@Mark Crossfield There are a few components to how to play golf better. One resource I discovered which succeeds in merging these is the Gavs golf tactic (check it out on google) definately the no.1 blueprint that I've seen. Check out all the extraordinary info .
Super video. I find when my ambition creeps past my ability I end up in trouble and a quadrouple bogey. Keep it simple and accurate, no hero shot attempts and I'll get pars and bogeys, happy to live with that.
I love how you help kids my age (14) increase there chances of being a good golf player. At first, I just looked at the title and thought this would bring down many kids confidence, but really, this video ain't about not ever being able to improve. It's about ways to improve.
All 100% on target with me Mark. I'm an 8 handicap and keep updating my equipment, watching videos and making changes that I "think" will help but only take me backwards, hitting a power fade off the tee with control but waste shots trying to hit the draw vs embracing it... I have been watching your videos for a long time and this video has been the most helpful. I need to go back to my instructor and have him tell me what I need to do to be more consistent with my "embraced" fade.
OMG Mark! You have completely NAILED how many of us think. Your play-acting was humorous and brilliant! An acting career awaits you!! Cheers, Russell :-)
Mark, I watch as many of your videos as I can, I want to compliment you HIGHLY on this one. It may be the Funniest and also most informative one I have seen to date..You were spot on with all of your analogies and comments. Keep it in the short grass my friend.
I like your course blogs Mark but imo this is where your strength lies. Innovative, intelligent thought on the game, seeing it clearly for what it is and presenting your ideas so articulately.
Best... Video... Ever... I've learned so much and have gone from a 36 to an 18 handicap over the past three years.. Because of you, Mark.. I thank you sir.
Entertaining and informative video as usual. Brought back some memories. I started playing this beautiful game when I was 30. I'm 69 now. I took 15 years off and resumed 4 years ago. I'm a 7 currently (not portable). "Used to be" a comfortable 5 anywhere. With all that (probably unnecessary background), I'll share only one (of my many) epiphanies about my progression in this game: When I started, I was one a mission. I became a range rat. I thought, practice makes perfect. I thought all good golfers could hit draws at will. I tried that for more than 2 years. It took me 2 years to finally realize I was hitting the ball to the right - almost always. Ya , I'm a slow learner. Well one day when driving to the course I took a decision to aim left of the fairway and left of the green no matter where the pin was cut. I cannot possibly describe how well I scored that day! I've had several other "epiphanies" during my career, but that one was the single most important. Play with what you got ... Nicklaus, Trevino, etc
Mark, Thank for this - I know it's an older video but it makes so much sense. My wife is constantly telling me to play MY Game and stop trying to change things. I am trying to improve, but many times I am better off just playing to my strengths (trying to draw the ball is my nemesis ) - I really enjoy all your videos and advise. - Thanks again and keep up the great instruction - Cheers
Not all teaching pros are equal! There's still quite a few out there who have very fixed (and often antiquated) ideas about what constitutes a 'good swing' and will try to fit every golfer into that model.
+Peter D I agree, never lucky enough to have a lesson with MC and all the pro's I have tried have said "you must swing in this way", consequence, no improvement
Ratbacon Yes, me too. One pro at a store I bought some clubs from offered a 'free lesson' which I took. Had I taken his advice, it would have set me back years. One of the issues for golf since ever, has been pros suggesting you do what they think they do. In many cases, the ball/shaft/clubhead simply wasn't doing what they *thought* it was doing. With modern technology, the guesswork is taken out, all that remains is your physical ability to do what is required, in the correct sequence. Easier said than done, of course :-)
Absolutely agree. I was about a 7 handicap in high school and went to a golf academy to try and improve to hopefully play at university and the teacher basically took me and 20 other kids and said “here is your new golf swing” and proceeded to teach us all the the exact same very technical swing from the ground up not taking into account our previous swings at all. after a few months of that I was struggling to even break 80. One size does not fit all.
Think this is the first video I've commented on of yours Mark. Spot on and even a few hard truths in their for me. Great video, probably one of the best you've done!
I like your on course reviews and testing . Playing the game of golf instead of launch monitor data inside. You are charismatic when teaching course management and we are able to learn more watching you hit and sometimes miss errant shots
Great video man. I find myself staying away from the range more often than not because I tend to think more about my shots and change up my swing. I would rather make a small adjustment, try it on the course to see if it works, and either incorporate it or not. I do go to the range periodically to get warmed up, but I find that people who frequent the range too much are all over the place on the course. Get a good lesson, try out some new stuff on the course, and don't be afraid to have a few bad shots.
this is brilliant and funny! the fader relates to me so much. I used to draw the ball and overhook but as my game and swing has developed I hit fades, often more accurately.
Love this video. Your humility as a coach is one of your greatest strengths, Mark. Most "experts" can't teach anything past their own way of doing things. Wait, did I just say Crossfield was humble???
