It’s fair to say that 95% of my students are beginners; someone who has never held a club in their hand before they came to me, certainly someone who has never been out on a golf course.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
We always start with the very first lesson which has nothing to do with the swing and that lesson is “ Don’t go to the golf course until I tell you to “. Invariably the student goes before he is ready and when our next lesson comes around the story is always the same. I couldn’t even hit the ball! It was a disaster! This happens 100% of the time but by now they are hooked on the game so it is my job to make sure they have the best time playing even though they should not be out on a course. They’re going to play anyway so this is what I tell them to do.
- Tee off with a 7 iron. That’s right tee off with a 7 iron and don’t pay attention to anyone who is watching you. Once you have teed off with a 7 iron for 5 holes move up to a 6 iron. After another 5 holes move up to a 5 iron but never any higher than a 5 iron and never use your woods. Joe used to say LEAVE the driver in the bag, it’s too hard to hit.
- Forget about trying to score. You can’t think about scoring because you don’t know how to play so just continue to hit 7 irons and 8 irons down the fairway and focus on these shots until you get close enough to play with a shorter iron. By the time my student attempts to play he can already hit an 8 iron and a 6 iron pretty good at the range as I start all beginners off with an 8 iron. It was my Grandfathers favorite club and it has become mine also.
So when you’re out there with someone who is obviously having trouble with his game and it topping, hooking and slicing the ball continuously then suggest to them they try to play with a short iron and just have some fun. Then tell them about my forum and have them check out Joe’s swing. They may not listen but at least you tried to help. The worst thing you can do is become exasperated at the beginners continuous mistakes and just move on. You may play better but you will have missed a chance to help someone.
One thing is guaranteed. All really poor golfers want help. Giving them a tip on their swing rarely does any good and just makes them feel self conscious. Suggesting to them to play a short iron and have some fun will not only help them but it will have provided you an opportunity to help someone else.
Dan Norwood
http://www.dan-norwood.com
http://www.dan-norwood.com/the-anatomy-of-golf-joe-norwood.html
Preview the Book at:
http://www.dan-norwood.com/GOLF-O-METRICPREVIEW.html
Joe Norwood the Man and his Swing:
http://www.dan-norwood.com/Joe_Norwood_The_Man_and_His_Swing.pdf
The semi-mysterious golf instructor
http://www.usgtf.com/articles/joe-norwood.html
Joe Norwood's 1st publication in 1941
http://www.dan-norwood.com/Joe_Norwood_1941_Pamphlet.pdf
YouTube Video of Joe Norwood Swing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdR6Ev1gXDU