Okay, I guess I should say turning to a pro. A teaching pro, that is.
After my lesson fiasco when I first started, I decided I wanted to continue to “do it myself” and learn by watching, reading, and practicing. Well, the practicing is nearly non-existent now and I don’t even have much time to play as practice. Sadly, my game has been showing it. In fact, it’s like I’ve completely lost my swing and have no confidence out there, so there’s extra motivation to seek outside help. In most areas of my life, I’m a do-it-yourselfer and take pride in that.  Golf is especially tricky so it would be extra rewarding to figure it out all on my own. But I wasn’t exactly a spring chicken when I took up this game, so I don’t really have the luxury of the years it would take to do that and sustain that avenue for pride.
Plus, I’d rather get better and enjoy my game more sooner rather than later. Yes, I enjoy just getting out there, but I enjoy it more the better I perform. And I am competitive and like to win and that hasn’t been possible lately. Finally, I have convinced myself that there’s no shame in getting instruction.
I have already chosen my teaching professional (though he doesn’t know it yet). Now I just need to find (take) the time to do it and get the ball rolling, so to speak.
I will literally keep you posted on what develops.
February 21, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I’m a DIY golfer too. But I also didn’t rule out having a teaching pro. I had two basic lessons in short game and long game. My game hasn’t improved dramatically. Maybe I just have no talent for this game. I haven’t held a club since August 2007. Still watch them Pros on TV though.
February 21, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Most likely your instructor has no idea what happens in the golf swing. Go to my blog http://www.stevewozeniak.com and look at Emily Kleins swing sequence any body worth a nickle will easily get you into these positions. This is where EVERY great player is while playing well and I prove it every day. Keep it Simple.
February 27, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Whew – Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie, and Lorena Ochoa (just to start the list) feel better knowing that there is no shame in needing instruction !
Find a pro that teaches the way you learn best – feel, mechanics, monkey see monkey do, reading, technology, etc – and sit down with him/her to lay out a plan for your lessons and practice.
Have a ball ! I’m envisioning Kristen as that woman in the driving range commercial – whacking the ball collector guy even when he’s at home having a cup of coffee. 😀