"How Do You Know If You're Practicing Effectively?"
Are You Actually Improving Your Golf Swing When You Practice?
Are you the Golfer that goes to the driving range to hit a bucket of golf balls so that you can work on your golf swing? You know, hit a few irons, hit a lot of drivers, try a few new things in your golf swing.
By speaking and interacting with Golfers everyday … we have found that the majority of Golfers feel that their golf swing doesn’t improve after going to the driving range to practice. So the question needs to be asked: why doesn’t your golf swing improve – shouldn’t it be getting better?
For most Golfers, the reality is that you walk off the driving range tee more confused about your golf swing versus when you first stepped on the tee. Yes, I’m sure there are days where it all comes together nicely – however, if you’re like most Golfers, the majority of trips to the driving range aren’t as successful as one might hope.
So to clear up this matter and give you an idea of what may be going wrong -- I believe we need to find-out what your BPM is. You know – Balls Per Minute – how many golf balls do you hit each minute while at the driving range?
We can usually divide Golfers into 3 different BPM rates at the driving range:
- 3 BPM Golfers – aka: Ball Bashers, Range Rats, Rapid Fire Renegades
- 2 BPM Golfers – aka: Tinkerers, Fiddlers, New Tippers (Golfers that can’t wait for the new issue of Golf Magazine to come out each month so that they can go to the range and try all the new golf tips)
- 1 BPM Golfers – aka: Players
For example – just the other day, I saw a Golfer walking to range with what I’d call a Super Gulp Bucket – there must have been 120 golf balls in that green bucket! And amazing as it may seem … he was finished hitting all those golf balls within 40 minutes!
That equates to a rate of 3 BPM --- which I would classify as being in the category of: WTF or Way Too Fast. No wonder why he was shaking his head back and forth and muttering too himself after each shot. Then, once the bucket was empty … to my shock – he went back inside and got another bucket … well not a Super Gulp Bucket, this one must’ve had only 60 golf balls. And those balls were blasted away at the same BPM rate.
Now, contrast that to the Tour Player that I was observing recently that was practicing at a 1 BPM rate. And although this Player didn’t have a bucket of balls – come on, do you think Tour Players frequent golf courses that require them to carry a green plastic bucket of striped golf balls to the range? These golf balls were already laid out for this Golfer, however, although there was an all-you-can-eat buffet of shiny white golf balls at his feet – the Player wasn’t in a hurry to hit golf ball after golf ball – instead, he savored his practice time.
Now a 1 BPM rate doesn’t mean that you hit one golf ball and then have to wait 55 seconds to hit your next golf ball. That would be an excruciating experience. There’s no problem with hitting multiple golf balls in succession. However, the key is – how many golf balls do you hit before you stop to do some swing drills?
We have found that the best way to practice is to first warm-up (we use our GMS 29 Ball Warm-up), then do some drills, hit some balls, do some drills, hit some balls, do some drills, hit some balls, etc., etc.
Whereas the 3 BPM Golfer is balls, balls, balls, balls – “I hate this game” -- balls, balls, balls, balls – “Why can’t I get this” -- balls, balls, balls, balls – “This isn’t working. I think I’m going to sell my golf clubs”.
The Player that uses the previous format that we suggest: Warm-up, Drills, Balls, Drills, Balls– will get so much more out of their practice time than the others.
It really goes back to the “Quality is more important than Quantity” issue.
For example – when Golfers come to see us for 3 days – we spend those 3 days with a Warm-up, Drills, Balls, Drills, Balls format. And that’s just one reason why all our Golfers improve so much during their time with us. Then, to continue their improvement once they get home –they stick with the same Practice Format and see even more improvement!
A prefect example would be the format on Day Two of our program. We start with the 29 Ball Warm-up. We then work on the Parallel Hands Drill. We’ll work on making very slow swings to position one and holding that position for 3 seconds each time. All the while, we’re asking our Golfers (and training them to ask themselves) “What do you feel?”
