Jun
08
2008

Progress Update: June 8, 2008

Posted by Double Eagle in My Progress

Things are starting to come together. Every time I hit the course or the range or the practice green, I feel just a little more sharp than the last time. My scores are coming down, but my 18-hole scores are nowhere near where I want them to be. Last time out, I shot an 88 that could have been much lower, were it not for two blow up holes on the first nine. I managed a 41 on the second nine to get me to 88.

I’m starting to mix in birdies fairly regularly. I’m also facing a lot more makeable birdie putts. I’m not making as many as I’d like, but it’s a step in the right direction.

I did something yesterday that I’ve been putting off for too long. I scheduled a series of three lessons with the pro at my home course. It’s a switch for me from my regular pro that I’m making for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a lot closer to home and is more convenient. Second, I haven’t had a lesson for a while so this is a good time for a fresh look at my swing and what I’m trying to accomplish. A new perspective may help me make some big strides. I’m not “firing” my original pro. Sometimes a fresh perspective is quite valuable, though, so that’s exactly what I’m getting.

The only apprehension I have is that I’ve been working on my own toward developing the Jim Hardy one-plane swing. We discussed this before I scheduled the lessons. While he is somewhat familiar with Hardy’s concepts, he doesn’t teach a cookie-cutter style. Instead, he prefers to match the swing to the player’s ability, much like Butch Harmon does.

I’m prepared to let go of the one-plane swing if my pro feels that it’s best for me. I definitely agree with his preference of not trying to mold a player to a swing that may not be suitable. I think I’ll be best served by trusting in an experienced professional. After three lessons, I should have a good idea of whether things are moving in the direction that I like.

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There are currently 4 responses to “Progress Update: June 8, 2008”

  1. 1

    The Happy Rock said:

    Awesome move with the pro and great attitude. Paying the money for a trusted professional will only provide great returns!

    When is the first one?

  2. 2

    Double Eagle said:

    The first lesson is Saturday, June 14. I wanted to get into it as soon as possible.

  3. 3

    Nick Fogelson said:

    I hope your lessons help you to reach your goal! I don’t think a cookie cutter approach is right for anybody. There are some people who will do great with a one plane swing, but others that simply cannot achieve it. I truly believe that a one plane swing maximizes power and accuracy, but it requires that the player be very flexible and fit. Tiger Woods can do a one plane swing. So can Tom Pernice (who does it beautifully, perhaps better than Tiger.) They’re both thin. Craig Stadler could never achieve a one plane swing because his girth gets in the way of creating that big rotation - but he has a great two plane swing that has led to many many wins. Same goes for Craig Parry.

    Then you have folks like Davis Love, whose body would allow a one plane swing, but still does a fantastic two plane motion and wins.

    If you want to stay one plane, use the pro like a pair of eyes that helps you to hit the marks that Jim Hardy is describing. The fundamentals of that swing are pretty indisputable, so I doubt he is going to have a problem with them.

    Good luck!

  4. 4

    Double Eagle said:

    Thanks, Nick. I have a long way to go in terms of flexibility, but I think I’m doing well so far with the one-plane move. I have no trouble generating power and my accuracy is coming around.

    There are definitely some things he’ll help me improve right away. For instance, there’s something going wrong in my back swing that’s all wrong. I feel it and when I continue with the swing, it’s a guaranteed snap hook. I think I’m allowing my left wrist to be cupped, but I can’t see it, so I’m not sure. It’s intermittent, so I haven’t seen it in any video yet. But that’s something he should be able to pick up on.

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