If You Had PGA Teaching Pros for 90 minutes...
 

I will be making a presentation on The Golfing Machine to the Rhode Island/ New England PGA this Fall. I have 90 minutes to make an Impact and change the way golf instruction is viewed in New England. What do you think I should present???

2 words . . . Geometry of the Circle . . .

Giving them the run arround
 

Absolutely, I start every lesson with the Geometry of the Circle. What else?

good man!

90 mins? Thats tough. Sell sizzle? I'd explain that there are two different physics in moving a club- A Swingers pulling throw- out and a Hitter's pushing drive- down- and how sometimes current instruction mixes the two actions into the same instruction.

In the true Jedi nature, Swinger's "Trust the Force" and

Like the X-Files, Hitter's Trust Nothing. Control freaks, they are, yes.

Just stick with the basics - otherwise they will all get lost

To name a few,

What Lag pressure really is....

Plane line tracing....

Extensor Action....

- Things like the essentials and imperatives should be stressed and explained in depth - try not to talk about too wide a range of subjects....

A Vote for
 

I vote for aiming point!

Keep the mind in the hands.........the hands are easier to moniter than the clubhead.

I think that would open some eyes in a hurry!

UPP

Care Package
 

Drew,

I've sent you some material via email. After you've reviewed it, call and let's discuss. :)

Geometry of the circle
Imperatives and essentials, especially lag pressure and balance

Flying wedges! Especially a 'level' right wrist and how the right forearm cocks the left wrist.

Of course, I would personally use the EdZ drills to show all of the above and perhaps an axe handle and rope, a broom and a mop!

To tie it all together - Impact fix and impact hand location/aiming point!

Danger- danger. Got to keep it very very simple. Don't lose them. Got to show those guys that it is in reach to teach.

True - but I think you can show the flying wedges and the concepts of the imperatives and essentials with common terms that wouldn't turn folks off.

"Support" of impact for example! :)

The man behind the Mike!
 

Not a problem, Mike. These are all wonderful ideas and I appreciate all of them. I don't have a problem, presenting them in a simplified, organized manner. I do it on the lesson tee every day. The last thing I want to do is intimidate them. I am interested in what everyone would do if they were in my golf shoes; no wrong answers.

Go Through the Motions
 

How about including the progression from Basic to Acquired to Total motion? Seems to me that would be very accessible and is a great way to start out students. It would be a great example that would be instantly applicable within each pro's own teaching.

The Moment of Truth
 

So many cool topics could be used.

I don't think there are many teaching pros that have heard the message around hinge action.

They see it every day, but don't know how to describe or effectively harness its potential.

I think Golf geometry pertaining on How to stop casting and steering in 90 mins would be great for almost any golfer.

Pga
 

Well first of all, do not wear a Yankee Cap:laughing9 at the presentation.

I would bring with you a qualified golfer and make him your student that you rehearsed with prior to the event.

Bring dowels for stance and plane line. Show how extensor action brings the power package to the top and shows the shoulders how to turn.

Cover all the imperatives and some common faults that students do.

You have to captivate the audience, so demonstration is key......

The bottom line.
 

First,"sustain the line of compression" and then "sustain the lag" to "sustain the line of compression". Also, the TGM's "ball flight law".

The computer...and the psychology of learning - how you help your students learn faster.

Every PGA guy that I talk to about this will be wide-eyed in amazement.

Steph (Defender of the Machine), that is exactly what we did in Level 2 training and an easy way to start a student in the right direction.

Bagger, You are correct. Hinge Action along with Angular Motion and an Incline Plane is what we hang our TGM Hats on. Demonstrating the different Hinge Actions and their feels reallly don't exist outside of TGM world.

Nuke, I am sure this will come up. Snares, it is what most PGA Teaching Pros have to help their students with. That is why they are in business. It is how they make a living. Excellent.

Sorry Rich, no Yankee Hats :naughty: ! But, I will bring Dowels (Warp Speed Signature Series, $19.95 each). I will do my best Bob Hope to keep them entertained. It is not only the message, but how it is presented. I agree.

BTS, The Line of Compression, Sustaining it is the Secret of Golf and a great place to begin.

Compda, Chapter 14 is also one of my favorites and one of the most overlooked chapters. I bet these Pro's have never heard of the Incubator before. The Programming Routine should be required reading each time we open the book; Precision In-Precision Out.

Drew,

Just tell them what you know in language that they can understand not language that they would have to learn.

Agenda
 

1. Tell them you are going to show the first 60 seconds of the Snead/Toski video. Give background.

2. As Yoda did with us – invite them to bring not only their ears to bear on this video, but also their eyes and (trained) intellect.

3. Show the video.

4. Impress upon them ‘How important is it to learn that the #1 Swing Thought of the greatest Golf Mind of all time -- Homer Kelley -- has just been validated by one of the greatest Golf Performers of all time -- Sam Snead’

5. Introduce Geometry of the Circle, Basic Motion, Right Forearm Tracing or whatever you consider most appropriate at this point.

