Tag Archives: PGA Tour

Even If You Fall On Your Face, You’re Still Moving Forward

I love the game of golf!  Like many who take up the sport, I am obsessed. Most who play are consumed by the never-ending quest to get better. Unfortunately, it is hard to improve.

I took up golf after college, and realized quickly that I was not blessed with a “natural” swing. Not dissimilar to most who take up the game later in life, I experienced all of the frustrations associated with learning how to play. About 4 years ago, my handicap hit an all-time low (5.9 index), and I was confident that I would continue to improve.  The golf gods, however, had other plans.  Over the next three years, my game evaporated.  Out of pure desperation, I acquired almost every golf training aid available on the market, while seeking a cure from a host of PGA instructors.  Nothing worked, and my handicap ballooned to a 14.6 by the end of the 2015 season. As I contemplated quitting golf, I made a desperate decision to invest in a golf school.  I had followed Martin Chuck’s Tour Striker Golf Academy for years, and I felt that his philosophy would align best with my predicament.  The instruction over the three-day class was great. The coaches provided me with insight into the many issues that prohibited me from playing competently. They also offered valuable guidance on how to improve.  Fortunately, Martin introduced me to a tool that fundamentally altered my descent into the abyss.

Over the last 13 months, I have use a training aid called the Swingclick at the range, on the course and in my house.  My handicap has dropped to a 7.8, and I am playing a lot better. The Swingclick helps me find the top of my backswing, and reinforces the correct tempo.  The metamorphosis has been a blessing as I desperately want to get better at golf.

My story underscores the profound impact this simple device will have on a golfer. For the price of a dozen golf balls, and regular use of the Swingclick, anyone can improve their game. Similar to the way Victor Kiam felt about Remington in the late 1970s, I believe so much in the Swingclick, I now own a part of the company.

The Swingclick – It Works!

Back from the Brink

In 2011, I considered the game of golf to be a legitimate threat to my sanity (see – https://www.huntfishgolfwork.com/?p=411).  Lessons, equipment changes and countless practice sessions did not provide relief.  My competitive intensity slowly diminished to the point where I actually questioned why I was even entering in club events.  On course turrets-like episodes became a regular occurrence.  I attempted to turn frustration into motivation, but the brain could not trick the body into execution.

Unfortunately, 2012 started where 2011 left off.   Many moving body parts, poor posture, utter confusion and a bad attitude lead to a new search for help.  To my great fortune, The Club at Pradera hired Matt Marino to be the assistant golf professional.  Matt is an energetic, engaging, positive individual whose personality is infectious.   His teaching methodology is simplistic by design, yet conveys the appropriate information that allows his student to be effective. Matt is not assumptive; he asked questions about my game, watched me swing, then challenged me to do what it would take to turn everything around.  Our first lesson ended with two drills that I would employ during every subsequent practice session (basement, bedroom and range).  Additional sessions reinforced critical fundamentals which allowed me to build on his prior teachings.  Our objectives were clear;

1. Install the correct set up, ball position and swing plane.

2. Maintain internal tranquility that will allow me to institute a functioning tempo.

3. Build back the confidence that I would need to once again have fun playing the sport.

It has not been easy, but we have managed to lower my handicap to a 6.3 index.  Matt and I will continue to work together in order to refine my ever evolving mechanics.  Perhaps radical changes can be made that will allow me to exceed my potential?  Either way, Matt Marino’s teachings have allowed me to once again smile on the golf course.  Matt is a special person, instructor and friend.

Matt Marino No Reference Drill

One Foot Drill – Matt Marino

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