I went and checked mine and put in new card for renewal. Scheduled for a @2/17. I believe I should be set now, we will see. Season right around the corner even though it's Feb 7th!!
@Tom Saguto I think you may fall in love with this place and obviously the people! All I need is your arrival time in Rome, Florence or Bologna and then we can explore a different level of Pollo Croccante!!!
I have loved the Members Only short lessons - for me they provide just a slightly different explanation/description of what the stroke is about.
Last week I posted quickly about the Throwing the Club - Chicken wing and yes it has really helped my striking.
Tom’s lesson on Knees was/is epic and really is transforming my swing! No doubt I have heard the importance of stance - comfortable, relaxed, overfill in in both series, hundreds of lessons and on YouTube - yesterday something clicked in my mind…the concept of a powerful base, open stance, knees almost ready to pounce was fantastic! What I also “found” was the essence of “Shoulder down and Hands around“ NOT as a series of steps (my explanation) but as the sauce on the “Everything moves in a Circle” - I got TIMING - like never before - relaxed, deliberate compressing the ball - what a find!!!
Guess what - when I swing this was I can square the clubface with rotation not manipulation!
Love this game!
Sorry if it does not make sense but I find the more I watch, listen and play the clearer the concept becomes.
60 balls, 54 really good shots, a few “fast,armsy ones” but another level in the journey!!
@marc.manion Yes - he lives in the Jacksonville area. Though he did say that he doesn't play TPC very often because the typical course conditions are not close to how they set it up for The Players.
One of the great tings was lookaing at all the little tips and suggestions to help our games in the MO section - really helpful to watch a few times and now see what works for me!
Hey guys! I am back on track - small problem with a fractured vertebrae in my neck which was a pain - well a numb really.
On the good side, I can carry really hot plates and maybe not grip the club so hard
On the better side - no way I am trying to smash the ball just swinging it with the “almost wrath of God” and off they go!Hope all is well , Raining cats and dogs over here so plenty of rest!
Welcome back, Marc!! I was getting concerned since we hadn't heard from you in quite some time. So sorry about your neck issue, but very glad to know that you are healing up well.
Nothing wrong with "Almost Wrath". In fact, having a governor imposed on our body can actually help if we are prone to overswinging. I don't necessarily recommend going about it the way you did, but since it already happened let's make some lemonade - or better yet, limoncello - from this lemon!! 😎
Hey there Team Saguto! Hope all is well and you are smiling!
What a week!!!
It has been possibly one of the most frantic and unsettling golf weeks ever - and - surprise - most of it was in my head!
A few days ago I tumbled upon the fact that my shoulder turn was a little lazy and every once in a while contact and direction were suffering like a lonely chicken wing left on the plate!
Solution part one - When in doubt refer to the instructions - and after about 2 sessions (I read the instructions TS) the ball was humming, my slightly closed takeaway and position throughout the swing was soft and powerful - boom - ready for Wed comp!!
Result - 16 points - as in 16 for the whole 18 holes!! A most humbling day…
There were a few “excuses” during the round - yes the ball was going further - not too bad, yes the greens were crap (ie: too fast/slow/damp) and yes the first cut was brutal BUT there was not a ready solution so I played with the game I had - poorly!
After about 14 holes I started again - grip, pecs, club unit, …and then let my brain take over - (hence 8 of the 16 points)
The main learning for me accepting the day, scoring every shot and focusing on trying to improve every shot just a little bit - aim for 2 putts - which means, pitch and chip closer, understand that some holes are longer than 2 shots - so play 2 good ones not 4 “Hail Mary” shots, if the rough is “rough” a 5 wood might be the dumbest idea …
It’s OK - I love this game - I have the tools to enjoy it more and I think that my brain is becoming more realistic with it’s aspirations!
@marc.manion - Wouldn't it be nice if every round started on the 16th hole when we finally have it all figured out, and then we can just loop around and play the rest of the course from there. By my calculations that would have given you something like 34 points.... 😆
Things are coming together (lucky I am not knitting a jumper as it would be pretty lumpy!) - In spite of the fact that scoring is a little inconsistent I am pretty happy to accept that this is still very much a learning process - and I have confidence in the process!
It is fun (interesting) to accept that there is a reason for every good and every average shot - and learn from them.
Simple “spices” - long, thick, wet grass in the first cut rules out using a 5 wood!
170m shots to the green, without knowing my exact, consistent distance can be greatly helped by 8 iron, 52 to the centre of the green rather than 4 iron, 60 degree from the beach!
Ben Hogan’s words - “It’s ok Byron, it is only a game” will often make me smile and laugh at myself!
Sweet update, @marc.manion. Seems like things are coming together nicely.
FYI, there's been a bit of very recent dialogue in the Forum about the importance of the setup. Have a look at my reply towards the bottom of this thread where I share a couple of photos from the S&T book as well as a link to a KFC Club video on the topic.
Also, some good discussion going on in the short game realm, including this thread.
18 Holes today - some in the wind, some in the rain and the last bit in the sauna of sunshine and heat!
The learning game has commenced in full - ball striking for the most part 80% fantastic - same spot - learnings:
1 The difference between grass and mats - massive in summer where it grows so thick and 1st/2nd cuts need a heap more attention!
2 The importance of set up - For me it is a case of routine not reflex - if not I can explain some of the 20% of Kermit shots.
3 Relax - take a practice swing, identify a target and choose the shot best suited to get me there - by the way - this process only takes about a minute so it is way better than wasting a shot, looking for a ball …
4 Chipping, pitching, bunkers and putting - at the moment I have found a range where I know my 52 or PW will get me landing the ball at constant distances - green “texture” varied heaps today but that’s where putting comes in - lots of practice will help.
5 Off the tee - happy as - for the first time I am confident that I will hit the short stuff (mostly) and hit it 30 odd m further than last week. Tom’s Power Lessons, especially with the Follow Through really help!
Kermit is not the Hermit - still a bit of a hacker but a Happy Hacker at the moment!
Our "stupid minds" are the primary cause of our golfing woes. The mind says, "I'm holding a stick, I see a ball, I want to propel that ball with the stick, therefore I will hit at it." Neutralize that well-ingrained subconscious act and you will conquer the golf swing.
By the way - and this is directed to the entire community - there's no need to bring up masks, jabs, politics, etc. here (unless, of course, we are masking a swing flaw, jabbing at our putts, or getting too left or too right with our weight...😎). We can opine on that stuff elsewhere should we elect to do so, but this forum is dedicated solely to this great game and the enjoyment thereof. In other words, our little bubble here shall be preserved as such in its golf purity and devoid of any influences from an outer world gone mad...
There are some benefits of being in ISO - not may, nut a few!
Today I rewatched the Downswing series and the Hip Bump Drill sections!
Am I slow, or just slow???
How many of us have spent hours transitioning the club from top of the swing to the Club horizontal without realising (being kind to myself) remembering that it is the lateral movement that helps the body drag the shoulders, arm, club into the position to initiate the Wrath of God!!And it just gets it to the spot where it should be - leaving my stupid mind out of the process!