Absolutely brilliant advice Mark...I was one of those guys who tried to change my swing to get more on a steeper swing(trying to be like Rory!!! lol) because I was too flat...tried it for 6 months with my game absolutely deserting me...shooting more consistently in the upper 80s than in the upper 70s...went back to my original flatter swing...shot 73 on my second round back...definitely do what feels comfortable to you and play to your strengths...
Great video Mark! This is my biggest issue at 3:00. I've literally spent the entire summer trying to consistently hit a draw and I just cannot do it. Finally decided that I'm just going to live with the fade and move on.
This is a perfect video. Brilliant. These types of videos are the best at creating ACTUAL improvement. The techniques are important, but in moderation. These are the type that I seek out. Great job and hello from North Carolina, Mark.
Thank You! Good video. I hit good shots well but too often hit a bad miss. That is what I want to correct. If all my shots were like my best shots then I could be a scratch golfer instead of a upper mid handicapper. How to stay consistent on the 14th tee.....???? When Im tired...... ???
hi Mark great video thank you. when I'm at the range after I warm up, I'll act like I'm playing a round of golf. I see the first hole at some course I played. So I take a club out, do a preshot routine and then see where the ball ends up and take my 2nd shot and aim at some target on the range at the angle where I think the ball ended up on the previous shot. really helps me.
Spot on. I feel like all 5 of these are why most amateur golfers are not improving. Especially in my area for buying new clubs and being fitted for expensive shafts. I predicted #5 on your Instagram. #5 is my worst problem. Watching hundreds of UA-cam golf videos with conflicting advice and having a zillion thoughts in my head.
Superb video Mark. On course training has always been the preferibly thing to do. Get lessons and then take that knowledge to the course and try to make it work.
Mark! I am totally number 5! I had lessons with my local PGA coach and learned a lot. However, it wasn't until I found your videos, and picked through them to find what I needed, that I learned how to fix myself while in the middle of a round when I would just completely lose it. I was careful though and would stay away from categories where I wasn't having problems. Anyhow, thanks for the vids. Finally beat my dad this past weekend, and it was by 12. Felt good to be hitting the ball well, and carry it through an entire round.
As a 14 year old Golfer I always look to UA-cam and see all of the ways to hit the perfect draw, it's the shot I want and that looks the best but this video is spot on, you don't need that perfect shot and you and don't always get that "perfect lie" I now know that instead of going out on the range and hitting 100 balls to a target isn't the best way to practice and that I should be comfortable hitting that baby fade when you hit the fairway 90% of the time. Great Video Mark!
Great video Mark. Evaluating your own game I think is invaluable. I see coaches saying things like "distance is so important". Not that it isn't untrue.......if you can game that. I play much better when I focus on what I can do best. Love your videos, keep em coming.
This is, in my opinion, one of your best videos. I'm new to the game, I'm loving this game, and just listening to the advice you gave here has relaxed my view on golf, thank you Mark.
Seek professional lessons. Getting started correctly and having someone to say what YOU are doing wrong helps a lot. Don't overthink. I know a guy who consistently shoots par or better and doesn't think about anything. It is quite frustrating honestly.
Such a good point regarding draw/fades. I'm one of those golfer who naturally hits a fade and would love to hit a draw but no matter how many lessons I have, or points you make which I try to apply make any difference, It just gets in my head and I end up going backwards for a few weeks cause I have so many thoughts running through my head when I'm standing over the ball.
This rings so true for me Mark. Thank you for reminding me to play to my strengths, and not try and conform to shots I'm not necessarily a natural at. Thank you.
All me (except practice perfect). Last one especially"..oh my goodness I drive myself crazy. Just hooked up with a PGA professional for a fitting which turned into a lesson. I decided to follow his advice only......after our second session I was back on UA-cam trying to track down one of your videos that addressed release because I was sure you had a different take on the subject. Don't get me started on short game.....I've tried so many variations that now I pretty much have no idea what to do and freeze over he ball. Thanks for holding up the mirror.
A good way to get more practice on the course and on the actual turf is to play golf scramble by yourself with 3 or 4 balls from your best shot. 3 or 4 shots off the tee, drop the other balls on the best ball location rinse and repeat. Greater chance at birdies and pars and it'll make you feel a lot less frustrated with bad shots. You get lots more hits and practice that way.
Great video as always. I was wondering what do you think about golfer's tendency to hit at the ball? ie - to aim their swing directly at the ball instead of swinging through it? I recently have overcome this after 4 years of practicing, lol . .and I realized it is a HUGE reason why I wasn't improving ..and also doing a lot of the things you mention in your video . .ie . .checking my 17 positions, trying to apply too many golf tips, etc. Great video . .thanks for putting them out!
I spent the last 12 months trying to change my shot shape from a fade to a draw...my golf game struggled. Since going back to my natural fade shape my HC has dropped 3 shots in 1 month. Great video Mark.
