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- Thread starter willimatic
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willimatic
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Wish I knew what to advise as it sounds a lot like what I went through at and post-college. Still shooting half-decent scores as I was playing a lot and my touch around the greens was good. Hitting lots of greens, but could easily make doubles on the ones I didn't with a big hook or two.
Had a lot of coaching, but never really helped. I'm sure you've read Rotella and the like. I wish I'd have read things like that sooner and been less obsessed with just striking it as pure as I possibly could.
I did manage to develop an 'anti-left' shot off the tee though. Involved choking way down to the end of the grip of the driver and hitting it off a low peg. The grip is obviously a bit thinner there, but always felt like the shaft played a bit stiffer so you can give it a thump with impunity. Also got a good strong three wood that I could drop on the tee and hit off the deck. Makes it much harder to get underneath and flip left.
Never been a good wedge player, but put that down to the same root cause. You're in the best place for information now though eh?
There is a lot of pressure to turn pro. All but three of the junior team I was in did so. Of the seven that turned pro, two are still making a living in the game - one in a pro shop, the other in the top fifty in the world. And he was obviously that good then.
I always hated paying people who said 'Your swing looks great' all the way round.I'd rather have an ugly swing that works!
Good luck!
wow, that sounds very very similar to me. I have not turned pro as so many of my friends and college teammates have. I work now so I play less now but feel like I am a better player with the knowledge I'm starting to get here. I can't agree with you more about the "your swing looks great" crap!
I am not even sure where to begin with my wedge play, haha. I feel my contact with them is very poor compared to my other clubs. And I miss them both left and right but more often right. Thin more than fat, and thin as in to much forward divot causing me to hit it low on face, but with the occasional fat shot. I think that's because I can get ahead of the shot (not sure if just hands to far ahead or head moves forward as well) and I stop and stick in the ground knowing it's going to go right and or thin (so kind of a stop and chunk if that makes sense.).
I will try to get some video in next few days so it's my swing at its most current and post up.
Appreciate everyone chimming in, it's very encouraging!
Thanks,
Richie3Jack
New
On the Tour level the wedge game is pretty big unless you're long in the Dustin Johnson, Robert Garrigus, etc range. When I was playing college golf 12 years ago I used to get lessons from a pro who had won on the PGA Tour back in the 70's and when we worked on my wedge game, which I thought was pretty strong at the time, it paled in comparison to this guy who didn't play much but probably hit balls every day. Just an uncanny skill with distance control and EVERYTHING was at the flagstick. I soon realized that my wedge game was average at best and I was more or less a great flop shot and bunker player who could putt.
The wedge play is important because you'll be using them a lot on long par-5's unless you can bang it 350 off the tee and you have to tear up par-5's or you'll fall behind the leaders. You'll also need it occasionally to save par or if you get a shorter par-4 take advantage of that. The problem with hookers hitting wedges is that they close the face and that de-lofts the club and trajectory is vital to distance control with the wedges.
3JACK
The wedge play is important because you'll be using them a lot on long par-5's unless you can bang it 350 off the tee and you have to tear up par-5's or you'll fall behind the leaders. You'll also need it occasionally to save par or if you get a shorter par-4 take advantage of that. The problem with hookers hitting wedges is that they close the face and that de-lofts the club and trajectory is vital to distance control with the wedges.
3JACK
willimatic
New
Good insight, I know I can become a good wedge player and will eventually. I just need to figure out a pattern or tweak set up, ball position etc. to achieve that. I have good touch around the greens, flop shots and bunkers are one of the best parts of my game. Just need to tighten up full swing errors a bit and make my wedge plan an asset.
Check out Brian's reply in this thread. I've been trying it out and it's great (big surprise, eh). Give it a run and tell us what you think.
willimatic
New
Thanks
I will try that out and see how it goes. I'm really starting to see that different clubs needs different patterns. I know so many people who are good with longer clubs and not with short and vice versa.
I will try that out and see how it goes. I'm really starting to see that different clubs needs different patterns. I know so many people who are good with longer clubs and not with short and vice versa.
Matt Bryda
New
Willimatic,
IMO, Brian's NHA video has many elements that would help your game.
I own almost all of Brian's videos and I have found that there is something in every video that has helped my game.
Matt
IMO, Brian's NHA video has many elements that would help your game.
I own almost all of Brian's videos and I have found that there is something in every video that has helped my game.
Matt
jonnygrouville
New
There are positives to be taken from that though. I think Brian has mentioned somewhere that the majority of golfers "see" pivot. A swing with a good pivot, good rhythm and a balanced finish will get a lot of compliments. However, they don't all "see" the clubface as well. "Nice swing.... oooh.... unlucky."
Always especially bad if they can only hit a twenty yard cut off the tee, but have a wedge game you would kill for.
I agree on the NHA. Sounds obvious and your swing clearly doesn't need a complete overhaul, but there will be the odd thing or two (hopefully more!) you will find useful.
To me, hook as a bad shot and inability to hit wedges go hand-in-hand. Always amazed me how I could be so confident with long irons from any lie, but clueless with a wedge from the middle of a fairway.
Anyway, I think as you unhook your swing, you will starting finding things that improve your wedge game. Focus on wedges can't hurt though and there are guys here who can and will help with particular problems.
Kevin Shields
Super Moderator
I would only consider NHA on shorter shots for you. I think a simple look at your clubface, path and aim with the long game. Definately NHA concepts for wedge play.
Matt Bryda
New
yes, I should have been more specific.
Matt
willimatic
New
Thanks everyone!
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