Backyard has evidence of the club hitting the same spot in the grass (benefit)
Sally not too thrilled (temporary problem)!
Stay safe, mask up (even after jab#3) this virus is everywhere!
@marc.manion Just like the vast majority of Tour players who have adopted most or all of those "better ideas".......😎 For example, if you were to ask, "how many PGA Tour major championship winners TILTED, TURNED, and EXTENDED in the golf swing?", the answer would be all of them! Stack and Tilt is a golf swing system based on data from the best golf ball strikers. For this reason, someone can be embracing key Stack and Tilt elements without being aware of it. This is because there are basic requirements that must be met to hit a golf ball consistently on the center of the clubface. There are also components necessary to add power to the golf swing without sacrificing accuracy. Stack and Tilt determined, based on a study of the best golfers of all time, that they all had 3 things in common (the 3 main golf fundamentals): 1. Hit the ground in the same spot every time (consistent crispy contact) 2. Have enough power to play the golf course well (POWER) 3. Be able to have a predictable curve (accuracy). A player MUST be able to do those 3 things to be good at golf. Stack and Tilt is the road map for accomplishing these fundamentals incredibly well! As far as tour players using 100% of it, 99% of it, 97% of it, or 78% of it, it doesn't really matter because they're ALL doing it to some extent. Those 3 fundamentals never change!
For now I prefer to leave the "clinical" work to others. My model and my attention is dedicated to the online school and its members, providing high quality video instruction content, and private instruction through the V1 service and one-on-one in-person lessons.
Another day on course which was more interesting than fun but as Tom said - a transition from Golf Swing to Golf!
For the most part I was pretty pleased to notice a change in my “mindset” about the round. Confidence is a great asset in most things - golf - for me especially.
It is comforting to know that most drives off the tee will be in play and when the trigger idea is “play the shot you know“ from certain spots works 90% of the time all things are fun!
Obviously there is a sack of fine tuning - re calculating distances - and removing ego from the selection - eg: I know for sure that when I am 60 -75 m from the green the ball will land where I send it, other irons pretty much the same and the issue of “comfortable, relaxed power” is still a little inconsistent. Not sure what the trigger is yet but the routine of a slow swing and then a real swing as pre shot worked pretty well.
Putting - next on my viewing list - and trying to ingrain all of the learnings so they are a complete series not 5 parts!
Nice to see that you're taking your swing out to the course and putting some pressure on it. That's always extremely revealing, and it tends to build the virtue of humility if you allow it to LOL.
What you experienced is most assuredly part of the process, and as your practice performance becomes more and more consistent then it's just a function of time in terms of when/how that will translate itself to the pressures and challenges of actual play. As confidence in your swing grows you should find more and more that you are playing "golf" instead of "golf swing" on the course, at which point your mechanical thoughts will be reduced to one or two at the most, and you will be nearly entirely focused on your target and not your swing.
Apologies if I've already mentioned these to you, but some excellent supplemental reading that may help you with this is "Fearless Golf: Conquering the Mental Game" by Dr. Gio Valiante. Another book that I like is "Play Your Best Golf Now" by Lynn Marriott & Pia Nilsson.
In hindsight - like the last 2 weeks I have spent some time focusing on the basics - the basics of not just a new swing - but a new way of doing stuff!!
Today’s lesson was Brutal - when Tom says there is no quick way he is absolutely correct! Yes the odd short cut can help make me feel good but … that is not the plan.
Here’s what I learnt
New Course, Team Match Play with guys whose handicapped have stayed pretty constant and are happy to be off 18.
My partner in crime played pro tennis - against McEnroe and the others, Wimbledon, US open and won most Australian gigs - he can hit a ball, has great lag and pretty competitive - TS may say - and where i=did you read go?
First drive 210 m - easy, pretty much textbook warmup … next 2,,, arms, thin …chop wood - in creek - 8 holes later - I am still trying to hit the ball - successfully - into the ground, off the toe, thin and completely headless.
Back 9 … two deep breaths, weigh under control - hit fairway, hit 70% shot to fringe - chip, putt - par…
Then, thank the Lord - or the Colonel - the stuff Tom says is essential arrived -
Sorry had some of the grandparent stuff happening…
Yesterday we played an event called the Christmas Cup - about 90 of us play single and team event,spend plenty of time heckling each other and try to play serious golf!
Major takeaways are
1 The takeaway - if the first movement is correct then there is a pretty good chance that good contact will send the little round thing in the right direction.
2 Throw, skim, toss watermelon in the direction of the target - the melon worked pretty well for me - especially when it was relaxed!
3 Tension does kill - pretty much everything - left /right, fat thin - BUT - at least I knew it and the next few - swung with trust were buttery!
4 My time on the beach was not pleasant - until I remembered to accelerate the club not decelerate - a Muppet Moment ( actually 3 x 2 = 6 shots)
I cannot stress the importance of actually playing golf - or hitting off grass rather than mats - really helps focus on the swing!
Love it - sadly we did not win but happy to strike the ball in the same spot (when I trust the program)!!!
@marc.manion - Generally speaking - and pre-existing injuries aside - any physical pain with the S&T swing is an indication that something is amiss somewhere in the setup and/or motion.
If you read Tom’s reply above this post will make a little sense!
Hit some balls yesterday, sorta focussing on that left leg extension at impact, felt a twinge and of course, played on!
20 mins later, shots are crap, I feel like I have popped a rib, disc, vertebrae - heart muscle and I have now become so tense (obscenely focused) on getting to this position I realised it was time to just head home…
Later in the afternoon a friend asked if I wanted to play a lazy 9 - answer obviously yes!
How strange - first shot - pain, second shot, slice, third shop top.
At last what little is left of my brain began screaming at me - relax, weight forward…hit without tension - ie back to abbreviated swing! 5 iron, half shot heads down the paddock 165 yards and the pain diminishes a bit.
Play the shot you know you can hit - 6 iron, 8 iron, 52, 2 putts - par…gradually edged closer to respectability and sensibly (rarely used word in my lingo) stopped, quick beer and went home.
Last night I discovered the TSG Club videos - which are, if anyone has missed them, a great reminder of the heaps of things I forgot, skipped and “Lo and Behold” there is a section on Tension is Death
When all else fails, read the instructions - in this case - do NOT - place strain on a part of your swing - it is not that great for your shot or your body!
@marc.manion - Enjoying your style. You have a great book in the making here. Beyond that, you're most definitely figuring swing things out very nicely!
Slowly, remembering “When all else fails - READ the instructions!”
KFC is a sponsor of the “Big Bash” Cricket here - sorta like a Baseball game with 120 pitches - most runs wins…loving the slo-mo of the balls flying out of the park - Go to ground, Head steady, shoulders, hips, arms, wrists - which we already strive for - but the logo takes on much more significance!
We of ten say “Less is more” the Greeks once said “Moderation in all things”
I think this concept is possibly one of the great tips about life and golf!
Yesterday I spent a little time working on the watermelon and extension and realised there could be a link!
