It’s been a while since I gave an update on the progress of the golf swing/development/improvements over the last few years and months.
Going forward we will blot on regular updates on my golfers journey of improvement, especially as golf opens up more post corona situation.
The Journey
Improvements really kicked in via three golf coaches.
1-Gary Smith
A fantastic short game specialist who has a unique take when it comes to the short game.
100 yards in, his technique helps you land the ball on the dance floor or close to the pin (we would hope) instead of topping it...everyone hates to top a golf ball. We have all been there where the ball launches at warp speed into the nearest Bush or housing estate behind the green itself!
I came across Gary’s teaching style at a golf exhibition at Earls Court. There are videos and apps but his short game approach lessons are excellent.
2-Robo Golf
Quite a revolution for your long game, the usage of a robot yes a robot with hydraulic arms. It sounds like a transformer or intergalactic visitor. Although it might not give you the power to win every tournament and some secret power, it does give you the muscle memory of what a golf swing should feel like.
Every lesson gets you circa 100 rotations, you maintain the golf posture whilst the robot takes back your golf club (within your hands) and you go through the golf swing plane.
Having been to a few instructors before, for me this approach worked wonders and gave me that muscle memory off pull back and follow through on the golf swing plane.
You can sign up to several packages. Nate the instructor subsequently went to China to launch the machines in several cities.
The actual machine costs around 80k USD so having a lesson or package lessons is probably the better thing to do. The company has licenced its product out to specific geographies. I was fortunatel that my driving range had licensed the machine. I did hear that Dechambeau is a user of the robot and also uses it for practice when not on the course. Dechambeau is known for using science and other methods to improve his golf swing.
A lot of traditionalists often smile or remark when I mention the robot. However the fact is everyone wants to get better. There are different teaching methods out there that can definitely help.
3-Reeves
The most recent and inspirational golf coach is a chap called Reeves. Taking over Robo golf and emphasising a push and pull technique it is in my view a major breakthrough and revolution in the long game golf swing. In time I am convinced it will become more popular.
Not only does the swing protect your back and is based on physics, you are not given 100 things to think about, tweak or adjust. The push pull technique.
I strongly recommend signing up to Reeves and having a lesson. Likewise he has written several books on the subject. Research into his golf swing approach has been peer reviewed in the academic world which gives more claim and fact based evidence that the push and pull technique works.
What Next?
Unfortunately a knee injury (the gym) has put me on the sidelines the last six-eight months but physio /progress should mean I get back out onto the course to further improve.
What about your handicap?
Overtime this has fallen from 30 plus (I groan but you got to start somewhere)) to around 20.
I did join a golf club but the membership base ratio was more in favour of a pay and play ratio. The initial objective was/is to get into the golf community regular games and meet knew golfers.
In reality there was no welcome email from the club captain and there was not a scheme to roll-up new golfers, facilitate the introductions.
Despite that many many golf courses were played and with the golf lessons from Gary, Nate and Reeves, the handicap dropped to around 20...a lot more improvement needed.
What is your typical round Captain Golf?
Well it was a few pars, occasional birdie, bogeys and still blow outs of that triple bogey or worse a four. The blow outs really do destroy the golf score. I call it the good the bad and the ugly. It happens but as time goes on it should become less. Tips to improve include marking your scorecard to identify where improvement is needed, golf is a game of small margins yet errors have a bit impact!
Any Recommendations
Find a golf coach if possible go for the best you can. Golf is about physics and natural talent and practice, and to keep it simple! Very few people can just step up to a ball and strike it well. However if you apply the right dynamics and flow, you get progress.
Will keep you updated on the golfing journey to reach zero handicap...it is a long quest.
Post a comment below and tell us your tips or how you are progressing with your own golfing journey.
Thanks for reading, tune in for the next Captain Golf Blog.
Captain Golf
www.captaingolf.golf
www.captaingolf.blogspot.com