After about 5 minutes of feeling the first movements of your golf swing and how your body is working together to start the golf club back – you then hit 6 golf balls to a green (a target) that is 50 yards to the front and 67 yards to the back. One ball to the left of the target, one ball to the right of the target, etc.
After those 6 golf balls: back to the Parallel Hands Drill. This time slowly going back to position one (and holding for 3 seconds), then moving to position two and holding that position for 3 seconds. Asking “what do you feel?” Then, after 5 minutes – 6 golf balls in the same pattern as described above.
Then onto position three as we repeat the process again. Once those 6 golf balls are hit to our target – we then switch hands and do that whole process over again with the other hand.
So with the 29 Ball Warm-up, the drills, balls, drills, balls format – we spent about 1 hour of quality practice time – the best practice time you have ever spent (which is backed up by how well you’re hitting the golf ball … probably more solid than you have ever hit in your life!). Yet, in that hour, you hit about 65 golf balls. Which is a rate of just over 1 BPM.
And as you’re walking off the driving range – feeling great about your game; experiencing a similar feeling of accomplishment as a person that just left the health club after a phenomenal workout – you can bet 99% of the other Golfers that have a 3 BPM rate are looking at you and saying: “How can he/she hit the golf ball so much better than me? I hit so many more golf balls and work so much harder on my game! I was on this range before they got here and I’m still here after they left. So why are their scores lower than mine?”
Maybe it’s because using a Practice Format like we have developed allows you to improve each time you go to practice. Whereas most Golfers are lucky if they stay at the same skill level with their 2 BPM or 3 BPM practice rate.
The Monkey hits golf ball after golf ball trying to find it
The Player hits less quantity, yet hits more quality golf shots
Go ahead, be a Player!
Regards,
Marc Solomon - Your Instructor For Life
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Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.
Contact info:
1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)
001.904.460.8355 (International)
Our 3-Day Program IncludeS:
• 3-days of 6+ hours of Golf Instruction each day
• 9-holes of On-Course Instruction each day
• Your Class Limited to only 4-Golfers
• A PLAN to take home for continuous On-Course Improvement
• Instructor for Life Program
• The GMS Player Page on the Golf Made Simple Website
• 3-nights Accommodations
• 9-holes of Golf after class each day
• Lunch in the clubhouse each day
• And most importantly you'll be hitting the ball really well!
GMS has locations in:
Florida: St. Augustine -- Boca Raton -- Tampa -- Amelia Island
California: Palm Springs/La Quinta -- Lake Tahoe
Arizona: Phoenix
Europe: Sotogrande, Spain
Colorado: Denver
Virginia: Washington DC area
Wisconsin: Lake Geneva
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GMS Photo of the Week
This photo, sent in by Jim Anderson (in the orange shirt with the big smile) of Green Bay, Wisconsin - was taken at our Tampa, Florida location on April 23rd, 2010!
This photo of the group (starting with Jim Anderson and moving clockwise): Brian W, Marc P, Marc S, Durward W, Jim W, Bob W, & Hayden L; was taken on Day Two of the GMS Program. It was taken on the back deck of the Osprey Clubhouse at Innisbrook Golf Resort. Looks like everyone was having a fantastic time!
And if you have a photo from your GMS Experience, send it to MyPlayerPhoto@GolfMadeSimple.com and we'll send you a small thank you gift.
"Are Your Practicing Your Core?"
Many Golfers are trying to improve their swings by reading tips submitted to the golf magazines by the PGA and LPGA Tour Pros. But these tips are fruitless for 7 out of every 8 Golfers because only 1 Golfer out of 8 has the physical capabilities of a Tiger, Annika, Vijay Singh or any of the Top Players you hear tips from.
These Players bodies are fine tuned machines. They’ve been training their bodies to do the things they speak about for as long as they’ve been playing golf. But, if your body isn’t ....
“I Won My Flight At The Pinehurst Match Play Championship!”
