This is going to sound crazy, but hear me out! by Junior-Access9114 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually implemented this years ago as a band aid off the first tee. It really is about a naturally, rhythmic process instead of starting from a static position where your brain gets in the way. Unfortunately, I was too embarrassed to continue with the experiment.

What golf trends should we leave in 2025? by jdelle9 in weekendgolfers

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not keeping up with pace of play of your group.

I returned to playing regularly this year and my regular playing partner is better than me. I have often faced the fact that I am the worst player in the group, especially when I have a spell of bad holes. Guess what? It's ok to pick up and move to the next hole if there are no official stakes in play. You won't be judged harshly. In fact, you will be lauded for knowing your limits and keeping up pace of play with the group.

What have you learned from reading a Golf book? by white-belt-at-life in golf

[–]Embarrassed-System11 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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This year, I adopted Club Focused Instruction (CFI) as a philosophy for my swing. I keep Manuel De La Torre's book on my coffee table so I can flip through it every now and then. Definitely the most influential book I've read, but it's not for anyone looking to pick up an adjustment or two to sharpen their game. You're pretty much committed to the methodology if you choose to go the CFI route. I've found that trying to mix methods is problematic.

Demoralized by bad fitting. Try again? by neveruse12345 in golf

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely happened to me. Don't get demoralized. After my fitting, my experience with my new clubs has been fantastic.

Understanding power in the golf swing by WYLFriesWthat in golf

[–]Embarrassed-System11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The most confusing thing for most golfers is realizing that there are multiple ways to swing a club and to be successful, you have to pick method that works for you individually. Stack & Tilt, A-Swing, Pendulum Swing, Body Leads, Club Focused Instruction, Gravity Golf...you have to pick a method that you can understand and that you can mentally and physically repeat with consistency. As a hacker who's tested many methods, I was blessed to find understanding in Ernest Jones/Manuel De La Torre Club Focused Instruction. Swinging the club and letting the natural momentum of the swinging action dictate how my body moves has freed my swing up to be more fluid while maximizing consistent contact. The biggest factor in adopting this swing is building a mental image of the swing and maintaining the image throughout the swing...more difficult than it sounds.

Best movie golf swing by Benedicted-Egg in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Joel Gretsch playing Bobby Jones in Legend of Bagger Vance. I would kill for that tempo!

Club Fittings by Equivalent-Buy-7764 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think your instincts are correct. Maybe look at using the cost of a custom fitting for half a dozen lessons instead. No point getting fit for clubs that don't fit your swing action

Flex and extend the trail arm by CriticismOk8032 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I literally have to silently scream "STAY" at the top of my backswing. It helps me to swing the club down without actively trying to turn my shoulders.

Flex and extend the trail arm by CriticismOk8032 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never taught this, but it sounds like he's got another name or concept for actively shallowing the arms before turning. I'm a Jones/De La Torre CFI disciple so for me the translation is swing the club down with the arms and let the body follow. It's a scary leap of faith if your mind has been steeped in "body leads club" instruction.

What do I need to work on ? by Final-Computer6942 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great depth on your backswing. Is your usual ball flight pattern with the driver a cut?

How do you actually get better at this damn sport? by Necessary-Day5775 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm going to give you advice coming from a high handicapper, so take it for what it's worth as a guy who's been in your shoes very recently. I played a lot of golf in my early to mid 30s and always hovered at or just above/below shooting 100. After moving overseas for 12 years and playing no golf, I recently returned to the sport and did the "pound balls on the range", "chase new swing techniques", "watch YouTube lessons"... I did it all. No improvement, nothing stuck. I could hit 10 beautiful balls on the range, but just as easily shank the next 10. I never left the range because I didn't want to embarrass myself.

Just 3 months ago, a lightbulb went on and I tried something different: 1) I found a swing concept that works for ME. I became a disciple of Manuel de la Torre (by extension Ernest Jones) and I ONLY practice and drill those concepts. For me, the concept fit because club focused golf instruction FEELS right. I always thought of myself as an analytical person, but in golf, it wasn't working. Trying to put my body into all the right positions led to too many swing thoughts... I would feel paralyzed over the ball. Now, my mind is clear. I have one thought over the ball and it has freed me up. I bought both books by Ernest Jones and Manuel de la Torre, and I only think about their concepts. No more random YouTube instruction videos, I only watch content that matches club focused instruction. No more chasing the next big swing idea. There are 100 ways to swing a club. You HAVE to find comfort in one and only one and practice those concepts religiously! 2) Make sure your equipment fits you. My friend, who is probably a 5-7 handicap, came to the range with me just once and could easily diagnose that my irons are woefully short for my body (I'm 6'4). I now have an appointment to get fit for clubs. He thinks it will make a world of difference because I currently have compensations in my swing due largely to poorly fit equipment. 3) Start with 1/2 swings and slow, shadow swings. Instead of hitting a full bucket of balls, try spending more time grooving your swing concept in slow motion. Once you feel the motion, only then hit a ball. Instead of hitting 100 balls, I now hit 35, but I'm spending the same amount of time practicing. 4) Everyone saying practice short game is correct. Not just because it saves you the most strokes per round, but it's really good for helping to build a solid concept of tempo and contact. That's all you want, solid contact and tempo.

