These Golfers Attended GMS Because They Wanted To Break 80
(And They Did It In 2006!)
Below are just a sampling of Golfer Testimonials we received in 2006 from Golfers whose goals were to Break 80. To see Testimonials from Golfers looking to break 100 or 90 - click on the corresponding number below.
"Low 40's!"
Wat,
I am now steady on the back and front nine....
In addition to the review of the drills we did when I attended GMS, I also took the tip to work on my conditioning. After returning from GMS I was consistently scoring in the low 40's on the front nine, but would shoot high 40s or higher on the back. I finally attributed this to fatigue, so I started working out, running, cycling, light weight lifting..I am now stronger and able to play to my level of expectation for a full 18. Marc Solomon confirmed this course of action in a recent newsletter, stating that working on your core conditioning is better than a hitting buckets of range balls during the winter season. This advice along with making a PLAN has given me the confidence to know that shooting below 80 is in my sight.
Have a safe and happy holiday season...
Harold W - New Jersey - December 13th, 2006
Attended Amelia Island Location on May 15th to 17th, 2006
"I Almost Made It Into The 70's!"
Hi Jeff,
Just thought I�d let you know that I almost broke 80 at my course yesterday. I had a great warm up, striped almost every length of swing shot. This is as close as I've gotten to date. No birdies, no double bogies. I had 32 putts, missed my share of makeable par saves and a couple birdies tries. But, not to mention a few good bogies, where I got it back in play and gave myself a par putt with a decent 'PLAN'. By the way, I never was really concerned about score. It just added up to 80 when I was done.
The Driver was much improved yesterday. I hit several great drives and hit most fairways even when I didn't get all of it. If anything was a bit off at times it was a few irons where I tried to swing a bit too hard from the top. It all seems to come down to staying smooth with pace of swing, nothing else, with all clubs. I feel like I'm swinging in slow motion when it's good, even though that's not even close to the truth. This is when I have the most control over the club face and have really solid hits.
I played with two guys who I haven't played with in a while, both are lower single digit handicap players, who both remarked that my swing looked really good and they said enjoy my 11 handicap while it lasts because they feel I'll be joining them down in the single digits very soon!
And this good play is with only playing once a week, unlike the regular season where I play at least twice and may even practice a bit.
Jeff, enjoy your holidays, I won't bother you again until I have news of breaking 80 or unless something goes haywire, which it shouldn't if I stick to the stuff that has been working.
Thanks again,
John F - Owings Mills, Maryland - December 11th, 2006
Attended Amelia Island Location on October 20th to 22nd, 2006
"I Scored An 85!"
Jeff,
Trust that you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. Happy to report that after about ten rounds since our Golf Made Simple class at end of October, that I finally carded an 85 that could easily have been much lower with a bit of better course management (my PLAN) and putting.
Jung has shot an 84! She had ten pars and a birdie!
I've found that the "Tick - Tock" not only helps regulate my 'Pace of Swing' but also serves to focus the mind: whether it be with a full shot, chipping or putting. I will keep you posted.
Kind regards,
Mike B - Stanford, Connecticut - December 1st, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in Amelia Island Location on October 27th to 29th, 2006
"I had 4 Birdies in one round!"
Hayden,
I played 36 holes one day a couple weeks back and shot a 93 - 75! Yes a 75!! I had 4 birdies in that 4 over round and 2 inches away from a hole in one.. We are running out of nice weather here in New England so getting out now is really hard. Since that 75, I've shot a few more rounds in the 80's - so I'd say I'm on my way out of that ugly, ugly hole I was in before coming to see you in Florida.
Ron P - Massachusetts - Sent November 25th, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in St. Augustine on September 15th to 17th, 2006
"81 - 82!"
Hi Jeff,
I just wanted to update you on my first two rounds since my GMS experience. I played Saturday and Sunday of this past weekend. I shot 81 and backed it up with an 82. I haven't had back to back scores like that in quite a while. I've shot that low in one round, but might back it up with a 90 prior to GMS.
