This is why you're not getting better at golf

This is why you're not getting better at golf.
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[@petermolyneux9544]

This makes good sense. I'm constantly tinkering with things, and sometimes end up completely screwed mentally to the extent that I forget where I started.

[@wadeleer6100]

When I go to the range I hit at least 40 balls with my trail arm. This has improved my plane, balance and rotation. It's amazing how your body/mind will naturally find the best way to attack the ball.

[@RobMcGarr]

Interesting. I used to do a lot of one-arm stuff, lead and trail.

[@InstructionalVideoArchive]

Even though this video is 3 years old, I’ve just stumbled upon it and this is something that I needed to hear as well. I think as golfers who are trying to improve, we are always in search of the next fix that’s going to take us to the next level. We always feel like we’re close to finding it. It’s one ah-ha moment away. That’s the trick our mind plays on us and we fall into the trap. We have the drive and intelligence to get better, we just don’t have the patience. The golf swing happens so fast that we can’t always feel what is going wrong. You are absolutely right saying we should be working on improving one thing at a time with each part of our game. And don’t rush.

[@jp5150vh]

What an honest Video !!!!! Cheers to your honesty and being a seeker of trying to get better. It’s most definitely a lifelong quest.

[@davidmcbridethegolfinggame3359]

Rob, I have been on a similar journey. For me though it was breaking 100. I found out about Jim Venetos Golf Academy. I got a free membership and followed his teachings. and I went from a starting the season before Jim and I was a solid 110-115 on a par 72-73. By the end of the summer about 2 months of working with Jim (online coaching) I broke 100 with a 96. I live in Canada so golf stopped for the winter. I then couldn't get back out until basically August this year. So my swing was rusty and I didn't do my drills or practice and was back up to my 110. However I can see glimpses of his teachings still in my swing I just need to get back into it. There is one thought and basically one drill. His stuff is simple to learn and worked for me. I just need to practise more like you said and stick to his stuff. I think we also need little goals. You have a huge goal of getting to scratch. My goal for the season is to break 100 again and if I do that try and do it twice. That's it. Maybe you should rethink your goal? Just an idea.

[@ryaniverson7644]

i fully agree with this, i will spend as much time as possible making a small change at least a week at the range with rounds in there as well. sometimes a good swing starts out feeling terrible just have to give it a chance.

[@rorlieb]

Soft arms, steady knee and release the club. Liam's program is the simplest. Really a game changer for me brother. I watch the lesson you had with him time after time after time.

[@MsAlinamnrees]

Rob, I couldn’t agree more! We make golf more complicated than it needs to be by continuously tweaking things within our swing! Keep making the great videos. Love it!

[@RobMcGarr]

It's crazy, isn't it?! It's just hitting a stationary ball - shouldn't be that hard!

[@joeworden-chilvers2152]

Hi Rob, firstly I’m so happy that you were in a mindset to start doing golf videos again. You’re incredibly relatable and relevant. You’re honest and give the truth in the your videos. So I’m sure I can safely say along with everyone else who is subscribed to you, thank you. Right the second part - I had a lesson which completely stopped me slicing the ball. I use to be a horrific slicer which led me to quit golf over the years but I’ve stuck with that drill/swing thought and it changed my game.. same swing thought/drill for 6mnths.. definitely the answer to better golf now I’m tearing up my course - my course record is 13 over at 19hcp yep they called me a bandit 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks Joe, really appreciate the support and great to hear that sticking with one thing has made the difference for you!

[@rgh6651]

This is pure gold ! I've been a 5, moved to a much more difficult course with nasty greens and am now playing off 10. Still play to what would be 5 at many other courses but it's hard not to get frustrated or let my ego get in my own way. I mean, who wants to say they're a 10 instead of a 5, right? Recently came up with 3 address checkpoints and a 2-word preshot thought and my driving and iron play have much improved. So tempting to move on to some as-yet unknown next thing but what you said makes so much sense I'm going to stick with this a awhile and really let it take. Thanks so much and good luck!

[@RobMcGarr]

Sounds like you're on the right lines now - hope you're back down to 5 (and lower) soon!

[@MrWattsy84]

This rings totally true with me, I find when my coach gives me a drill, I practice it on the range after the lesson, then in my net at home everyday for a couple of days, then play a comp and lose confidence in it, I figured out I need to do at least a few weeks in my net, and play a lot on my own making sure I keep doing what I’ve been told, regardless of what happens when I’m out on my own, then I build the confidence and can use it going in to comps and just accept there will still be some bad ones in there.

[@DL-my5ot]

Hi Rob, thank for your vids and for sharing your progress on and off the course. following you from Belgium for a while now and i like the honesty you bring in your content and in your delivery. thanks for that! i'm 51, have picked up playing again after a 10 year break and have never enjoyed my game more than i do now. Hcp going down again, am now playing off 7 with the increasingly occasional +2/+3 practice round so it feels like i'm in a good space. And ... let precisely that be the trick! the space between your ears. the biggest improvement for me has been adjusting the way i look at my game, the expectations i put on myself and every single shot and the overall attitude i go on the course with. i have decided to be kind to myself i.e. less critical and more realistic. i look at the next shot only: with fresh eyes, a positive and creative outlook. i am 'excited' to take the next good shot and not 'down' for the bad previous one. i am a perfectionist but it's been the pursuit of perfection that kept me from freeing my mind and achieving consistent results. i agree with Adam Butters - so much improvement is in the mindset ... on and off the course ;-) keep well Rob & be kind to yourself

[@RobMcGarr]

Great insight and can take a lot from that, thank you 👍

[@markskawronski3523]

Great post Rob. Just started taking lessons this spring and working on the same two things the whole time. Was able to drop from 6.5 to 4.4 in a few weeks, now starting to be able to see real changes but the lulls where the gains weren’t as noticeable were frustrating.

