On the Green

This week a good friend and student came for a lesson. Prior to leaving on vacation I had given her a new student handbook I created with both photos and a written description of some of the key positions all good golfers get into (address, take away, half way up, top of swing, half way down, impact, follow through, half way up to finish, and the finish). Although everyone may not be able to achieve all the positions with perfection due to body type, flexibility, and physical limitations it did give her a visual guidance that she needed.

I was so excited with her progress on that day; her drives were solid and much further than ever before. Of course, I had to ask her what did she do while I was away and her response was that she re-read the booklet over and over again and read the words that went with the pictures and something "clicked" for her. Admittedly, she is a slow learner; and although the written words she had heard me say over and over again it wasn't until she saw the picture with the words that it began to register with her.

This student had taken clinic lessons last year with four other terrific ladies and it was this private session combined with pictures and words that made all the difference in the world to her. After the drives we worked on the irons, where she was struggling. Basically, the problem was in her wrists. She made an early release and hit heavy behind every shot. We worked on the grip pressure and tension first. Then we practiced a couple of chip shots where it is important to maintain a firm wrist through impact. I was so excited and so was she when her iron and hybrid shots became as crisp and solid as the wood shots. We had a monumental break through this week. Kudos to my friend!

As an instructor, I believe it is important to continue my education; the more I learn the better it becomes for my students. I am currently reading a fantastic book which I am recommending to my readers and students which is called Every Shot Has A Purpose by Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson. Lynn was one of my earliest instructors and Pia Nilsson was the Swedish National Coach and worked with many of the great Swedish players like Annika Sorenstam. The two of them have teamed up to help golfers and instructors like me to learn about Vision 54, which is their belief that a score of 54 for 18 holes is achievable. We know that Annika had a 59 as did a few male players so 54 really doesn't seem to be that far out of reach, now does it.

The authors believe that golf is a combination of physical, technical, mental, emotional and social elements. As a swing coach I work on the technical skills and frequently dabble into the physical, mental and emotional, and social affects on the player. This book if it were not focused on golf you would swear it was focused on "life" itself. Please if you get the chance check this book out, I know you will enjoy it.

My student with the ill fitted clubs came back this week and despite the equipment is doing a wonderful job adjusting. Her driver, 3-wood, hybrid and five iron fit her okay, but the other clubs do require her to bend and flex her knees more than I wish was necessary. I believe at some time she will get a new set of clubs, but since this whole learning session was to get her ready to play with some guests coming in from out of town I am not sure how much golf she will ultimately play.

I can tell you though that in the short two weeks she has done terrific. She too received one of my picture booklets and is a quick visual learner, which helped her to get ready faster. She will still make plenty of mistakes when she plays as all beginners do; but at least now she knows she can make contact, hit it a good way, looks like a golfer and should have fun. Before leaving the lesson that day she told me her first instructor told her she would never be good at golf, so basically don't try. I was really appalled at that; and so pleased she sought me out for instruction.

Joyce Wilcox is a teaching professional and an LPGA Class A Member. Contact Joyce at 910-274-4767.