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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
 Posted - February 06 2009 : 5:38:50 PM
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Well SSers, it’s time to start a new practice log.
Last year’s practice regimen was hugely successful, at least in my mind.  I set several goals for myself, with my top priority being a significant improvement in my greens-in-regulation. I started the season around 30% and finished the season just above my 60% goal. Similarly, my fairways hit started at 40% and finished just above my 65% goal, while my sand save goal was 25% and I finished the season at 38%. I thought those goals were wishful thinking for last year, but I figured they were realistic for some point in the future. I never could have imagined that I would reach them in a single summer! 
This year I hope to retain those improvements, but I know I can improve in a few other ways: 1) I want to improve my putting to 32 putts or less per round, and 2) I want to reduce my median distance from the flag to 15 ft or better for approach shots from inside 150 yards. For the latter I'll have to focus intently on both distance and directional control, as well as work on partial-swing shots with 8i - PW.
I’ve started on this year’s journey by weight training. I’m your proverbial “98lb weakling”, and I have found that without strong legs and a strong core (hips/abdomen/lower back) that it is difficult to hit the ball consistently. Last year I learned how important it is to swing under control – that was the key to my GIR success. But you can’t swing under control consistently without strong legs and core. Therefore, I've committed myself to strengthening the muscle groups that will enable me to swing under control.
This past weekend was the first time our indoor facility was open this winter, so it was my first chance to evaluate the results of the weight training. It also gave me a chance to see how well SS works when you don’t use it often. Well, it was a great practice session. I hit the ball very well, the swing was easy to resurrect, I felt balanced, and most importantly my swing was pretty easy to control. It felt good. I think the training is working, and it is obvious that my swing held up far better using SS than it ever did when I played with a conventional swing.
I can’t wait for the weather to break so I can take it to the course and see what happens. Happy swinging!
Jeff
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mikeoleary
535 Posts |
Posted - February 08 2009 : 07:27:19 AM
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Jeff
Man I am glad you post often, personnaly I love your input, practice regimen, dedication to getting better, stats etc- because I wish I could do as much as you are, but what you've done is convince me to keep my stats even if I am giving a playing lesson and go over them on my video blog each week/ also to start a to be determined forum page that 'members' can post stats and I will review, or we all can review and suggest practice plans and how to best improve immediately.
also great job with strength training, suggest well slightly late now but decipher what club head speed was and what is is or will be with newfound 'power' or stronger core turn still whipping the club - I know mine improved 12 mph with diet and excercise (using power bands etc)
anyway great job as usual - keep it up
Mike O |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - February 08 2009 : 2:52:25 PM
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Hi Jeff,
Good to hear you're up and about, looking forward to your practice log. Our goals look similar for this season. I'll be watching for your updates, they motivate.
I did marvel at your stat tracking last season...how do you do it? Do you take notes on your scorecard and crunch numbers into some program when you get home? Do you use some kind of hand held device?
One of my goals is to improve here. Have been tracking putts and need to add the fairways and greens back in. Have looked at some web based and home computer programs for tracking, any recommendations? Not a spreadsheet guy, need something user friendly to get started with if you've got any suggestions.
Best,
kb |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - February 08 2009 : 3:38:48 PM
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Thanks Mike, and hi Kurt,
Mike, my swing speed has varied significantly over time. Two years ago I clocked my driver as high as at 125+, but that doesn't mean much. My goal is consistency, and the best 10-swing average I've ever had was about 102mph. Last year on the course I was probably in the low to mid 90s because I was focused on control. My drives had an average carry around 220-230, with total average distance in the 240-250 range. One day I was driving on bone-dry fairways and had 6 drives at or exceeding 300 yards, but that's not at all normal. I would love to add distance this year but I'd be happy if I improved accuracy and didn't wear out at the end of my rounds! I'll take the radar to the range sometime next week and let you know what the current swing speed is.