[@RobMcGarr]

It's a frustrating game, isn't it?! That's great progress though and sounds like the lessons are doing the trick 👍

[@geoffcohen613]

At moment I am just working on scoring better on course and playing golf not playing swing. Been playing last 2 months with 6 clubs no driver longest club is a hybrid 5 7 9 PW and putter and learning new shots like getting out of bunker with a 9 iron. This will make me better as I learn new shots. find I hit better shots eg if i have 160m in where i dont ahve the club I will hit 110m 9 i and then 50m with a 9 or Pw

[@dannyeldergolf]

"So yeah, 20 yard push, brilliant" 😂😂😂

[@michaelangell9148]

Positive reassurance from my teaching pro every six months is what I need to stop myself from going completely mad. Some days I play so bad I think its not possible that I could be doing anything right in my swing, and I try all sorts of different things to fix myself. I go back get a lesson and he tells me my swing fine just a small set up fault has crept into my game. Make the change and I am back hitting them ok. I think you are so right when you talk about that one bad shot throwing your mind into a spin.

[@ODDJOB1234]

100 💯 true. I do need to do this. Just pick one and stick with it

[@iammars142]

Straight to the point in this one. "Why am I not getting any better?" ... "It's because I'm an idiot." LOL

[@RobMcGarr]

It might be the new intro to every video I do!

[@b2bbogey735]

Funny mention that. I met a youngster at a range session and he said just the same thing when we discussed swing thoughts etc so secret was according to him to stick with it and don't give up just because you don't get the results. So even if you know that's the correct way of doing it you go back to what you know.

[@hekm8301]

Somewhat on the same journey, improved from a hcp 5 to hcp 4 this year. Regular coaching starting last year did made a significant difference keeping targets in view. You need to accept getting worst before you can improve long term, breaking off old habits and creating new (better) ones. Another thing which helps me a lot is a written record (diary) to put stuff in focus over longer time period and track longer term progress. Not so much result oriented (like actual score) but more the process of seeing positive and negative results of the swing changes. I write down everything golf related, from gym sessions to drills performed, to what I eat during round and swing thoughts if I have one and if I feel a difference due to that. For competitions or practice rounds focus on the positivs and highlight that in your records. Go though the notes once a month and reflect on the progress made. Even if you dont get better score it gives you closure on the fact that you use your available time for golf in a meaningful way.

[@RobMcGarr]

That makes a lot of sense. Sometimes KZbin serves as a handy diary for me!

[@industrialpalletworx3548]

When you're hitting it great and playing well, it seems as easy as breathing. When it's bad and you're playing awful, it seems more complicated than rocket science. I personally think a slump is a good thing, because when I eventually come out of it I'm better than when it started. It's the idea of in order to move forward 2 steps I need to back up 3 or 4 first. So I try to focus on fundamentals and being smooth no clunky sudden changes in direction. Usually helps

[@robertsmith4189]

Another good video Rob. From a personal perspective and in a very similar situation (not nearly as good as you), I am going to try the following: - Find a coach I trust and stick with them - Concentrate on limited swing thoughts/drills I can work with and focus on them on the range - Trust myself when on the course and concentrate on visualising your shots at that point as much (or even more) than any swing thoughts. Enjoy course play first and foremost - Don't beat myself up and believe that changes I will make will work eventually - Learn to self-diagnose when issues arise to complement work with coach

[@shaw9673]

Pick a coach and stick with him … when ur coach gives u a tip takes time to groove in wont happen overnight sometimes u feel like you take a step back to move forward

[@stevewright6051]

I feel your pain. I’ve got the same problem to the point I’m giving up golf for a while. Started at 7 handicap and after 4 years of lessons, practice and fitted golf clubs I’m now off 10!!!! Golf is hard and it sucks!! Welcome back by the way.

[@RobMcGarr]

It's one of the few sports where you can put in lots of extra effort and end up getting worse - so frustrating!

[@davidedmonds8418]

Biggest struggle I have is to actually get a feeling of a move , struggling with early extention and have tried everything but , probably not stuck to 1 thing long enough due to the fact I cant get a good feeling to replicate. This is what every amateur does , changes drills/ feelings looking for a quick fix. GREAT VIDEO

[@golfraven5669]

This week I decided that I want to become scratch player in the next three years. I‘ve been 12hcp 5 years ago but than HCP creeped now to over 13 than going down to single digits. Feel like I hit and play far better than when what I score during medals (typically suck on 1-2 holes) when it comes to lowering my hcp. I have all ingredients and done good work so far just need to find the consistency and perseverence to practice it all (don’t change much around) and apply on the course.

[@robkenney2089]

My only swing thought from 20 handicap down to 7 has been "make good contact" and its gonna continue to be the only swing thought until scratch

[@RobMcGarr]

Simple, I like it!

[@bigdeano162000]

If you get there

[@Aaronfps2]

I’m currently working on weight transfer as I was getting to far ahead of the ball

[@MrJohng64]

My take on it is that we usually all have one bad shot which often rears its head the most when we are under pressure. In my case I have been fighting a pull hook. Find a way to eliminate that shot or at least reduce its frequency and severity and good scores will automatically follow.

