24 years of golf but only 24 hours of G.O.L.F. !!

[teach]

Yoda,

As a teacher myself, I understand and appreciate what you are saying. I am in the process of trying to learn this new language. I have read Homer's book in the prescribed order twice. Over the last two weeks, I have printed every single explanatory post on the major components and principles of TGM from the archives here, and from the forums at Brian's site and Chuck's site. I then placed these print-outs into large envelopes and have begun to study these pages in what seems to be a logical sequence; hence my question regarding address position. As I go through my envelopes, I will certainly have more questions.

In addition to my "book" study, I have taken three lessons with a local G.S.E.M., Rick Nielsen (with another lesson scheduled for Saturday), and go to my back yard every day to practice my chipping, my impact bag work, and my dowel work in thirty degree weather. Clearly, I have made a major commitment to the *principles* of TGM.

Having hopefully established my bona fides concerning my work ethic, I respectfully, but vehemently, disagree with the linguistic approach taken by many TGM afficianados. I don't feel that I should have to keep Mr. Kelly's book next to my computer, so that I can look up the various chapter references that are made in many of the posts. I would have come to TGM a year ago, were it not for the fact that my first exposure to it came on fgi.com, where a poster constantly made statements along the lines of "trace pp#3 along the plane, then release accumulator #2." This, to me, was and is exclusionary jargon, not a clarifying language. This usage is frankly elitist. And that is the crux of my point. I have seen countless posts decrying the lack of recognition of TGM; yet there seems to be a subconscious need on the part of its followers to keep TGM as our own little secret.

My understanding is that one of your main goals is to bring TGM to the masses. If I am correct about that, then why can't "the right index finger" be used in a sentence, rather than PP#3? Why should I, or anyone else, *have* to learn a new language? Why should "lifting the fog" have to be one of the most frequently encountered terms on the three TGM-oriented forums? After all, the *ideas* of Mr. Kelly are really not that complicated.

Believe me, my intent is not to start an argument with you, or with anyone else. Every single person who has replied to a question of mine has been both generous and clear. However, as a recent convert, I can state with total confidence, that the apparent need to learn a new language has prevented thousands of golfers from becoming G.O.L.F.ers. I know, because I was very nearly one of them.

Respectfully,

teach

[teach]

Wow! 12 piece, you are a prince. These many different uses of the word, "plane" were definitely a problem for me, mainly because I often could not tell which plane was being referenced. I very much appreciate your taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I'm going to print your post to keep as my "cheat sheet." Oops, a teacher should never use that term

Thanks again.

teach

P.S.- If it's not too personal, I'm curious about the origin of your screen name.

[12 piece bucket]

Wow! 12 piece, you are a prince. These many different uses of the word, "plane" were definitely a problem for me, mainly because I often could not tell which plane was being referenced. I very much appreciate your taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I'm going to print your post to keep as my "cheat sheet." Oops, a teacher should never use that term

Thanks again.

teach

P.S.- If it's not too personal, I'm curious about the origin of your screen name.

No problem! I learned a lot while writing! It was a win-win.

Origin . . . fat southern people LOVE fried chicken.

[Trig]

Teach,

I hear what you are saying regarding the lingo. I'm sure as a teacher it's virtually impossible for you to throw out TGM lingo to a student who obviously wouldn't have a clue what you are talking about. You probably also can't expect your students to read and absorb the book.

Having said all of that, what I really like about the book is Homer Kelley identified components and gave them names. With the components identified and named, it becomes very easy to talk very specifically with others who are also familiar with the book and the terms. I'm very analytical and so I LOVE that TGM is written just like it is written.

I like being able to say "right forearm flying wedge" and know exactly what that means without having to describe it with 5 or more sentences.

There are certainly a lot of people on this site who are very literate with the TGM lingo and so you will see it being used in many discussions here. I wouldn't label that "elitist" necessarily.

I also believe most golfers out there will never want to be bothered with learing any of the TGM technical terms. I think that is where the challenge lies for the teachers out there. Most golfers are not students of the swing. They just want their slices cured!

[teach]

Trig,

I see your point. It's just that I get frustrated at times, as I try to learn the lingo. To use your example of the flying wedges, I probably need those 5 or more sentences to make sure that I understand them. Once, I *do* understand them, then I can speak about them, but only with other TGMers. Having said that, you're undoubtedly correct that most golfers could not care less about the terminology.

To clarify where I'm coming from as a teacher, I teach U.S. History, not golf, but I believe that the learning principles are the same. Every single day, I take the most important concept of the lesson, and dramatize it with my students.As an example, when I want to show why our first foreign policy was one of isolationism, I walk into the room wearing a diaper over my pants. The kids go wild because I look ridiculous, but they see that we were too young as a nation to get involved overseas. The point is, I go "where the students are" at first. Then I can stretch them intellectually. First I hit them with the slapstick, then they can learn to back up their thesis statements with evidence, etc. They don't need an AI to translate for them and they don't need to learn a new language.

I just feel that Homer's ideas were fantastic, but that the golf world badly needs "TGM For Dummies." Thanks for your thoughtful response.

teach

[12 piece bucket]

I just feel that Homer's ideas were fantastic, but that the golf world badly needs "TGM For Dummies." Thanks for your thoughtful response.

teach

Teach,

You are currently on TGM for Dummies. LBG can take you to the land of milk and honey. I know what you teachers like to say, "there are no stupid questions." Ask and you shall recieve.

Start a new thread. You will be lead from the dark to the light.

Where are you located? If you REALLY want to get this stuff in your coconut, go see Yoda. What is very difficult in the book can be communicated much more effectively via demonstration. If there were ever TGM Jeopardy, everyone is playing for a distant second to Yoda (I'm talking LIGHT-YEARS!). Make a trip to the Swamp. I did it last January. It was worth every penny.

In the meantime, start new threads. Ask questions. Help is plentiful. Or PM me. I'm no expert but I'll try to help you out.

You can do this! History is WAY harder than TGM.

Bucket

[teach]

Hey, 12 piece; you cracked me up. I will definitely post new threads as I continue my studies. I have a good AI here in New York, Rick Nielsen, but a trip to see Yoda is in my plans. As for TGM being easier than History, not to this hacker!

teach