Why is it that Golf is often referred to as the most difficult sport to play?

Yes, golf is difficult if you want to score in the low 70‘s. Especially if you have only played for a few years, play only occasionally, spend more time working than working on your game, etc.

But it shouldn’t be a difficult game to play or to hit good golf shots. If it seems that you are struggling to improve … it may not be your fault.

What often happens is that your golf swing is made difficult because the swing advice you have been implored to use makes it impossible for you to see consistent shots. There is so much swing advice that is taught as being absolutely critical to your golf swing … yet it isn’t necessary for you to think about.

Many of these so-called essential tips you have heard actually happen naturally without you thinking about them. Yet, when you do purposely try to implement these tips … your golf swing is often negatively affected. This is because the golf swing has been over analyzed to the point that natural movements that happen without thought are being taught as things you need to think about.

And by you trying to sync all these tips into one movement that lasts less than 2 seconds … well, it becomes difficult. Difficult … and unnecessary!

Here is an example:

On your backswing, you probably have been told that you need to turn your shoulders, turn your hips, shift your weight and bring the club back on the proper swing path/plane.

I am not disagreeing with this. But do you know that if you just learn how to control your “Center” on your backswing that all of those things happen without trying to make them happen?

That if your “Center” moves: your shoulder turn will happen without thought. And as your shoulders are automatically turning without thought, they will pull your hips naturally to where they should be … without you thinking about your hips. And as your hips are turning naturally … your weight is naturally moved to a balanced position without thinking of weight shift.

And because all the above is happening in a natural, synchronized movement … the club moves back on an excellent swing path/plane without having to think about it.

However, the Golfer that has been taught that they need to worry about shoulder turn, hip turn, weight shift, swing path/plane … they end up trying to manufacture these movements. Which just causes you to have a very uneven rhythm, tempo, and pace.

And loads of inconsistency that never seems to end.

The issue with the majority of Golf Instruction being taught is such that because many of these “tips” have been passed down for so long … that the Golfer believes that just because they have heard it before, that it must be something they need to focus on.

Yet, just as automobiles, computers, phones, and the techniques of Instruction used in all other sports has improved over the years … there are small pockets of Golf Instruction that has improved in the golf industry. Companies like GMS and a select few other Instructors are actually helping Golfers to improve. Whereas most Golf Instruction (although the Instructors are truly trying to help you), is causing you to become even more inconsistent because the techniques are so poor.

I can not tell you how many emails we receive each year from Golfers that are totally frustrated with their game and ready to quit. And the one similarity between these Golfers is that they have all taken “golf lessons” before coming to GMS. Yet, they just got more and more frustrated with their inability to improve.

So my question to you is: Is that the Golfer’s fault for not improving? Or is it the Instructor’s fault? Yes, in some cases it could be a little of both … but based on the success of these Golfers after attending GMS — there is no doubt that it is the poor Instruction/Coaching techniques being used by most Golf Professionals.

As we had over 1,300 Golfers attend our 3 day program in 2012, you can imagine how many emails and phone calls we receive each year from Golfers that are frustrated with their golf game. And again, over 90% of these Golfers have taken lessons somewhere else previously … but here are just three recent emails we have received (with only initials included just in case their previous Instructors are reading)

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Hi Marc,

I am 57 and took up golf in August of 2011. I took several lessons from the pro here but was getting overwhelmed with swing thoughts. That is why your school got my attention.

When I took your course I came back hitting my driver excellent and my fairway woods/hybrids really well. One afternoon I played 9 holes with some club members and actually shot a 44.

JP
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Marc – For about 4 months now I have started practicing again and seriously trying to improve. I started taking some lessons with a local golf pro, however, I have realized again just how complicated they make things. He keeps telling me what I’m doing wrong, showing me the video, and not really helping me improve it. No drills or anything, just pointing out my flaws. Clearly it is very frustrating.

I remember how much I improved at my GMS weekend in Amelia Island a few years ago and I want to start practicing the drills that I learned with you and get my tempo back.

I need to make plans to come back to a GMS class sometime next year. I can’t keep taking lessons with a trainer that doesn’t give drills to work on.

RM
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Marc – After trying a variety of swings and Instructors with a great deal of frustration, I attended GMS in Lake Geneva in June 2010. Absolutely one of the best decisions I ever made as it relates to golf. Never before had I experienced such confidence with my driver. One swing thought, tick tock.

Fast forward to 2012. Handicap hovered between 2-3 and qualified for the GolfWeek Amateur Championship in Hilton Head. Highlight for the year was a league 9 where I hit 9 greens, all fairways, and posted a 32 (4 birdies). Swing thought was…”tick tock”

So what do I do the very next week? Sign up for 6 weeks of lessons (1 per week) with a local pro. Very personable instructor, but got away from a smooth, athletic swing. At the end of 6 weeks, attended GolfWeek championship and found myself “searching” for anything that would work. Shot approximately 10-12 shots higher per round (3 rounds) and just “couldn’t right the ship.”

Came home very frustrated. Didn’t touch my clubs for 3 days. Finally went to play a round with a friend. ONE swing thought…tick tock. Shot a 74 that felt effortless.

Lesson learned!

TG

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These, like all the Testimonials we post are 100% true emails we receive. The Game doesn’t have to be as difficult as it may seem. You truly can make it simple.

The Monkey is thinking about too many parts of their golf swing while they try to hit the golf ball

The Player understands that one swing key can make each part of their golf swing to work together

Go ahead, be a Player!
Regards,

Marc Solomon