A different way to get better at golf [Expert's view]

[@TimC887]

Before I finish this video I want to add that I believe it was Nicklaus that said, "To be really good at golf you either need to know everything about the golf swing, or nothing." I spent years and years trying to learn as much as possible. The past few years I've steered clear of instruction and focused on simple ideas that work for me. This past year has been my best of 35 years of playing (56 years old). My handicap is currently 4.8 and I broke 70 for the first time ever (68 -4).

[@kurtheitman552]

Yes! I believe you have to go into task mode (like simply making sure you brush the grass in front of the ball).

[@TimC887]

@@kurtheitman552 Kurt, 100% correct. This is actually my swing thought for my irons!

[@kurtheitman552]

@@TimC887 👍🏻curious what you use for driver? I just try to see the club head woosh through my intended path.

[@TimC887]

@@kurtheitman552 Driver is "Keep it smooth....right foot down". Helps me stay back and release for a baby draw every time!

[@melantheoszimurri9981]

Check out moe Norman

[@WestVirginiaWILD]

For two years I've been obsessed with getting better at golf. I had swing lessons, new clubs, and tons of practice. As of now I feel like I've sort of stopped getting better which led me down this rabbit hole of thinking that you have just confirmed my intuitions were correct. I've always been athletic and picked up sports easily. Why is golf so damned hard to get good at for me I thought! Then I realized that when I was a kid we were always playing sports(lots of practice) but not only that we were always playing a variation of the game. Like Basketball for example we could play horse, knockout, or 21. Each of those games requires a different skill and we were learning how to play while we played. This video was absolutely brilliant and I'm so glad you created this. I really needed to hear this. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@golflessons]

Just stumbled into this video; glad to help you get to your next level-here are things to chew on: -you are not defective (you can’t do anything wrong) -you are an adaptation machine and cannot repeat your tasks exactly the same ever-PROVEN SCIENTIFICALLY-because of the brain’s feedback loop-the next swing changes your brain forever and you can’t go back. List of necessities 1-need a flight plan (can’t even think of setting up until you choose WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE THE BALL DO) 2-need an intermediate point to set up and match your address position to the flight plan through a prediction process A-ball position matches the draw you want to hit B-distance to ball fits C-grip and club face will allow the ball to curve in the air the way you want it to when you release the action-task into the flight plan D-posture allows you to collect the ball nicely from where it lies to release it into the flight plan 3-once everything matches, what now? YOU MUST STAY WITH AND WITNESS THE ACTION BEING DELIVERED INTO THE FLIGHT PLAN AND STAY WITH THE SHOT-you must be able to confirm that you delivered the goods into that picture-when you walk a child across the street you don’t let go of their hand mid way; YOU STAY WITH THEM ALL THE WAY ACROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE!! 4-Observe non judgementally, your brain already knows what was missing or if it was what you were looking for and repeat this PROCESS to allow you to evolve. Want to cancel and sabotage this evolution? Simple: Think about where your body parts are! Email me at [e-mail]

[@mofojohnson1]

Recently I have just been practicing draws and fades at the driving range. The last few rounds my long game has been automatic and strike has been highly consistent with no swing thoughts and just a lot more enjoyable

[@TGTSGolf]

As a school teacher I found this really proved some of my pedagogy right. My students always make better progress when playing maths games and being in that skill based state. Interesting that it can be applied to golf too

[@motodiaries8204]

