Feb
19
2008

Personal Lessons

Posted by Double Eagle in Instruction

Stack and Tilt Golf Swing Videos by Medicus Golf

tgc.jpgThe Golf Channel is one of the staples of my existence. Since it has been on the air, as an instruction addict, I’ve been sustained by programs like Golf Channel Academy, Golf Fitness Academy, and Playing Lessons from the Pros. This past fall, they introduced a new show called Personal Lessons that has quickly become one of my favorites. Somehow, I missed it then, but have been catching up now.

The premise is extremely simple: a well known professional teams up with two amateurs of varying skill levels and they all hit the course for a playing lesson.

To me, the usefulness of the instruction goes way beyond what Playing Lessons from the Pros gives us, where we get to see a tour pro playing a round. With that program, we get a look into his/her routine and style, learning how players of that level manage the course and hit specific shots. As much as I love it, amateur players face a different set of challenges and problems.

That’s where Personal Lessons shines.

By teaming up the pro with two amateurs, we see examples of the good and bad shots that most of us hit round after round, except we also get to see a professional helping players to correct those mistakes on the course.

We see things like poor decision making, chili-dips, slices, hooks, and flaws in the mental game, followed by some coaching from the pro. I know I’ve found myself watching and thinking, “Hey, I’ve made that mistake too!”

It’s a valuable tool to see an average player talk through the thought process prior to a shot, only to have it turn out poorly, at which point the pro offers up an alternate approach that works out better when the player drops a second ball and tries again.

The pros featured in the show are some big names that include Tony Jacklin, Jim Thorpe, Rocco Mediate among others.

I recommend checking out the show. I think you’ll find it both interesting and instructional. Kudos to The Golf Channel for offering up another great instructional series.

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There are currently 7 responses to “Personal Lessons”

  1. 1

    Saturday Golfer said:

    I must say that I completely agree with you I love this program. It makes it easier to relate to problems that normal golfers are having on the course. I enjoyed the last two I have watched with Jim Thorpe. Since his swing is a little unorthodox he had a lot to say about managing your game from club selection to chipping.

    Posted on February 22nd, 2008 at 11:51 am

  2. 2

    Double Eagle said:

    I watched both of the Jim Thorpe episodes and thought they were great. At first, I was thinking, “Jeez, do I really want to be taking swing tips from Jim Thorpe?”, given his unorthodox swing. But, he quickly showed that there’s a lot more to the game than swing mechanics, and that his knowledge of the swing and shot technique goes way beyond his own odd move at the ball.

    Posted on February 22nd, 2008 at 11:54 am

  3. 3

    TP Golf Online said:

    I have never seen the show since my cable provider moved the golf channel for its analog channel line up to digital.

    I like the idea for getting golfers to select the proper shot for the situation or how to approach a situation.

    Even though Thorpe’s technique looks unorhodox I would have no problem swing taking advice from him. He obviously found a way to get the ball in the hole in fewer strokes than 99.9% of all golfers. It would also be hard to turn down advice from anyone who has won on tour.

    Posted on February 22nd, 2008 at 4:43 pm

  4. 4

    Double Eagle said:

    Absolutely true, TP. I’d be happy to get swing advice from Thorpe. It’s just the initial thought of that unorthodox swing that gives pause. Same for Jim Furyk. Someone would be nuts to not pay attention to what those guys have to say, though.

    Posted on February 22nd, 2008 at 5:01 pm

  5. 5

    Nathan said:

    I will be working with the Baytown Christian Academy’s golf team starting tomorrow. This program has helped me personally and will help the students as well. Thanks for the great tips!!! Nathan Gray

    Posted on February 26th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

  6. 6

    Double Eagle said:

    You’re welcome, Nathan. Best of luck working with the Academy team!

    Posted on February 26th, 2008 at 3:52 pm

  7. 7

    Roger The Golfer said:

    Yes, getting golf swing lessons is definitely the way to go. If you’ve been thinking of doing it don’t put it to the back of your mind because life just passes by way too fast and you will regret it. It really does improve your golf game no matter what area of golf you take lessons for.

    Posted on September 29th, 2008 at 12:37 am

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