 20 yds to most of
my clubs. I also have tendency to grip to hard.

I have to revisit the fundamentals quite often.

Good luck on the issues.

Have you ever gotten a video of your golf swing?

Theo

So I decided to go with a new coach and he happens to teach at the same school I do! He was our boys head golf coach for a few years until other, more lucrative interests required his afternoon time. Anyway, we are starting at step 1. I'm going to rebuild my swing and do it right this time. He watched me shank a few 7-iron shots and then asked me to watch him while he discussed some fundamentals with me. He must have stroked 5 or 6 in a row that went high with a subtle draw and carried about 170 yards. From that exact moment, I was convinced to do everything he told me. He's got me working on some basic drills this week such as bringing the club back in more of a one-piece fashion as well as more upright as opposed to across my body. I will post here from time to time and fill you in on my progress. Wish me luck and happy golfing everyone!