My club just started with our late season 10am shotgun starts due to the possibility of frost and the amount of daylight. The temperature was in the high 40's. Both days I got to the club about 25 minutes early and only hit about 10-15 balls at the range. I did the warm up you showed us, using shorter swings with various clubs working on my Pace of Swing and ball striking and direction.
I have two more rounds coming up this weekend and I'd love to break 80.
Thanks and Best Regards,
John F - Ownings Mills, Maryland - November 6th, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in Amelia Island on October 20th to 22nd, 2006
"I Broke 90!"
Wataru,
Sorry I haven't been in touch. My golf game has been pretty good overall. With me, it's all about decreasing the severity of the valleys in my game and I have definitely been able to do that this summer in large part to the drills and thought processes I learned at Golf Made Simple. I finally broke 100 at the Wakonda course (which is really tough) early in the year and I am still getting the ball around pretty good. I also broke 90 at an easier course mid summer with a stellar short game.
I see you're looking good out in San Diego from your snapshots in each week's Golf Improvement Weekly. I was able to order some of those golf shirts you wear through a clothing store out here and they are nice!
Thanks,
Brian T - Iowa - October 16th, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in Amelia Island on February 24th to 26th, 2006
"From A 16 to a 10.6"
Hi Alex,
How are things in Florida? I'm getting ready for the annual boys golf trip (North Myrtle this year). Well, 18 months after attending Golf Made Simple my handicap has improved to a 10.6 from a 16. All by following your tips and training. And that's with me only being able to play 25 rounds of golf in those 18 months. Sad that I haven't played more, but boy am I playing better! Thanks again.
Best regards,
Doug M - New York, New York - Sent September 19th, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in Amelia Island in April 2005
"A Very Low Round!"
Hayden,
Let me start out by saying the golf expierence with Golf Made Simple was one I will remember for the rest of my life - "Tick Tock" really works. I played last night in my weekly member blitz, a nine hole game with twelve guys.... let's just say the difference was noticeable on the first drive when I hit a drive over the bunkers about 260 and hit a wedge to 6 feet for birdie and yes, my divot was in front of the ball. I went onto chip in for another birdie two holes later. Wow a 38! A solid plan and a couple of seven irons led to a very low round.
Regards,
Mark V. - Charleston, South Carolina - Sent September 22nd, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in St. Augustine on September 15th to 17th, 2006
"39 For The First Time In My Life!"
Dear Hayden and Marc,
Just a quick note to say I have continued to play well and break some interesting thresholds. I had just recently shot a career best 41 several times on the back nine of my home club, but until recently my results on the much more devious front nine had been far less pleasant. I had shot one 43, a couple 44s, and, in general, I was always 3-4 shots worse on the front than the back.
Anyway, last Thursday I went out at 8 am with no practice. Put my first tee shot into the woods, had to drop and play 3, and went on to play the most outstanding golf of my life until that point. I ended up saving bogey on 1, bogeying two, (toughest hole on course), before holing a 30 foot wedge for birdie on three. After parring 5, I rolled in a twenty two foot putt for birdie on 6. The first time in my life I had had 2 birdies in a single round and both on the front!
Finished the front nine that day in 41. A new record.
This morning I went out again at the crack of dawn and this time, from the first shot of the day, I was cracking 'em right down the middle. Parred #1, Bogeyed #2 and #3, then Double Bogeyed #4, the second hardest hole on the course. Then I parred 5, 6, 7, and 8. On #9 I struck a wonderful 6 iron to 14 feet from the pin and walked off the birdie putt and took a good long look. Of course, I tried to put the thought out of my mind, but it was impossible to ignore the fact that if I made this putt I would have a 39 ON THE FRONT NINE, breaking 40 for the first time in my life.
So I savored the moment. Picked a tiny fleck of grass as my target, lined up, and drilled the 14 footer right into the center of the cup for birdie and a 39.