[@RobMcGarr]

Problem at the moment is I can hit it left or right!

[@chrisolson3949]

Good video. Just played my local club championship and shot 100 both days. I'm a high handicapper but I can't remember the last time I played that horribly. I've put a lot of effort into golf this year and I walked away from that wondering if I should keep at it or not.

[@RobMcGarr]

Have a watch of this mate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnLbaX18hJJ0ibs

[@dondasher58]

I think playing/practicing s best. Drills are fine on the range but you still have to get out of those tough spots from the bad shots. I think that’s what separates great players from the good ones. They can still get the ball on the green even out of bad places.....that takes experience.

[@davidbarnard5873]

Exactly, the range/course have their places

[@Matt-je3fv]

Liam's drill. Golfsidekick's philosophy/attitude. Maybe find someone who struggled getting from 5 to 3 to 1 to 0 and pick their brain.

[@wx811]

I struggled from a 5 to a 2.4. I can't tell you how difficult it is to get from 9 to 5, let alone 5 to 2.4. I mean, going from 20 to 10 was easy for me, and normally is for everyone if you do the right things. The rest is work lol. I'm around 2 or 3 now, and looking at scratch, but for me, it's not so much physical as it is mental. For most below 4 or 5, the game is usually physically mastered. It all comes down to management from there, and not making stupid errors.

[@davidbarnard5873]

@@wx811 100%, the reason I found it hard as well was because it's easyish to turn a double into a bogey or a bogey into par but harder to turn a par into a birdie

[@wx811]

@@davidbarnard5873 Birdies imo aren't made through ball striking as much as short irons and full wedges. I have the putting yips, so I stay at around 2 or 3. But my wedges and short irons are consistently close, within 8-10 feet from 100-120, distances are dialed in to a T. But just yesterday I hit a 25 foot putt to 20 feet by. Same putt coming back after a great pitchout to the front edge of the green from the trees, that's how bad my putting is. I consistently miss 4 and 5 footers, and haven't made an 8 foot putt in 2 years. But my wedges and short iron distances are dialed in within a yard or two, so if I could putt I'd be plus 3 or 4. So most birdies will be made from 100-120, from my experience. Still gotta hole the putt though, though that's easier the closer you are.

[@wx811]

My mental struggles right now are mostly putting yips, which force poor decisions to bleed out a score. Damn impossible game, lol.

[@mikehulme4464]

Not long since I’ve read zen golf and recently had a round with a tour pro who pretty much backed up the philosophy of it. Work on the feelings on the range Trust and commit to it on the shot without thinking about it

[@brianrizza2045]

Me I'm focusing on exiting left and like a Tommy Fleetwood finish. Wich keeps me more balanced in my swing

[@johnwigfall]

Also I think there's always something to work on ...I took my handicap from a 19 to 4 in about 4 years...just won the city championship here and I basically practice in my head it's crazy

[@aimeagle]

Dang man! Swinging them stix like Nix.

[@MegaBensley]

Hi Rob, you do know someone as patient as Eddie Pepperell, me! I decided to just jack in all the youtube advice and everything else that I've ever heard pretty much and stick to Liams ideas via TGN (it doesn't have to be Liam, that's just who I chose, pretty much at random I thought I'd just give it a go). Its been about 9 months (incl. 5 months of winter where I couldn't actually play golf, not even hit a smash bag because there was 6 feet of snow outside) and I'm definitely seeing improvements. I decided to change putter in that period too and have now developed a mean streak of three putting which is slowing me down (might go back to the old one) but in general I am happy with the improvements. I think you've hit the nail on the head though, you have to stick with something and ignore all other tips and advice for an extended period, at least 6 months, probably a year to give a real chance. We all want instant gratification and no one is prepared to grind through the sh!t as soon as it goes a little bit wrong. I was exactly the same, so I'm trying to fix that, and as cheesy as it sounds if I can do that with something which in the grand scheme of things is totally irrelevant, golf, then perhaps that dedication and strength of mind will filter through into other areas of my life which are more important.

[@RobMcGarr]

Love that mate, especially the cheesy bit! 👍

[@neilcooke8836]

Only way is to improve the short game, I’m off 7 and Paul Waring posted a great tweet the other day say he was top of strokes gain for everything except putting (where he was 16th) he finished top 10.

[@RobMcGarr]

Definitely need to make sure my short game is doing its bit 👍

[@hockeyhighlights5341]

I started played golf 1 year ago and my handicap Went down from 54 to 6.5 in just 1 year. My goal right now is to get down to Scratch next season!

[@RobMcGarr]

Wow, that's unreal progress! 👍

[@neilbennett9028]

Liam’s swing lesson he gave you was really good. I’d stick with that. I’ve been using it and it works 👌🏼

[@shakes2966]

I've been taking lessons for almost 3 years now. I remember when I first started how frustrated I would get when I would spend lesson after lessons and going to the range over and over again working on something and not seeing any progress. Then do it all over again with something else. I'm still not as good as I would like to be but thinking back to those times and how capable I am now it all seemed worth it. It's very surreal looking back now

[@brianyoung3]

It's a battle alright. Similar prognosis here. I was off 6 last year and the biggest achievement I had made to get there was by keeping the ball in play off the tee. This year, I haven't been able to break 80 in months even though I don't feel like I've played poorly.....now off 8 ugh! Then I figured, 40% of my shots are putts, 10% chips, 14% driver etc so I organized my practice time around that (1, 2hr session a week). What happened? I broke 80 2 weeks in a row and not by a little. What kept the ball in play? Relaxing, swing easy with balance and a good tempo. I don't lose yards because I have better impact. Then do that with all your clubs not just the driver. You have a good swing Rob, I'm guessing, but like me, it's about consistency and making half of those 6-10 foot putts.