Fantastic work Mark! As usual I would say... The only issue, for me, is to find good teachers. Lot of them usually teach me "standard" lessons (same concepts they say to the student having lesson before or after me) instead of paying attention to what the student they are facing in that moment really needs. Keep it up this way GURU!!!!
Dude. Do you golf in Ontario? Last summer, I was wondering why the cup holder on my cart was so shallow that a water bottle wouldn't fit into it. A little prodding allowed a small black container to come out from the cup holder. Scored a container of MK Ultra Indica. Golf was fine that day.
Great Video Mark. I am helping some of my buddies at University with golf because they see me as an amazing player (only a 3 handicap) and i will implement these strategies with them.
Very very very accurate! Especially for the draw part. I don't have that exact problem, I actually hit a very nice natural draw when I manage to hit a good shoot, but sometimes I overdraw it, and playing in a very short and narrow course, with all the big misses on the left, I spent a large chunk of last year trying to hit a fade. I just figured out that it's way better to be comfortable playing with my swing and try to improve what's already there instead of focusing on doing something "unnatural" :) Great video Mark! One of the best I've seen you doing, keep up the good work
amazing vlog Mark I'm one of them high handicappers who have watched all you live lessons including a lot of your own instructions vlog but I do have pga pro help to understand more great work keep up the good work
Mark you are refreshing to this golf video world. I totally love your sense of humor especially the video about not being able to test the new M1 M2. Had me crying. I am all 5 guys, totally frustrated with my game, getting better but at a snails pace. Finally going to stop investing in new equipment and putting my money towards a coach. I watch a million videos and think each one will fix my problem as if I just had one problem, all the while only practicing one video from a hundred I liked. Thanks, will keep watching for more information and entertainment! Cheers
I loved this video. Rang true to me, especially in my past. Would love to see you take a deeper dive into the pitfalls or warnings of getting lessons. Some coaches, like you, are genuinely interested in helping students, others have different agendas or ideas.
Favourite video of mine and being honest I've made some of these mistakes. The backswing one was my biggest. Dangerous thing to mess with and grip. Never had the financial clout to splash out on equipment but I'm someone who gets certain clubs and becomes attached to the feel. Irons especially but I also have a 3 wood and 20 degree hybrid which I be loathed to part with. If I could just find the ideal driver although that's more to do with profiency than the brand.
I think you do a good job of translating "golf" into words. Your videos have helped me quite a lot. What are your thoughts on "mental game"? Managing stress, forgetting a bad stroke/hole, gaining and maintaining momentum?
I agree with the issue on gear, but am astonished you would frame it around shafts. Getting the right shaft is the most important step in gear. I would happily play any heads that were set up properly on my favourite shafts. I learned this early on, when I had some clubs, and I got a sand wedge head and just randomly built it on a Dynamic Regular. What a difference. I just got lucky, to hit what is a middle of the road shaft out of the box, and it worked for me. I never thought the point about a draw was that you were supposed to hit one. Nicklaus being the obvious example as you said. The idea was that when you were starting out, after you got the hang of it, you should be able to hit a draw. That doesn't mean you will use it. I sliced the ball like a lot of beginners, and then I finally figured out how to draw the ball. That was progress, it meant I had got on the right path. I had figured out how to correct my outside in shot. But I generally just prefer hitting it straight, even given the advantages of playing it one way or another. Then I got hit by a car, and that was the end of developing my game.
Great vid, thanks! The amount of people I know that are constantly changing clubs but get no different results, then wonder why and change again . . ! Madness! :) Mark, I've had a series of lessons over the winter with a pro I respect and trust. However, I feel at times that I am given rather conflicting suggestions from lesson to lesson e.g. my hands are too low, now they're too high, too much weight forward, backwards, grip too weak then too strong etc. My feeling is that he is trying to go to extremes so that I can find a balance/middle ground for me. I know this is hard to answer without seeing swing and such, but in your opinion does this seem like a valid method? It just feels as if I am more confused about what I am doing now than I was at the start of these lessons. I can still hit the ball OK but my main problem of 'over-doing' a draw still keeps recurring and I'm not really sure why! My natural tendency is to hit with a slight draw.
I'm the first to be critical if I don't like something on UA-cam, but I have to say this is one of the very best videos I have seen you do. Really strong points made.
Ok I love this video. I have been having a natural slight draw all my life but I played with 25 year old clubs that were my dads. About 2.5 years ago I bought new clubs still game improvement irons just way less forgiving then the old ones now I hit a fade at times and a draw at times. I typically play well ~13 handicap give or take the day. However I feel that my ball flight has changed a lot with the new clubs and I can fully relate to what you are saying play the shot you are hitting that day. However, I find that from hole to hold I might go from a draw to a fade back to a draw. I am notorious for poor alignment though so do you think that my fade draw fade draw might have to do with my body/ club alignment inconsistency or swing? I know if I could consistently hit the same shot I would easily take another 5-8 strokes off my game... If I could fix my putting, well lets not open that can of worms haha
Great video lol I get allot from watching other people's mistakes in weekly fix as I learn more visually. I also coach but in the Equine industry so I get this vid little bit of information is dangerous as my granddad use to say!!!