Kurt, I keep the following info on my scorecard:
1) FH or if not, did I hit the tee shot where I wanted to (sometimes I cut corners on dog legs and don't intend to hit fairway)
2) GIR
3) Distance from pin for 1st putt / distance from pin for 2nd putt (if applicable)
4) total putts
5) Sand shots
Then, after each round I add these numbers to a spreadsheet that does all of the calculations for me. I keep an annual total and a past 72 hole total so that I can monitor trends. About every 36 holes I copy my numbers to a separate graph that shows me visual trends. So, for example, I can see that my GIR increased 5% over the past 36 holes. Info like this keeps me motivated because, quite honestly, things like GIR % changes slowly. But by watching the trend I can see small improvements that drive me forward. As I said, I started last year at 30% GIR and hovered between 30-40% for about half the year, but then it went up significantly over the last two months and I know exactly what I changed when the improvement happened because I was monitoring. I finished the season at 62% - better than I could have ever imagined - and I did it on the most difficult courses I played all year.
I don't know what to tell you about user-friendly ways to track stats. Stats are mathematical, so the only way I know to track them is with a spreadsheet. But I'd be happy to pass along my spreadsheet if you want it. I could probably make it a little more user friendly.
I will say that stats mean nothing if you don't use them for something. I use them to set specific goals and then track progress against those goals. I use my progress (or lack thereof) to decide which practice habits pay dividends and which didn't. I've mentioned in my log that I only get to practice hitting about 36 balls at a time, maybe 2x per week, so I absolutely MUST be efficient if I want to have ANY hope of getting better! I also tried to putt/chip at least once per week at a course that let me use their practice green for free. If you can hit more than 72 balls per week then you have way more opportunities to improve your game than I do.
Anyway guys, I really appreciate what you're doing to teach us SS and I appreciate all of your posts, as well as those from all the other folks out there. Golf was always fun, but not it is also very satisfying. |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - February 08 2009 : 6:55:40 PM
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Thank you for the kind offer, Jeff. I'd like to take you up on that, I'll PM you an email address you can send that to. I'm not spreadsheet savy, but the wife is and can help me if I get stuck. Thanks for sharing this and your methods, it's a big help.
Best,
Kurt |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - February 10 2009 : 5:14:19 PM
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Ok, Mike you asked about a baseline swing speed so I could monitor the effect of my weight training. I went to the (indoor) range today, practiced for a while, and then I did a 10-swing test with the radar. My 10 swing average was 98.5 mph, with only 1 swing under 98mph. I was satisfied with that, especially since I just started practicing again after a couple month layoff. I'll check it again next month and see if there has been any progress. I think if I were to set a goal, I would shoot for a 105 mph average while hitting 65% of my fairways.
They refurbished our indoor dome the past 2 months and now it has a bullseye hanging from the roof at the far end. The far end is about 90 yards and the bullseye is about 3i - 5i trajectory for me. I've been using it to work on my accuracy. It's a great tool because it forces you to work not only on direction, but also trajectory. Today I hit 6 3i shots at it and I hit the bullseye 4/6 times. Not bad with a 3, huh?!
Oh yeah, forgot one thing. My 100+ swings came when I remembered to keep my L arm pressed against my chest for as long as I could during the downswing. It helps me make sure that I'm swinging with my torso and keeping my arms in sync. I forgot about that little tip until today.
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Edited by - jclenden on February 10 2009 5:26:10 PM |
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mikeoleary
535 Posts |
Posted - February 11 2009 : 06:50:10 AM
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Jeff
1st great thread/ hope everyone who reads gets into practice, stats to help game improve by id weaknesses and what practice regimens pay off
2nd - almost perfect swing speed for accuracy then distance, sure it will improve but being relaxed with no tension making core muscles do the uncoil (your weights will surely help) and finally getting to do it every time is great.
3rd - wow best tip for front shoulder pulling, insuring core turn keeping left arm attached is great will use it today in playing lesson with great student, Tim W from cleveland,he will get it rigth away as yesterday was learn the swing, make the ball go straight, eliminate bad swing faults etc so today is generate power.
thanks for the reminder
later
Mike O |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - February 11 2009 : 7:07:19 PM
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Dang it, Jeff...your like an itch I can't scratch. I don't get sand kicked in my face, but when I'm on the course people think I'm there to haul the trash. Size doesn't matter in this game, think you've got me in every statistical category except possibly putts per round...at least for now. In my mind, you're the rabbit!