[@briantreadwell2206]

Sticking with the coach a good start and remember why you play . . . .is it just about a number on a card? I found playing with the freedom that meant a miss was ok took away so many apprehensions and I hit a real purple patch with my game - keep at it Rob 😉

[@JonathanTaylor63]

Rob, you just hit the nail on the head! That is exactly right, you need at least 6-8 weeks and 1800 repetitions to create the synapses, build the muscles and stretch the ligaments required in a new movement. That means 30 (correct)reps every day for 6 weeks, then the same exercises three times a week for the rest of your golfing life to keep it fresh😃 Now you know, you just have to decide which exercises you need to do and stick to them!

[@RobMcGarr]

It's the "correct" bit that's the hardest, isn't it?!

[@JonathanTaylor63]

Look for the commonality in all of your recent lessons and use that as a basis. Find two or three exercises which support those principles and stick to them for the next 2 months. By then you should know whether you made the correct choice:)

[@Automation_Control_Tuning]

I find the off season is the easiest time to really working on any swing changes. Mid to the end of season, is managing where you are... I am working on speed and now adding in the recent addition of the hitting towels. Not working too hard on it yet, just waiting for October before really drilling the practice. Good luck with your changes!!!

[@RobMcGarr]

Yeah, that makes sense - I just find it tough to be playing poorly in comps and not doing anything about it!

[@jaimemantel9002]

Working on one thing is a bit nebulous. How do you define that thing? Is the one thing a specific motion, shot shape, swing though on all shots, etc. I do the same sequence of practice when I first get to the range before a game. I get my mind working on isolating my swing thought and my muscles limbered up. But there are times I go to the range to practice various shots and scenarios, but all the way working on keeping my swing though.

[@OZIPUG1970]

I think a big problem for me at the age of 48 is not stretching enough before the round and during the round when I get tired my posture and grip pressure changes. So it becomes a mental problem and if you stay hydrated and make sure your routine is the same then it helps a lot.

[@19mattheww]

So true Rob, exactly the thought process I was going through when I found your video's with Liam and I've now signed up for TGN and plan to stick to Liam's drills as my gospel moving forward and hope to improve over time by trusting the same drills and swing thoughts, rather than chopping and changing after every bad round, as you say. Here's hoping it works!

[@RobMcGarr]

There are guys on TGN who have stuck with it and proved it worked for them mate so no reason it shouldn't for you!

[@mikevivian9383]

Hi Rob, stick with Liam's drills. Ask him to do a practice Blueprint for you, they are game changing. Then the last thing is practice is practice, when you go to the course just play don't think about what your working on, the drills will naturally flow into your game over time. My consistency has improved so much following this approach. Great vid mate. 👏🏻👍

[@RobMcGarr]

Hey mate, what's a practice blueprint? Do you have no thoughts at all when you're playing?

[@mikevivian9383]

Rob blueprint gives structure to your practice tailored to you and the time you can commit, specific drills aimed at your game. I have one from Liam and can show you at the golf day if interested? Re thoughts I just focus on my routines and the shot in hand, not my technique or things I’ve been working on. Hope that makes sense?

[@andyf5232]

I was the same, started lessons every week for a period of time, but most of all stick with it!

[@RobMcGarr]

👍

[@andyf5232]

It would be interesting to see you have regular lesson and see how much you improve. Keep up the great vlogs

[@ianworsfold3421]

I have different swing thoughts all the time, I also feel like I swing differently every time i turn up (change grip or stance or swing plane.. the list goes on)! Today I again tried something new and it seemed to work.. strike was clean and it felt easy, it was brilliant. I will have forgotten what I changed by next Sunday.... FACT

[@RobMcGarr]

Sounds like you're in the same boat as me! Who's steering? Where's the captain? Why don't we have any oars? 🛶😂

[@Mr.mallaer]

This is exactly what’s happening to me. I could go from puring everything one day to having no clue the next day.

[@rodneyblackwell7477]

I write any swing thoughts I developed during a round on my phone at the end of the round. Then read it before the next practice/round

[@Mr.mallaer]

Rodney Blackwell I can see professionals struggling with this too, although their bad days are my good days. For example, a player would one day have perfect control of the driver and the next day couldn’t hit a single good shot with the same club.

[@rodneyblackwell7477]

@@Mr.mallaer Gary Woodland's coach, Peter Cowen, said what he taught Gary was how to fix his swing during a round.

[@richardblayney1878]

You've made me think I need to work on one thing at a time, made me realise why I'm going up and not down 👍

[@RobMcGarr]

Pick it and stick with it!

[@conureron3792]

Spot on advice from Einstein. I do believe He was rumored to be working on the Unified Theory of Golf.

