Requesting Guidance...
 

Howdy everyone,

Almost three years ago I was a 4 handicap and struggling with slicing the ball. Whilst searching for a solution I stumbled upon the "Never Slice Again" video by Brian Manzella. This served as my introduction to "The Golfing Machine" and I decided to purchase the book in an effort to better understand my golf swing and (hopefully) improve it. However, I didn't get too far into learning "The Golfing Machine" as at the time golfing related frustrations came to a head and I went on a golfing hiatus.

The golfing hiatus lasted until just over two weeks ago. Inspired by the U.S open, I decided to hit some golf balls. Since then I have just been focusing on trying to get my wrists releasing correctly and that's about it. Surprisingly, the contact has been consistently in the middle of the club face and my primary misses have gone from being slices/push-slices (before the golfing hiatus) to hooks/pull-hooks (if I forget to swing slightly in-to-out).

As you've probably worked out, I am not really familiar with "The Golfing Machine" terminology. However, I do want to learn. I would really appreciate some guidance on the following two issues.

First, what are the main areas I should be working on currently?

http://www.youtube.com/cummib

Note: I apologise for the low quality video. I will get high quality video uploaded once I purchase a new camera.

Second, what is the most effective way to learn the fundamentals mentioned in "The Golfing Machine"? As I've learnt, it's not really a book you can read cover to cover.

This time around I want to ensure that I am working on the right things and although I would love to see a TGM instructor, there are none in my state (I am located in NSW, Australia).

Any help regarding the above would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

The best way to start learning TGM is through the free videos right here at LBG!

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/index.php/Categories.html

After that, the premium video Alignment Golf will become the most used resourse you will ever find for TGM.

http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/index.p...ypage.tpl.html

There are some wonderful instructors of TGM in New South Wales. Check out our sister website:

http://forums.iseekgolf.com/forums/1...lf-instruction

Kevin

Hi Kev,

Thanks for the reply.

I am interested in purchasing "Alignment Golf". However, do you know if there is a digital version, as I'm not keen on paying postage from the U.S to Australia.

Regarding the ISG website, is there a listing of TGM instructors on there or should I ask in the forums? The official TGM website only listed one TGM instructor located in Australia (who was in Melbourne, Victoria).

I would ask on the forums. There are many great teachers of TGM around the world who aren't listed on TGM's website.

Good Luck!

Kevin

Hi Kev,

Thanks for replying (again).

I will go ahead and ask on the ISG forums regarding a TGM instructor located in NSW. In the meantime, I have purchased the TGM related videos through the Peter Croker website. I would have liked to purchase "Alignment Golf" but would prefer a digital downloadable version that is instantly accessible. Hopefully, Lynn will do this for "Alignment Golf II".

In my original post I asked "what are the main areas I should be working on currently?" What I should have been asking is "based on my current golf swing, should I adopt a hitting or swinging basic pattern?" Do you have any thoughts on if I would be better suited to hitting or swinging?

As always, your help is greatly appreciated.

Edit: I just noticed that Lynn recommended learning the basic swinging pattern before the basic hitting pattern, so I'll start with 12-2-0.

Well, I have no willpower as I went ahead and purchased "Alignment Golf" anyway. Hopefully, international postage doesn't take too long. :golfcart:

Its normally very quick BC85 so you shouldn't be waiting too long.

I have to say that the physical version to me is much better than if there was a digital version mainly because you can stick it in the DVD player!

It may be worthwhile purchasing the Brian Gay stroke fundamntals digital video but I have to admit that despite owning it for 3 or more years I have never watched it fully!

BC85,

I wouldn't presume to try to diagnose a swing change for you based upon 1 video, without seeing ball flight. You have a very nice action!

Swinging and hitting can be a "feel" thing as much as being mechanical. There are many aspects of both that are very similar, and some of the differences are not very pronounced. In my opinion, it's more important to understand the components one by one, until you understand them enough to start putting them together into a pattern. Start by trying to determine if you mainly feel like you are pulling with your left side, or pushing with your right.

A LOT of fog will be lifted when you get your Alignment Golf DVDs. You will watch them over and over!

If I could boldly make one observation on your swing, study Hula-Hula and listen to how YODA discusses the hip bump at start down. Its a very small movement, but an incredibly important one. At start down, the left hip must get over the left foot, that's all there is to weight shift. This must happen before the hips start turing, and the shoulders should never get forward of your hips.

Kevin

I forgot to mention, I really like the Croker/Hart videos as well. Paul Hart does most of the explaining in those videos. He hangs out here as well and is VERY compatible with the teachings you will find here with YODA. Paul Hart follows Mr. Kelley's main tenant that there is no right, wrong or best, do what you enjoy, have fun!

A great quote from TheDart when discussing -L the Machine Concept:

FEEL FROM MECHANICS
The biggest lesson I ever learned was, not, whether it works or not, but, if it makes mechanical sense, do it ‘till it does work. The day of smoke and mirrors is gone. Gimmicks are gone. Fundamentals have nothing to do with trial and error.

Being in Australia, I believe you should try to make the trip to Sydney to see Paul just as we in the states want to travel to Georgia to see YODA.

Kevin

Well, if you ever get around to watching it be sure to let me know how it is.

Thanks for your explanation. In regards to pulling with the left or pushing with the right, I feel that on the down swing I start pulling with the left and before impact I start pushing with the right. I am unsure if this is actuality or simply sensation.

I would say that is a really good observation, Kevin. I have struggled to understand the lateral move that the hips must perform at the start of the down swing. Everytime I experimented, it felt as if I had excessive axis tilt. This was certainly my downfall whilst experimenting with "Stack and Tilt".

I assumed Paul Hart was located in Victoria (like Peter Croker). However, if he is in Sydney (New South Wales) then that would be ideal. I tried doing a Google search to see if he had a website with contact details and pricing, but had no luck. What is Paul's username on this forum? Hopefully, he won't mind if I PM him.

Thanks so much for all your help, Kevin. This forum is such a great resource.