OT: Golf Lessons

[Danzz]

I am currently taking lessons with Kevin. I had the same problems coming over the top plus not stepping into the ball. He has given me useful drills to work on.

My problem is that I look great on the driving range but no so good on the course. It is a whole different ball game when you are shooting for a score and have only one try at each shot vs. the driving range.

Kevin's drills have helped my game but as they say, golf is 90% mental. I need to get my swing to the point where it is a "instinctive" swing and not a "thinking" swing if that makes sense.

I know what you mean. Unfortunately you will probably have to think through the swing some on the course: especially grip and set up. Instinctive wasn't working or we wouldn't be taking lessons.
There are no consequences for hitting a bad shot on the range unlike on the course. I've taken about 8 shots off my score but I have spent some time on the range practicing the drills. Like you, I still have to think through shots hoping for the day when it will be instinctive. Just hang with it and change will come.

 

[tentoes4rings]

I know what you mean. Unfortunately you will probably have to think through the swing some on the course: especially grip and set up. Instinctive wasn't working or we wouldn't be taking lessons.
There are no consequences for hitting a bad shot on the range unlike on the course. I've taken about 8 shots off my score but I have spent some time on the range practicing the drills. Like you, I still have to think through shots hoping for the day when it will be instinctive. Just hang with it and change will come.

I can completely relate to this guys, some weeks I was so encouraged by my range sessions, only to kind of choke on the course. Since my lesson with Kevin, I’m noticing even my bad shots aren’t nearly as bad as my previous mishits. I also think too much about my swing, especially at address. Will probably take a couple thousand range balls Great, but I’m hoping our new swings will just be second nature at some point. Maybe we can all get out on a course together later in the season.

 

[polycom]

I found that GolfTec didn't translate to the course as well as taking lessons from a pro on a range. I also found them less personal and less flexible.

GolfTec takes you on a course to play 9 holes with a pro...

 

[Greathusky]

I can completely relate to this guys, some weeks I was so encouraged by my range sessions, only to kind of choke on the course. Since my lesson with Kevin, I’m noticing even my bad shots aren’t nearly as bad as my previous mishits. I also think too much about my swing, especially at address. Will probably take a couple thousand range balls Great, but I’m hoping our new swings will just be second nature at some point. Maybe we can all get out on a course together later in the season.

I am in for that!

 

[uconnfan68]

I am currently taking lessons with Kevin. I had the same problems coming over the top plus not stepping into the ball. He has given me useful drills to work on.

My problem is that I look great on the driving range but no so good on the course. It is a whole different ball game when you are shooting for a score and have only one try at each shot vs. the driving range.

Kevin's drills have helped my game but as they say, golf is 90% mental. I need to get my swing to the point where it is a "instinctive" swing and not a "thinking" swing if that makes sense.

Practice, practice, practice, and then play a lot. ;^)

 

[tentoes4rings]

GolfTec takes you on a course to play 9 holes with a pro...

Yeah, that interested me. That’s how it should be. I’ll take 5 lessons with my guy and then maybe consider GolfTec.

 

[tentoes4rings]

To update everyone, I did take just the one lesson from Kevin Giancola last year, with plans to take 4 more this month before getting back onto the course. I need help with my wedges and putter now to score better but I’m striking the ball much better and more consistently. For $60 per lesson, it’s been a very worthwhile investment for me. Getting just one video lesson can be very eye opening and game changing,

 

[Danzz]

To update everyone, I did take just the one lesson from Kevin Giancola last year, with plans to take 4 more this month before getting back onto the course. I need help with my wedges and putter now to score better but I’m striking the ball much better and more consistently. For $60 per lesson, it’s been a very worthwhile investment for me. Getting just one video lesson can be very eye opening and game changing,

Glad it worked out for you. I'll be going back to Kevin late spring after a bit of healing. He is the best instructor I have found over the years.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Was just thinking abou taking lessons. Mostly need to improve approach shots. Irons are my weakness outside of 100 yards or so. I go through insane stretches where I hit behind or top the ball with every iron shot.