[@steelwheels4613]

improvement= practice hours/(hours you can spare - hours your wife will let you)Like Arny said "The more I practice...the luckier I get"

[@CodeRivets]

Hey Rob, First off, thanks for your videos - I love the content. You and Golfsidekick set me off to my single-digit quest and I am playing off a 7.2 now - was a 14 about 4 months ago. One of the most significant turning points for me was concentrating within 100m (including putting) and I also started thinking like this: "Less aesthetics and cosmetics, more results". It's more of a Bubba Watson way of looking at it. I don't care how on-plane my backswing is etc. I just want to execute the shot I see. Also, if I execute a shot to what I wanted and the result sucks, I don't get mad at my execution. This actually happened this weekend: I play a draw predominantly and standing on the tee of a par 3, there was a tree to the right of the fairway which was in my way, but I still went for the risky draw close to the tree... The inevitable happened... BUT I didn't get mad at my execution, I got mad at my decision - there's a massive difference... You can't expect to implement a solution when you haven't necessarily identified the actual problem.

[@RobMcGarr]

Quality comment and brilliant to hear how much you've improved this year! 👍

[@CodeRivets]

Rob McGarr thanks man, enjoying seeing your progress. Next milestone for me is under 5! Will let you know when I find the magic. Ps. My dad was a +1 before he injured his back but he gave me a great drill. Take old umbrellas to an open area, open them and stick them in the ground upside down at different distances. I then try hit into each umbrella but with a shot intention. Eg. A low spinning sw. It creates a great feel for distance. It also trains you to think of landing area rather than flag. I also usually only take the same amount of balls as umbrellas to create a bit of consequence to the shots. 2 umbrellas, 2 balls. Quality over quantity. It's so damn satisfying when you hear the ball hitting into an umbrella!

[@petergoodman7805]

Iv went from 28 to 16 handicap in a year with some lessons and watching you tube videos mark crossfield,Danny maude,and just your average golfer. I'm working on closing the face on the way through the ball iv been working on it for just over a month and I can see the change in distance and consistency. Iv also stopped watching every swing video on KZbin and I'm trying to play my own game. You must be a really good golfer already I think it's your head that's holding you back

[@49notout]

Mental game is the thing holding most people back. Caring too much, getting tense and tightening up on the final few holes when trying to get a score home is just as much of an obstacle as getting your technique down. Getting a relaxed feeling going in your muscles and smoothness in your swing seems really important and once you start to feel that going it's hard to get it back, so the anxiety builds and translates to a mental and physical tension that kills your ability to swing it. Loads of mental game guys out there but Bob Rotella has done a book called putting out of your mind. I literally wouldn't have thought it possible to get better at golf without loads of practice but this book makes you believe it therefore it does.

[@ST-xg3gy]

It's what makes the game so damn fascinating.

[@dannyfitlife405]

I was 11 hcp 2 weeks ago now 7.3 just by committing to one swing thought 👍 I was just like you changing everything each round or mid round 👍

[@academysalon8013]

Rob I feel your pain, I like you have tried to get to scratch. Got to 1.4 then went back to 1.5 the very next medal and have slowly gone up to 3.2. I have come to this conclusion... it doesn’t really matter how much you practice the long game, some days you have it and some you don’t. It’s when you don’t have it you need to manage it round in a score. It’s all about the short game. So from now on that’s all I am going to practice. Also when I am out playing I am going to try and have no expectations. Keep hitting Rob.

[@RobMcGarr]

Think you're onto something there on both counts 👍

[@jeff3putt]

A friend of mine who is a 2 handicap, told me the best advice he ever received was when working on your swing, is to not hit balls. Just swing the club in your backyard and just groove the feeling.. I started doing that and my swing has improved. But I rarely practice my short game and putting, so my scores haven’t improved.😂😂

[@steveperry1344]

well maybe, i've been doing air swings for years and it really helps with a teed up driver shot but put the ball on the ground and not so much. i think with the driver i swing on through and shots on the turf i swing to much at the ball. i really got to work on that,

[@jeff3putt]

steve perry look up “Shawn Clement”. That’s the cornerstone of his teaching. He teaches to swing to a target, not at the ball.. he literally has hundreds of videos. I think he’s the best on YT. Check him out, I think it will be eye opening for you, it helped me.

[@jeff3putt]

steve perry kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqvRdHSOfs6pntE

[@donnachalyons3904]

Changes make you worse until you practice, practice, practice. Remember Faldo when he made changes until it clicked. A young member of my club went practicing in the pooring rain after lessons and 2-3 years later he was down to Scratch.

[@RobMcGarr]

The worry is how do you know if they're making you worse for a bit and then better, or just making you worse?!

[@dciccoritti]

Completely agree with everything you just said, but here's the question. How do we know that what we're working on is the right thing to work on? Sometimes what we are working on IS RIGHT but something else in our swing is not allowing it to be effective. It can be very tricky where there's more than ONE thing you're doing wrong. Even worse for someone like me that's doing about 12 things wrong 😂

[@RobMcGarr]

Yep, can't disagree with any of that mate! It's a complex puzzle!

[@peterwatt5521]

Just changed to a new Coach and we talked about building my swing (its a disaster i guess). But i take your point, im still trying to keep my current swing thoughts in check and dont need to be adding anything else. So how do you keep 1-2 swing thoughts when you have 4-5? I know guys who get disappointed after one lesson as they feel they should be able to go on Tour. For me its a process. My first Coach used to tell me to put my swing under pressure and that could be playing a comp...also if my swing didnt feel uncomfortable i had gone back to old habits... I dont have aspirations of getting to scratch but good luck in your quest to get there and dont forget us when you do lolzzzzz. I just want to be able to play to a decent level socially which will ultimately mean i have good days...great days and also days i want to ditch my golf clubs!

[@RobMcGarr]

I think we all have those days, regardless of handicap! If you trust your coach just stick with what he's saying and you won't go too far wrong, I'm sure. Good luck - see you at scratch!

