After taking a two week vacation and being extremely busy when I got back, I had a pile of Golf Magazine and Golf Digest's sitting on my counter waiting for me to read. I had four magazines in all which I read all in one night. I love reading these magazines and articles, but not so much because I learn about golf techniques but because I know many of my students and club members are reading those same articles.
The great thing about being an educated instructor is I have a very strong filter for information. I am able to take a magazine article, read it, and apply it to a student that has that exact flaw. Sometimes I'll read an entire magazine and find nothing helpful, but every month I'll have a handful of members come up to me and explain to me what they read (which is the same thing that I read) and it is very interesting to hear how they interpret the information.
The magazines are very popular because they take great instructors and have them give a simple lesson on a very general topic so that viewers can have something to think about. However, the average golfer will take this advice and immediately apply it to their own game no matter how it affects them or their current golf swing and assume the advice will only help.
During my golf article binge I found 3 articles written on very similar subjects that all had a different approach to the correct technique and all had different fixes and drills. After reading the third article I thought to myself, how can an average golfer possibly sift through all this information and find what is correct for them. More likely will be that this golfer doesn't even understand that the three articles are talking about the same part of the golf swing and will end up trying ALL the drills and fixes at once. Then they are breaking good habits to add bad ones just because they read some information about it.
I read as much about the golf swing and am always learning and training myself (just as you do in your job) to stay on top of the game and the techniques of golf. Part of my job as your golf instructor is to be your personal filter for all the information you read, hear or see. Good instructors have a vivid memory for golf swings and I can probably remember yours much better than you think, so if you have any questions about a reading or piece of advice from an article, I can help you filter that information so you don't have to be confused or developing bad habits for no reason.
Having knowledge is great, but in golf you need to have the ability to know that not every piece of advice is correct and not every magazine article is written for you! Be aware of that and make sure you check with your pro before you make any changes in your swing.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
You don't want to improve? I don't believe you!
Have you ever met a golfer who does not want to improve their game or their score?
I have met a few that claim they don't, but they still get upset and frustrated on the golf course. This shows me that they still care and do not want to perform poorly.
I believe deep down everyone playing the game would like to hit better shots and shoot better scores. It's just the nature of competition and sport. So, why do you think the average golfer refuses to take a golf lesson or take them consistently?
Lets look into it...
99% of PGA Tour players, Web.com, European Tour, and collegiate players have a golf instructor they they see regularly. Regularly means whether they are swinging it great or terribly. Why? Their instructor usually knows the player very well and has a great idea of what the players swing faults and tendencies are. Good instructors have a knack for remembering golf swing and lessons from a long time ago which makes each session with a student productive and efficient.
If PGA Tour players are relying on experts to help them keep their swing in shape, why do you think you can handle it yourself?
Excuse #1: I know my swing and can fix myself...
Everyday I hear our members come off the range and say, "I just figured it out!" I can help but ask them what they did to figure it out because it almost always makes me giggle a little bit. Most answers are something like, "I moved my ball position forward a little and started striping it", or "I had to keep my head down longer cause I was looking up."
What I hear is, "I tried so many things, that one finally worked and I hit 2 good shots in a row." The fact is, they got lucky by distracting their mind enough to make a couple decent swings, but they did not improve their overall mechanics. They will try to take it on the course and will find that they swing fix they found doesn't work as well as they had hoped. That is why they are right back on the range the next day searching for the next key that 'figures it out' that day.
In order to improve your game, golfers need to make a commitment to change their swing. The ball flight cannot change if impact remains the same. Usually there are some fundamental flaws that prevent a golfer from making a effective impact position and that is why teaching professionals have jobs. It is very hard to diagnose yourself as you hit. The things you do and the things you feel are often far different from each other, and you need a set of trained eyes to guide you.
Excuse #2: I study the swing, so I know what to do...
Your judgement is clouded by golf magazine articles and the free advice your buddy gave you yesterday. I'm sad to say it, but none of these are tips and fixes are created for you. Magazine articles just want to sound interesting so people will read them (no, they are not directed at you personally no matter how much you may think so). And your buddy is likely just telling you what worked for him at one point when he hit the same kind of shot (do you have the same swing as him? No, it won't work).
