Here at Golfgooroo global headquarters I get to meet all sorts of interesting golfers. We share stories, talk golf and if the opportunity presents itself, I get to assist them on their golf improvement journey.
And I love it. This is why I do what I do. Getting to help a golfer get more enjoyment and satisfaction from their game gets me out of bed in the morning.
But there is one type of golfer I can’t stand. A golfer who I wish I never meet. A golfer who is a real pain in the arse (PITA).
Unfortunately, I met one of these types earlier in the year. Here’s the story.
PITA was at the same social event and he got wind that I was the “golfing guy”. So he took this as an invite to tell me his entire golf story. I don’t really mind this because I understand that golfers are passionate and sometimes talking about golf is a hell of a lot better than talking about the weather.
Plus, when I get to hear someone’s golfing story, it gives me something to work with. I can learn where I think they can make improvements. It gives me an opportunity to chime in. And this is what happened after PITA got past all the really boring bits.
[PITA] I took some lessons last year and the coach wants me to stand further to the ball. It feels horrible and I’ve been struggling with my ball striking.
[Cameron] Really? What sort of shots are you getting?
[PITA] All sorts. I’m blocking the ball out the right. I don’t like that shot too much… it lacks distance and ends up in the trees a lot.
[Cameron] I see. Would you mind if I gave you some advice that could help?
[PITA] Yes. That would be great. I’d do anything to play better. I need to play this weekend so any advice would be appreciated.
[Cameron] Without seeing you hit balls it seems you’re over doing the stance thing. Sometimes we think a bit too much about what the pro says and forget about comfort at address. If you’re uncomfortable you’ll have trouble making a good pass at the ball.
[PITA] Yes! Sometimes I feel terrible at address. Then I have trouble taking the club away.
[Cameron] Yep, that certainly sounds familiar. So, with that in mind, here’s what I think might help…
Try and get comfortable at address. Forget about how far away you’re standing, just focus on comfort and you’ll be halfway there.
[PITA] That makes sense.
[Cameron] Also, when you’re over the ball I want you to feel like you’re going to start the ball a little to the left and then allow it to bend back to the right. I’m not talking about a huge slice, just a little fade. This will help immensely with the blocked shots to the right.
[PITA] I could never do that. In fact, I don’t want to do that because it will cause me to hit a hook.
[Cameron] Excuse me?
[PITA] I don’t want to feel like I’m coming over the top of the ball. I don’t want to hit a hook because a hook is really nasty.
[Cameron] But you’re not going to hit a hook and you haven’t even tried it.
[PITA] Yes, but I don’t want to mess with my swing like that.
[Cameron] I need to get a drink from the bar. I’ll catch you later…
PITA is my least favourite type of golfer I meet not because he wasn’t appreciative of my advice or even because he wouldn’t try what I suggested. I don’t like these types because they are in love with their own golf swing.
They think their game is too important. They think their swing is so fragile that if they try something new they’ll wreck it.
These golfers are so caught up in their own importance that they’re too ignorant (and stupid) to listen and try some new stuff. So they’re stuck. They’re time wasters and a real pain in the you know where. And it doesn’t matter who is coaching them, they’re unlikely to get anywhere.
I’m reminded of a time when a member came into the pro shop looking for a lesson…
[StupidMember] Hi Cameron, is Steve around? I really need a golf lesson.
[Cameron] I’m sorry sir, Steve is away today but Matt or myself can give you a lesson in about 20 minutes.
[StupidMember] Oh. I really need to see Steve. He knows my swing, you guys don’t know what we’re working on and I don’t want to go backwards.
[What I was thinking] WTF? Don’t insult us you ignorant dickhead. We don’t want to coach you anyway.
[What I said] Ok. Now worries sir. Maybe you can get a lesson with Steve later in the week…
The StupidMember thing happened 15 years ago and I know this guy is still fumbling around with his swing.
Listen up. Your golf swing isn’t that precious. You can’t break it and if you’re not hitting the ball well you need to ramp things a little. Doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result is insanity.
I’m not talking about major swing changes either. Just playing around with different ball flights and letting go of some mental baggage is enough. Oftentimes, a path to golfing success is a lot simpler and easier than we think. But we have to get out of our own way. Your golf swing isn’t that important!