For the first 20 mins I was (I think) so focused on replicating each of the different “feels, drills, positions” that the Holy Grail seemed even further away than usual!
The first part of the solution arrived in the idea of grabbing my 52 wedge and just chipping, then pitching then experimenting only with my weight positions 55, 60…the KFC counter opened again so I grabbed my 5 iron!
Shop closed, deep fryer broken, gravy cold, no fresh chilli - stop, breath - 5 iron punch shots back to targets - amazing - Counter open again - why?
Keep it simple IDIOT!!!!!
With a relaxed, focused - yes, strong - yes rehearsed swing the ball responds to the swing by heading way down the paddock.
With a contrived, premeditated, tense swing - mate, she goes with reluctance and not that far.
A win for my brain not my ego!
Then, for me, with relaxation comes extension (my Holy Grail this week) and beautiful, soft, effortlessly powerful strikes.
Today’s plan - sadly at the range - 18 holes - different scenarios - play with the Less tension and More trust - that’s why we play!
As I mentioned there is no need for a trip for a Plastic Surgeon!
There is a need to Read the Instructions - read them, reread them because I am fighting some very ingrained practices!!!
Agreed - throwing the club is not the most useful analogy - throwing something heavy helps with matching up our/MY (sorry) swing planes, using the ground and hands being the calmest, final part of the pass!
Obviously I missed something for the first 20 balls…I am throwing that watermelon onto the truck - that way the action helps me extend my body upwards and the tuCk is a natural movement! YES!!!
That was fun, and I only picked up the upward toss when I say Tom show how a shot could look without upwards extension - hmm - like about 80% of people swaying through the he ball!
Man this is teaching me patience - but good patience because I am certain I can get around the course better, easier and “crispier” after only a few sessions!
Tonight off to watch the session on feeling drills - as a reminder/appetiser for tomorrow - cannot wait to fry get some more crispy chicken - AND - explore the fact that I noticed my hands were way too close to my body - which reduces rotation, reduces impact position - makes cold chook!
A few times I have been told to throw the club toward the target but I am just realising that when I use that image there is a chance the clubhead will end up in front of my hands!
My problem in the interpretation - if I think it through it could be the whole swing unit - watermelon is easier coz it is heavy already!
There is now a notable difference between a “Crispy” shot and just a roasted one!
Yes the misses are way better but the effortless, soft feel off the club is addictive!!!
Shoulders down also REALLY improves power without extra effort - when I have turned 90 to the ball, and there is no stress on the turn - Super Crispy!
Lol, is that a question, or statement. I do like that, a smooth practice swing, that fell, bring it to the real swing. That does work, keep the power at 80 percent.
@marc.manion - You've got to find the unique feel that works best for you. There's no one right answer, although trust and autopilot tend to play well, and those are fruits of good practice.
Rain, lots of Rain and a Grandchild! Yeew!! What a miracle - another golfer born into the world!
Currently I am up the coast with my son who arrived from Berlin yesterday and is in ISO to keep the virus at bay - luckily the house has an exclusion zone and Jet Lag will keep him quiet for a day or two!
To golf - after my reality check and name change to Kermit I spent some time reviewing all of section 1 and the basic principles!
Today at the range was a sedate lesson in relaxed detail, gradual “ramping up” my swing through the initial drills and keeping my swing compact and connected - in a Kermit imitation of Ben Hogan.
The nicest 80 golf balls I have sent down range!
Obviously there were a few “Muppet like” quick, rushed, arms only shots - but this time it was obvious and very helpful underling the benefit(for me) of a relaxed, pre shot routine and staying connected!
I am playing in a Charity Tournament in a week or so and think I will stay in the abbreviated zone - which seems to head to “real” when I am relaxed anyway!
Have fun guys, this is a fun trip not only to KFC to to selfless sharing the “Wrath of God” with golf balls!
Smile lots - pray that there will not be any Krispy Fried Kermit tomorrow
I think I hear Tom stress the need to explore each topic patiently and fully! Actually I think he stressed it about 500 times - which could mean I have a long, long way to go!
Today was Range Day - and Pear Shape Day!!!
When I look back it was not such a drama but wow, have you ever felt completely lost?
Warm up - fine, normal Weight Forward balls, followed by Shoulder Down and all was going swimmingly! Then I began to work on the take away - the wrong way!!! For about 40 balls I was focussed on the toe down position when the club is horizontal to the ground and absolutely forgot that my hands were meant to come in before the rotation takes them up!
So humbling to look like a Muppet (no offence to the Muppets!) on the range and then, after stopping, deciding to just revert to the abbreviated shot that served me so well - boom, back on track- sorta!!
Plan on watching Charlie Wi and Tom Saguto this evening to ensure that my brain is clearly imprinted!
Nice update and glad to know that the sun finally came out of hiding, Marc!
In answer to your question, without any non-prescribed handsy action the clubface should be pointing at the ball in the takeaway. Have a look at this Charlie Wi video as a reference point.
If you can ever get the opportunity to head to SC for a chat and hit - and some KFC - I think there is a definite upside - because there are more questions than ever!!
I have discounted new bunker techniques - not up to that part yet and the driver was a new addition today.
1 Driver - goes pretty well and much easier to stay on track using the Saguto Family technique - 11 shots, 9 on fairway, 1 tasteless but ok, one - arrogant brain fade - still rolling down the road! Hey - better than usual!
Game and Process - I guess we could agree that weight, shoulder rotation and extension ( bum too) are the core parts, add the drills - for another few months - because a half shot can go 90% as far as a tight chop!
2 Takeaway is (for me) something to be explored, revisited again and again - body leads, hands in, also keeping the club face closed on that path - is it toe down - Tom? Because today - that part delivered some great shots!
Putting - let’s wait till I can get it on the green in 2 or 3 shots!
3 summary - love the idea of Tom’s knee tip and posting on the lead leg, it makes the left arm so valuable in rotating not chopping - and helps (please Lord!)keeping my body n hands leading the stroke ( and retaining that angle we have at address, during takeaway and impact!
So many fun things, so many pure shots and only Week 2!!!
18 holes on a wet track - and like being in the surf - sometimes you crack a few great waves and love the session, others are a bit lumpy and you get smashed!
1 For me - Basics need way more work! They will only become natural/ automatic when I follow the same routine, posture, grip, alignment, WEIGHT, swing - they were all there yelling at me!
The “Yelling” poses another problem - learning? Once the swing is finished - it is finished! After about 7 holes I was able to just watch the result and get ready for the next one - not really analysing the previous one. It helped!
2 I have heard it a 1000 times and it is true - Grass is way different to a mat, and playing way different to practice! It could be so simple if we hit 5 7 irons into the green! Expect to play a few more holes than hit the driving range!
3 Main learning - Basics - there many different situations we will encounter on course and unless I spend weeks grinding them into my body there will be quite a few “I coulda” ”if only” moments!
4 Gotta say, in spite of my weekly reality check - most of the regular shots are improving and I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, stay with the plan and worry about putts, trees, long grass later!