[@peterwatt5521]

@@RobMcGarr thanks for the kind words. Lets keep going and achieving our goals...

[@davidbarnard5873]

The way I improved was to track all the stats in my round in as much detail as I could and compare it to pga pro stats, even though they play longer courses their stats are still relevant if you want to shoot 68-70 on your course regularly, also Dave Pelz did some short game and putting handicap tests to see where your game is at, the whole purpose of it is to see where your game is at and what you really need to work on. What you WANT to work on and what you NEED to work on can be 2 completely different things it got me from 5 to 1.2

[@RobMcGarr]

I can't disagree with that. What do you use to track stats?

[@davidbarnard5873]

@@RobMcGarr Pen and paper and a spreadsheet,if you can get distances right to the nearest 25 yards you can include alot of stats

[@billglab9044]

Working on using the body, not just hands and arms to swing. Tee to green can be taken to any course, but putting is different everywhere, and greens are hard to read, and rarely true

[@chubbychequer1512]

Rob I'm just the same as you I've tried a million different swings I'm not learning as I'm still looking for that one miracle swing tip

[@macleryy]

You already have that miracle swing. Go for it ,focus on target. Forget about swing

[@pab1979]

Holy shit! I actually Saud the same thing to my dad tonight and said I was going to go back and stick with working on what I learned from my last lesson...then I see your video. So true, keep up the good work mate 👍

[@pab1979]

*said

[@scottmorton7023]

I think the number one thing to focus on is the mental aspect. That and as you said recently the short game. ❤️👍

[@RobMcGarr]

Need to listen to my own advice sometimes!

[@jsher3884]

Been using one drill for two months. Alignment stick in the ball bucket, and try and swing flatter, under it. Great at the range, shows up sporadically during the comp. But, after fifteen years of swinging "over the top", I am very, very patient. Do I have a choice? Cheers from Maryland, USA!

[@markgrabner2118]

keep doing the good videos. Great stuff

[@JuanRodriguez-wk7mm]

This is why I think golf loses a lot of people as it is very frustrating to get from 10 to scratch. Takes a lot of work. It's relatively easy to go from 30 handicap to a 20 handicap (play a few rounds a month and you can see results quucly and same from 20 to a10). But getting down to the single handicap to + handicap is by far more difficult and requires constant practice and playing something most people don't want to do or don't have the time. At the low handicap it's not about swing and having the perfect swing. It's about short game and getting up and down or giving yourself a high percentage put for par. Thinking through shots and course managment. The mental game at the low handicap is the biggest parts. Being able to forget and move on. Not thinking what if I miss this shot. That is a big part of why the guys on the PTA tour are so good. Their mental game is so good. They don't usually linger on bad shots and reflect on the good shots.

[@MsRocketRoy]

It's a long hard tough road to getting better, but keep at it. I like all your thoughts, keep on mate!

[@RobMcGarr]

It sure is, cheers Roy! 👍

[@carlneer4191]

If you are changing fundamentals of your swing each time out, I agree, you're likely to struggle to improve. For me, my fundamentals don't change much but I may focus on different details at times depending on what I feel needs attention. For instance, tempo, head movement, body turn, etc. So, trying to take my natural swing and just tweak it for consistency and accuracy. Maybe a coach would have me change something more fundamentally. I've considered taking a lesson, haven't had one since was a kid.

[@RobMcGarr]

Yeah that makes sense. If you're improving as you want then stick with what you're doing, I guess? If not, maybe get a lesson?

[@mrbritvic]

Just concentrate on keeping your left elbow pointing to the ground during your backswing it stops all forearm rotation happening too early and steepens your backswing making the transition easier -try it as the only swingthought of the round and maybe !!!!!!!!

[@ST-xg3gy]

I will try it.

[@jamesharrison5004]

I think we all think we can get better if we just keep playing or could play more. Problem is, we all reach performance plateaus. I bit the bullet and had a lesson. My pro said I was over rotating and over swinging. He gave me the thought of just keep your left arm straight (I'm a right hander). Initially it felt like I wasn't swinging or rotating at all. I hit a few clean shots in the lesson and took it out on course. My timing was initially way off. But as I learnt to trust the reduced swing and not try to leather the ball I started to hit consistently better iron shots. It's been three weeks since the lesson and I have fully embraced the new swing. I've won a weekly stableford with 42 points getting me cut from 16 to 14 and shot 41 points yesterday, but not in a comp. My mates are getting tired of saying " great shot" . I fully expect to be around 10 handicap or lower in the next few weeks.

[@RobMcGarr]

Sounds like the lesson did the trick - great work! 👍

[@rikh78]

good advice - it's so easy with all the youtube stuff out there to find something new to work on. I find if i listen to my coach and work on the stuff he tells me too, i get better....not rocket science, but i still manage to not do it half the time

[@THEJAGGEDGOD]

Can I recommend a book for you, or audible if you like that, Zen Golf by Dr. Joseph Parent, I have been using his tips for this whole season, and what a difference it has made to my game from a between the ears point....You have a great swing already so maybe its time to try a little mind management

[@RobMcGarr]

Have read it twice and love it, but maybe time to revisit! 👍

[@bryanlina4724]

I think you are right. Get your swing in decent shape and get really good at knowing your misses. Quit searching for the holy grail. I heard someone say Spieth needs to go back to playing golf instead of playing golf swing. Quit worrying about mechanics and just put the ball in the hole. I'm trying to get away from the constant changes as well.