Developing a relationship with your instructor is very important. Have them on speed dial on your phone, communicate with them often. Odds are they love their job, and will talk about your swing with you whenever and wherever you need some help.
Many times, a student of mine can simply call me and tell me what the ball flight looks like and what they feel in their swing. I know immediately know what the problem and know what thoughts to tell them that will get them back on track. Having someone on your side that knows your game and swing inside and out is a huge advantage over your golfing buddies.
Excuse #3: Its expensive…
The only other reason would have to be price. But if you talk to your instructor, you can find a plan that fits your budget and your goals. Plus, you'll get all the money back eventually by winning it off your buddies or buying less Pro-Vs from the golf shop. Not to mention you'll have more fun on the course, which is PRICELESS!
So, stop taking bad advise from yourself, your buddies and magazines and start improving your game. Develop a relationship with you pro and keep communication with them and with a some good practice they will keep you on the path to better golf!
'Like'
my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/chadmoscovicgolf
and
check out my website: www.chadmoscovicgolf.com
I have met a few that claim they don't, but they still get upset and frustrated on the golf course. This shows me that they still care and do not want to perform poorly.
 |
| Don't be this guy! |
I believe deep down everyone playing the game would like to hit better shots and shoot better scores. It's just the nature of competition and sport. So, why do you think the average golfer refuses to take a golf lesson or take them consistently?
Lets look into it...
99% of PGA Tour players, Web.com, European Tour, and collegiate players have a golf instructor they they see regularly. Regularly means whether they are swinging it great or terribly. Why? Their instructor usually knows the player very well and has a great idea of what the players swing faults and tendencies are. Good instructors have a knack for remembering golf swing and lessons from a long time ago which makes each session with a student productive and efficient.
If PGA Tour players are relying on experts to help them keep their swing in shape, why do you think you can handle it yourself?
Excuse #1: I know my swing and can fix myself...
Everyday I hear our members come off the range and say, "I just figured it out!" I can help but ask them what they did to figure it out because it almost always makes me giggle a little bit. Most answers are something like, "I moved my ball position forward a little and started striping it", or "I had to keep my head down longer cause I was looking up."
What I hear is, "I tried so many things, that one finally worked and I hit 2 good shots in a row." The fact is, they got lucky by distracting their mind enough to make a couple decent swings, but they did not improve their overall mechanics. They will try to take it on the course and will find that they swing fix they found doesn't work as well as they had hoped. That is why they are right back on the range the next day searching for the next key that 'figures it out' that day.
In order to improve your game, golfers need to make a commitment to change their swing. The ball flight cannot change if impact remains the same. Usually there are some fundamental flaws that prevent a golfer from making a effective impact position and that is why teaching professionals have jobs. It is very hard to diagnose yourself as you hit. The things you do and the things you feel are often far different from each other, and you need a set of trained eyes to guide you.
Excuse #2: I study the swing, so I know what to do...
Your judgement is clouded by golf magazine articles and the free advice your buddy gave you yesterday. I'm sad to say it, but none of these are tips and fixes are created for you. Magazine articles just want to sound interesting so people will read them (no, they are not directed at you personally no matter how much you may think so). And your buddy is likely just telling you what worked for him at one point when he hit the same kind of shot (do you have the same swing as him? No, it won't work).
Developing a relationship with your instructor is very important. Have them on speed dial on your phone, communicate with them often. Odds are they love their job, and will talk about your swing with you whenever and wherever you need some help.
Many times, a student of mine can simply call me and tell me what the ball flight looks like and what they feel in their swing. I know immediately know what the problem and know what thoughts to tell them that will get them back on track. Having someone on your side that knows your game and swing inside and out is a huge advantage over your golfing buddies.Excuse #3: Its expensive…
The only other reason would have to be price. But if you talk to your instructor, you can find a plan that fits your budget and your goals. Plus, you'll get all the money back eventually by winning it off your buddies or buying less Pro-Vs from the golf shop. Not to mention you'll have more fun on the course, which is PRICELESS!
So, stop taking bad advise from yourself, your buddies and magazines and start improving your game. Develop a relationship with you pro and keep communication with them and with a some good practice they will keep you on the path to better golf!
 |
| Be more like this guy! |
'Like'
my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/chadmoscovicgolf
and
check out my website: www.chadmoscovicgolf.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)