Good news - 86 on the course after Club Champs is ok - and better news - it is not that bad off the back markers when you hit the ball pure - will save the KFC dinner for the end of the week!
Smile lots, relax and remember, no matter how tired you are - WEIGHT FORWARD, SHOULDERS DOWN, HANDS IN - our bodies can pure a few with a tired good shot!
Still raining - 😏 but had a quick run to the range to explore set up, club choice, target and timing.
60 balls - 20 warmup and then The Real Game (in my mind and on the mat) started.
1. I imagined pitch shots and chips to the green - all using my 52 wedge - varied distances. Each shot began with walking into the bay, choosing the shot, rehearsing the shot and then executing. 2 minutes allowed.
10 shots, 8/10 pretty tidy, contact sweet - obviously not for two where I lost focus…
2. 9 iron, 5 shots from 90 - 110 m out. Same idea -2 minutes- relax, focus, choose, rehearse - execute. Nice
3. 7 iron - 10 full shots - 80% speed - same process. Problem No 1 arrived: EGO - topped 2 balls - trying to smash the ball - in the process lost weight forward - so lost contact - lost brain1. 5 x 90% forward - slow, half shots - back for the last 3 Still in the game
4. 5 iron - 10 shots, same process. Disappointing - ok contact, ok tempo - Problem No 2 identified - If I focus on forcing my weight to be 55 - 60% on my lead side I started to tense up - which again reduced my rotation, upset the KFC from crispy to warm, soggy.5 more shots - no pressure - track takeaway, shoulder down rotation gently - boom - slow and easy - then I remembered Slow and accelerate and slap
5. Last few were spent checking the basics - especially shoulder down, arms tights, pitted, take away - trust!
Ready for another day on the course tomorrow - only aim is technique - maybe use driver and 5 at some stage if I can get to the range to swing them!
Keep up the great work, and thanks for logging it for all to see. Yes, one swing thought is the goal, and after sufficient time has been spent beating back those old swing demons you will get there.
logic and experience has shown us that Real V Feel also extends from the range to the course - …
In summary - emotional roller coaster - some great shots - actually outstanding times of sending the ball to a target and nailing it AND - some reality checks!
Score wise - shot 85 - off 14 so ok but so many shots wasted.
Where are the learnings -
1 Stay with the program - swing tempo - commit to the shot … 1000 thoughts - really need one - shoulder down
2 Fitness - another real v feel - I need to hit lots of shots from grass - mud -
3 Stay relaxed - try to hit ball - my brain can do it in lots of ways - yes Tom …
Practice swings - slow motion, then remember the best ever drill, relax and - shoulder down - boom there is for me about a 20/25 meter difference between relaxed process and trying to bully the ball.
What a blast - yes it was wet, really wet but I am loving the process!
There is so much information and detail in all the info we have available to us that for me, rereading/watching each section is so important And I think if we stay on the path there will be some serious changes to my game, my headspace and my body!
120 swings with my 8 iron again - again using 90% and 70% half shots as a warmup, rehearsing the Flying Wedge and the Full “Greatest Ever” drill and life was wonderful, soft and buttery!
I do recommend taking some alignment sticks - they are pretty useful for me to confirm setup and ball position and later, alignment, swing path and hand path!
Lots of work to do on keeping weight forward (old habits) but today - golf on a real course!
Back to the Range - absolutely pouring here at the moment - most GC’s are closed!
Project - 8 iron, 120 balls, trust the process!
1. 30 balls - focus short shots, find low point, refine grip and stance. Fun, no great disasters
2. 30 balls - moving from 90% weight forward back to 60% and back up. Good feel for getting through past impact - finish still abbreviated. Important to relax in the turn!
3. 30 balls - “Flying the Cheesy wedge” - this is indeed where the rubber hits the road - the concept of allowing the club to be the last link in the Power Chain came a bit slowly but when it did - boom
4 30 balls - took about 30/40 minutes. Check grip, setup, posture, weight - ready? NO - take a practice swing - trust relaxed, effortless swings - trust and NOW I am starting to understand! I was running on 30% effort and 65% speed (at 65 -75% backswing) it was such a thrill! 8 iron X 20 swings at different targets - all over the 150 m mark!
Some a bit crispier than others - but dipped in mashed potato - a great feeling!
Hey; you are ahead of me on the journey. I just today started to work on this whole “tilt” thing. Glad that you couldn’t wait to share the gold you have found. Thank you and keep sharing with us, that only us golfers can understand your glee! Tom is trying to lead us to the promised land of milk and honey. KFC has honey for their biscuits. lol
Love it! Either I'm too stupid or I just forget, to go out and play from the outset with an "abbreviated" swing, which guess what? Could be THE swing for me, or you. John Rahm and Tony F are very successful tour pros.
So golfisti, here is week one of what could be a long, but really satisfying journey trying to alter my old swing and find the best KFC I can!
On Sunday I finally took the leap and began studying Tom’s videos!
It was not only exciting but an amazing process to highlight the “unspoken” parts of golf tuition that are so often taken for granted!
Day 1 - was fantastic learning process
Day 2 - at the range small shots - amazing results and hitting a few 52 wedge shots off grass at the club - perfect
Day 3 - a great reminder of your words - stick with the plan!
There is The Process - it allows for human strengths and weaknesses but not for short cuts - lesson learnt - the Saguto ones - went where they should, went as long as my normal shots at 1/2 effort
Day 4 - back to range, one club, one consistent shot! Work in progress
Day 5 - back to the range again - two clubs, 90 balls (130 mins) and the process is beginning to sink in - what I have found most useful is to take a practice swing - slowly - building the plan for my half shot, relax, swing easily and smile in awe as the little thing flies off down the paddock!
How blessed are we to have a brain that can compute all this stuff!
The Plan:
Hit more balls again - half to 3/4 swings and I think I will even play 18 with my abbreviated swing to really start training On the weekend!
Would love to hear if anyone has tried to play 18 this way - how it went and how great was the temptation to revert??
Great post, @marc.manion!! There are plenty of folks here who have taken an abbreviated "drill swing" to the course with great results. Check this out from fellow member @burkholder.ronald:
"Well, it happened again! 75, but not complaining about that. This round gave me a great AHA! moment. The day before I shot a miserable 84. Couldn't do anything very well. My warm up was not productive at all. I had no feel around or on the greens. So, this time I warmed up strictly executing the 2.8 Drill with the LW, PW, 8, 5, and Driver. Then I played the whole round using the 2.8 drill swing. And you speak the truth when you say you can play golf using this drill. I had 3 bogeys, 2 birdies, and a double. The double was a result of abandoning the drill and trying to hit the ball too far. Cold topped it about 80 yards. Then pushed the 3 wood into the trees. Threaded a needle with a chipped 5 iron to just in front of the green and chipped long and two-putted.
So, I am going to warm up and play the next 5 rounds using the 2.8 Drill exclusively. Period."
Ronald then proceeded to shoot five consecutive rounds in the 70's using the 2.8 swing exclusively!!