Hello Hayden,
My brother Mike insists that you'd want to know I had a little golf success lately. After giving serious consideration to giving up the game in December, I credit you fully for getting my tee shot sorted out and restoring enjoyment in playing the game.
I think I told you what a struggle I'd been having getting off the tee when Mike and I came to Coral Springs for your tutelage in February. My routine is so much more patient now as I take my time to focus, rehearse a smooth body turn with rhythm, and at just the right moment do my "tick tock."
I won four matches last week to take my flight (at the Pinehurst CC Match Play Championship), and now I'm looking ahead to the PCC Member-Member tournament beginning this coming Friday. I know I can par any hole on the two courses we're playing: we’re playing courses #4 and #5.
However the tournament comes out, my passion for golf is resurrected and I'm looking ahead with optimism. Thanks again for your patient instruction and encouragement.
Cheers,
Chris S – Pinehurst, North Carolina – Sent April 28th, 2010
Attended Boca Raton location on February 22nd to 23rd, 2010
If you haven’t heard of our Denver, Colorado location at Green Valley Ranch – you should take notice. GVR (as we often refer to the golf course in the office), is again hosting the Colorado Open Championships. So we’d like to applaud our golf course partners for again hosting this important event.
They don’t just give the state’s Open Championship to any golf course. GVR is a great golf course and a fantastic golf facility. Why fantastic? Well, besides the golf course – we love the practice facility! The practice facility was designed to be a practice facility – meaning many golf courses basically just have a driving range … GVR has a practice facility! It’s fantastic.
What we also love about this location is the convenience. If GMS ever had a facility that is perfect for the Golfer that wants to fly in on Thursday night – do the GMS Program on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – then fly back home Sunday night (or fly in Sunday and do Monday to Wednesday) – Denver is the place!
First - Denver International Airport has non-stop flights from everywhere.
Second – Our hotel, The Hyatt Place, is only 15 minutes away from the airport and offers a free shuttle to and from the airport.
Third – The Hyatt Place also offers free shuttle service to and from the golf course each day!
Fourth – Breakfast is complimentary at the hotel, lunch is with us at the golf course, dinner is at one of the restaurants within walking distance right outside the hotel … or better yet, take the free shuttle to Emil-Lene’s Sirloin House (a real Colorado steakhouse -- ohh, so good!)
So basically, if you have a busy schedule, and want to do the GMS Program because you know your golf game needs it … for the absolute simplest logistics of getting in and getting out - our Denver location is the best!
For dates and information on our Denver, Colorado location – go to our Denver location web page by clicking here or give me a call.
Regards,
Alexandria - Director
Golf Made Simple, Inc.
This photo of the group (starting with Jim Anderson and moving clockwise): Brian W, Marc P, Marc S, Durward W, Jim W, Bob W, & Hayden L; was taken on Day Two of the GMS Program. It was taken on the back deck of the Osprey Clubhouse at Innisbrook Golf Resort. Looks like everyone was having a fantastic time!
And if you have a photo from your GMS Experience, send it to MyPlayerPhoto@GolfMadeSimple.com and we'll send you a small thank you gift.
"Are Your Practicing Your Core?"
Excerpted from GIW Issue 199 - May 9th, 2007
Can you improve your swing by working on it 100% of the time? Can you improve your swing even more by working on your swing 50% of the time and working on your body 50% of the time? There's no doubt you’d find a lot more consistency splitting your time between practicing your swing and working on your body - than if you just worked on your swing 100% of the time!Many Golfers are trying to improve their swings by reading tips submitted to the golf magazines by the PGA and LPGA Tour Pros. But these tips are fruitless for 7 out of every 8 Golfers because only 1 Golfer out of 8 has the physical capabilities of a Tiger, Annika, Vijay Singh or any of the Top Players you hear tips from.
These Players bodies are fine tuned machines. They’ve been training their bodies to do the things they speak about for as long as they’ve been playing golf. But, if your body isn’t ....
Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.
Contact info:
1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)
001.904.460.8355 (International)
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“I Won My Flight At The Pinehurst Match Play Championship!”