How long do you practice something for that isn't working for you? D'you try and do it over and over again to get it right? I have been doing a few drills for around 3 months and still struggling! Originally hit the ball a bit more consistently but couple of changes I am finding it difficult. therefore getting frustrated and not getting better.
Best thing I ever did for my game was hitting about 1,000 wedge shots every week from inside of 60 yards for an entire summer....and switching to ProV1x balls. I got down to a 5 handicap, then 2½ years ago I had chemo and radiation and my long/mid range game fell apart. Now I'm slowly working my way back down.
Great video couldn't really argue with any of your suggestions and the last point about us relying on guys like yourself was very honest. Hats off to you if I was wearing one lol
Adam Williams Not been playing long, only since March, and don't have a handicap but pretty sure it'd be 28. On a bad day i shoot around the 100 mark and on a good day i shoot low 90's. My course is par 69/70 depending whether i play white or yellow tees.
I agree best video ever - I'm probably just as guilty as the next person wanting to do better every game I play. Having watched the video I now at least know how to approach a pro and ask them to help improve my game. I'm thinking of changing this can you tell me if you think it will improve my game - simple! I've know for a while hitting a 100 balls at the range does me no good and a game is a lot better. Keep up the good work.
It's hard to go past reason number five, I had a lesson yesterday in which my swing was filmed, short story:: my set up was horrible (shoulders aiming left, stance too wide and was very hunched over the ball) even I could see it. The moral to the story is that online videos are good for tips, but are no replacement for a real lesson. keep up the good work Mark
I spent months last year "fixing" my swing to go from a fade to a draw. I now hit a consistent draw, but I added 4 to my handicap for a while. Since then, I've gotten it back down, but you're completely right on that. Just because someone hits a draw does not make them a better golfer.
Great vid, just been through some swing changes with my pro and last tweak was to weaken grip (which was horrible) but also in the context with the changes already made. Had I tried to weaken it off the back of the internet without seeing a pro I'd have been in a right mess 🏌⛳️
Share this video with anyone you know struggling to play bette golf and let me know if these reasons hit home with your golf games✌✌✌
@Mark Crossfield There are a few components to how to play golf better. One resource I discovered which succeeds in merging these is the Gavs golf tactic (check it out on google) definately the no.1 blueprint that I've seen. Check out all the extraordinary info .
You will be bombing it over 300 yards carry soon and you will have to edit this video haha
Great video Mark, Im recovering from cancer, my weight went down to 47 kilos still managed a hole in one from 159 with a 7 iron, cheers Mark
Great shot col!
Hope you are still sinking those shots. Good health to you!
Congratulations From the State's.
Hope you are Still Cancer Free and Playing Golf, I just Said a Prayer for your Health.
I'm not getting better because my local golf club won't let me play unless i pay them a ridiculously large fee.
This.
42 dollars at a certain time. 18$ after 3pm
Pro tip - trespass is not a criminal offence 😉😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I could probably go pro if I had people to help me find my ball
Join Hurstville Golf Clu $270 a year
Super video. I find when my ambition creeps past my ability I end up in trouble and a quadrouple bogey. Keep it simple and accurate, no hero shot attempts and I'll get pars and bogeys, happy to live with that.
I love how you help kids my age (14) increase there chances of being a good golf player. At first, I just looked at the title and thought this would bring down many kids confidence, but really, this video ain't about not ever being able to improve. It's about ways to improve.
All 100% on target with me Mark. I'm an 8 handicap and keep updating my equipment, watching videos and making changes that I "think" will help but only take me backwards, hitting a power fade off the tee with control but waste shots trying to hit the draw vs embracing it... I have been watching your videos for a long time and this video has been the most helpful. I need to go back to my instructor and have him tell me what I need to do to be more consistent with my "embraced" fade.
OMG Mark! You have completely NAILED how many of us think. Your play-acting was humorous and brilliant! An acting career awaits you!! Cheers, Russell :-)
Mark, I watch as many of your videos as I can, I want to compliment you HIGHLY on this one.
It may be the Funniest and also most informative one I have seen to date..You were spot on with all of your analogies and comments.
Keep it in the short grass my friend.
Mark by far your best video ever!!!! Everything was exactly what you see every day on the golf course!!!
I like your course blogs Mark but imo this is where your strength lies. Innovative, intelligent thought on the game, seeing it clearly for what it is and presenting your ideas so articulately.
Best... Video... Ever... I've learned so much and have gone from a 36 to an 18 handicap over the past three years.. Because of you, Mark.. I thank you sir.