So that is four thresholds I have reached in the past 7 days: 1) Having two birdies in one round for the first time 2) Establishing a new personal best on the treacherous front nine at Granadilla CC., 3) Breaking that personal best 7 days later, and 4) breaking 40 for the first time!
Happy, happy, happy playing golf.
All my best.
Todd Temkin - Valparaso, Chile - Sent September 21st, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in St. Augustine on August 19 to 21st, 2005
"More Than A 17 Stroke Improvement!"
Marc,
Hope all is going well. Just wanted to let you know I went to Palm Springs on a golf vacation. I concentrated on a PLAN of action.
Normally, before seeing you, I would shoot high 90's to low 100's.
Except for one round (where I shot 91), all other rounds were in the 80's. On the Gary Player course down there, I shot my best score ever - 83!
My total concentration was on my PLAN. I couldn't have followed it any better than I did. Thank you for helping me realize a goal of mine - to never have to score in the 100's again and to now be in the 80's. And sometimes, like I did in Palm Springs, in the low 80's!
Best Regards,
Al Lampe - Northern California - Received on August 4th, 2006
Attended California Location - October 21st to 23rd, 2005
"Thank You For The Phone Call Help"
Wataru,
This Instructor For Life Program really works. Thank you for the phone call and the help.
I will continue to work on those practice drills that you recommended. I played several times this weekend where I grew up. I shoot a 78 and 79 which made me very happy. And had a couple of 39's when I only played 9 holes.
I will continue to practice and be patient. I will continue to say Tick-Tock as I play. I will be working on the Belly Swing Drill and the Warm Up Drill.
Thanks,
Mike S - Ohio - June 12, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple in Amelia Island on May 8th to 10th, 2006
"First Time Breaking 80"
Hey Jacob,
Thank you, for all your help with my golf game! It really has begun to improve since my last visit to you and Golf Made Simple. I believe this weekend is your last as an instructor...so there may have been a little karma with me today as I went out and shot a 78 this morning!!!
My first time ever breaking 80!
The par 5's had no chance today as I played them at 3 under. It should have been 5 under as I lipped out a 6 foot birdie putt and just missed a 10 foot eagle putt. Anyhow, I am not griping. Each time I play, more shots come together. I never vary from my PLAN and everything becomes more consistent. I am starting to picture the shot I want to hit and more often than not, I get rewarded. What's even better, my mis-hits aren't very damaging - you're only as good as your mis-hits!! I just keep it simple.
I was truly hoping to get one last visit with you and Golf Made Simple. The results don't lie about the product you offer. I guess now, I will have to terrorize Hayden. Give him fair warning.
Take care,
Scott Garrison - Owasso, Oklahoma - May 25, 2006
Attended Golf Made Simple for the second time in San Diego on February 20th to 22nd, 2006
"One over Par for the 9-holes!!!"
Jacob,
Diane and I finally got out to play nine holes today. I had 4 pars, 2 birdies, one ball in the water and one three putt. One over par for the 9-holes!!! Never in any serious trouble with my Driver except for the one ball in the water. I did hit a couple of good drives, 260+.
I hit my irons very well and played the par 3's one under par. Putting was good. "The Plan" was my secret weapon. It kept me out of serious trouble.
Thanks for all the great instruction, the school far exceeded our expectations. Our biggest thanks is to you. We truly enjoyed the time we spent with you. You're a special young man.
Sincerely,
Paul Thomas - Burnsville, Minnesota - May 21, 2006
Attended in San Diego on May 12 to 14, 2006
"Played 18 Last Weekend And Hit A 78!"
Jacob,
Man, am I playing better! Got back home and went out to the range and worked some drills, especially The Step Drill. In the last couple of weeks, on different courses, I've played 9 holes and scored 39, 40 and 38. I then played 18 last weekend and hit a 78! Yeah!!!
Mostly I'm in the fairway off the tee, say 80% or higher. When I'm off, I'm maybe 2 to 4 feet, in the first cut. So I always have a shot at par. And, I know WHY I'm off the fairway - what a change and relief to know why. I'm not going to talk about how much better my short irons are - okay I will, it's a lot like throwing darts.
