I've also just been getting started - spent a few nights up till the wee hours reading the book and the archives, watching videos, etc.
The only not at home practice I've been trying to do the last few days is get in a bunker and hit small chips while trying to hit the ball first and then take a divot. At first it was extremely frustrating because I couldn't make clean contact for many many hours. It's amazing how impossible it felt at first.
I think I've tracked it down to a flaw in my pivot - my hips were rotating by my right hip coming forward causing my right arm to get closer to the ball and leading to a super fat shot. Things have vastly improved when I work on getting my left knee straight and making sure I preserve the angle in my left hip socket - it leads me to pivot by pulling my left hip back. After this - I've been able to finally hit down with some precision and I've been making much better contact. I think the bad pivot was caused by a subconscious desire to hit up on the ball.
I've seen Ben Doyle's bunker lesson without the ball but I think there might also be a lot of advantages to chipping with a ball: You can easily see the divot and if you hit it fat you'll know for sure. I've chipped many times on a carpet or grass and you can fool yourself into thinking you're chipping it well because it's so forgiving. I hope there are no downsides to this practice routine.
I just wanted to welcome these new guys, though I'm still pretty new as well. Keep up the work and soon things will start to click. First one ball, then two, then a dozen. Dowels, the videos here and Manzella's are great resources.
Like Ted said....maintain Lag Pressure on the back of the shaft.....enough pressure and the clubhead won't take over so early.....(and if you get good at it....you will be able to make swings without it ever "taking over"...i.e. the LWrist NEVER Bends...I can hold it throughout the entire swing).
Takes practice.
Last edited by birdie_man : 03-03-2006 at 03:38 PM.
One thing I love about being a member here (and why I will buy whatever Yoda ever sells) is the open attitude toward all who seek help.
I am a member at all the current TGM sites (don't bother with GEA) and this site never shuts down a recommendation even if it is to visit another site. Everyone here is ALWAYS encouraging and helpful. It is a sure sign the administrators here are straight shooters who are trying to help.
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Kevin
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Thomas Edison knew 1800 ways not to build a light bulb.
I agree. I get the gut feeling here that, in addition to making a living, Ted and Yoda want golfers to get better- period. And they KNOW that this is the best way to do it, because it's the TRUTH. I mean, this website is veritable wellspring of info! And all of the stuff on here makes me WANT to see Ted ASAP, if for no other reason than just to help me enjoy both the site and the book that much more! Also, I know of NO ONE that's seen Ted (or Yoda) that hasn't raved about them- RAVED. GOD I can't WAIT to get down to the swamp!
By the way, I am going to plan a trip for a real lesson in the summer. Yoda, do you have anything going in June or July yet?
I am saving my frequent flyer miles and pennies now.
Thanks for the kind comments, everybody. All of us here at LBG appreciate them.
As this business has continued to grow and grow, I've learned that my lesson book tends to blacken up about 45 days in advance. Ted's is the same way. So, while opportunities exist in March and April, they are dwindling. The month of May is more open, as is June. There is an extra special corporate event in the works for the week before the U.S. Open, but it is too early for me to announce. So, Kevin, when you're ready, drop me a PM, and we will set it up.
Meanwhile, if there is any possible way to make the Old Waverly Academy, I encourage you to reserve your spot now. Though the event is almost seven weeks away, we already are one-third filled, and I have several emails saying registrations are pending. This will be a truly great experience, and I sincerely recommend that anyone interested sign up now.
Welcome to a fascinating lifelong quest !
Advise to the housebound snowbirds. Dig below the snow and get several handfuls of grass clippings. Place these on a mat or carpet sample and practise with a downward motion of a wedge scrubbing each tiny blade off over and over ad nauseum. Remember repetition is the mother of learning and come golf season that ball will loom very large and easy to compress !
Another great drill, weather permitting, is to go out in your backyard or field with your wedge and whack some weeds.
Remember, they are your enemy-so be sure to hit down to the roots to extract them totally. Great excercise, better than beating a tire carcass, impact bag or your dog.
Happy weed whacking-
See you on the course
Hybrid Mode
