How did you learn?

medako · 12-29-2006 , 08:19 AM

When I started golfing it was during high school and my only instruction was from a coach that would rather sit in the clubhouse and drink coffee. Hence why I'm not very good.

Now that my son is starting, I'm wondering if we should look seriously into private lessons or if the instruction he gets from a coach is the quality he needs. (this coach has quite a bit of experience and coached his son who now golfs for his college team).

I'm curious how the majority of people got their start - family, friends, school, private coaches, etc?

Illegal_Alien · 12-29-2006 , 11:32 AM

you need a good teacher who doesn't buy into the overcomplicated jargon on the golf channel or in magazines. teach him a strong grip, how to aim and how to release the golf club. Have him fire that toe over as fast as possible. Place a empty bucket about 5 feet in front of him and slightly to the right of his intended target(If he is right-handed) and have him release that toe to that bucket as he hits balls. The proper release brings all the other intangibles together. His weight shift, finish, balance and rotation will all occur as a result. The strong grip and strong release will teach him to draw or possibly hook the ball which is good. You want to learn power first and then learn how to control that power later. Once he consistently begins to hook the ball you can tweak his grip, or believe it or not, have him aim slightly more left and turn his flight into a power fade. Some kids hit a power fade right of the bat! Golf is opposite of what you think. I see most players with weak grips hit ugly snap hooks. Your body will make compensations for anything you do. Look at Azinger and Duval. Just 2 of many examples of players with really strong grips that play power fades. Now who wouldn't want to hit the ball like those guys?? I play a power fade and learned by the same method as did many other Division-I players who learned from my same teacher,,,

medako · 12-29-2006 , 12:59 PM

Those are some good jumping off tips....and easy to understand (just what we need). I like the bucket idea. I think we might give that one a try ASAP.

thanks!

Illegal_Alien · 12-29-2006 , 01:19 PM

yes the bucket technique will get him to release the club down the target line. Most bad golfers swing over the top and either hit a smother hook(release left) or a big slice(with no release). You need to error a little on the swinging to the right part. This way if he hooks it at least it will start slightly right of the target and work it's way back. After a consistent ball flight and pattern is developed only minor tweaking is necessary to play consistent and fun golf....

medako · 12-29-2006 , 07:03 PM

fun golf...that's what we're looking for. I want him to be knowledgable in the sport and be decent (he doesn't have to be the best) and enjoy playing. It's a game that he can play recreationally for years and years to come.

Who knows, maybe someday a boss will take him out on the course for some big promotion over a round of 18.

Illegal_Alien · 12-30-2006 , 12:00 PM

yeah, it's more fun to learn how to hit the ball far right off the bat. Let's face it, why do we watch Tiger? because he over-powers a golf course. You can shoot 92 an talk all day about that 582 yard par 5 you reached in two. The short game can be acquired thru practice but I noticed most people have no idea on how to hit the ball further. Longer also means straighter. Once you learn how to properly release the club you'll understand why the ball goes where it does.