Hi Rob, I've just re-watched this video and I love the way Stuart talks and thinks. I wanted to pass along my experience this winter. I got a golf simulator in the fall and set up a basic practice facility in my garage. It's just a Skytrak unit with an ipad, a mat, and a net. Because it is so convenient (and I'm retired) I hit balls at least a couple of times a day all winter long. I spent a lot of time initially flailing away horribly inconsistently and frustrating myself, but I kept at it and slowly had some insights from watching KZbin videos and trying things day after day. From those little insights and the constant feedback and the ability to track progress, I slowly built up a swing that felt good, repeatable, and was just working. I started mostly with wedges and short irons and slowly added longer irons as my skills and understanding increased. Eventually, not until almost spring, I started hitting my longer clubs in anticipation of the season. Like you, I have plenty of techinical knowledge, but I built this swing by eliminating sources of inconsistency and simplifying the swing. I won't go into the long process or what things I worked out, but I found a swing and an ability to strike the ball beautifully and increasingly consistently. I figured that I probably hit 20 to 25,000 golf balls this winter. I could never have practiced or learned this much in any other way. I could never hit that many shots at any range. The one or two range sessions I might be able to do in any given week is just not nearly enough to really learn things. I used to go to the range and try to work through my entire bag each time. With the simulator I could go out and hit just wedges into a green and focus on neatly clipping each wedge off the matt without chunking or thinning them. I could fairly quickly get to where I felt like I could nip a ball off a hard lie without fear. Later that day I would try to take that short simple swing and extend it a bit into a full wedge and maybe some eight or nine irons. As that felt doable, I'd add longer irons and on and on. I don't feel like I'm fully there yet but I do own what I have, which is a hugely improved approach game. I still have a lot of work to do on the longer clubs, but the lessons from the shorter game do bleed over and I feel like I can get there with more time. I now feel that I could become a genuinely good golfer, something that never seemed possible before. I can feel that it would be possible to know that I could hit any club into a green with a reasonable expectation of hitting the green or at least being very close. I used to live, like most golfers I think, in fear of the big miss, the toe or shank or slice that goes into the woods or water, ruining a hole and probably a round. I can foresee feeling completely differently on the course. During that time, and really since I've been playing again, I didn't take any lessons. I took in the best information I could and I tested it in my garage. If I struck the ball well and it felt like something I could own, I extended it into longer clubs. In short, I guess what I'm saying is that spending a lot of time hitting balls without having to spend a lot time traveling to a practice location gives you the ability to really build something. I'd really encourage you to try it if you can, perhaps next winter. Good luck in your continuing journey. I'll keep you posted as I find out if I can take this newfound skill and confidence to the course.

[@charlesm783]

One of the best uTube golf videos I have ever watched. What you learn (or do instinctively) as a child we forget as a adult. It makes such sense and I will certainly test the concept out. Thank you.

[@mezzavoceify]

Great stuff here. Shawn Clement has been emphasizing the task over body positions forever. I continue to use his language and illustrations to simplify the game. Also, @Rob McGarr at about 24:00 I was yelling at the screen saying, “Just play the freakin’ games!!!!”

[@golfergal]

Yes, I was saying that ,too!. Rob didn't see to be sold on all the "play the game" advice. He kept hedging on agreeing to give it a try...Stuart was so patient...far more than I would have been...

[@Newts65]

I loved his notion of the skills games. Growing up, I played basketball at the college level - I learned how to play by countless hours of hitting “game-winning” shots in my backyard from all over the court. Shooting right and left-handed, goofy behind the backboard shots…just anything I could imagine. I started playing golf as an adult and I’ve never taken that approach with the game!!! WTH? I’m stuck trying to get into positions and end up having analysis paralysis and whatnot. (“somewhere between hope and fear”). Holy cow, I’m so glad you posted this.

[@TeezerDriz]

That's exactly it. Instead of thinking of all the parts of the swing and hitting a poor shot, just have the thought in your head of sending the ball to where you want it to go and your muscles will do the work.

[@jaywalk4446]

I like what he says about disregarding a lot of the complications of swing mechanics. I have a trick to get my game together when i am having a shocker. I stop for a moment and say to myself "stop thinking about it, here is a stick, there is a ball. Just hit the ball with the stick". And its amazing how it improves my game. It's not a long term approach to game improvement, but when i'm having one of those days it just reminds me that its not that complicated, i am a capable sportsman, just stop thinking about it and hit the damn ball!!

