Some of you may have read my previews of the Wii golf training aid, My Personal Golf Trainer with David Leadbetter. It looks awesome, retails for $99, and it's something I've wanted since I first heard about it. On Father's Day, my kids got me a $100 gift certificate at Golf Galaxy, so with gift card in hand, I had every intention in the world of buying this thing. (you can buy it by clicking on the photo to the left) Well, at the last minute I changed my mind. I may end up buying it later this year, but had a change of mind when I came to realize one thing:
My golf game needed professional help. I know the Personal Golf Trainer will help my game, but I also know that I probably needed an outsiders point of view on what exactly I was doing wrong. I'm a 15.5 or so handicapper. When my game is "on", I can shoot in the mid to high 80's. Problem is, the very next outing I'm just as likely to shoot in the mid to high 90's. It's this inconsistency that I need help with. The PGT would probably help me address any swing plane issues I have, and give me drills to correct what I'm doing wrong, but having the eyes of a professional figure out exactly what my core problems were.....I don't think PGT can help me there.
So, I did what I've since learned was the most logical thing to do. I decided to sign up for actual lessons. Only problem was I had this gift card, and didn't really want to spend my own money for the lessons at a local course. Low and behold, Golf Galaxy offers lessons. My first thought upon learning this was "how good could the pro be if he was working at a golf shop and not at a golf course?" My next step was to do some research. Google "Golf Galaxy Lessons" and you'll find quite a bit of information on the subject, including reviews of individual pro's at each location where Golf Galaxy offer's lessons. Or you can go straight to their lesson website: http://www.golfgalaxylessons.com/.
After seeing for the most part, nothing but positive reviews, I took the plunge and booked a 3 lesson package at the Golf Galaxy here in Roseville, CA. The teaching pro, Shannon Hoyt, was very personable and very knowledgeable. Prior to Golf Galaxy, he was the head pro at a very nice local golf course, Whitney Oaks Golf Club. After discussing the problems I was having, he had me take some swings with one of my favorite clubs, an 8I, then proceeded to show me what my main problem was (swaying to the left instead of rotating correctly). He had me make a few adjustments in my stance, and then had me practice some drills to correct things. It was awesome. Since the lesson I've only had a chance to make it to the driving range once but I utilized that session like I never have before. Instead of mindlessly hitting balls, I actually had a game plan on what I wanted to practice. I'm playing tomorrow so I'll try and take what I've learned so far and put it to use. I don't expect a great outcome as I've always heard that your game is usually a little screwed up at first after taking lessons, but I'll give it my best shot. I plan on tracking my progress on Oobgolf and will keep you posted on whether or not my game has improved as a result of the lessons. I'll also post the next two lessons here after I complete them. Note: The total 3 lesson plan cost me $130, so I did spend a little out of pocket. Check with your local Golf Galaxy to see what a similar package costs.
To see my lesson summary in all of it's glory, click on the "Read More" button at the bottom of this post, or the title at the top of the page.
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