So guys, have some things changed on the site?
was about to review some old lessons but I am locked out???
Buongiorno Tutti!!!
Just thought I would drop in and say hello!
We are back in Tuscany and I am off to have a range session then play a few holes down near Perugia!!
Hope you guys are all well - really enjoying all the tips over the last month or so!!!
Sometimes things just click to another level!
I have loved the Members Only short lessons - for me they provide just a slightly different explanation/description of what the stroke is about.
Last week I posted quickly about the Throwing the Club - Chicken wing and yes it has really helped my striking.
Tom’s lesson on Knees was/is epic and really is transforming my swing! No doubt I have heard the importance of stance - comfortable, relaxed, overfill in in both series, hundreds of lessons and on YouTube - yesterday something clicked in my mind…the concept of a powerful base, open stance, knees almost ready to pounce was fantastic! What I also “found” was the essence of “Shoulder down and Hands around“ NOT as a series of steps (my explanation) but as the sauce on the “Everything moves in a Circle” - I got TIMING - like never before - relaxed, deliberate compressing the ball - what a find!!!
Guess what - when I swing this was I can square the clubface with rotation not manipulation!
Love this game!
Sorry if it does not make sense but I find the more I watch, listen and play the clearer the concept becomes.
60 balls, 54 really good shots, a few “fast,armsy ones” but another level in the journey!!
One of the great tings was lookaing at all the little tips and suggestions to help our games in the MO section - really helpful to watch a few times and now see what works for me!
I love this game - smile lots!
This lemon makes some pretty good limoncello and will be back in the land of pasta and pizza in 3 weeks!
Looking forward to Crispy Chicken - not Pizza with fruit - and just having fun!
Sensei ( Maestro ) when do you land in Rome?
Hey guys! I am back on track - small problem with a fractured vertebrae in my neck which was a pain - well a numb really.
On the good side, I can carry really hot plates and maybe not grip the club so hard
On the better side - no way I am trying to smash the ball just swinging it with the “almost wrath of God” and off they go!Hope all is well , Raining cats and dogs over here so plenty of rest!
Hey there Team Saguto! Hope all is well and you are smiling!
What a week!!!
It has been possibly one of the most frantic and unsettling golf weeks ever - and - surprise - most of it was in my head!
A few days ago I tumbled upon the fact that my shoulder turn was a little lazy and every once in a while contact and direction were suffering like a lonely chicken wing left on the plate!
Solution part one - When in doubt refer to the instructions - and after about 2 sessions (I read the instructions TS) the ball was humming, my slightly closed takeaway and position throughout the swing was soft and powerful - boom - ready for Wed comp!!
Result - 16 points - as in 16 for the whole 18 holes!! A most humbling day…
There were a few “excuses” during the round - yes the ball was going further - not too bad, yes the greens were crap (ie: too fast/slow/damp) and yes the first cut was brutal BUT there was not a ready solution so I played with the game I had - poorly!
After about 14 holes I started again - grip, pecs, club unit, …and then let my brain take over - (hence 8 of the 16 points)
The main learning for me accepting the day, scoring every shot and focusing on trying to improve every shot just a little bit - aim for 2 putts - which means, pitch and chip closer, understand that some holes are longer than 2 shots - so play 2 good ones not 4 “Hail Mary” shots, if the rough is “rough” a 5 wood might be the dumbest idea …
It’s OK - I love this game - I have the tools to enjoy it more and I think that my brain is becoming more realistic with it’s aspirations!
The Australian Man=stars will wait!!!
Thanks for the links - will have a read shortly!
Things are coming together (lucky I am not knitting a jumper as it would be pretty lumpy!) - In spite of the fact that scoring is a little inconsistent I am pretty happy to accept that this is still very much a learning process - and I have confidence in the process!
It is fun (interesting) to accept that there is a reason for every good and every average shot - and learn from them.
Simple “spices” - long, thick, wet grass in the first cut rules out using a 5 wood!
170m shots to the green, without knowing my exact, consistent distance can be greatly helped by 8 iron, 52 to the centre of the green rather than 4 iron, 60 degree from the beach!
Ben Hogan’s words - “It’s ok Byron, it is only a game” will often make me smile and laugh at myself!
Sweet update, @marc.manion. Seems like things are coming together nicely.
FYI, there's been a bit of very recent dialogue in the Forum about the importance of the setup. Have a look at my reply towards the bottom of this thread where I share a couple of photos from the S&T book as well as a link to a KFC Club video on the topic.
Also, some good discussion going on in the short game realm, including this thread.
Cheers!
18 Holes today - some in the wind, some in the rain and the last bit in the sauna of sunshine and heat!
The learning game has commenced in full - ball striking for the most part 80% fantastic - same spot - learnings:
1 The difference between grass and mats - massive in summer where it grows so thick and 1st/2nd cuts need a heap more attention!
2 The importance of set up - For me it is a case of routine not reflex - if not I can explain some of the 20% of Kermit shots.
3 Relax - take a practice swing, identify a target and choose the shot best suited to get me there - by the way - this process only takes about a minute so it is way better than wasting a shot, looking for a ball …
4 Chipping, pitching, bunkers and putting - at the moment I have found a range where I know my 52 or PW will get me landing the ball at constant distances - green “texture” varied heaps today but that’s where putting comes in - lots of practice will help.
5 Off the tee - happy as - for the first time I am confident that I will hit the short stuff (mostly) and hit it 30 odd m further than last week. Tom’s Power Lessons, especially with the Follow Through really help!
Kermit is not the Hermit - still a bit of a hacker but a Happy Hacker at the moment!
I LOVE GOLF and SAGUTO GOLF too!!
Our "stupid minds" are the primary cause of our golfing woes. The mind says, "I'm holding a stick, I see a ball, I want to propel that ball with the stick, therefore I will hit at it." Neutralize that well-ingrained subconscious act and you will conquer the golf swing.
By the way - and this is directed to the entire community - there's no need to bring up masks, jabs, politics, etc. here (unless, of course, we are masking a swing flaw, jabbing at our putts, or getting too left or too right with our weight...😎). We can opine on that stuff elsewhere should we elect to do so, but this forum is dedicated solely to this great game and the enjoyment thereof. In other words, our little bubble here shall be preserved as such in its golf purity and devoid of any influences from an outer world gone mad...
Life in ISO!!!
There are some benefits of being in ISO - not may, nut a few!
Today I rewatched the Downswing series and the Hip Bump Drill sections!
Am I slow, or just slow???
How many of us have spent hours transitioning the club from top of the swing to the Club horizontal without realising (being kind to myself) remembering that it is the lateral movement that helps the body drag the shoulders, arm, club into the position to initiate the Wrath of God!!And it just gets it to the spot where it should be - leaving my stupid mind out of the process!
Backyard has evidence of the club hitting the same spot in the grass (benefit)
Sally not too thrilled (temporary problem)!
Stay safe, mask up (even after jab#3) this virus is everywhere!
Happy Christmas everyone!
Hope you had a great time, celebrated with family and friends and remembered the reason we hold Christmas to our hearts!