[@scottcross3252]

As a squash coach , golfer , cricketer this info is so valid across so many aspects .. The idea of gaming your practice is really good , I worked at golf resort about 20 years ago , the driving range had sand all along the side . We were asked to clean them out and chuck them onto the range but instead we grabbed wedges and hit them back ...did this for about an hour a day for 4 months as long as I didnt get caught , but up to this day those sand games have gotten me to not at all even flinch when landing in the bunker. That game mode on course today really settles the nerves and has the body take the wheel ( my 2 cents )

[@billyt9921]

Love your vidz Rob. I've recently stumbled across Alison Thietje - she has a small outdated youtube channel, but does zoom lessons. She's a body movement coach rather than golf. Really interesting stuff and a shift/break away from traditional golf coaching. Her method of initiating the downswing has a lot of parallels with Mike Austins stuff but is much more simple to implement.

[@golfergal]

Great advice. I rarely take practice swings; instead, I approach my shot with what I know my body already knows to do. If I think too much, I get tight and quick. I use to play whiffle ball golf with my brothers growing up. We had hours of fun and it made my short game "on fire" when I graduated to the big course. I want to play well, have fun, and not take my score so seriously. As I've gotten older, it's much more about enjoying my time on the course, challenging myself to the best golf I can play. My h/c is a 12...so, I have some game. I can get lost in the You tube golf "university" of the golf swing tips and lessons. This was a great video!

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks :) Yep, I think you're right about having fun and not taking it too seriously. Doing that probably increases your chances of scoring well anyway so it's a win-win!

[@soulsurvivor3428]

Losing the thought that I might miss the ball or hit it off center has been a big development for me. Knowing that ball is gonna make a center mark every time is a conference builder. It allows me to move more fluidly.

[@danielcorrigan6998]

My favorite game is called Crazy 8s. So, what I do is I sneak out on to the course and zoom way up to the apron. I chip 3 balls on from there. My goal is to Up&Down 1 for 3. 2-putt the other two balls and that’s 8 strokes (1pt). If I miss, then I repeat from that spot. If I make, then I try to U&D from the rough and then from the bunker (3pts total). I try to do all of this while keeping pace if there’s a group behind me. 1 point is like a bogie. 2 is like a par. And if I can U&D 1/3 or (2/3 if you’re single handicapper) from 3 spots that’s a birdie. You can also do this game on the Pgreen.

[@stuartclark9535]

Love your videos Rob and can really relate to your journey. It seems to be the only sport where the more you put in the less you get out 😂

[@RobMcGarr]

Yep, can’t think of many others like it! 🤯

[@patharahan3886]

Recently found your channel. Grateful I did!! This interview was fantastic!👍🏻

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks Pat! I’m glad you found it too! 👋

[@alisonburgess345]

Great video. I did a quiet hour of chipping practice the other evening and lo and behold, I chipped much better the next day. I really enjoyed that little session, so that was interesting. Maybe just a bit of practice most days could help rather than big slabs of tiring practice.

[@RobMcGarr]

Love a relaxing chipping session! I think it makes you more comfortable over chip shots on the course and that’s at least half the battle 😎 Definitely agree with the idea that the quality of practice reduces as the times goes on.

[@coreygardner8424]

Great content mate, appreciate the effort that you are putting I to ur channel 👍

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks man, appreciate you watching!

[@paulbutler5052]

Eye opening , I play short game games and iron games but not driver games… I’m going to make some driver games up now… I have limited time to practice so when I do I do my pre shot routine, never hit the same club twice and aim at different targets every shot. It was actually your advice about knowing the scratch stats that helped me on the course. I’ve gone from 15 to 8 in 6 months… your advice calmed me down on course that and the app imagine golf.

[@Alan_Edwards]

I always appreciate the unique golf related topics your bring to your channel. The different techniques your discussed are similar to deliberate practice techniques I read about in a book titled Peak by Anders Ericsson & Robert Pool. In it he explains why people are not born "gifted" but instead just practiced more effectively, whether by happenstance our with intent, and learned better and faster than their contemporaries. I think you would find it interesting. I am planning to put together some deliberate practice sessions and put it to the test over the winter using my indoor simulator. Beats just hitting shot after shot. Great stuff Rob and thanks for sharing.

[@rctl83]

Any updates on how the new swing is working for you?