One of my favorite videos you've done, Mark
I've watched you since the beginning. It's been good to see your career take off. Congrats you deserve it
Your best video yet! Lots of good camera work, examples, and humour to keep us entertained. Great improvement, keep it up!
Entertaining and informative video as usual. Brought back some memories. I started playing this beautiful game when I was 30. I'm 69 now. I took 15 years off and resumed 4 years ago. I'm a 7 currently (not portable). "Used to be" a comfortable 5 anywhere.
With all that (probably unnecessary background), I'll share only one (of my many) epiphanies about my progression in this game:
When I started, I was one a mission. I became a range rat. I thought, practice makes perfect. I thought all good golfers could hit draws at will. I tried that for more than 2 years. It took me 2 years to finally realize I was hitting the ball to the right - almost always. Ya , I'm a slow learner. Well one day when driving to the course I took a decision to aim left of the fairway and left of the green no matter where the pin was cut. I cannot possibly describe how well I scored that day!
I've had several other "epiphanies" during my career, but that one was the single most important. Play with what you got ... Nicklaus, Trevino, etc
Cool story bro, tell it again.
Mark,
Thank for this - I know it's an older video but it makes so much sense. My wife is constantly telling me to play MY Game and stop trying to change things. I am trying to improve, but many times I am better off just playing to my strengths (trying to draw the ball is my nemesis ) - I really enjoy all your videos and advise. - Thanks again and keep up the great instruction - Cheers
Not all teaching pros are equal! There's still quite a few out there who have very fixed (and often antiquated) ideas about what constitutes a 'good swing' and will try to fit every golfer into that model.
+Peter D I agree, never lucky enough to have a lesson with MC and all the pro's I have tried have said "you must swing in this way", consequence, no improvement
Richard Holland Mark's stuff has helped me enormously, mostly his ideas about swing-path. I've now a functional draw that has transformed my game.
+Peter D Agree. I've had some truly shocking lessons with hindsight.
Ratbacon Yes, me too. One pro at a store I bought some clubs from offered a 'free lesson' which I took. Had I taken his advice, it would have set me back years. One of the issues for golf since ever, has been pros suggesting you do what they think they do. In many cases, the ball/shaft/clubhead simply wasn't doing what they *thought* it was doing. With modern technology, the guesswork is taken out, all that remains is your physical ability to do what is required, in the correct sequence. Easier said than done, of course :-)
Absolutely agree. I was about a 7 handicap in high school and went to a golf academy to try and improve to hopefully play at university and the teacher basically took me and 20 other kids and said “here is your new golf swing” and proceeded to teach us all the the exact same very technical swing from the ground up not taking into account our previous swings at all. after a few months of that I was struggling to even break 80. One size does not fit all.
Spectacular video. One of the top 10 you've ever done, Mark.
Very funny, honest video. Always tells it how it is when it comes to golf. No fluff! Keep them coming mark!!
Without doubt the best instruction video I've ever seen. A copy of it should come with every golfers first set of clubs in a welcome to golf pack
I reckon this is one of the top 5 videos you have ever done Mark. I used to be at least four of those "types". Great work
Think this is the first video I've commented on of yours Mark. Spot on and even a few hard truths in their for me. Great video, probably one of the best you've done!
I like your on course reviews and testing . Playing the game of golf instead of launch monitor data inside.
You are charismatic when teaching course management and we are able to learn more watching you hit and sometimes miss errant shots
Draw v Fade makes perfect sense and something I've recently been through. Fantastic video.
Great video man. I find myself staying away from the range more often than not because I tend to think more about my shots and change up my swing. I would rather make a small adjustment, try it on the course to see if it works, and either incorporate it or not. I do go to the range periodically to get warmed up, but I find that people who frequent the range too much are all over the place on the course. Get a good lesson, try out some new stuff on the course, and don't be afraid to have a few bad shots.
this is brilliant and funny! the fader relates to me so much. I used to draw the ball and overhook but as my game and swing has developed I hit fades, often more accurately.
Love this video. Your humility as a coach is one of your greatest strengths, Mark. Most "experts" can't teach anything past their own way of doing things. Wait, did I just say Crossfield was humble???
best video you've done. admire the honesty and the truth of what you say here
Great video Mark, but we didn't get "Stuck In"....
Always great stuff, really practical and very easy to understand, Thank You!
Absolutely brilliant advice Mark...I was one of those guys who tried to change my swing to get more on a steeper swing(trying to be like Rory!!! lol) because I was too flat...tried it for 6 months with my game absolutely deserting me...shooting more consistently in the upper 80s than in the upper 70s...went back to my original flatter swing...shot 73 on my second round back...definitely do what feels comfortable to you and play to your strengths...
I have been a teaching professional for 18 years and this by far the best instruction/advice I have seen on the internet.
