Golf Tip of the Day - Avoid Information Overload

There is so much golf instruction information available to golfers these days it is easy to see how many can suffer from information overload. Since golf instructors have had a great deal of difficulty in getting their students to improve, many are turning to new technologies and science to find ways to improve their students. Unfortunately, this may also have the effect of complicating things for the golfer.

Consider this…after analyzing the golfers swing on video, the instructor can also turn to 3D analysis systems to dig deeper into the biomechanics of the golfer’s swing, and their kinetic sequence. The instructor might then conduct a physical assessment of the golfer to identify any physical issues that might have a negative impact on the student’s swing. As a result of much of this analysis, the instructor may prescribe a host of exercises and drills on such devices as wobble boards, balance discs, swiss balls, etc., in an effort to get the student to develop greater physical skills.

On top of all this, there are a whole host of golf swing models that are marketed to golfers as the next best swing in golf. These include the One Plane Swing, Two Plane Swing, Peak Performance Golf Swing, Stack and Tilt Swing, The Golf Machine, and Rotary Swing, etc. All are touted as the best golf swing model, one that will add yards off the tee with greater accuracy.



The fact of the matter is that both the instructor and student can suffer from information overload. Let’s face it…some golfers will have more ability than others. It is up to the instructor to help the student maximize their potential. All that is really required is a simple approach where the student learns how to swing the club a bit better, and coaching on how to score better through an improved short game and golf course management.

My teaching philosophy embraces this more simple approach. I certainly enjoy using video analysis, and can see the benefits of some of the other technologies, but there are more simple ways to teach the golf swing. Unless the golfer is truly committed, all the technology in the world is not going to do the job. While these gadgets are certainly fun to play with as an instructor, I question their value.

The key is simply to learn the fundamentals of the golf swing, learn the ball flight laws, gain an understanding of how your swing can affect ball flight, and then properly work to make improvements on your swing and your short game. This can all be done without all the gizmos, gadgets and books.

Scott Cole
www.howtogolfyourbest.com