There will be a small lull in golf for me - it is called Covid - and my prize is another week in isolation…
Yep been vaxed, topped up but still testing positive so lulling around on the couch with Man Flu (sorry girls - I am a sook as well as a muppet)
Talk after Jan 2 where I am allowed to go play again!!
Stay safe -
Week 5 Day 3
Another day on course which was more interesting than fun but as Tom said - a transition from Golf Swing to Golf!
For the most part I was pretty pleased to notice a change in my “mindset” about the round. Confidence is a great asset in most things - golf - for me especially.
It is comforting to know that most drives off the tee will be in play and when the trigger idea is “play the shot you know“ from certain spots works 90% of the time all things are fun!
Obviously there is a sack of fine tuning - re calculating distances - and removing ego from the selection - eg: I know for sure that when I am 60 -75 m from the green the ball will land where I send it, other irons pretty much the same and the issue of “comfortable, relaxed power” is still a little inconsistent. Not sure what the trigger is yet but the routine of a slow swing and then a real swing as pre shot worked pretty well.
Putting - next on my viewing list - and trying to ingrain all of the learnings so they are a complete series not 5 parts!
More to fall asleep by tomorrow!
Thanks Tom - will buy it for Christmas!
The Inner Game of Golf was also a pretty good and Zen in the Martial Arts also reminds me when I am not “in” the process!
"Golf is Fun", and so the journey continues.....😎
Nice to see that you're taking your swing out to the course and putting some pressure on it. That's always extremely revealing, and it tends to build the virtue of humility if you allow it to LOL.
What you experienced is most assuredly part of the process, and as your practice performance becomes more and more consistent then it's just a function of time in terms of when/how that will translate itself to the pressures and challenges of actual play. As confidence in your swing grows you should find more and more that you are playing "golf" instead of "golf swing" on the course, at which point your mechanical thoughts will be reduced to one or two at the most, and you will be nearly entirely focused on your target and not your swing.
Apologies if I've already mentioned these to you, but some excellent supplemental reading that may help you with this is "Fearless Golf: Conquering the Mental Game" by Dr. Gio Valiante. Another book that I like is "Play Your Best Golf Now" by Lynn Marriott & Pia Nilsson.
Keep it Fun, Make it Crispy!
Week 5 Day 1
Headless - completely headless!
In hindsight - like the last 2 weeks I have spent some time focusing on the basics - the basics of not just a new swing - but a new way of doing stuff!!
Today’s lesson was Brutal - when Tom says there is no quick way he is absolutely correct! Yes the odd short cut can help make me feel good but … that is not the plan.
Here’s what I learnt
New Course, Team Match Play with guys whose handicapped have stayed pretty constant and are happy to be off 18.
My partner in crime played pro tennis - against McEnroe and the others, Wimbledon, US open and won most Australian gigs - he can hit a ball, has great lag and pretty competitive - TS may say - and where i=did you read go?
First drive 210 m - easy, pretty much textbook warmup … next 2,,, arms, thin …chop wood - in creek - 8 holes later - I am still trying to hit the ball - successfully - into the ground, off the toe, thin and completely headless.
Back 9 … two deep breaths, weigh under control - hit fairway, hit 70% shot to fringe - chip, putt - par…
Then, thank the Lord - or the Colonel - the stuff Tom says is essential arrived -
add shoulder turn - oops - Baal compressed - boom.
take the chop to the swing - boom
hit the shot you know you can hit - boom
Yep we lost 2/1 bit learnt a great lesson - get a process - trust the process - tension kills - but Golf is Fun (sometimes after a beer)!
Week 4 Day 6
Sorry had some of the grandparent stuff happening…
Yesterday we played an event called the Christmas Cup - about 90 of us play single and team event,spend plenty of time heckling each other and try to play serious golf!
Major takeaways are
1 The takeaway - if the first movement is correct then there is a pretty good chance that good contact will send the little round thing in the right direction.
2 Throw, skim, toss watermelon in the direction of the target - the melon worked pretty well for me - especially when it was relaxed!
3 Tension does kill - pretty much everything - left /right, fat thin - BUT - at least I knew it and the next few - swung with trust were buttery!
4 My time on the beach was not pleasant - until I remembered to accelerate the club not decelerate - a Muppet Moment ( actually 3 x 2 = 6 shots)
I cannot stress the importance of actually playing golf - or hitting off grass rather than mats - really helps focus on the swing!
Love it - sadly we did not win but happy to strike the ball in the same spot (when I trust the program)!!!
Week 4 Day 3
Day of rest, reading and review.
Found a doorstop and putted the lights out from 3 feet then played with the roll on the carpet!
One interesting experiment was to alter the face of the putter and even from 3 ‘ see the movement!
Again - when all else fails Read or Watch the instructions!
Gee that Members section is good!
@marc.manion - Generally speaking - and pre-existing injuries aside - any physical pain with the S&T swing is an indication that something is amiss somewhere in the setup and/or motion.
Week 4 Day 2
If you read Tom’s reply above this post will make a little sense!
Hit some balls yesterday, sorta focussing on that left leg extension at impact, felt a twinge and of course, played on!
20 mins later, shots are crap, I feel like I have popped a rib, disc, vertebrae - heart muscle and I have now become so tense (obscenely focused) on getting to this position I realised it was time to just head home…
Later in the afternoon a friend asked if I wanted to play a lazy 9 - answer obviously yes!
How strange - first shot - pain, second shot, slice, third shop top.
At last what little is left of my brain began screaming at me - relax, weight forward…hit without tension - ie back to abbreviated swing! 5 iron, half shot heads down the paddock 165 yards and the pain diminishes a bit.
Play the shot you know you can hit - 6 iron, 8 iron, 52, 2 putts - par…gradually edged closer to respectability and sensibly (rarely used word in my lingo) stopped, quick beer and went home.
Last night I discovered the TSG Club videos - which are, if anyone has missed them, a great reminder of the heaps of things I forgot, skipped and “Lo and Behold” there is a section on Tension is Death
When all else fails, read the instructions - in this case - do NOT - place strain on a part of your swing - it is not that great for your shot or your body!
Sun’s up, surf calling, physio booked!
I Love this game - it is fun (laughing at myself)
@marc.manion - Enjoying your style. You have a great book in the making here. Beyond that, you're most definitely figuring swing things out very nicely!
Week 3 Day 6
We of ten say “Less is more” the Greeks once said “Moderation in all things”
I think this concept is possibly one of the great tips about life and golf!
Yesterday I spent a little time working on the watermelon and extension and realised there could be a link!
For the first 20 mins I was (I think) so focused on replicating each of the different “feels, drills, positions” that the Holy Grail seemed even further away than usual!
The first part of the solution arrived in the idea of grabbing my 52 wedge and just chipping, then pitching then experimenting only with my weight positions 55, 60…the KFC counter opened again so I grabbed my 5 iron!
Shop closed, deep fryer broken, gravy cold, no fresh chilli - stop, breath - 5 iron punch shots back to targets - amazing - Counter open again - why?