Thanks bruh. 👍
Great video Mark! This is my biggest issue at 3:00. I've literally spent the entire summer trying to consistently hit a draw and I just cannot do it. Finally decided that I'm just going to live with the fade and move on.
This is a perfect video. Brilliant. These types of videos are the best at creating ACTUAL improvement. The techniques are important, but in moderation. These are the type that I seek out. Great job and hello from North Carolina, Mark.
Thank You! Good video. I hit good shots well but too often hit a bad miss. That is what I want to correct. If all my shots were like my best shots then I could be a scratch golfer instead of a upper mid handicapper. How to stay consistent on the 14th tee.....???? When Im tired...... ???
well done MC. this is why I've been watching for years now. You always hit home with your honest approach. Thank you
For a new arrival to golf, this is a great video. Plus, I enjoy your sense of humour.
this is one of the best videos around. Definitely went through a phase of number 5 and paid for it!
hi Mark great video thank you. when I'm at the range after I warm up, I'll act like I'm playing a round of golf. I see the first hole at some course I played. So I take a club out, do a preshot routine and then see where the ball ends up and take my 2nd shot and aim at some target on the range at the angle where I think the ball ended up on the previous shot. really helps me.
Best advice, drills, drills, and more drills. One handed swings, placing pennies in front of the ball, etc.
Spot on. I feel like all 5 of these are why most amateur golfers are not improving. Especially in my area for buying new clubs and being fitted for expensive shafts. I predicted #5 on your Instagram. #5 is my worst problem. Watching hundreds of UA-cam golf videos with conflicting advice and having a zillion thoughts in my head.
Superb video Mark. On course training has always been the preferibly thing to do. Get lessons and then take that knowledge to the course and try to make it work.
Mark! I am totally number 5! I had lessons with my local PGA coach and learned a lot. However, it wasn't until I found your videos, and picked through them to find what I needed, that I learned how to fix myself while in the middle of a round when I would just completely lose it. I was careful though and would stay away from categories where I wasn't having problems. Anyhow, thanks for the vids. Finally beat my dad this past weekend, and it was by 12. Felt good to be hitting the ball well, and carry it through an entire round.
Best video in a long time! Thanks Mark!
The new camera angles are refreshing
+B-Ham Bus LockeyCam?
As a 14 year old Golfer I always look to UA-cam and see all of the ways to hit the perfect draw, it's the shot I want and that looks the best but this video is spot on, you don't need that perfect shot and you and don't always get that "perfect lie"
I now know that instead of going out on the range and hitting 100 balls to a target isn't the best way to practice and that I should be comfortable hitting that baby fade when you hit the fairway 90% of the time.
Great Video Mark!
That's the best golf video, I have ever seen! Awesome. Thanks Mark
Great video Mark. Evaluating your own game I think is invaluable. I see coaches saying things like "distance is so important". Not that it isn't untrue.......if you can game that. I play much better when I focus on what I can do best. Love your videos, keep em coming.
This is, in my opinion, one of your best videos. I'm new to the game, I'm loving this game, and just listening to the advice you gave here has relaxed my view on golf, thank you Mark.
Seek professional lessons. Getting started correctly and having someone to say what YOU are doing wrong helps a lot. Don't overthink. I know a guy who consistently shoots par or better and doesn't think about anything. It is quite frustrating honestly.
Such a good point regarding draw/fades. I'm one of those golfer who naturally hits a fade and would love to hit a draw but no matter how many lessons I have, or points you make which I try to apply make any difference, It just gets in my head and I end up going backwards for a few weeks cause I have so many thoughts running through my head when I'm standing over the ball.
This rings so true for me Mark. Thank you for reminding me to play to my strengths, and not try and conform to shots I'm not necessarily a natural at. Thank you.
All me (except practice perfect). Last one especially"..oh my goodness I drive myself crazy. Just hooked up with a PGA professional for a fitting which turned into a lesson. I decided to follow his advice only......after our second session I was back on UA-cam trying to track down one of your videos that addressed release because I was sure you had a different take on the subject. Don't get me started on short game.....I've tried so many variations that now I pretty much have no idea what to do and freeze over he ball. Thanks for holding up the mirror.
A good way to get more practice on the course and on the actual turf is to play golf scramble by yourself with 3 or 4 balls from your best shot. 3 or 4 shots off the tee, drop the other balls on the best ball location rinse and repeat. Greater chance at birdies and pars and it'll make you feel a lot less frustrated with bad shots. You get lots more hits and practice that way.
Great video as always. I was wondering what do you think about golfer's tendency to hit at the ball? ie - to aim their swing directly at the ball instead of swinging through it? I recently have overcome this after 4 years of practicing, lol . .and I realized it is a HUGE reason why I wasn't improving ..and also doing a lot of the things you mention in your video . .ie . .checking my 17 positions, trying to apply too many golf tips, etc. Great video . .thanks for putting them out!
