| | Recently, during a conversation with my good friend Mike, I equated his microanalysis of his poker game to my golf practice sessions. This was following a bit of a downward swing (not to be confused with a downswing and a follow through...) so he decided to put his game to the test and scrutinize the results in order to plug up an holes. His goal was apparent - this man meant business.
He took exception to my comparison as he felt that my practice sessions were much more leisurely than his charts and graphs approach to his poker game - not his fault - he never knew my intentions. My plan is to give it one good shot at the circuit at age 30. I was late off the starting block to begin with, picking up my first golf club at age 19, so I know that if I was serious about this goal I had set for myself, there's not time to be messing around.
Those who have seen me practice are usually bored to tears. Instead of charts and graphs, my best friend at the practice tee is my video camera. The camera doesn't lie, nor does it add 15 lbs. Over the top, open clubface, under-rotation of the hips, shoulders outracing the hips, outside in swing path, the JVC doesn't hesitate to tell it like it is. Whenever I make a minute swing change or make a swing that produces an acceptable ball flight, I put down the club and review the video in slow motion. This way, it helps me equate the results to a visual as well as a sensation.
It's said that Tiger Woods spends upwards of 11 hours at the range. It's no wonder why he's #1 in the world. He doesn't need a camera, he's in tune with his swing and when Hank Haney's in town, Haney's eyes are better than my JVC and his understanding of the golf swing is leagues beyond my own. I spend roughly 4-5 hours at the range per visit. It's really not the length of time spent, but it's what has been accomplished over that time period. In all honesty, if I didn't have other commitments in life, I would probably meet the sun at the range and greet the moon and the crickets as I send off the last of my range balls that evening.
People see me with the video camera and the tripod set up behind me and often watch my swing through the camera's LCD display as I analyze my swing. Their response is the same across the board:
"That's a great idea - I'll bet it helps a lot. I should probably start doing that."
But they don't, probably shouldn't and never do. Just like if Mike were to offer up the software he was using for hand history analysis, the everyman wouldn't have a chance to fully comprehend the data it's producing whereas Mike would be able to extract valuable knowledge. So even if the everyday range goer who'll never see the day they break 90 on the golf course did just that and bought a video camera, I doubt they'd know what to look for in their swing.
Now the funny part is... after knowing full well that I've got my video setup, people will still try to contribute in the effort of helping me better my swing:
"What you did there, was you lifted your head - keep your head down."
So on the next shot, I'd implement the appropriate adjustments after analyzing that particular video (and yes, my head was where it was supposed to be the whole time), put a good stroke on it and send the ball off on a draw-flight.
"See? You kept your head down, now look at that beautiful high draw you just hit!"
I just kinda smile, never saying much back in response. I might come off as a bit of an asshole when I'm on the practice tee, but this is business for me - pleasure is in the results.
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| | Posted 9/27/2008 10:25 AM - 9 Views - 2 eProps - 1 Comment
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