Keep it simple IDIOT!!!!!
With a relaxed, focused - yes, strong - yes rehearsed swing the ball responds to the swing by heading way down the paddock.
With a contrived, premeditated, tense swing - mate, she goes with reluctance and not that far.
A win for my brain not my ego!
Then, for me, with relaxation comes extension (my Holy Grail this week) and beautiful, soft, effortlessly powerful strikes.
Today’s plan - sadly at the range - 18 holes - different scenarios - play with the Less tension and More trust - that’s why we play!
Love it!
Fantastic updates, @marc.manion. You enjoy your weekend as well!!
Week 3 Day 5
As I mentioned there is no need for a trip for a Plastic Surgeon!
There is a need to Read the Instructions - read them, reread them because I am fighting some very ingrained practices!!!
Agreed - throwing the club is not the most useful analogy - throwing something heavy helps with matching up our/MY (sorry) swing planes, using the ground and hands being the calmest, final part of the pass!
Obviously I missed something for the first 20 balls…I am throwing that watermelon onto the truck - that way the action helps me extend my body upwards and the tuCk is a natural movement! YES!!!
That was fun, and I only picked up the upward toss when I say Tom show how a shot could look without upwards extension - hmm - like about 80% of people swaying through the he ball!
Man this is teaching me patience - but good patience because I am certain I can get around the course better, easier and “crispier” after only a few sessions!
Tonight off to watch the session on feeling drills - as a reminder/appetiser for tomorrow - cannot wait to fry get some more crispy chicken - AND - explore the fact that I noticed my hands were way too close to my body - which reduces rotation, reduces impact position - makes cold chook!
I Love Golf - it is Fun
Buona Domenica a tutti!
Week 3 Day 4
The Watermelon is a fantastic analogy!
A few times I have been told to throw the club toward the target but I am just realising that when I use that image there is a chance the clubhead will end up in front of my hands!
My problem in the interpretation - if I think it through it could be the whole swing unit - watermelon is easier coz it is heavy already!
There is now a notable difference between a “Crispy” shot and just a roasted one!
Yes the misses are way better but the effortless, soft feel off the club is addictive!!!
Shoulders down also REALLY improves power without extra effort - when I have turned 90 to the ball, and there is no stress on the turn - Super Crispy!
Bum tuck next - without a plastic surgeon!
Week 3 - Day 3
Yesterday was a feast of KFC - with added chips and watermelon!
60 balls, from the fringe back to about 20m and using a couple of clubs just for interest!
toe down works well for me - but more importantly straight arms really do keep life crispy!
For me the importance was (as usual) keeping my weight slightly in front of the ball and repeating the same swing each time!
Great fun and looking forward to Pitching the Watermelons tomorrow!
I love golf, it is fun!
Best thought to initiate the downswing - leave it to a practice swing and Trust?
Congrats on your new golf mini-Muppet, Kermit. That's fantastic news!
Keep it Krispy!
Week 3 Day 1
Rain, lots of Rain and a Grandchild! Yeew!! What a miracle - another golfer born into the world!
Currently I am up the coast with my son who arrived from Berlin yesterday and is in ISO to keep the virus at bay - luckily the house has an exclusion zone and Jet Lag will keep him quiet for a day or two!
To golf - after my reality check and name change to Kermit I spent some time reviewing all of section 1 and the basic principles!
Today at the range was a sedate lesson in relaxed detail, gradual “ramping up” my swing through the initial drills and keeping my swing compact and connected - in a Kermit imitation of Ben Hogan.
The nicest 80 golf balls I have sent down range!
Obviously there were a few “Muppet like” quick, rushed, arms only shots - but this time it was obvious and very helpful underling the benefit(for me) of a relaxed, pre shot routine and staying connected!
I am playing in a Charity Tournament in a week or so and think I will stay in the abbreviated zone - which seems to head to “real” when I am relaxed anyway!
Have fun guys, this is a fun trip not only to KFC to to selfless sharing the “Wrath of God” with golf balls!
Smile lots - pray that there will not be any Krispy Fried Kermit tomorrow
Day 4 - and then you have a reality check!
I think I hear Tom stress the need to explore each topic patiently and fully! Actually I think he stressed it about 500 times - which could mean I have a long, long way to go!
Today was Range Day - and Pear Shape Day!!!
When I look back it was not such a drama but wow, have you ever felt completely lost?
Warm up - fine, normal Weight Forward balls, followed by Shoulder Down and all was going swimmingly! Then I began to work on the take away - the wrong way!!! For about 40 balls I was focussed on the toe down position when the club is horizontal to the ground and absolutely forgot that my hands were meant to come in before the rotation takes them up!
So humbling to look like a Muppet (no offence to the Muppets!) on the range and then, after stopping, deciding to just revert to the abbreviated shot that served me so well - boom, back on track- sorta!!
Plan on watching Charlie Wi and Tom Saguto this evening to ensure that my brain is clearly imprinted!
Trusting the Plan and Smiling (again!)
That is a really sweet swing!
Nice update and glad to know that the sun finally came out of hiding, Marc!
In answer to your question, without any non-prescribed handsy action the clubface should be pointing at the ball in the takeaway. Have a look at this Charlie Wi video as a reference point.
Week 2 - still Day 3!!!
If you can ever get the opportunity to head to SC for a chat and hit - and some KFC - I think there is a definite upside - because there are more questions than ever!!
I have discounted new bunker techniques - not up to that part yet and the driver was a new addition today.
1 Driver - goes pretty well and much easier to stay on track using the Saguto Family technique - 11 shots, 9 on fairway, 1 tasteless but ok, one - arrogant brain fade - still rolling down the road! Hey - better than usual!
Game and Process - I guess we could agree that weight, shoulder rotation and extension ( bum too) are the core parts, add the drills - for another few months - because a half shot can go 90% as far as a tight chop!
2 Takeaway is (for me) something to be explored, revisited again and again - body leads, hands in, also keeping the club face closed on that path - is it toe down - Tom? Because today - that part delivered some great shots!
Putting - let’s wait till I can get it on the green in 2 or 3 shots!
3 summary - love the idea of Tom’s knee tip and posting on the lead leg, it makes the left arm so valuable in rotating not chopping - and helps (please Lord!)keeping my body n hands leading the stroke ( and retaining that angle we have at address, during takeaway and impact!
So many fun things, so many pure shots and only Week 2!!!
Hey everyone - if you are starting this journey - you might like to look at Tom’s tip today about our knees and posting!
Now I think I have found the solution to so much tension in my back swing - which hurts, tires me and reduces my relationship with the ball!
Let’s see how it works today - on the course and in the sun!!
Hope it’s a beautiful autumn day over there!
Week 2 Day 2
18 holes on a wet track - and like being in the surf - sometimes you crack a few great waves and love the session, others are a bit lumpy and you get smashed!
1 For me - Basics need way more work! They will only become natural/ automatic when I follow the same routine, posture, grip, alignment, WEIGHT, swing - they were all there yelling at me!
