GOLF TIP by Pat Dolan

"Why Most Golf Lessons Fail"

Most golf lessons involve changing the student’s swing, and this could be why they fail. Students believe their swing only needs a minor change and that it can be fixed within minutes. Therein lies the problem. Even minor swing changes, require far more time then most golfers are willing to devote to their golf game. Since the majority of golfers play golf for fun, the last thing they should do is change their swing.

Please understand what you are about to learn could easily help you and the majority of golfers, because it opens all eyes to the actual time required to make physical changes. That knowledge can lead to finding an alternative method of improving. So pay close attention, this tip may be just the guidance you need to play better.

Many students approach their lesson honestly, believing they only have something minor wrong with their "swing". They actually believe they have a Sam Snead or Mickey Wright type of beautiful swing, and that their instructor will spot the minor flaw, which will instantly and easily be corrected.

Any student, who has viewed their swing via videotape prior to taking a lesson, has a far better chance at success. He or she will correctly approach the lesson tee with the knowledge their swing is far from perfect. They "at least" begin the lesson with the knowledge their swing needs work.

Bad habits are hard to break, habits such as smoking, drinking, overeating, nail biting, etc. Bad swing habits are also hard to break for the same reasons. Bad swing habits feel natural and normal to the player who has them, and changes, even minor ones, are strongly resisted. Even when they are absolutely, 100% positively convinced the changes are necessary, the player wanting to change an established bad swing habit faces the most difficult task in golf.

• Years ago I read where a pharmaceutical company needed new assembly line employees due to the installation of new machinery. The job required skills of a physical repetitive nature. The company was replacing veteran assembly line employees because it would take six weeks to re-train them. Whereas new employees, mastered the required moves in only three days. Since millions of dollars per day were involved, the company replaced their valued former assembly line workers and surprised them with full retirement pay.

This made it clear to me why most golf lessons involving the swing fail. Most golfers are NOT willing to spend the additional time needed on something they consider a game. It also explains why breaking 100 is a major accomplishment for most golfers. It also explains why changing your mind is faster, easier and often more productive than changing your swing.