[@Elbrieno]

Excellent video again Rob. So much great content here. Enjoying your journey

[@Daniel-qr6sx]

When I was younger we used to play Do the banana on the range. First we would hook as much as possible then slice as much as possible. And then do the same but controlled draw and fade. Then we would do high fade and draw and then low. The one who did the best shots got an icecream after =) We also used 2 play closest to flag and the winner would call out the next target. People are way to focused on getting the proper golf swing and not just feeling the stuff as you go. Ofcourse you can't hook and slice at will unless you know abit of how you are supposed to setup

[@hansidelk6604]

loved this Rob! its a lot about commitment as well im thinking. If you like one idea then go all in instead of trying 10 different ones!

[@mick19421]

I would suggest that the new way forward is Zen golf mechanic. (Marcus Bell) based in Doncaster is the new way forward for Golf Instruction. Mick

[@martinharvey3990]

As a primary PE teacher, to continue engagement, small sided-games, and whole-part-whole lessons can accelerate learning because it's applied & meaningful... it's also a lot of fun! Scenario based learning has helped my golf... At first I hit the driving range to gain confidence in my swing (and to find out how far I hit the ball), then I just played a lot. Eventually, to improve my hcp (from 11 to 2), I did a mixture of short game scenarios, up and down practises, plus putting games. I'm still hitting it as bad as I did off 13, but I regularly go round in sub30 putts per round, whereas it used to be 40! That's the difference.

[@talltimball]

Excellent thought provoking video. Thanks both.

[@davewalker5387]

Some great ideas there from Stuart. I'm gonna be incorporating the long game practice for sure. Never been to the gym before so gonna try strength improvement and the super speed sticks. Should be able to hit it much further into the trees next year :D Great video Rob.

[@RobMcGarr]

Been considering doing speed training myself as I feel that, all else being equal, adding 15-20 yards would make the game a LOT easier! No trees at RND :)

[@louisroche9574]

@@RobMcGarr I think it could be beneficial even outside of the added 15-20 yards. You've reached a level at golf where it's hard to make immediate progress as you are already very good. Speed training is super gratifying. It is designed in such a way that you will basically beat your performance best every other day during the first month. Good for the mood and the ego :)

[@RobMcGarr]

Sounds like you’ve done it? Which system did you use and what were the results?

[@louisroche9574]

@@RobMcGarr I used the stack system. After the initial program I went from ~99 to 104mph on average with driver. And ~80 to 88mph with 7i. But to me the biggest improvement was committing to every shot. It’s not easy to swing 4 or 5 times in a row giving it everything. Or at least it’s not something I was used to. Whatever system you consider I recommend to get a radar. This way there’s no hiding. And for me seeing the number is an immediate gratification. The main difference of the stack system vs speed stick or ryp is the app telling you which days to train. It helped me to stay on schedule, no excuse to skip a day. The putting feature is also cool, sadly I seldom I have access to a green to train.

[@alisonburgess345]

I reckon the most valuable practice is when you can get on a golf course (preferably your own) with nobody else around and you can work on all your shots in context over and over again...

[@MarkLiversedge]

Totally agree- in summer that twilight golf round can be awesome for playing multiple balls etc. In winter I think the range is key.

[@ThinkingMan482]

Really interesting to see how resistant you are to his suggestions (without meaning to be). I think we all feel a lot of that. We want to just go to the range and focus on technical ideas and hit the same club over and over. I've done a ton of that indoors in the winters here. It does improve your skills at striking a ball and many other things, but then the game of golf is completely different. It's always one shot at a time, a different club on each shot and several minutes between each shot. I am very good at hitting the same club over and over with seconds of time in between, but that's not golf. Now I need to learn to apply those skills out on varying lies with only one chance at each shot and with substantial penalties for performing badly. And that's where the games come in.

[@alastairwhite1607]

This was very relatable. Great video mate!

[@gerrysmith7283]

Hi Rob, can I ask have you heard of Manuel De Toorre if so would love to hear your opinion as I have gone through what you have only a lot lesser scale and worse results so searching for a swing that works for me . Thanks Gerry

[@andrewgarner9194]

What coach's we're mentioned, can you put in the description, there was book and mention of Kendal ? I definitely try to do more of skills based and play off 6 and many of my playing friends try to be very technical and have a much higher handicap...work very hard at there games , are very frustrated and don't seem to enjoy it as much as me

[@skinnybuddah1]

Kendal McWade - Instinctive Golf.