[@joedorgan6136]

Hi Rob , can you think of one specific thing just one ! In your journey from 10 to where you are now that totally clicked and made that light bulb moment for you ? It may be something really simple that you don't even focus on now but had a massive impact on how you strike the ball . My point being if you're like me and many more of us out their trying to get to that target figure then you're getting what Gary Player calls paralysis by analysis i.e. Far too much going on in the mind when the golf swing is only 1 second in its entirety and you do all the things correct bar one and a bad shot occurs trying to identify that one thing out of a sea of multiple swing thoughts will be a difficult task , try and simplify focus on one thing that one that clicked with you and I'm sure the results will come . Good luck mate you certainly aren't alone , my one thing is coincidentally one that Liam practices it's the stabilising of the lead leg and that in turn places my right heel until impact where as before I would spin my right hip out causing all kinds of strike issues and me thinking about jacking the game in . Take it easy bro and don't be so hard on yourself sorry for the long winded post but I couldn't put it down in a few words . Chris 👍🏻

[@RobMcGarr]

No apology needed mate, really useful stuff there - massively appreciated! 👍

[@davidwalters313]

Hi Rob. Your swing looks excellent- like a pro. As you mentioned in your last video about the ladies tour it is all about the short game. You make very interesting videos - keep it up!

[@RobMcGarr]

Cheers David. I am very quick to get down on my swing, even though I know I can play good golf with it. Need to listen to my own advice sometimes!

[@paulhoughton5431]

Very small changes introduced very slowly. Small grip changes etc. I've been with my coach for 5 years he has assisted me to lose 8 shots. We find slight changes that we work on in the range during the winter. We don't change to much in the summer months. I also use triggers that I meditate (See Paul McKenna Golf) . As others have said getting from 5 to 0 is a lot harder to do, so I would concentrate on your mental state, and really get focused. Keep at it Rob!

[@RobMcGarr]

Top advice Paul, and glad to hear that you and your coach have a good system that's working well!

[@wodenoftheangles3339]

Grass driving ranges are rare in England - lucky you!

[@svenv4122]

Does the range really help? Play 2 balls around 3 holes when the course is quiet and you will learn more than the range.

[@RobMcGarr]

You might be onto something there...

[@FlankerJackChannel]

I'm definitely in that hole where I don't see miserable results from doing drills so I give up and move on to the next one. I've had several lessons but I don't even feel they work.

[@AJredroc]

Hi Rob, great content man, I would echo a few of the people below in that I think finding a coach you feel comfortable with and also on the same page with is important when trying to improve especially as a good golfer in cat1 where you also have a decent knowledge of the swing and feel. Then I think as you mention sticking to the plan of attack for a period of time and accepting a step back or two to go forward is sometimes necessary - I also agree with you this is easier said than done, which makes the coach player relationship important and the information they are giving you. You have to believe in what they are telling you and really want to implement the drills or techniques into your game or you are more than likely going to discard them all too soon..... Also, short game short game short game! haha All the best man, keep up the great videos.

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks mate, totally agree 👍

[@matthewcritchley1214]

You make a lot of sense Rob. Good video.

[@johnmalarkey4908]

I was told by a now scratch golfer that it took him 5 years of hard practice and play to fall from 5 to scratch. My own view in life is that we all have a natural skill level that once reached cannot be improved. It's all in the genes. You should be proud at reaching your current high skill level at golf and just enjoy the game.

[@briantreadwell2206]

Interesting viewpoint John I read ‘bounce’ by Matthew Syed ‘the myth of talent and the power of practice’ - my view on skill acquisition is more balanced after this read . . . . you can earn it!

[@johnmalarkey4908]

Brian Treadwell Thanks Brian for your response. I certainly will read the book you suggested. To clarify my view based on many years of life: Yes hard work and practise will make you better than you were but due to physical constraints and lack of natural talent you are unlikely to reach high standards of skill. My analogy is that you can take courses on say art and work very hard but only the very few talented individuals will reach a high level of expertise. However, I will let you know if the book you recommended transforms me as a mediocre golfer to even reach single figures. Cheers

[@briantreadwell2206]

It’s such an interesting read and if you don’t like it, I’ll pay for it 😉

[@johnmalarkey4908]

Brian Treadwell downloaded the book.

[@garathjax420]

Great to see you back on your journey to scratch. I get what your saying . Im playing off 15. Never played golf til 2 years ago and can shoot the odd 85. Played 3 times this year cos of work commitments but one of them 3 games iv shot 85. Ill be off 15 the rest of my life oif i dont start working on something soon. I know this but putting it into practice is another. I lack the discipline. Hopefully you dont.

[@stevenkasper6617]

😂😂😂 “Because I am an idiot” My excuse to my wife most days in my life! Great Vid again my man

[@flaup7507]

Yh you need to find a coach that inspires you to begin with. Played off 3, now around 4.7, looking to get down to 2 or scratch which should just be the result of better rounds more often .. I had 3 lessons with a new coach which I trust and like, following my move to a new city lately. Simple changes to start with : grip and better understanding of my golf swing. Played +1, -1, +5 afterwards, recently just shot +9/+19/+7 so I totally understand your point and Nicklaus' one ... It still looks pretty much the same when I hit balls, without the ball I get more resultst visually, so I probably need to continue this way to grind the changes before looking for an other temporary patch ..

