With the first step.
I'm building a little on the thread started by ThinkingPlus and her great round. I've been reading here and there, bought some dowels and picked up the Yellow Book not so long ago and am still just trying to let all this stuff settle, which, surprisingly enough it has started.
I played 18 on Friday, the first 18 I've played since October. My round was not so great, but I think I'm making progress and had some very successful holes. Putting was horrible. Driving was long. Recovery shots were great. Irons were 50/50. The longest iron I had to a green was an 8 iron, and that was a 164-yard Par 3.
The good news: No shanks. No wild hooks or slices off the tee, just a few offline and a couple fat 9-irons. I hit some incredible recovery shots that I attribute to practicing the basic motions. I got onto a Par 5 in two with a 230-yard 3 wood that went on a rope! I've never done that before. Of course, I three-putted for par, but I still walked away with a huge smile on my face. I finished with an 87, but I know I'm capable of lower. I've also been reading "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose" and really think this book is a great addition for my mental side.
I'm also in the process of scheduling a lesson with Lee Deitrick and hopefully he can help me find another piece of the puzzle. All in all, I'm really excited about this golf season and progressing with my study of TGM and wanted to thank the people here for providing this great resource.
I'm going to post this over at Manzella's place as well because Brian has really helped in some areas as well. I know the membership crosses over as well. To me, it's an example that both groups of teachers, despite their differences, are great for the game of golf and the development of a swing.
Vandal,
You are on the right path. Lee is a great guy. You will enjoy working with him.
I also think that emphasizing good shots at this point rather than score is an excellent approach. I know every time I successfully hit a shot today, that a few months ago would have been impossible, I really get encouraged even though my scores aren't always so good.
The criteria for success changes as one proceeds through the learning process. It is how you stay positive when faced with adversity. Enjoy the process (even 3-putt pars, arrgghhh) and good luck!
Steph,
Thanks for the recommendation. I will see Vandal on Saturday.
Lee
I just got back from my lesson today with Lee and he helped me see several "wow" moments during our time together. It started with a diagnosis: I suffer from throwaway. The prescription: a mega dose of dowels, rackets and flying wedges. What a revelation!
I must have one of the most stubborn left hands in the world, but Lee kept at it the whole time, quietly repositioning it where it should be. I finally got it near the end, and the look on his face was probably just as an excited one as mine. Lee is a great teacher, and anyone in his area should see him for some excellent TGM 'splaining. I can't believe how much clearer things are to me now. The biggest, and probably most basic, is what a flat left wrist actually is. The other amazing thing is how gracious he was toward all the other AIs he's learned from in the past. He was always quick to attribute things he's learned to the person who taught it to him. Yoda and others should be proud.
Now, if you'll excuse me I have to get my dowels back from my son who thinks they are for fighting dragons. And that left hand of mine better start paying attention.
Vandal,
It was fun yesterday, especially watching you have the “Aha or wow” moments. Thanks for the comments.
I feel I have been blessed and fortunate to have experienced true TGM training from so many AI’s. They deserve their credits.
My following list is not in any order of importance but more an order of time sequence: Recently over the past four years from Joe, Chuck, Lynn, Brian, and Ted. In the past from Ben, Chuck Cook, Mike Hebron, Gregg McH, Tom Tomasello, and Peter Croker. Also Randy and Mike O. who are not AI's but should be!
I am pleased and honored to pass on their knowledge and insights as well as my own.
Lee