[@Sreeve94]

Great video, really fascinating stuff. I'm going to look for those golf games and try a few out. It would be awesome if they were in an app where you could find new games, share with friends, and easily track progress. Just had a quick app store search - nothing that I can find but I reckon that would be super powerful, especially when you're practicing on your own. Actually saying that, one thing that's similar is the TopTracer technology which is at a lot of golf ranges across the UK. Rather than just going there and hitting ball after ball, you can play games - different virtual courses, closest to the pin, longest drive etc. and see the leaderboards against your friends. Would be worth giving that a try!

[@trentdooley7300]

Hey Rob, Any thoughts on how to incorporate “backyard games” practice in the winter stuck inside?

[@barking_mad6649]

Buy a good quality putting mat (8ft will do) and hole putts from 2,4,6 and 8ft. If you miss, start again. I did this and anything from 8ft and in a feel i can make. Sure, it doesn't always go in but i feel like i can make them. Mentally it's a big jump when you've seen so many go in during practice. Also helps with long putting because anything left inside 6 ft isn't a problem 😉

[@paulrawson390]

Thanks Rob. Great content as always.

[@mtothej43]

I really want to buy into this method and theory, which makes a lot of sense, but what I don’t understand is how do we then get technically better at golf (or improve your swing) using this approach when I know I have ingrained faults in my swing? Like early extension? Is the idea that it will magically fix itself over time as we do more skill based practice instead of technical swing practice? Fascinating stuff...

[@patrickmeyers4246]

Some Years ago there was a book called "The Inner Game of Golf" the same author had previously written a similar book called "The inner game of tennis" W. Timothy Gallwey. It explored the learning and coaching of these sports by reference to a series of sport psychology principles, rather than technical motor skills or actions. Well worth reading.

[@matthewcritchley1214]

Great video. He makes a lot of sense.

[@neuuser7071]

My input: the only thing that helped my improve is taking swings without the ball. Daily or a few times weekly. Feel a lot better playing the game when I’ve practiced just purely swinging without any judgement, and also building the muscle memory from a lot of swings. A good swing shouldn’t be any more complicated than hitting a nail with a hammer or cracking an egg open.

[@seegarsmkr]

Practice doesn't make perfect; practice makes permanent. Perfect practice makes perfect.

[@lagolf.channel]

This was incredible!

[@simonleach3812]

The long game par 18 is fine if you have the whole day which most of us don't but there are certain tricks to spicing up practice some of which are mentioned in this video. On the range, you can make every shot different even with the same club. e.g. change ball position - forward or back slight, hit a fade or a draw on alternate shots. On a longer practice session, I put my phone on the other side of the bag so I have to walk around to read the launch monitor app to help make a time break between shots. Always have a target e.g. put down three range buckets at different distances when practising out of a bunker. (Those who have no target often hit it!) Be strict about giving yourself a 1-2-3 score for each one. No one upon no one actually practises putting from off the green yet we all do this on the course and expect to be good at it!

[@brianmurray4199]

Are you still trying to implement the stack and golf method? I think all the pros seem to be the same going through impact but they get there in a way that is best for them. We all have to find out own swing then get through the ball

[@wadesworld6250]

I'm a big believer that the "natural" focus is the best way to learn golf, and especially to play golf. However, you have to have some confirmation your natural focus is resulting in improved mechanics. I spent a long time swinging with a natural focus and thinking I was making improvement only to discover my swing had not changed at all. It was still massively inside, massively OTT, and with a massively-open club face. This is why you need verification your mechanics are getting better. Some kids shoot basketballs throughout their youth and become very talented basketball players because they learn a beautiful stroke - likely influenced by coaching they receive or imitation of their heroes. Other kids never quite understand the mechanics and despite years of practice, still look uncoordinated and struggle - because they just kept repeating the same incorrect motion. I certainly agree playing games is a great way to improve skills. But you've got to be putting a natural focus on something resembling a correct motion. If you fan the club open and sway massively off the ball when chipping, no amount of chipping skills games is going to fix that. So I think the answer is: use technical coaching to understand the correct movements and your goals, then use natural thinking and skill-based learning to both hone those movements and for actual play. At your level Rob, I would imagine your mechanics are very sound and I could see where skill-based practice could really sharpen what you already have.