 

[tentoes4rings]

Was just thinking abou taking lessons. Mostly need to improve approach shots. Irons are my weakness outside of 100 yards or so. I go through insane stretches where I hit behind or top the ball with every iron shot.

I really do recommend it, especially seeing yourself on video. Video lessons can really help you get on plane better if you come over the top. I had to totally change my grip too which I’m still adjusting to but I don’t hit the big steep divots anymore. Do some reviews on local guys, try a lesson and I’d love to hear your progress.

 

[BY06518]

George Connor best teacher in CT

 

[tentoes4rings]

George Connor best teacher in CT

Where does he teach?

 

[wheelerdog]

Nicole Damarjian, Tallwood CC. I had no clue what I was doing. She did everything for me - from setup, grip, club selection, course mgmt., etc. I typically only play 9 holes and was struggling to break 50. Now I can shoot 42-43 depending on how well I'm putting. Highly recommend her.

 

[HuskyAlum012]

I plan on taking golf lessons with the pro at Great River this summer. If you take lessons there, you also have unlimited access to their golf range/practice facility for the day. I took lessons there about 10 years ago and it was really good, they use the golf simulator and the practice on the range. A bit pricey but well worth it with the access to the great facility they have there.

 

[Frank06830]

Perhaps worthwhile. I just signed up for a PGA digital academy for $7.00. PGADigitalacademy.com. Looks pretty good. For $7/mo and straight forward cancellation instructions I thought what the hell

 

[tentoes4rings]

To update everyone on my progress, I took one lesson last year with Kevin Giancola at Golfquest In Southington. Changed my grip, got me to stay lower and around my body better with the help of video. This got my swing flatter, resulting in much more consistent shots.

I returned for 3 more lessons this year with mixed results. For some reason Kevin tweaked my grip again, which has been another adjustment. I’ve been going back more to the grip he gave me last year (show two knuckles) and I’m hitting irons and hybrid well again.

The problem I’m having is with the driver or even 3 wood off the tee. He had me dip my back shoulder a lot and try some other movements that just feel strange, I need to get the driver swing figured out and am considering another instructor for that. Is there anyone you guys recommend, specifically for a driver lesson or lessons? If I can get that clicking, I think I’ll be in good shape, Thanks in advance.

 

[uconnphil2016]

Play 9 at Chanticlair in Colchester. You’ll be a scratch golfer if you only play there

 

[tentoes4rings]

Play 9 at Chanticlair in Colchester. You’ll be a scratch golfer if you only play there

Ha. I played 9 at Fairchild Wheeler Red Friday and another 9 at the Lyman Apple 9 Saturday. Both are easy courses. Made me realize, some of us should just play those courses and have fun instead of the super challenging courses that make me want to quit.

 

[HuskyHawk]

To update everyone on my progress, I took one lesson last year with Kevin Giancola at Golfquest In Southington. Changed my grip, got me to stay lower and around my body better with the help of video. This got my swing flatter, resulting in much more consistent shots.

I returned for 3 more lessons this year with mixed results. For some reason Kevin tweaked my grip again, which has been another adjustment. I’ve been going back more to the grip he gave me last year (show two knuckles) and I’m hitting irons and hybrid well again.

The problem I’m having is with the driver or even 3 wood off the tee. He had me dip my back shoulder a lot and try some other movements that just feel strange, I need to get the driver swing figured out and am considering another instructor for that. Is there anyone you guys recommend, specifically for a driver lesson or lessons? If I can get that clicking, I think I’ll be in good shape, Thanks in advance.

The only club I hit well is my driver. I always have. I’m decent with a sand wedge hitting lob style chips. My irons are inconsistent as hell.