Got out today to check the radar, and sure enough...you have a faster average, I'm at about 94 mph. The only way I can get to your goal there is to downsize, a good 20+ lbs or so. Have been working out through the bad weather and feel strong, just to bulky and paunchy to move very fast.
Thanks for the chase, I really need this!
Best,
kb |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - February 11 2009 : 7:19:37 PM
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| Hah! Tell my brother that! He pooh poohs my swing every time he sees me (although he hasn't seen me play since I committed myself to SS). He's a scratch golfer, record holder (Mike - that would be at the Golf School of the South in Orlando), long-drive champion, and winner of many tournaments, including the prestigious Ohio Publinks. I'm the venerable turtle when he's on the course! Like you, I'm in the chase. |
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mikeoleary
535 Posts |
Posted - February 12 2009 : 5:24:15 PM
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Jeff / Kurt
both of you are amazing/ the chase is what it is about, setting goals, its the process - the work put in to achieve a goal is really the game/ both of you now know SS is the way, the method, but you have to apply it and if you are to be GREAT, (defined as becoming as good as your physical, mental and emotional skills can be) then the end result whatever that may be can be most rewarding. I have had this happen many times as an athlete and as a coach, being great, in this sport of golf being great is an individual measure. So both of you can attain greatness by achieving your goals, ie this years goals, I guarantee you will get there.
you have the method+ you have the plan+ you have the desire = surpassing your goals.
I truly look forward to seeing each of you soon and shaking your hand.
Stay focused/ have fun/ enjoy the ride each day/ both of you are very lucky to have the opportunity to achieve.
good luck and keep us updated
Mike O |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - February 13 2009 : 08:58:52 AM
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WOW, what a difference! I went to the range to try to solve one of my consistency problems and it worked immediately.
The Problem: I have had a lifelong tendency to jerk as I begin my downswing. It plagued me when I used a CG swing, and it still troubled me somewhat with SS. When I jerk I have a tendency to pull or pull hook. Jerk-starting “feels” powerful but obviously it doesn’t work well.
The Solution: I decided to change my transition. I’ve always been a golfer who liked to pause momentarily at the top of my backswing in order to “compose” myself for the downswing. But I realized that this left me focused on what I did NOT want to do (i.e. jerk). Clearly I have not been able to master the pause. So why keep beating my head against the wall trying to think my way out of it? I decided to eliminate the pause and start my downswing shoulder rotation just before my hands reached the top of my backswing. This was a more fluid transition that got me focused on what I wanted to do instead of what I didn’t want to do, and WOW! I immediately hit the ball straighter, almost every shot felt solid, and the ball really jumped off the clubface. My 8i flew higher with greater ball speed, and my driver was blasting rockets!
So, for my transition from backswing to downswing: out with the pause and in with the continuous motion transition! |
Edited by - jclenden on February 13 2009 08:59:44 AM |
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bkroon
223 Posts |
Posted - February 13 2009 : 10:50:42 PM
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Hmmmmmmmm vvvvvveeeeeerrrrryyyyyy interesting !
I don't know about the "jerk" but I also fight a tendency to pull or pull hook ( now that is a deadly combination ). Just try and score well on the course when your tee shots go "that-a-way". Or as Bucky Winchell says: sand, gravel, trees, water and cactus attract.....green grass repels.
I too have been trying to train myself to pause at the top before the downswing and compose......wow both minds working along the same track.
Will try your approach ..... heck try anything to dump those pull / pull hooks.
Rob in Sunny Phoenix  mid 60's today with clear skies. Just nice sweater weather. |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - February 14 2009 : 5:43:20 PM
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I had a chance to continue working on the smooth transition today. I discovered 2 things about it:
1) My average driver swingspeed increased from about 98.5 mph to 101 mph, and under full control. That 105 goal is within sight!
2) In the past, improved driver swing speed didn't translate into increased iron swing speed. HOWEVER, with this change it DID translate. I tried irons across the spectrum and I was able to swing all of them faster, yet still under control. That's good news!