[@jrbmdemon]

That is the greatest comment I have read, thank you sir!

[@randyspizman8078]

I’ve never enjoyed just hitting the same shot repeatedly on the range. Generally, once warmed up, I “play” my home course on the range gauging from memory whether I’ve hit fairway or green. I take it down the the chipping level. The only issue is how dissimilar range balls are from what I play (at least at the range I go to). So I tend to be more hard on the shot. If I hit a 10yd cut on the range it could be more like a 20yd slice with a real ball.

[@discr1709]

I’m a 15 handicap and have never taken lessons. I’ve just decided to enjoy golf at the level I’m at, and I’m happy. I think golf can become a weird obsession that leads to frustration if one’s not careful.

[@benhardcastle2305]

Can speed up ur learning process dramatically by having lessons as an amateur if u find the right teacher. What u can teach urself in 2 years playing golf u could learn in 2 months with an instructor. You do things wrong that u don’t even know. The key is to find a coach who just gives u little pointers to better ur current swing rather than someone who tries to completely reinvent ur swing with 50 different things to think about

[@MarkLiversedge]

Imagine playing darts and thinking about your wrist angles and weight shifts instead of the target? thats what changes when you practice with purpose. Also, competitive mini games with an opponent are a killer practice session- 100% recommend the bullseye challenges at trackman ranges.

[@kevinbeardsworth3756]

I find that this ok for some one who already has a solid swing and base but if your swinging over the top and every other ball left then you literally need lessons. Playing games and doin things like that isn’t going to change your over the top swing or your 100 yard slice. This is more for low handicap players in my opinion

[@guyvallance6575]

What was the coaches name mentioned at 45.04 of your podcast

[@RobMcGarr]

Kendal McWade?

[@skinnybuddah1]

Kendal is the only guy I get coaching from...definitely worth it. A very liberating experience for a golfers mind. That said he has a quick eye for the technical aspects

[@B4rchetta]

A philosophical question would be what constitutes “good golf”, scores or enjoyment ? Most would agree that 90% of golf is played between the ears, (bad and good days excepted), but there is no doubt that we, ourselves make it harder than it actually is. Three things I have learned during 57 years if playing at a pretty high standard is that: 1. Golf cannot be conquered. 2. You must have a very short memory. 3. A bad or careless shot is far more consequential than a good shot.

[@markanderson8006]

Nicklaus autobiography read many times. Stating the bleeding obvious but the reason he became the most successful golfer of all time according to Jack Grout was because from 10 to 17 he practiced more than anyone who ever lived. I’ve been playing for 37 years 99% of golfers I’ve met who are better than me practice and are more dedicated. I remember watching documentary about one of the worlds finest concert pianist said typical day when he wasn’t touring he’d practice 13 hours a day. Reading Big Miss by Haney Tiger would practice the same even though he was already a billionaire married.

[@mrkipling3841]

Really interesting video.

[@tref51]

When I started golf in my early teens in the junior section (56 years ago) we then were not looked after like modern kids are and have extensive coaching. Just a little instruction by the assistant pro who really didn’t want to be there… we invented our own games around the practice area as we were not allowed on the course with out an adult. Nearest chip to the tree trunk, putting completion, when on the course who could hit it farther etc. When I got my hcp they gave me 18 it took me 3 months to get down to 8 and eventually to scratch in a year all before I got out of my teens. In my golfing life I’ve never been out of single figures and still at 71years have a hcp of 7. All because the power of imaginary creative practice when a kid and the confidence of just been able to hit the ball.

