Hi Tom,
I'm working on getting that hip slide feel to start the backswing. I seem to be able to do it just fine, and make contact with the ground, if there is no ball. However, add the ball to the mix and things get all weird. I've been saying, "that little ball has quite some gravity." I realized that during the rehearsal swings, I'm not really focusing on a target and I'm able to swing freely with no anticipation. So I decided to try an experiment. What If, instead of looking at the ball during the shot, I'd look at the ground just behind the ball. Well, that got me hitting the ground behind the ball, that's not good. Ok, well, if the goal is to hit the ball and then the ground in front of the ball, maybe I should look at the ground just in front ball. It seemed to work! It takes hitting the ball out of the equation as the goal. It seem to put the swing as the goal, not the contact. I only took a few swings with this adjustment. Do you think there is something to this or, am I opening myself up for trouble? I really feel like it lets me swing through the ball instead of hitting the ball.
Thanks,
Danny
@Abdul Qaiyum,
We need to get you out there enjoying yourself on the course, because that's what it's all about!
I've done numerous online private lessons with golfers from across the globe, and the results have been excellent. If you're ever interested in arranging for one you may do so by emailing lessons@saguto.golf.
Beyond that, have you ever had me do a V1 Swing Video Analysis for you? This is an effective and inexpensive service that I highly recommend to everyone in the school. I liken it to bringing your swing into the shop for a tune-up or minor repair. Scheduling one on a quarterly basis for preventive maintenance will do wonders for keeping things humming along nicely, and it's also a great tool for pinpointing and resolving any issues that arise. The process involves downloading the free V1 app and then submitting two videos to me through the app - one down-the-line (captured from your stance line, not the target line) and the other face-on. Schedule yours today: https://app.v1sports.com/Saguto-Golf
While I do not personally know any instructors in the Palm Springs area, the Stack and Tilt website does include this Find an Instructor page.
Thanks,
Tom
Tom, I have spent so much time and effort trying to do what you say. It all makes perfect sense but I am unable to pull of the swing. I am 75 years old and did not grow up with sports so I think my problem is not being able to use my core when swinging the club. It is all arms and hands.
I have bought the Impact Snap Tool, I have the Lag Shot Club and have a net like you have on your videos whereby I can swing into the net.
My question to you is -- is there anyone in Palm Springs are that you know of who can be of help to me? Up until 4-5 years ago, I was able to play a decent (for me breaking a 100) game of golf but I have even lost that ability. I really want to go out and have fun and not feel like I embarrassed myself. My wife plays and awesome game. I am trying very hard with no success. I firmly believe that your method is right for me. I would appreciate if you can refer someone to me who might of help to me.
Thanks
Danny - So many problems are related to golfers trying to hit AT the ball rather than swing through it. You see it all the time - a beautiful rehearsal swing followed by a train wreck when that little white orb gets in the way. Whatever you can do to break this habit will pay great ball striking dividends instantly, so if it means focusing on a spot in front of the ball for now, so be it. You can also put down a thick chalk line or some inexpensive spray foot powder on the mat about an inch in front of the ball and make that your ground contact target. The mark on the mat - or lack thereof - will give you instant visual feedback.
Also, give the Straight Arms Drill a try. It'll help get the club working THROUGH the ball and TO the target. Let me know how that works for you.
Tom