Continuous transition from backswing to foreswing is definitely a keeper. |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - February 18 2009 : 08:27:03 AM
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In addition to a smooth transition, another thing I've noticed is how important it is to keep the trailing hip "quiet" as I go through the transition into the downswing. The longer I remain in my golf posture and keep my rear back, the better my swing speed and the more consistent my trajectory. Actually, this is one of the most important aspects to a good swing according to the Titleist Performance Institute. Of course, they don't focus on the torso like SS, but if you're moving your butt and hips you aren't getting as much from your torso. Plus, moving that butt around automatically takes you off plane. Anyway, keep butt still as you transition into the downswing.
In keeping with goal to improve accuracy from 150yds and in, I'm working on my punch shots. I'm practicing with a few clubs on a low trajectory partial shot that allows me to punch the ball under obstacles, like trees! Unlike you southern folks, we have LOTS of trees on our courses up here and they're always getting in the way of the green! You have to learn how to hit under them, over them, or around them. Anyway, as I work on the low trajectory punch I find myself tempted to swing faster in order to compensate for the abbreviated back swing. That's a no no. Must resist the urge to swing faster, and instead stay focused on correct swing plane, smooth transition, and smooth downswing. In fact, when the outdoor range opens I think I'll try to master 3 shots: 50 yard punch, 100 yard punch, and 150 yard punch. With those 3 I should be equipped for any low trajectory challenge. |
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mikeoleary
535 Posts |
Posted - February 18 2009 : 09:40:03 AM
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jc
quick tip that i really focus on during lesson with student who has the urge to swing harder or faster because of shot or club selection is this-
analyze - feel - remember your swing speed of your perfect shots/ meaning feel the uncoiling speed of torso with the sense of your club being 'slung' or whipped by torso turning. it is an athletic sense of this is all i have to do to whip the club thru the ball with hands only holding the club not swinging it, slashing at ball. so apply a number to your torso swing uncoil - i tell my student last one was Tim W from Ohio your slashing hand swing is 100mph but your most powerful swings are the 50mph swing done with relaxed hand grip tension - body uncoiling at 50mph.
perfect click of ball off club face - no effort swing.
another lesson Mark Heller from NY had a great analogy about this feeling
"perfect swings have effortless power/ while bad swings are powerless effort" - how astute is that.
anyway convince brain that this 50mph uncoil is how i swing EVERY club, EVERY time.
let me know how it goes
Mike O |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - February 21 2009 : 5:35:42 PM
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I had a chance to continue working on the smooth transition today.
My average driver swing speed has increased to 103 mph now, and under full control. In my 10 swing sample I didn't have a single swing under 100mph - that's the kind of consistency I can take to the course.
Oh how important it is to keep the entire lower body quiet - especially the hips at the beginning of the downswing - so that the shoulders can whip the club through on plane. |
Edited by - jclenden on February 21 2009 5:37:50 PM |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - March 06 2009 : 7:44:10 PM
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Finally had a chance to apply my practice on the course. Not a bad outing. Strong wind and overall course conditions didn't allow for scoring (only an 85, with 9 FH and 7 GIR), but I could assess my ball striking. I only had 3 poorly struck iron shots and 2 poorly struck drivers. But as I played I could tell that I wasn't striking the ball as crisply as I wanted, thus my carry distance wasn't much better than last year.  As I was hitting chip shots the problem occured to me - I was using my upper arms/shoulders too much. So back to the range....
I started by using Joe's 1 arm drill to refresh my muscles on what it feels like to swing the torso with no aid from the upper arms or shoulders - especially my left shoulder. The practice worked. I started drilling the ball with driver and 4 iron, yet retained (or improved) my accuracy.
I think I need to precede each visit to the course with a couple of drills:
1) Swing in T-Lock stance to refresh my muscle memory on what it feels like to swing with passive hips
2) 1 arm drill to refresh muscle memory on what it feels like to swing w/o aid of shoulder muscles, especially the back of my lead shoulder pulling the club.
3) Shadow drill to make sure my head is not moving as I swing.
We'll see what happens the next time out.