Before you go find a new instructor try one thing on the range. Tee up the ball and hit it. Pretend you are happy Gilmore. Hit it like you would with a baseball bat if you weren’t thinking about stance, grip or anything. Don’t think. No practice back swings. Step up, address the ball and then whack it. See what happens.

 

[Danzz]

Ha. I played 9 at Fairchild Wheeler Red Friday and another 9 at the Lyman Apple 9 Saturday. Both are easy courses. Made me realize, some of us should just play those courses and have fun instead of the super challenging courses that make me want to quit.

Try addressing the ball a half ball toward the toe and try to hesitate at the top of your swing. Similar to a baseball swing where you step and the bat follows a split second latter. A lot easier to do with a baseball bat. Good luck!

 

[Yardigan]

The only club I hit well is my driver. I always have. I’m decent with a sand wedge hitting lob style chips. My irons are inconsistent as hell.

Before you go find a new instructor try one thing on the range. Tee up the ball and hit it. Pretend you are happy Gilmore. Hit it like you would with a baseball bat if you weren’t thinking about stance, grip or anything. Don’t think. No practice back swings. Step up, address the ball and then whack it. See what happens.

I thought that's what you're always supposed to do? Seems like a waste of cash otherwise?

 

[uconnphil2016]

Ha. I played 9 at Fairchild Wheeler Red Friday and another 9 at the Lyman Apple 9 Saturday. Both are easy courses. Made me realize, some of us should just play those courses and have fun instead of the super challenging courses that make me want to quit.

I haven't golfed since I was probably 19 or 20 (I'm 26 now). Back when I did golf, we used to always play what we called the 'twilight special' at Blackledge River Highlands on the front 9. We'd wait in the parking lot until the last group teed off and clubhouse guy took off, and then we'd all play as fast as we could, getting in 9 just before the sun would set once we got into mid June. Thus, the twilight special. I grew up behind that course...I snuck on to the hole that was behind my house when I was a little kid and had no clue how golf worked. Walked right into the midst of a group, took my shot, and drilled a guy in the *** who was in his backswing. Did not end well.

 

[tentoes4rings]

The only club I hit well is my driver. I always have. I’m decent with a sand wedge hitting lob style chips. My irons are inconsistent as hell.

Before you go find a new instructor try one thing on the range. Tee up the ball and hit it. Pretend you are happy Gilmore. Hit it like you would with a baseball bat if you weren’t thinking about stance, grip or anything. Don’t think. No practice back swings. Step up, address the ball and then whack it. See what happens.

Thanks. I’ve had my ups and downs with irons over the years as well. What has worked for me is to drop the irons I can no longer hit and stay with 7-PW and 25 degree hybrid in place of 5 and 6 iron. Try standing closer to the ball on irons and get in the habit of just rotating your shoulders without fear of where the ball goes. If you get good with the shoulder rotation, the ball should jump well off the club and you’ll hit much more consistently. Hope this helps.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Thanks. I’ve had my ups and downs with irons over the years as well. What has worked for me is to drop the irons I can no longer hit and stay with 7-PW and 25 degree hybrid in place of 5 and 6 iron. Try standing closer to the ball on irons and get in the habit of just rotating your shoulders without fear of where the ball goes. If you get good with the shoulder rotation, the ball should jump well off the club and you’ll hit much more consistently. Hope this helps.

I’ll give it a shot. Switched to a stronger grip last year and that helped. But I go through stages of topping and hitting behind the ball with irons. I think you’re right with shoulder rotation, with irons I tend to dip my left shoulder rather than turning.

I know my driver suggestion sounds silly but most people over think it, become tense and stiff and are swinging like some kind of robot. It doesn’t work. Has to be fluid and loose. Once you can swing like that’s then those lessons can dial it in.

 

[geordi]

You don’t need golf lessons. I can give you one tip that will take 7 strokes off your score.

Skip a par three.

 

[sledog]

Just remember: 'be the ball'.