6. Question Time.

Thanks for the sage advice Burner. One of my favorite quotes came from the Italian Astronomer and Physicist Galileo: "You can't teach a man anything, you can only help him discover it within himself." I'll give it my best shot.

Strav, Homer and Sam would make a great combination. I will have to watch the video again. Sam's actions speak volumes and shows TGM in action. Snead just didn't know it at the time, or did he? A great way to validate.
Leaving time for questions is a must. I hope there are many. I am sure that the conversation will "spill over" into the 19th Hole. At least I hope so :martini: .

Pga
 

Drew, maybe someone can video tape it so it can get graded on another website.:laughing9 :laughing9 :naughty:

Show how the circular motion can be made to trace a straight line-use a bench?
It would be great if you could get Yodas hinge gizmo from the trunk of his car!.
Actually isn't there a video of it somewhere?
Go get em' drew:martini:

Encourage the learning process to begin. Give them the correct motivation to begin study - that is, explain that The Golfing Machine is not some "latest method."
It is an explanation of how and why golfers have repeatable success and why they do not have success. Give them reason to get the book and continue to study the book. Real learning in a short period of time - at minimum a tough task. Show them real life examples of how the best players in the world all execute the imperatives and essetials. Show them how poor players don't.

Mention the standardized terminology the book offers to explain almost infinite variations that can be see even amoung the best players in the world. (I'd think this would be welcome news).

I'd hope that you would indeed state that The Golfing Machine is complex and that the learing curve is steep. I'd want to think that a person labeled as "professional" would embrace complexity for more (correct) understanding.

That dude Homer Kelley said that the Right Forearm Angle of Approach was SIMPLER than the Triad????

That may not be a bad thang!!!

Neil, I actually use a piece of 2 foot PVC that is mount about 16 inches off the ground instead of a bench to demonstrate one of the few drills in the book (4-D-0) for Wrist and Hand Motion. It travels a little easier than a bench. While Mr. Kelley never like to give too much emphasis on any one aspect of the motion (they are all important). I always find myself comming back to that section.

SEC, excellent accessment. I might change "complex" for "complete". Don't want to scare them off. Once hooked, they won't let go.

Bucket, there you go again, giving away the secret. If people understand that they might not need me anymore :naughty: . Why don't you just give them a Yellow Treasure Map with a "Big X" on it :) (Not to be confused with x-classification in unlucky chapter 13).

Regardless, I think that it must be stated that there is going to be a learning process (a lot of work and understanding). We're so conditioned to so-called quick "tip" and quick "fixes". So much so that we think "good" is quick and simple.

So (like me), when you have heard many good things about TGM,and someone is telling you that it has the answers, and then you open it up for the first time, and realize you can't uderstand anything (at first) there is enormous disappointment. I'd soften this blow.

I'd question if anyone has opened TGM for the first time, immediately got a smile on their face, and said "Yeah, that's what I was thinking all along, this is so warm and comfortable." (Unless you've been studying The Forum and Archives).

Yet another thing:
I'd be sure to mention the role of FEEL in TGM. Translating correct mechanics to FEEL. You play by feel. So many people: "I don't like to think about mechanics. That's what TGM is about, That's why I don't like TGM" Uh, no mechanics is part of it, but you play by feel.

Party Animal
 

Drew,

What ever you do, don't tell him when and where you will present.
The last PGA party he crashed was a mess and took days to clean up.

I don't want to get into the details, but somehow he went past security and got on stage to demonstrate a concept. He wore a rubber suit and was carrying a duck. :dontknow: :shaking:

Fortunately he was subdued in time.

Show a video of Stadler's swing. Then show one of Els' swing. Show Jack's flying elbow. Show Tiger's elbow. Then ask "Don't you honestly think there is A LOT of explaining to do here? Wouldn't you like the aswer key?"

YOU KNOW . . . .

THIS MEANS WAR???

SEC,

I understand what youy are saying and there is a need to soften the blow. They will get the most out of the presentation if they can:
1. Understand-My job to inform and explain
2. Remember-that is really going to take some work and study
3. Have Correct Information-where the book comes in
4. Ability to Absorb and Apply-1-J Let Mechanics produce, let Feel reproduce.

Overcomming "past untruths" TGM has had to live with, should be front and center: it is strictly a method, strictly mechanics, it didn't help Clampett, etc.

A video presentation of different motions is a great idea. I remember Rick Smith did the same thing at a PGA Teaching Summit and it had a dramatic affect on the audience. Not that I am a Rick Smith fan, but his point was well taken.

Bagger, you should have let me know earlier. Bucket already has backstage passes.

I am nowhere near the level of expertise of those that responded to this interesting question, but I have spent considerable time pondering how to teach what I understand of TGM to youngsters. I noticed early on that a lot of good things come in threes!