I'll be back next year.
Doc Sade - Kansas City - April 25, 2006
Attended in San Diego, California on March 27 - 29, 2006
"I've Never Been More Confident with Myself!"
Hayden,
Check it out!!! This past Sunday I had a amatuer tournament and shot a 76! Whoohooooooo!!
I coulda shot lower, but I choked with the putter in the last few holes because I started to realize that I was one or two over and I couldn't believe it. Still, I'm real happy with my solid play and I have to say it was all thanks to your golf school. My mental attitude towards the game is so different. I used to play these tournaments scared of being humiliated and thinking that I may not belong in this group of great players, being happy to just to stay in the 80s and not finish in last place.
After coming back from your golf school, I shot an 80 and a 76 in back to back weeks. Those are great scores for me in these tournaments where I usually get very nervous and put lots of pressure on myself. The beauty is that with the absence of swing thoughts, I'm just getting in my stance and trusting my "Tick Tock" and making crisp contact, the shots just hit themselves.
I just trusted the things I learned with you, played beautifully, and have never been more confident in myself.
Who knows.. maybe this year I can make the cut in the Puerto Rico Amateur championship and be able to play the 4 days. :-)
Cheers,
JG - San Juan, Puerto Rico - April 4, 2006
"39 On The Front 9"
Hey Jacob,
How are things? You are either watching "Lefty" getting ready to win the Masters or giving some instruction. Either way, that is a good day....you get to partake in some form of golf.
I just arrived in from the course...I had a great day.
I was pretty much on fire. I shot a 39 on the front 9!!! Sweet....the bad side was that I had a birdie and par putt lip out...u-turn if you will! The greens were just aerated and a good line was next to impossible...Anyhow, the back was more of the same..this time 4 putts lipped out! I leave the back 9 with a 45. Take away the lip-outs and there is my first trip into the 70's!!!
I just stuck to my PLAN that you and I discussed. I also remembered you telling me to not be afraid to SWING the club. So, once I had my PLAN....I just ripped it!!! It is becoming more consistent. I cannot wait until this coming weekend.
Thanks,
Scott Garrison - Tulsa, Oklahoma - April 9, 2006
"2 Golfers Playing Their Best Golf!"
Marc,
I shot 73 today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's for all the Monkeys out there.
Barry Barrett - Lexington, Kentucky - March 15, 2006
"The Best Golf Of My Life"
Marc,
Played the best golf in my life in January. In one week, I shot a 72, 73, 76, and 78.
Jed Dunn - Kansas City, Missouri - March 25, 2006
"I Shot My Age - 71!"
Dear Hayden,
It's been two months since I completed the "Golf Made Simple" program with you. I learned a great deal during the course, e.g., "downhill putts break more than uphill putts".
And last Thursday, playing with my usual group of Monkeys, I SHOT MY AGE! 34 - 37 = 71 from the back tees at Windy Harbor Golf Course. I may never do it again, but that's not important. I would not have been able to accomplish this feat without your assistance. You helped me to improve my chipping and putting, which ultimately led to the improvement of my long game, and thus to more confidence and lower scores. I wish to thank you for your help and your patience, and I look forward to returning to GMS again soon, perhaps sometime later this year.
With kind personal regards,
Charley Eaton - January 14, 2006
"This Is My Best!"
Hayden - I've been playing quite a bit of Golf. The best score I've posted since I've attended your school is 79, I've shot consistently, between 79 and 88, and if I have a bad day I limit it to a 93 (which is better than I used to do on my best days). My handicap has come down from 24 to 14, but I would really love to get it in single digits.
Anyway, I was looking at your school schedule for January 30th - February
1st, but it's all sold out. Could you double check for me to see if there might be a cancellation on that date and let me know. I would love to come see you again. I am hungry to get my game to scratch and I need your help.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Fabian Reid - December 31, 2005 - Barbados
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