I spent the last 12 months trying to change my shot shape from a fade to a draw...my golf game struggled. Since going back to my natural fade shape my HC has dropped 3 shots in 1 month. Great video Mark.
Fantastic work Mark! As usual I would say...
The only issue, for me, is to find good teachers. Lot of them usually teach me "standard" lessons (same concepts they say to the student having lesson before or after me) instead of paying attention to what the student they are facing in that moment really needs.
Keep it up this way GURU!!!!
I started vaping cannabis during golf (canada). It doesnt help me golf, but man is it fun
Ace Tuggsock aiming smoke!!
I think it helps my game.....not trying so hard and much more relaxed :)
Peace
Update, green crack strain is amazing for golf. Good focus, energy, and pain relief. Also it doesn't make your hands go numb
Ace Tuggsock way too funny that I ordered a bunch of this before my golf trip haha
Dude. Do you golf in Ontario?
Last summer, I was wondering why the cup holder on my cart was so shallow that a water bottle wouldn't fit into it. A little prodding allowed a small black container to come out from the cup holder. Scored a container of MK Ultra Indica.
Golf was fine that day.
Great Video Mark. I am helping some of my buddies at University with golf because they see me as an amazing player (only a 3 handicap) and i will implement these strategies with them.
Very very very accurate!
Especially for the draw part. I don't have that exact problem, I actually hit a very nice natural draw when I manage to hit a good shoot, but sometimes I overdraw it, and playing in a very short and narrow course, with all the big misses on the left, I spent a large chunk of last year trying to hit a fade. I just figured out that it's way better to be comfortable playing with my swing and try to improve what's already there instead of focusing on doing something "unnatural" :)
Great video Mark! One of the best I've seen you doing, keep up the good work
Thoroughly enjoyed this video Mark. And you make some great observations as usual.
Best video I've ever seen from MC.
You beat me to it. Couldn't agree more!
+David Lee totally agree
Top video Mark, so much common sense spoken unlike a lot of others
No 5 a great honest acknowledgement from a coach and UA-cam videos.
Awesome video Mark, one of the best in a while. Now upload more course vlogs!
amazing vlog Mark I'm one of them high handicappers who have watched all you live lessons including a lot of your own instructions vlog but I do have pga pro help to understand more great work keep up the good work
excellent video! love the straight forward honesty of this, because we all do this, or know someone who does!
Good video MC, all great points, packaged up in an interesting and humorous way,
Brilliant video, had a good chuckle at this keep up the good work Mark.
Great vid. A bit of a reality check for all of us with reference to how we learn and practice. Well done mate.
Mark you are refreshing to this golf video world. I totally love your sense of humor especially the video about not being able to test the new M1 M2. Had me crying. I am all 5 guys, totally frustrated with my game, getting better but at a snails pace. Finally going to stop investing in new equipment and putting my money towards a coach. I watch a million videos and think each one will fix my problem as if I just had one problem, all the while only practicing one video from a hundred I liked. Thanks, will keep watching for more information and entertainment! Cheers
Love your vids, humour and sensability. Thanx so much!
I loved this video. Rang true to me, especially in my past. Would love to see you take a deeper dive into the pitfalls or warnings of getting lessons. Some coaches, like you, are genuinely interested in helping students, others have different agendas or ideas.
Favourite video of mine and being honest I've made some of these mistakes. The backswing one was my biggest. Dangerous thing to mess with and grip. Never had the financial clout to splash out on equipment but I'm someone who gets certain clubs and becomes attached to the feel. Irons especially but I also have a 3 wood and 20 degree hybrid which I be loathed to part with. If I could just find the ideal driver although that's more to do with profiency than the brand.
Love the advice, especially that last bit about being careful about the info you take in. Keep up the good work!
I think you do a good job of translating "golf" into words. Your videos have helped me quite a lot. What are your thoughts on "mental game"? Managing stress, forgetting a bad stroke/hole, gaining and maintaining momentum?
This has to be one of your greatest videos! Well done Mark.
I agree with the issue on gear, but am astonished you would frame it around shafts. Getting the right shaft is the most important step in gear. I would happily play any heads that were set up properly on my favourite shafts. I learned this early on, when I had some clubs, and I got a sand wedge head and just randomly built it on a Dynamic Regular. What a difference. I just got lucky, to hit what is a middle of the road shaft out of the box, and it worked for me.
I never thought the point about a draw was that you were supposed to hit one. Nicklaus being the obvious example as you said. The idea was that when you were starting out, after you got the hang of it, you should be able to hit a draw. That doesn't mean you will use it. I sliced the ball like a lot of beginners, and then I finally figured out how to draw the ball. That was progress, it meant I had got on the right path. I had figured out how to correct my outside in shot. But I generally just prefer hitting it straight, even given the advantages of playing it one way or another. Then I got hit by a car, and that was the end of developing my game.