[@RobMcGarr]

I think that's 100% what I need. I'm just worried about seeing too many more coaches! I think most people underestimate how long it takes to make proper changes - stick with it 😀

[@flaup7507]

Rob McGarr especially when you used to swing the club in the same shitty way for X years, each range session was just about grinding bad moves hence compensations .. not that easy for the ego especially when already a fairly low handicapper to admit that your basics are so wrong and that you may be that ignorant (static posture, grip and takeaway ...talking about myself here haha). That being said, IMO th perfect swing is the one your comfortable hitting on a regular basis with decent results in accuracy (ie stays within the fairway-rough all clubs, and on the green or not super short sided with 8i and shorter). Then it’s short game time to post good scores 👌🏼

[@samdeacon9632]

Hi Rob like Mike i got a blueprint from Liam. It basically breaks down your swing and highlights your tendancies. It also gives me structured practice for summer and winter. I never used to work on my short game much until this year now i spend 75% of my practice on short game. Have a word with him its a great investment! Ive been coached by Liam since December all i think of is soft arms and turn using my body.

[@RobMcGarr]

I'm gonna have to tap him up for a blueprint by the sound of it - think he's a bit busy at the moment though!

[@steveperry1344]

this sounds like me, i'm always messing around with my action. i've been a 13.8 hdcp. for 30 yrs and that seems the best i can do but i'm always trying.

[@alanjordan6198]

Hi Robb, when you score well do you have a game plan? What about when you score badly? Is it solely down to your swing, or could it be how you score. I've been playing a long time 30+, and I've tried to play like a tour pro. Not considered scoring, just fairway, green, 2 putts par. My hcap is 19 (18.5) this method clearly isn't working. I've tried many different swings, had loads lessons and a few sets of clubs. None really making my score better, that's what I'm now focussing on - course management and a game plan to lower my scores. There are 2 clubs in my bag I don't hit very well so I'm going to try an exercise from Danny Maude - hitting the ball when swinging one handed, it may work. All the best In your journey I've enjoyed following it. Found I couldn't do the exercise I mentioned due to a current ailment. Do returned to a tip wax given at this year's golf show - tuck a glove/Headcover under my right arm and do half swings then on to full swings. Worked a treat, now hitting these clubs very well 😀

[@RobMcGarr]

I do feel that my course management is pretty good, but obviously you still need to be able to hit shots roughly where you're aiming! Some days I can do that well, others not so much!

[@steboy2142]

I always play better when I play somewhere with a net rather than a range, net I think about movement and strike, range I think “well that didn’t go where I wanted it to “ really like the new content- keep it up 👍

[@RobMcGarr]

I think a net is way better if you're trying to focus on a movement. On the range you can't help but try to hit a good shot which makes old movements take over 👍

[@stamfordhatter5612]

Don’t forget Rob BP is not the most testing course so your 5 hcp is probably under a stiffer examination at your new track. You must stick to a longer term plan. I find too many thoughts in my head make it worse. I also play with someone who loves to coach whilst we play, which is even less helpful!

[@RobMcGarr]

I've actually shot lower rounds at Belton that Burghley - it's a tougher layout but the greens etc are better which gives you more chance. Unwanted swing tips are the worse!

[@eymun]

This is so true and good advice

[@brianrizza2045]

Remember it even takes the pga your pros 12-18months to fully change their swing. There really is no quick fix in golf. I think your on the right course with Liam just stick out it will soon click. Nicklaus said if he had bad holes in the beginning of a round he knew he was good because he got the bad holes out of the way

[@willosee]

Rob which video had the content regarding a practice diary please?

[@RobMcGarr]

This one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHiZhXiEec1rmrc

[@lostinfens]

Einstein & golf! That explains where all my golf balls go, --on course black holes. You're spot on though that attitude is the key. Find a a swing that suits you (I'd kill for yours) develop & stick with it. Now if I could only follow my own advice--.

[@RobMcGarr]

My old coach used to tell me that everyone wants someone else's golf swing - he had a point!

[@michaelbittel2618]

The problem is our brain has laid down strong neural patterns for our "old/bad" swing (movement). That is how the brain works so we don't have to think. Change requires new neural patterns to be created. These are done over time and repetition. "We are what we repeat"! If we keep changing what we are working on, the brain can't build strong new neural patterns and will always revert to the "old" Strong ones. Especially under pressure of playing or competing. The problem becomes figuring out the correct movement to work on and sticking with it. Pros when working on even a simple change hit 1,000's of balls at practice and even for them it takes sometimes months for a new pattern to stick. You are correct, we have two problems - knowing what to do and then sticking with it.

[@RobMcGarr]

Exactly, that's why I sometimes think that trying to make real "changes" to your golf swing is unrealistic. Some of the best players in the world have ruined their games in trying, so what hope do we have?!

[@deadlymantis4210]

I think once you get to a certain level, you need to practice based on your in game statistics. Where are you losing shots consistently? Fairways off the tee, GIRs, up and downs, putting, giving yourself a 1 putt chance from 100-150yrds, mentality on the course etc etc etc. Whilst keep drilling what you coach / pro tells you..... Ultimately there are no short cuts. If you try to take short cuts you get cut short

[@RobMcGarr]

Fair point. I 'feel' like my long game is the problem but I don't have any stats to back that up. Worth thinking about!

[@stephenblack9843]

Totally get where you're coming from mate. I work on things for a few weeks. If they're working I then kind of go on autopilot and the bad stuff creeps back in. Then it's back to KZbin I go lol

[@RobMcGarr]

When I'm playing my best I hardly think of anything - it's nice but makes it tough to recapture the good stuff when it goes wrong!