Golf Smart Academy Forum — Sensei check-in/encouragement for program beginners

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Sensei check-in/encouragement for program beginners ¶

By: Zach F on July 6, 2024, 8:11 a.m.

Hi Tyler!
It’s been a minute; I just wanted to check in with you and get your approval for my newest ventures.

Following the rule of 3s, I just broke 85 three times in a row for the first time since I started to implement changes from GSA 8 months ago. Over that period my handicap has risen three strokes from 8.6, but my understanding and ability to execute truly quality golf shots has improved exponentially. In case there is anyone reading this who is just starting GSA, I would encourage you to take the long view and stay as patient as possible. If your game is well established, I would liken this process to resetting a poorly healed broken bone: first it must be re-broken, and it will be a while before it can support weight again. However, when it can, it will be stronger than it ever was.

I’m very satisfied and encouraged; my looks and skills through the impact zone have improved considerably(pink shorts), and my incidence of snap hooks continues to dwindle. My next set of changes is designed to support transition mechanics and provide additional hook prevention: adding forearm rotation and hip tilt, with the aims of making my club position less closed and across the line and setting myself up for steep body/shallow arms in transition. Hip tilt in particular is proving a tough change for me, but my efforts at those moves are the backyard videos. Do those strike you as appropriate alterations?

As always, thank you Tyler, and I hope you’re well!

Your pal,
Zach

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Re: Sensei check-in/encouragement for program beginners ¶

By: Tyler F on July 8, 2024, 6:57 a.m.

Hi Zach,

Good update. I like the analogy of healing a broken bone. Some golf swing issues can be healed quicker (like if you have a slice from an open club face and you learn about the motorcycle) but many issues take learning a few pieces. Your swing is looking better and a lot less hookish.

I think that transition is a good place to work on. I usually use the hip tilt to get for golfers who are too tilted away from the target top. It looks like the top of swing has some good hip tilt, but then transition has a bit too much lower body slide.

Putting my thoughts in context, if I look at the impact position. The hook and contact potential issues I'd see are:
- a little too much axis tilt (upper body is relatively behind the lower body)
- The right elbow and hands are a little behind the body

It looks like those elements show up from top of swing to transition, more so than during the release. You could confirm with a 9 to 3 to see if you do it better. If you do it better with the 9 to 3, then it's further confirmation that transition is the place to focus. It's definitely better overall, so keep it up.

Happy Golfing,
Tyler

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Re: Sensei check-in/encouragement for program beginners ¶

By: Zach F on July 14, 2024, 7:14 a.m.

Gotcha! The ‘trail arm behind’ phenomenon seems to happen throughout the whole downswing, but if I focus on the release aspect, transition seems to take care of itself. I’ll be working on supported wipes.
You used the word ‘nuance’ to describe Jake Knapp’s release, and I’m struck by how much nuance there is to all this, but the difference really is in the details.

I eagled the #1 handicap hole today and closed with a birdie; I’m starting to feel like a golfer again here and there.

Also, I wanted to share these stingers with you. That shot has been a hook factory for me historically, so I’m very happy with these. I feel like my downswing energy transfer is becoming more efficient- the shorter follow through is even happening unprompted from time to time.

Thank you Tyler!

Z

Last edited by: Zach F on July 14, 2024, 7:27 p.m., edited 6 times in total.

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Re: Sensei check-in/encouragement for program beginners ¶

By: Tyler F on Aug. 4, 2024, 8:50 p.m.

Good discovery, arm is looking less stuck behind with this current batch. That's going to help with the hook tendency.

Yes, I like to use the term nuance to describe the subtleties that separate golfer skill level. It's easy to say, "get the arm in front", but to actually get someone to make that change can take some subtle feel differences. And each golfer's feelings of the key moves are going to be slightly different.

Happy Golfing,
Tyler