Probably the best advice out there. Get a calm, natural swing you are comfortable with then get a pro to tweak it
I've gone from 16 as first handicap to 10 with little lessons a an old set of ping isi irons! You make the most of what you have
Will this video help Lockey ????
Great vid, thanks! The amount of people I know that are constantly changing clubs but get no different results, then wonder why and change again . . ! Madness! :)
Mark, I've had a series of lessons over the winter with a pro I respect and trust. However, I feel at times that I am given rather conflicting suggestions from lesson to lesson e.g. my hands are too low, now they're too high, too much weight forward, backwards, grip too weak then too strong etc. My feeling is that he is trying to go to extremes so that I can find a balance/middle ground for me. I know this is hard to answer without seeing swing and such, but in your opinion does this seem like a valid method?
It just feels as if I am more confused about what I am doing now than I was at the start of these lessons. I can still hit the ball OK but my main problem of 'over-doing' a draw still keeps recurring and I'm not really sure why! My natural tendency is to hit with a slight draw.
I'm the first to be critical if I don't like something on UA-cam, but I have to say this is one of the very best videos I have seen you do. Really strong points made.
Now THAT is your best video yet. Brilliant. And funny. Bravo! More!
Ok I love this video. I have been having a natural slight draw all my life but I played with 25 year old clubs that were my dads. About 2.5 years ago I bought new clubs still game improvement irons just way less forgiving then the old ones now I hit a fade at times and a draw at times. I typically play well ~13 handicap give or take the day. However I feel that my ball flight has changed a lot with the new clubs and I can fully relate to what you are saying play the shot you are hitting that day. However, I find that from hole to hold I might go from a draw to a fade back to a draw. I am notorious for poor alignment though so do you think that my fade draw fade draw might have to do with my body/ club alignment inconsistency or swing? I know if I could consistently hit the same shot I would easily take another 5-8 strokes off my game... If I could fix my putting, well lets not open that can of worms haha
This video made me laugh at myself....definitely guilty of some of those! Great vid, Mark!
Great video lol I get allot from watching other people's mistakes in weekly fix as I learn more visually. I also coach but in the Equine industry so I get this vid little bit of information is dangerous as my granddad use to say!!!
How long do you practice something for that isn't working for you? D'you try and do it over and over again to get it right? I have been doing a few drills for around 3 months and still struggling! Originally hit the ball a bit more consistently but couple of changes I am finding it difficult. therefore getting frustrated and not getting better.
Lol good vid
Had my first lesson yesterday with a launch monitor
Love the data aspect of modern lessons
Another great video Mark. Love watching - keep up the good work!
Best thing I ever did for my game was hitting about 1,000 wedge shots every week from inside of 60 yards for an entire summer....and switching to ProV1x balls. I got down to a 5 handicap, then 2½ years ago I had chemo and radiation and my long/mid range game fell apart. Now I'm slowly working my way back down.
Great video couldn't really argue with any of your suggestions and the last point about us relying on guys like yourself was very honest. Hats off to you if I was wearing one lol
Reason #6: Trying to put too much power into shots.
then topping it right
Adam Williams You got that right!
+Beta Vulgaris (A View From Europe) haha what handicap are you if you have one ?
Adam Williams Not been playing long, only since March, and don't have a handicap but pretty sure it'd be 28.
On a bad day i shoot around the 100 mark and on a good day i shoot low 90's. My course is par 69/70 depending whether i play white or yellow tees.
+Beta Vulgaris (A View From Europe) not bad , since march
I agree best video ever - I'm probably just as guilty as the next person wanting to do better every game I play. Having watched the video I now at least know how to approach a pro and ask them to help improve my game. I'm thinking of changing this can you tell me if you think it will improve my game - simple! I've know for a while hitting a 100 balls at the range does me no good and a game is a lot better. Keep up the good work.
It's hard to go past reason number five, I had a lesson yesterday in which my swing was filmed, short story:: my set up was horrible (shoulders aiming left, stance too wide and was very hunched over the ball) even I could see it. The moral to the story is that online videos are good for tips, but are no replacement for a real lesson. keep up the good work Mark
This is the best video I've seen, even saw myself in there on the phone as I am now hahahaha...hitting up my local pro for coaching this week
what ball tracker do you use for your videos?
mark always brightens my day! dude is knowledgeable and hilarious!
I spent months last year "fixing" my swing to go from a fade to a draw. I now hit a consistent draw, but I added 4 to my handicap for a while. Since then, I've gotten it back down, but you're completely right on that. Just because someone hits a draw does not make them a better golfer.
Excellent video mark. Very honest down to earth advise. Thank you.
Great video and fantastic advice. Really love your channel.
absolutely AWESOME!! four thumbs up Mark.
Great vid, just been through some swing changes with my pro and last tweak was to weaken grip (which was horrible) but also in the context with the changes already made. Had I tried to weaken it off the back of the internet without seeing a pro I'd have been in a right mess 🏌⛳️