It's been a few weeks since my lesson with Mike Lander at the golf academy, so I thought it was time to give an update. I've managed to play a few rounds in that time and had several range sessions. I bought a knock-off tour striker ball and then, on Amazon Prime Day, I bought an Amazon-branded version of the orange whip swing training/warm-up device too. It looks like a medieval weapon, but I really like it for my practice sessions and warming up before playing.
I'm happy to report that the changes Mike made, and the routines he gave me to work on, really have made an impact. The objective was better direction control through improving my right arm position during the swing and being less "handy" at impact. If you are struggling with the same issues I was, then using the inflatable ball really does help. I was really interested to see how many professionals were using the same device on the practice range at the Open this year. It takes effort and concentration when I'm hitting but I feel that my strike has improved and my direction control is considerably better. There are a couple of readers of this blog who can vouch for (were victims of) my better wedge play recently! It certainly helps my putting stats when I chip in from 80 yards too.
The orange whip rip-off is a really good warm-up aid and I've liked using it before hitting balls. There is a small routine they recommend that first works on rotation and then moves to single-arm swings before starting full swings. I like the way the shaft flexes when you swing as it helps me focus on tempo. I also prefer using this over the speed training club that I have.
I've seen Mike at the range a couple of times and we've talked about the progress I've made since my lesson. Like every swing change, it takes time before it feels natural and I therefore need to continue using the ball (and the other routines he recommended) to reinforce the feelings but he was happy with progress.
Taking it to the course has been reasonably successful too. I'm building more confidence in my direction control, where previously I was a bit random. The bad shot is now usually a push and the good shots are straight with just a little bit of draw rather than the big draw/hook/pull I was prone to before. As I'm becoming more comfortable with the change, I think I'm also gaining a bit of length through the improved strike too. I'm applying the same principle to my driver and 3 wood and have also seen an encouraging improvement with them. I've not had many actual "counting" rounds so far, but hopefully, I won't revert to bad habits when it's put under pressure.
I'm very encouraged with my progress so far. I will most likely take a further block of lessons with Mike to work on my game during the winter/off-season. I've enjoyed his manner and teaching style and think we can work well together. Once we get this bit of the full swing nailed down I would like to move on to short game and bunkers and build more confidence in that part of my game.
After my last post, I should really get his take on my putting too!
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