[@peter2qg]

This is all so true. Anyone interested should have a look at Shawn Clements who is the guru of task based tuition. One of his sayings is that we aren’t Pinocchio. What he means is the the conscious mind cannot act as puppet master controlling precisely what the body does during dynamic motion. That has to be passed over to the unconscious mind by focusing on a task. His stuff is gold.

[@peter2qg]

Also worth reading Bob Rotella.

[@simonbarringer5422]

Rob, do yourself a favour and watch 3 or 4 clips of Zen Golf Mechanic. I, like you and many others are caught in this trap of just not improving , actually getting worse after having had a lesson. I stumbled across Zen, honestly the bloke is a genius. Not once does he talk about putting the club in the 'correct position' , its all about body mechanics, how it moves and intention. Watch it. All the best.

[@deadlymantis4210]

The Four foundations of golf - Jon Sherman The Practice Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Golfers - Adam Young The Practice Manual is full of games and playing around. Trying to hit the toe, heel, slices, hooks, topping it etc. All to help improve skill, awareness, club control etc... Rather than trying to get in this position on a backswing, that position on a downswing etc etc etc Check em out

[@wrongdrong]

Exactly what I came here to say! @adamyounggolf1 has a ton of programs and books covering skill acquisition. He also got a shout out in the vid. Highly recommend anything from Adam.

[@niallvbrennan6629]

Hi Rob, I suggest you check out Easiest Swing on youtube, especially the simple video of the late Brian Sparks hitting golf balls. His brother Philip Sparks and Sean Herron now the business. Its about releasing the golf swing that is within us, rather than imposing it from the outside. There is great emphasis on eliminating tension and therby swinging easy. Its recommended for seniors but can be used by anyone. Its been a game changer for me, especially for the long game and driving in particular. Ok, Im off 12 and no expert but I suggest to anyone to at least check it out. Sláinte☘

[@Mylo831]

Great content 👏

[@garyrae5413]

Enjoyed that Rob,this method is nothing new and is very similar to Dr Timothy Gallways “inner game” books. They are a difficult read but worth persevering with as I improved my game from a 13 hcp to 6. Love the innovative content Rob,keep it up.

[@Jjwalways70]

Gdsay Rob i was following your journey to scratch , you were getting better , but this whole swing change thing just makes you worse as an adult ,unless you have all the time in the world . As an adult mixing work with spare time we don’t have the luxury of spending all day grooving swing changes . I spent 2 years between 70-80 playing off the white tees , I’ve gotten better and longer and now playing the tips between 72-80 for the last couple of years .my practice is sporadic as i work away for 3 months at a time ,and spend my break month playing golf almost everyday .when i practice at the range i play golf , i tee off and play the iron shots and chips or pitches , exactly like playing , you only get one shot at a given target playing so i practice like i play , if i duff it or screw up i also pick a different next club just like i would be punished on course , if i hit a drive off fairway i play a low draw or cut or high draw or cut to replicate playing out of trouble . Smacking balls down range one after another does nothing , you only get one shot at a time to a target , same as putting you only get one shot at a eagle or birdie or a chip you don’t get 10 makeovers . I practice like i play and play pars on the range . Best swing thought ever swing like your eyes are closed your body knows how to swing a club, shot shaping is imagination you know how to manipulate the swing path and face to get shapes ,your body will manipulate the swing to get what you imagine to become reality .trust in yourself and keep going .

[@xMrJanuaryx]

I don't know. I derived a lot of value from a traditional lesson. I don't really count into usable metrics the vast majority of golfers because let's be honest they aren't really trying to get better at golf. They just play the game, they rarely take lessons or actually dedicate time for practice other than the 15min they spend on the range prior to going and playing a round. Personally, I don't really have a problem with implementing, in real time, some mechanical lessons being taught to me. Sure, having fun while your practice is a good idea but if you don't know what your doing wrong you could very easily be reinforcing that poor mechanic or what-have-you.

[@RobMcGarr]

Good points 👍 Lessons definitely have a place. Most golfers I’ve ever met are desperate to get better! I guess if the results improve then the mechanic is working better? How else would you judge it?

