Comments on: Playing Golf in the Thin Air

By: Craig63

Craig63 — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:40:15 +0000

Isn’t it an indicator of insanity to keep repeating the same thing over and over expecting a different result? People who make dumb excuses for bad shots are deluding themselves and it is the absolute antithesis of the 5th secret.

If you are struggling with your swing get realistic and have someone who understands your swing to have a look at it, preferably a teaching pro. This should be done in a practice environment and not in competion play, my only advice I give in comp play is on alignment – thats it.

Regards, Craig S

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:21:47 +0000

What is the most difficult shot for most amateurs? It’s the one where people are watching: the first tee, the approach shot in front of the bar patio, etc. I think that when you make any comment on someone else’s swing during the round, you are tacitly telling them that their swing is being scrutinized. I have a friend who will say things like, “I can hardly wait to see how your new swing performs on the course,” or, while I’m pulling out my driver, “Ooo, the big stick…I love how hard you smack that thing,” or “Why do you ____ when you are ____?” Now the first tee is every shot.

While I would love the opportunity to play with the Surge and have him comment on my game as we played, this would have to be the expressed objective of the day — from both sides. While the comments here seem to focus on the etiquette of amateurs asking advice from a pro, I think there is equal question whether a pro (or anyone else) should offer advice on the course.

For me, the range is for working on my swing and the course is a place to play. I believe the only comment you should ever make about another person’s game on the course should be “great shot.” (Even when I’m asked for advice on the course, I’ll usually say something like, “Let’s talk about it after the round.” Trying to make even slight adjustments can be devastating to your game for awhile, so I don’t think you should try implementing them on the course.)

By: Patrick Kapfhammer

Patrick Kapfhammer — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:47:29 +0000

I hit alot of my irons off of the toe.Could you suggest one thing i could do to help me.?

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:38:19 +0000

I find the hardest thing about golf is that you cannot see yourself; only the results. How can we comment on what we just did? When I run into an issue with my game and then finally break down and go see a pro, I, of course, have assumptions about what the problem is. We all do, right? If I have gone to a pro 10 times, as an example, do you know how many times my assumtions have correlated with the adjustments the pro has made? Zero. So, I agree, get your head out of the clouds, go see a good professional and find what it is you should be working on. It can save alot of needless time searching. I used to think it was weak to ask for help. I started watching golf in a era where golfers did not have swing coaches and the greatest thing a commentator could say about a golfer is that he never had a lesson. I’m willing to bet that all of those guys had a lot of competent people give them feedback, or make a minor adjustment, or “take a look” tell me what you see kind of thing and never considered that a lesson, but it was. No one develops their game in a vacuum.

It would be interesting Surge for you to comment on how often a person who comes for a lesson because their game is “in the tank” knows what the “real” issue (s) are.

By: chris goss

chris goss — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:36:03 +0000

Hi Don. I loved the story about your round with “guy”. I know I have been him before…I started out on the course yesterday excited to try out the new swing assuring myself that I had it down…well I must say I hit some decent shots and some not so good ones too….I decided to head to the range after 9 holes and continue to practice the swing….I’m still not clear as to wether I’m doing it correctly but do think I’m making progress…I would like to hear your comments regarding handling the tension associated with the game. I often play by myself and am pretty reluctant to get paired up with strangers…I guess I’m a little embarrassed of my game and my nerves seem to make me play worse…What are your reccommendations for overcoming this. I love the game and really really want to become a good player. Thanks again.