The “Yelling” poses another problem - learning? Once the swing is finished - it is finished! After about 7 holes I was able to just watch the result and get ready for the next one - not really analysing the previous one. It helped!
2 I have heard it a 1000 times and it is true - Grass is way different to a mat, and playing way different to practice! It could be so simple if we hit 5 7 irons into the green! Expect to play a few more holes than hit the driving range!
3 Main learning - Basics - there many different situations we will encounter on course and unless I spend weeks grinding them into my body there will be quite a few “I coulda” ”if only” moments!
4 Gotta say, in spite of my weekly reality check - most of the regular shots are improving and I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, stay with the plan and worry about putts, trees, long grass later!
Good news - 86 on the course after Club Champs is ok - and better news - it is not that bad off the back markers when you hit the ball pure - will save the KFC dinner for the end of the week!
Smile lots, relax and remember, no matter how tired you are - WEIGHT FORWARD, SHOULDERS DOWN, HANDS IN - our bodies can pure a few with a tired good shot!
Week 2:
Still raining - 😏 but had a quick run to the range to explore set up, club choice, target and timing.
60 balls - 20 warmup and then The Real Game (in my mind and on the mat) started.
1. I imagined pitch shots and chips to the green - all using my 52 wedge - varied distances. Each shot began with walking into the bay, choosing the shot, rehearsing the shot and then executing. 2 minutes allowed.
10 shots, 8/10 pretty tidy, contact sweet - obviously not for two where I lost focus…
2. 9 iron, 5 shots from 90 - 110 m out. Same idea -2 minutes- relax, focus, choose, rehearse - execute. Nice
3. 7 iron - 10 full shots - 80% speed - same process. Problem No 1 arrived: EGO - topped 2 balls - trying to smash the ball - in the process lost weight forward - so lost contact - lost brain1. 5 x 90% forward - slow, half shots - back for the last 3 Still in the game
4. 5 iron - 10 shots, same process. Disappointing - ok contact, ok tempo - Problem No 2 identified - If I focus on forcing my weight to be 55 - 60% on my lead side I started to tense up - which again reduced my rotation, upset the KFC from crispy to warm, soggy.5 more shots - no pressure - track takeaway, shoulder down rotation gently - boom - slow and easy - then I remembered Slow and accelerate and slap
5. Last few were spent checking the basics - especially shoulder down, arms tights, pitted, take away - trust!
Ready for another day on the course tomorrow - only aim is technique - maybe use driver and 5 at some stage if I can get to the range to swing them!
Have fun, smile - let’s see what happens!!
Day 7 - on course!
logic and experience has shown us that Real V Feel also extends from the range to the course - …
In summary - emotional roller coaster - some great shots - actually outstanding times of sending the ball to a target and nailing it AND - some reality checks!
Score wise - shot 85 - off 14 so ok but so many shots wasted.
Where are the learnings -
1 Stay with the program - swing tempo - commit to the shot … 1000 thoughts - really need one - shoulder down
2 Fitness - another real v feel - I need to hit lots of shots from grass - mud -
3 Stay relaxed - try to hit ball - my brain can do it in lots of ways - yes Tom …
Practice swings - slow motion, then remember the best ever drill, relax and - shoulder down - boom there is for me about a 20/25 meter difference between relaxed process and trying to bully the ball.
In all - well worth a walk!
Game on!!!
Day 6 - summary -
What a blast - yes it was wet, really wet but I am loving the process!
There is so much information and detail in all the info we have available to us that for me, rereading/watching each section is so important And I think if we stay on the path there will be some serious changes to my game, my headspace and my body!
120 swings with my 8 iron again - again using 90% and 70% half shots as a warmup, rehearsing the Flying Wedge and the Full “Greatest Ever” drill and life was wonderful, soft and buttery!
I do recommend taking some alignment sticks - they are pretty useful for me to confirm setup and ball position and later, alignment, swing path and hand path!
Lots of work to do on keeping weight forward (old habits) but today - golf on a real course!
Have a great weekend!
Hey! Tom has done some great stuff on the tilt bits - really good - there is one with some props to help!
I’m not way in front - merely way in front of some of the “traditional” teachings which Ben Hogan showed us were crap anyway!
Have fun, smile lots and as Mr Hogan said - “It’s just a game” !
Day 6
Back to the Range - absolutely pouring here at the moment - most GC’s are closed!
Project - 8 iron, 120 balls, trust the process!
1. 30 balls - focus short shots, find low point, refine grip and stance. Fun, no great disasters
2. 30 balls - moving from 90% weight forward back to 60% and back up. Good feel for getting through past impact - finish still abbreviated. Important to relax in the turn!
3. 30 balls - “Flying the Cheesy wedge” - this is indeed where the rubber hits the road - the concept of allowing the club to be the last link in the Power Chain came a bit slowly but when it did - boom
4 30 balls - took about 30/40 minutes. Check grip, setup, posture, weight - ready? NO - take a practice swing - trust relaxed, effortless swings - trust and NOW I am starting to understand! I was running on 30% effort and 65% speed (at 65 -75% backswing) it was such a thrill! 8 iron X 20 swings at different targets - all over the 150 m mark!
Some a bit crispier than others - but dipped in mashed potato - a great feeling!
YEEW!!!!!
Heading off for Day 6 after my coffee!
The plan is - yes Tom now I know! -
1 START with a real grip not something that has evolved over 30 years of lessons!
2 Tilt, Rotate and Extend - WITHOUT - stress - relaxed with weight in the correct spot helped my rotation
3 Warmup with pitching wedge and abbreviated swing
4 RELAX - TRUST and EXPLORE the process!!
Love it! Either I'm too stupid or I just forget, to go out and play from the outset with an "abbreviated" swing, which guess what? Could be THE swing for me, or you. John Rahm and Tony F are very successful tour pros.
So golfisti, here is week one of what could be a long, but really satisfying journey trying to alter my old swing and find the best KFC I can!
On Sunday I finally took the leap and began studying Tom’s videos!
It was not only exciting but an amazing process to highlight the “unspoken” parts of golf tuition that are so often taken for granted!
Day 1 - was fantastic learning process
Day 2 - at the range small shots - amazing results and hitting a few 52 wedge shots off grass at the club - perfect
Day 3 - a great reminder of your words - stick with the plan!
There is The Process - it allows for human strengths and weaknesses but not for short cuts - lesson learnt - the Saguto ones - went where they should, went as long as my normal shots at 1/2 effort
Day 4 - back to range, one club, one consistent shot! Work in progress
Day 5 - back to the range again - two clubs, 90 balls (130 mins) and the process is beginning to sink in - what I have found most useful is to take a practice swing - slowly - building the plan for my half shot, relax, swing easily and smile in awe as the little thing flies off down the paddock!
How blessed are we to have a brain that can compute all this stuff!
The Plan:
Hit more balls again - half to 3/4 swings and I think I will even play 18 with my abbreviated swing to really start training On the weekend!
Would love to hear if anyone has tried to play 18 this way - how it went and how great was the temptation to revert??