Hello Hayden,My brother Mike insists that you'd want to know I had a little golf success lately. After giving serious consideration to giving up the game in December, I credit you fully for getting my tee shot sorted out and restoring enjoyment in playing the game.
I think I told you what a struggle I'd been having getting off the tee when Mike and I came to Coral Springs for your tutelage in February. My routine is so much more patient now as I take my time to focus, rehearse a smooth body turn with rhythm, and at just the right moment do my "tick tock."
I won four matches last week to take my flight (at the Pinehurst CC Match Play Championship), and now I'm looking ahead to the PCC Member-Member tournament beginning this coming Friday. I know I can par any hole on the two courses we're playing: we’re playing courses #4 and #5.
However the tournament comes out, my passion for golf is resurrected and I'm looking ahead with optimism. Thanks again for your patient instruction and encouragement.
Cheers,
Chris S – Pinehurst, North Carolina – Sent April 28th, 2010
Attended Boca Raton location on February 22nd to 23rd, 2010
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Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.
Contact info:
1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)
001.904.460.8355 (International)
------------------------------------------------------------------
If You're Busy, But You Need GMS ...
They don’t just give the state’s Open Championship to any golf course. GVR is a great golf course and a fantastic golf facility. Why fantastic? Well, besides the golf course – we love the practice facility! The practice facility was designed to be a practice facility – meaning many golf courses basically just have a driving range … GVR has a practice facility! It’s fantastic.
What we also love about this location is the convenience. If GMS ever had a facility that is perfect for the Golfer that wants to fly in on Thursday night – do the GMS Program on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – then fly back home Sunday night (or fly in Sunday and do Monday to Wednesday) – Denver is the place!
First - Denver International Airport has non-stop flights from everywhere.
Second – Our hotel, The Hyatt Place, is only 15 minutes away from the airport and offers a free shuttle to and from the airport.
Third – The Hyatt Place also offers free shuttle service to and from the golf course each day!
Fourth – Breakfast is complimentary at the hotel, lunch is with us at the golf course, dinner is at one of the restaurants within walking distance right outside the hotel … or better yet, take the free shuttle to Emil-Lene’s Sirloin House (a real Colorado steakhouse -- ohh, so good!)
So basically, if you have a busy schedule, and want to do the GMS Program because you know your golf game needs it … for the absolute simplest logistics of getting in and getting out - our Denver location is the best!
For dates and information on our Denver, Colorado location – go to our Denver location web page by clicking here or give me a call.
Regards,
Alexandria - Director
Golf Made Simple, Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.
Contact info:
1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)
001.904.460.8355 (International)
10 Important Aspects Your 3-Day Program Includes:
- 3 DAYS WITH 6+ HOURS OF INSTRUCTION EACH DAY - Improve your golf swing with the GMS Drills that have helped 1,000's
- 9-HOLES OF ON-COURSE INSTRUCTION EACH DAY - A critical part of the day!
- YOUR CLASS LIMITED TO ONLY 4 GOLFERS
- A PLAN FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - Learn how to practice effectively, as opposed to just hitting golf balls
- THE INSTRUCTOR FOR LIFE PROGRAM - Your follow-up program to further insure continued improvement
- THE GMS ONLINE PLAYER PAGE - Have online access to all GMS Drills used during your program
- 3-NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS - If you have your own accommodations, we also offer commuter pricing
- 9 ADDITIONAL HOLES OF GOLF EACH DAY
- LUNCH IN THE CLUBHOUSE EACH DAY - Rest, eat, refresh, get ready for the afternoon session
- HIT THE GOLF BALL MORE SOLID THAN EVER! - Read about the improvement of other Golfers!
GMS has locations in:
Florida: St. Augustine -- Boca Raton -- Tampa -- Amelia Island
California: Palm Springs/La Quinta -- Lake Tahoe
Arizona: Phoenix
Europe: Sotogrande, Spain
Colorado: Denver
Virginia: Washington DC area
Wisconsin: Lake Geneva
