Two Weeks Til Tryouts

A few weeks ago, my daughter surprised me with the declaration that she wanted to try out for the golf team...in two weeks mind you, having hit about 12 balls in her life. This was a fun thought to me, as I have waited quietly for golf to be my kids' idea, should they want to play. So now with only two weeks to work with, how should I help her? What are the most important things to tell her? I have taught many people over 25 years, none of which have been my offspring...until now. I do remember her hitting a few balls when she was 5, at which time she said, "Mom, I'll listen to you when I'm 6." Little did I know that she wouldn't turn her ears on until age 15 and need help in a hurry!

This is how I have found this experience : I have all of the swing "ingredients" before me. I can add them to her "empty mixing bowl" and stir. Each ingredient has been tested in other kitchens, and proved reliable and consistent. With the right combination of ingredients, the desired outcome will be achieved. The ten year gap between age 5 and 15, has actually given her a unique lack of attachment to any particular movements. So now that she's ready to listen, her body is ready to cooperate, without any warring factions.

Most people that I teach, have had many different swing ingredients thrown in their golf "mixing bowls." My job is to remove the extra "flour," and add the forgotten "sugar." Sometimes I need to empty the bowl and start over. It's sobering for students to realize that if they want to truly improve, with lasting effects, it's not just a matter of throwing in an ingredient or two. In any case, the desired outcome can be achieved, with time and effort. I feel that anybody can hit a golf ball - well and with consistency - anybody who really wants to, that is. I also believe that anybody can have good fundamentals, if he or she is willing to commit to them.

So in a few days, my daughter will tee it up. Her fundamentals are new. And there is so much to learn about how one moves around the golf course. But I love that she is jumping in and giving it a try. Learning any skill with sound direction from the very beginning, makes a big difference. If you are new to the game, consider it a kind of advantage. You have a chance to build a strong foundation, starting with the first "brick." For those of you who have played the game for a while, and are not liking the "taste" of your outcomes, consider committing to some fundamental changes. You will be rewarded with sweet outcomes! 

Fore you, Sue  

 P.S. It is important that you understand and believe in the changes that you are making. Make your teacher earn your trust. Ask every question that comes to your mind. Express your challenges and frustrations. You are taking the journey with this "teammate," and you need to be open and honest during the process.