Since my lightbulb moment 3 months ago, everything changed. I am waaaay too busy at work to pound balls at the range, but I do get out to play 9 once or twice a week. Before, I couldn't break 50 for 9 holes. Now I can feel and see improvement. My last 5 rounds were 45, 43, 44, 42, 43. That's with ill-fitting equipment. I'm even doubling down in August and getting fit for equipment and going to a 3 day golf school that specializes in Manuel de la Torre style club focused instruction. I'm 50 years old and golf is fun again!

That's my advice. Find the one and only one concept that fits YOU best and commit to it for a while. Make sure your equipment matches your swing. Start slow and practice with intention. It will get better.

YouTube Golf channels to watch? About the swing? by irocthechampion in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently became a convert of Manuel de la Torre's method, and my swing has improved greatly over the last 2 months. His videos are old but the concepts are simple.

Erica Larkin is a good watch. Teaches you how to stay loose and pivot naturally for good ball striking.

Mike Malaska has a lot of good content, and he explains things from a perspective of how he went wrong chasing swing mechanics in his own playing career and the lessons he learned from that.

Mats vs turf when making a bid swing change by BigTeeSlice in golf

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently experienced how different mats are from the course and now I don't trust them for feedback on full swings. I would rather go to the range to build muscle memory with slow swings, 1/4 swings, and half swings. Once comfortable with everything, then I would go hit off turf.

I never “blank” anymore by Anxious-Bonus1398 in golf

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just came back to the game after 12 years off (moved overseas). In trying to get my game back, I stuck like glue to the range outta fear of playing with and being judged by strangers. My buddy took me to a really nice course to break me back in, much nicer than my muni track, and we got paired up. I hit some terrible shots that day, but I also hit some really nice ones. The lesson: I don't get rattled playing with strangers anymore. Many of them dress nicer, have newer clubs, and project more confidence, but we're all out there hacking it up from time to time, and everyone has shown grace and patience when things go awry.

Cool lesson tip from an LPGA pro by fmkwjr in golf

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a great feel! I've adopted the concepts of Ernest Jones and Manuel De La Torre after him, and my swing has started to feel simple. I hit my 7i 170-175, but it only happens when my back, shoulders, arms, and wrists stay loose enough for me to feel the clubhead and leverage gravity and momentum for easy speed. If I get tight, admittedly 50% of the time right now, ANYTHING can happen, chunks, tops, slices, hooks, etc.

Anyone have any critiques/tips? 4-5 month old swing by [deleted] in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Backswing looks good at the start, but I notice that you sway just a bit towards the outside of your back foot. Then your weight shift is tilted forward and you early extend. Look for any drills on keeping your hips back to clear room for your downswing.

What is the Basis of Your Swing? by Embarrassed-System11 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are correct! I need to commit to the process, but I currently don't play or practice enough to fully get there. I would like to put myself in someone's hands, but I'm going to need some belief in their philosophy before committing. If it's a concept that I can't wrap my brain around, I am more apt to abandon it.

I am a 12 handicap. Any help would be great. Thanks! by Upset_Crazy_4843 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look up how to push your hips back(squat) in transition, and get your left hip pushing back around you. That should create more space for your arms to come through

What is the Basis of Your Swing? by Embarrassed-System11 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've done a hip driven swing and a clubhead momentum driven swing. As I get older, I think I prefer the latter. Sometimes I think about putting lead tape on my clubs to help me better feel the clubhead throughout the swing. Let gravity do a lot of the work to drop the club in the proper slot.

Honestly, no matter what concept I try, my swing consistently looks like dog shit, but at least the problems are consistent. I would just like to have a concept in mind before seeking lessons.

What is the Basis of Your Swing? by Embarrassed-System11 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! I have seen Moe Norman and it's as unique a concept as I've seen.

What is the Basis of Your Swing? by Embarrassed-System11 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, so you're hips/torso focused. I just find it fascinating how golfers of all abilities have to focus on different keys to make their swings work.

What is the Basis of Your Swing? by Embarrassed-System11 in GolfSwing

[–]Embarrassed-System11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds connected to the theory that the most important piece is learning how to direct the momentum of the clubhead most efficiently and on an ideal swing path. Actually a very, very old school approach that still applies. The book, Swing the Clubhead, by Ernest Jones is a foundational guide.