One kudos to self: I've been using SS seriously for 1 year now and I realized that I no longer use my hands to manipulate the club. My remaining problems lie elsewhere. |
Edited by - jclenden on March 06 2009 7:45:46 PM |
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mikeoleary
535 Posts |
Posted - March 09 2009 : 2:55:43 PM
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J
a thinking man! you know I still do 'whoosh' drill on every tee box - from top of bs position swing with left shoulder- arm only "feeling" power and sound of club head whoosh as shoulder uncoiling is only muscles pulling on ds.
plus use t lock ALL the time for shots needing most accuracy//
I know next time out you will have no tension as you uncoil smoothly and watch the ball fo straight and far.
wish I was playing with you
let us know how it goes
Mike O |
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jclenden
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - March 11 2009 : 1:01:50 PM
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I started the 2009 year saying that I wanted to continue a few goals from last year (60% GIR, 65% FH) and add a few improvements, namely:
“1) I want to improve my putting to 32 putts or less per round, and 2) I want to reduce my median distance from the flag to 15 ft or better for approach shots from inside 150 yards.”
Well, after considering some PGA tour stats I’ve decided to change my goals to something more realistic. First, putting is better measured by putts/GIR and putts/non-GIR rather than putts per round, which is wholly dependent on the other 2 factors. Second, apparently from 120 yards and in, tour pros average about 21ft from the pin – I don’t know why I should set a goal lower than that! So, my revised goals are:
1) Putting/GIR – tour pros have 1.72 – 1.84 putts per GIR. That’s why they are tour pros! I figure if I can get 2.0 putts per GIR I’ll be doing well, especially considering how many 30-40ft putts I leave myself when I hit the GIR. Last year about 15% of my putts were 30ft or longer.
1a) I’ll need to reduce the proximity of my iron shots to the pin, at least on the shorter shots. For <150 yds my goal will be 21 ft from the pin.
1b) I’ll need to improve lag putting. Last year the problem wasn’t so much my average distance from the pin on lag putts, it was the inconsistency. My average lag distance on 30+ foot putts was <5ft, but they were a mix of 1 footers and 8-10 footers. I need to eliminate all of those 8-10 footers in order to avoid the 3 putts!
2) Putting/non-GIR – tour pros scramble to par or better an average of 58% of the time, with the best of them around 65%. I figure if I can scramble to par or better 40% of the time that should make a big difference in my scoring. That would also mean that my putts/non-GIR would be around 1.6.
2a) I’ll need to miss the green in more ideal spots, which will require more thought about club selection and my target
2b) I’ll need to improve my chipping to keep the ball inside 7ft
2c) I’ll need to improve my putting from 7ft and in
Last year my putts/GIR was 2.1, my scrambling was 34%, and my putts/non-GIR was 1.7. It seems to me that goals of 2.0, 40%, and 1.6 respectively are within reach based on last year’s numbers.
Taken all together, if I achieve 60% GIR + 2 putts/GIR + 40% scrambling, then my average score should be around 77 or 78. I’d like to get there this year.
As an aside, I’m going to start tracking the distance from which I hit my approach shots to the green because I want to compare my GIR % for approach shots from different distances, such as < 150 yards compared to > 150 yards.
Jeff |
Edited by - jclenden on March 11 2009 1:03:33 PM |
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kfarkle
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - March 11 2009 : 2:31:04 PM
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That's the equivalent of motivational dynamite, Jeff. Seems you're not out to just play the game...you're attacking the course! Great post, you're wearing me out trying to keep up with you...gotta work harder!
Best,
kb |
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bkroon
223 Posts |
Posted - March 18 2009 : 4:57:24 PM
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Jeff -
I too have always been one who believed in the "pause" at the top of the backswing.
Your post....Feb. 18 2009 post "....The Solution: I decided to change my transition. I’ve always been a golfer who liked to pause momentarily at the top of my backswing in order to “compose” myself for the downswing......"
Well I have tried since I read your post.....seemed like a good thing to try....
Sorry, didn't work for me....going back to the "pause"
When I don't pause at the top ( now I don't really know if I do pause...but it seems that I do ) that causes all kinds of trouble with tempo, rythmn, etc......really speeds up the down swing, then all kinds of bad things happen......
Well, at least I tried.......now concentrating on the club face at contact.....must make solid contact, square to aim line, no "cut" across from out-to-in or in-to-out. Square solid contact seems to do the best......even at expense of club head speed.
Dang !! Temps reached the 80's today.....well at least when summer comes the green fees go down.
Rob in Sunny Phoenix |
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How I Practice - 2009