(A). Three parts of a Golf Club

1. Clubshaft
2. Clubface
3. Clubhead

(B). Three Major Concepts of the Golf Swing
1. Inclined Plane – Clubshaft
2. Hinge Action – Clubface
3. Centrifugal Force – Clubhead

(C). Three Essentials for a Good Golf Swing

1. Steady Head
2. Balance
3. Rhythm

(D). Three Imperatives For a Good Golf Stroke

1. Flat Left Wrist at Impact
2. On Plane Club Shaft
3. Club Head Lag

(E). Three Dimensions of the Golf Stroke

1. Downward
2. Outward
3. Forward

(f) Three Universal Planes

1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. Inclined

(G) Three Geometric Shapes

1. Circle
2. Triangle
3. Rectangle (the inclined plane)

(h) The Greatest Triune

1. Father
2. Son
3. Holy Spirit


A threefold cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Keep it up!
 

Awesome post Okie!

Thanks,

Three's Company
 

Nowhere near the level of expertise of those that responded to this interesting question? You wouldn't know it by your post. You have obviously done your homework. Nice outline, all will be included, but I am not sure I can present (h) in the manner it deserves.

Having thought, about video, if your going for hitting vs swinging, I don't know if it would be the best idea, as both motions can look the same.

Maybe some still frames of Kenny Perry 10-5-E drive out action, and somehow prove to the audience that the ball went straight (what other instruction will tell you how and why the ball went straight?).

Or maybe you could rip off some CBS Konika/Minolta Swing Vision footage and say, " Look folks, one of these days, Kostis is going to have to admit, publically on the air, that by gosh the player did make a descending blow with his driver."

SEC, you obviously have been studying TGM for awhile. Have you ever worked with Mike Perpich GSEM at River Pines Golf?

Always assume that I "crib" all my material! Originality is nothing but judicious imitation Voltaire once said! I do not recall where I got most of the outline from, it may have been a Chuck Evans bit. Still I always start with the mission at hand (pun intended.) Introducing the younglings to the golf ball (and the principle of sustaining the line of compression) and the implement that is well designed for its task (despite what Winston Churchill thought!) I compare the club to a high performance vehicle. The shaft is the motor, the head the chasis, the face the steering wheel. I know that you are addressing open-minded professionals but remediation is a must at all levels of learning ! I then proceed to unvail the secret of lag pressure, the FLW & BRW, as well as the importance of the plane. You will probably have to camp out at Planesville for a while. Although my study of TGM is still in the novice stage I have come across very few people (pros included) that understand what the true plane for every golfstroke (or club if you will) is. If a group of 15 year olds can understand the basic concepts surely your peers will have little difficulty. The last sentence becomes funnier the more I read it!

A piggyback question unrelated to the thread! I stumbled across talk of a Yoda DVD while ferreting through the archives like a crazed vagrant in search metholated spirits. TGM addiction is a serious affair (pun in poor taste intended) Anyway I did not find the final chapter on that particular thread. So, is there such a thing? That is a DVD with Yoda & Co. doing their thang? What a coup if there is. There is NO substitute for the book, but great communicators like Yoda are indispensible for the rest of us hard of understanding types.

Technical question. Why does Ben Doyle feel that ball postioning is a stationary thing i.e. that ball is played from the same spot relative to low point. Is this to achieve a special purpose or did he respectively disagree? I got my hands on one of Mr. Doyles How To Build a G.O.L.F Swing tapes. It is amazing to watch him go through all 24 components as thoroughly as he does. A great learning activity for me is watching the tape with the book as a quick reference. Still, kinda curious about the ball position thing.

Okie out

Great list Okie!

Could we add what Homer based it on?

Newton’s first three laws

1. Inertia
2. Force and Acceleration
3. Reacting Forces

1-Look
2-Look
3-Look

And Eight More Threesomes...
 

Thanks for this post, okie.

Let's add to the list...

Three Stations

1. Address.

2. Top.

3. Finish

.
Three Zones (Extra credit for each of the three interchangeable terms!)

1. Body Control (Pivot/Body/Balance).

2. Club Control (Power/Arms/Force).

3. Ball Control (Purpose/Hands/Direction).

Three Basic Wrist Motions (Extra credit for three conditions within each motion!)

1. Horizontal (Flat/Bent/Arched).

2. Perpendicular (Level/Cocked/Uncocked).

3. Rotational (Vertical/Turned/Rolled).

Adjusted Address Routine

1. Practice Swing.

2. Waggle.

3. Forward Press.

Three Methods (of Component Translation)

1. Crash.

2. Relative.

3. Expanded

.

Three Types of Lag

1. Pivot.

2. Accumulator.

3. Clubhead.

Basic Motion Curriculum

1. Basic.

2. Acquired.

3. Total.

And...

Holy Geometric, Batman!

The all-encompassing Star System Triad

1. Three Imperatives directing the...

2. Three Functions...through the...

3. Three Stations.

:)