[@xMrJanuaryx]

@@RobMcGarr Most golfers I have met are also desperate to get better but for some reason, year after year, that never seems to turn into a consolidated effort to do so. I got better at golf because I took lessons, practiced and worked at it. Yes if you are improving then whatever you are doing is working. I have no argument against that.

[@stever.6798]

Listened for five minutes until I couldn't take anymore...

[@andyward2958]

I'm thinking that a logical conclusion to some of these theories and methods would be the golfer who can't actually describe to you the technicalities involved in hitting say a draw or a fade. Apparently, this actually does apply to more than a few pros

[@lencavallaro6781]

Saw that exact thing on the original “Playing Lessons with the Pros” on Golf Channel. Fred Couples was the pro and they asked him about working the ball. Freddie stood on the tee making easy swings and told us that “when I want to hit a draw, I think draw. When I want to hit a fade, I think fade”.

[@Muadib223]

I learned absolutely nothing about how to improve my golf game from this video... Nothing...

[@mitchpowell608]

Seriously, I played baseball my whole life. We had drills for everything, top hand, bottom hand, footwork, hip turns etc We broke the swing up into pieces and drilled. I've never met anyone that can show me simple drills that break down the golf swing and inprove my fundamentals. It's annoying at this point.

[@jasondoherty1984]

In fairness what he is saying is around a long time it's a game within a game. In practice and course.

[@weldonwenturine3395]

Try one clubing

[@chrislaing8444]

This is the exact reason why amateurs who give advice need to just stay quiet. You have no idea what is going on inside the head of a player or what will ‘sort out’ their issues. It’s way more complex than numbers or what you think you see. I can sometimes thread the ball through the eye of a needle yet I nearly killed 4 guys in the bay next to me with a shank.

[@kevinrogers12]

It amazes me that people see golf on TV and think they can go out and hit golf balls like the professional golfer. How many people go to Walmart get a baseball bat and a baseball then go to a major league field find someone to pitch them a 105 mph fast ball and think they are going to hit a home run. Most people would never ever even come close to hitting the ball. Why is golf so diffrent. They see the golfer on TV make it look so easy and effortless and think man that couldn't be that hard I could do that easy. You would think Tennis would have the same issues has golf. Why isn't there a million Tennis videos explaining the 20 moves in p1 p2 p3 etc. This is odd.

[@daryllneuburger4946]

The bottom line is there is no quick fix you have to play challenge your self exsample if you slice then the next round you play a draw hook on every shot yes you will lose a few balls and be a little embarrassed but once you figure it out u will have that for life like riding a bike I don't know technically how I ride a bike I just do it same concept with golf I love the knock down concept or take 25 percent off all clubs and 100 percent next time bottom line is you me have never hit a bad shot in are life as long as we use them as expirence and leaning you never know that topped shot you may need that one day lol

[@scerni37]

Ah Golf.. like life.. we can practice and think about it all the time. But best to just "do". Don't think. Do. Take away think time. Remove thought of technique. Just do. Golf has this space called time where we get inside our own heads. Much like education and wealth. Self made people just do. Educated people think.... and think... and think again. Big arguments for not going to Uni. Just enjoy life. Do.

[@MrBadassbuddha]

Fantastic content Rob, if i was going to teach someone snooker lets say, i wouldn't teach them where they right arm went, or how they gripped the cue, its about hitting a target... golf instruction is f%$ked up in my opinion , trying to hit positions , all in a quarter of a second.... good luck with that... lot of money in keeping people bad at something, so they keep coming back for the ' secret '....lets stop this madness , play golf... a hole you have to put a ball in , in the least amount of hits.. done . Cheers for posting mate

[@rogerwhite7719]

Generally, golfers overthink everything and I am among the worst offenders.

[@go-getter2008]

Well this isn't anything new. I'f you treat golf like real life you will be successful. That's why some of the great golfers are all positive amd forward thinking people. If you train 1 way you only learn 1 way people laugh at me when I play 8 iron off the tee and then hit 3 wood or when I say I'm aiming to that bunker I want to get up and down. So much to learn from your opposite self

[@evlivi9860]

@zengolfmechanic approach to lessons is very good. He talks about similar things...but uses bio mechanics to get you moving efficiently