My lesson with Wayne

Was looking at Wayne's thread about what people want from lessons and thought I'd relay my experience with him a week or so ago.

I've had a few lessons in the past, some were OK but I never really came away with the feeling that I was about to take any giant leaps forward.  It's true that I played a lot less then, so the lag between lesson and implementation could be weeks, but my experience could never really be called positive.

Now, I've known Wayne for a few years, he was my partner in the first ever Golfshake N v S and I know what he's like as a golfer/partner/opponent, but I was unsure of what to expect.  I needn't have worried as it wasn't a problem, although I'm not saying that there was no humour, but the hour and a half or so we spent in instruction mode was very professional and, more importantly, very useful.

So, what did we work on?  Well, as it turned out only two things - stance and grip - with a couple of other things to start thinking about.  Had a few shots and he soon realised that my feet, hips and shoulders were pointing in different directions - unfortunately none of them the same as my club face either.  So we had the sticks on the floor to line up and we worked on trying to stop my right foot shifting back 2 inches every time I took a stance.  We worked on drills to try and sort that (it takes a real effort of will for me to stop it) and made a fair bit of progress - all this with my 9 iron pinging them at the 125 yd marker.  As I started to actually have the right bits of my body pointing in the right direction he changed my grip, with a weaker right hand and got me into a much more relaxed posture, and swing.

I then had a few goes with a few other irons, 5 wood and eventually as a bit of a wind down, my spanking new driver*.

All in all an incredibly helpful lesson and I came away with two very positive goals to work on, both deceptively simple.  Unfortunately I've not had the chance to try anything on a course since, but I've had a few hours on the open range firstly with some sticks, and today with my newly invented alignment aid.

So I will definitely set up another session soon, it's just unfortunate it's a bit of a trek for me, but well worth it.

*  Yes, so good that Wayne wanted it!

 No really, I've actually made something that's practical and works.  Absolutely guaranteed to line your feet up parallel to the target or your money back***.

*** If I could be bothered to make another one to sell   

The difference between Wayne and other instructors I've seen

Wayne really wants to see you improve

Doesn't over complicate things

I don't know how but gives you a confidence even when your hitting bad shots

and has got me enjoying golf again