Golf Lessons - South Dublin

dardoz

Can someone recommend a good place to get lessons on the southside please. I've only started playing so I want to develop good habits from the start rather than bad ones.

One Cold Hand

Leopardstown driving range....

dardoz

Just did a quick search. Michael Kavanagh is the PGA pro at Leopardstown.

http://www.irelandprogolf.com/michaelkavanagh/

Does anyone have any experience of his lessons?

There is also Gillian Burrell in Stepaside.


http://www.irelandprogolf.com/gillianburrell/

One Cold Hand

I was never really one for lessons, but I did get a couple of lessons off Gillian as a junior. I don't remember her being particularly brilliant.

It's a good idea to get a few lessons and if your only starting then it shouldn't really matter who you go to, as they'll just be going through the basics with you...

Patrick_K

Hi Dardoz,

I have had lessons from a guy called Peter O'Brien in the Stepaside Golf Centre and would recommend him. Have misplaced his number but if you call Stepaside I'm sure they'd put you in touch with him.

Best of luck,
PK

AndyP

Choose your pro very carefully, 2 pros I have been to have tried to teach me the 'textbook' stuff. In other words, they dont look at what you've got, just what they know. I play off 9 and have been playing years and no pro will tell me to forget what I've learned over the years and start over again.

ShriekingSheet

AndyP wrote:

Choose your pro very carefully, 2 pros I have been to have tried to teach me the 'textbook' stuff. In other words, they dont look at what you've got, just what they know. I play off 9 and have been playing years and no pro will tell me to forget what I've learned over the years and start over again.

I'm sorry, I completely disagree with this attitude. If a pro is trying to teach you text book stuff I'd suggest it's because that's what you need to get to the next level, 5/6 handicap, junior cup standard. You've been playing years and haven't gotten lower than 9. That is to say, your own theory on what a pro should and shouldn't teach you hasn't gotten you lower than 9.

You refuse to forget what you've learned? The very fundamental purpose of a golf lesson is to unlearn. Big changes feel alien and are a pain in the ass but if we don't make these changes to how we play, how can we make big changes in our scores?

I'm only pulling you up on this because it's in a thread where a new golfer is looking for info on starting out and lessons.

I'm saying ask around, select a reputable pro, work on what he tells you no matter how sideways it makes you hit the ball, it'll only be for a short time. After a few buckets of balls with a new grip/stance/plane/whatever you will soon find yourself hitting shots as well as you could before but with more practice still, because you're now using a more tried and trusted and yes, 'text book' technique, it will allow you to surpass your previous performance. Maybe only in a small way but hey, it's all about baby steps!

Regardless of standard or handicap, we are ALL LEARNERS here. In my experience, that's the only attitude to have if you wanna improve your golf.

ShriekingSheet

Sorry to answer the OP question, if John Langan is still operating out of Lep Driving range I'd highly recommend him. Young-ish guy, great golfer himself. Shame about the red hair.

Dave Lavelle in Spawell is a really personable, patient guy too.

AndyP

ShriekingSheet wrote:

I'm sorry, I completely disagree with this attitude....................

Have you ever heard of John Jacobs, considered the finest teacher of his generation. I have read his book, in which he explained how the first thing he looked for in every pupil was the ball flight, not the grip, stance etc. and how he would work back from there (on the basis that ball flight tells you everything). He understood that we are all individual and have our own little things we do differently. What I am trying to say is, I have an orthodox swing which only requires tweaks, not complete rebuilding, which is what the pros were trying to do. If the people who looked after the likes of Furyk and Darcy had the same attitude then they may never had been so successful. Personally, I know people with crazy swings playing at very low figures (senior cup standard).

ShriekingSheet

AndyP wrote:

Have you ever heard of John Jacobs, considered the finest teacher of his generation. I have read his book, in which he explained how the first thing he looked for in every pupil was the ball flight, not the grip, stance etc. and how he would work back from there (on the basis that ball flight tells you everything). He understood that we are all individual and have our own little things we do differently. What I am trying to say is, I have an orthodox swing which only requires tweaks, not complete rebuilding, which is what the pros were trying to do. If the people who looked after the likes of Furyk and Darcy had the same attitude then they may never had been so successful. Personally, I know people with crazy swings playing at very low figures (senior cup standard).

Yes, we can all cite the freak cases of Furyk, Darcy and yer man in Galway who plays cack handed off +1 but it's not a valid point. They're freaks. If Darcy's swing was easy to teach and replicate, they'd teach it and it would be called 'the text book method' while people looked back at old pictures saying 'jaysus, state of yer man Ben Hogan's swing!'. Besides, they shot/shoot unbelievable scores and have every right to say 'f*ck yis, I'm doing this my way'. You on the other hand are probably not in the habit of shooting in the low sixties.

My problem is simple. As a handicap golfer, you are contradicting professional advice. Two pros have suggested a change and you've rejected them both. Like, do you seriously rate your own gut feeling over their knowledge? So what if the changes are tough to make. We've all had to do it to get better!

Scores don't lie. After years of playing, the best you can do is 9. Can you not admit that if you'd tried what was advised, after a bit of practice you could do better than bogeying every second hole?

The moral of the stroy? OP and all beginners, trust your pro!

WHIP IT!

I think a pro should teach you to perfect YOUR OWN swing... My swing is capable of hitting 300 yard drives, and smashing a 5iron the best part of 200yds... I would like a pro to teach you how to replicate my GOOD SWINGS consistently. To help me understand my own swing as such... Not break down my swing completely and try to give me a new one that I may not be able to take to...

AndyP

WHIP IT! wrote:

I think a pro should teach you to perfect YOUR OWN swing... My swing is capable of hitting 300 yard drives, and smashing a 5iron the best part of 200yds... I would like a pro to teach you how to replicate my GOOD SWINGS consistently. To help me understand my own swing as such... Not break down my swing completely and try to give me a new one that I may not be able to take to...

Well put, basically what I'm trying to get across (although S S doesn't seem to be able to grasp that). And as for saying I 'only' play off 9, how many people are playing most of their lives and never get anywhere near single figures.

ShriekingSheet, are you a professional, cos you sure are doing your best to defend the trade?

ShriekingSheet

WHIP IT! wrote:

I think a pro should teach you to perfect YOUR OWN swing... My swing is capable of hitting 300 yard drives, and smashing a 5iron the best part of 200yds... I would like a pro to teach you how to replicate my GOOD SWINGS consistently. To help me understand my own swing as such... Not break down my swing completely and try to give me a new one that I may not be able to take to...

You're just looking for the easy option. Not changing much takes little effort but, as the majority of club golfers are testiment to, it means you don't improve much.

Stick with your own way if it pleases you. Just don't expect to improve much. Someone who makes their technique better will get better.

ShriekingSheet

AndyP wrote:

Well put, basically what I'm trying to get across (although S S doesn't seem to be able to grasp that). And as for saying I 'only' play off 9, how many people are playing most of their lives and never get anywhere near single figures.

ShriekingSheet, are you a professional, cos you sure are doing your best to defend the trade?

Whether you play of 9 or 19, I'm saying if you want to get better you have to make changes. You seem to think you can get better with 'tweaks'. I imagine you've been trying it your way for some time now and the fact is you haven't got better.

I'm not a pro. Like, I've disagreed with pros myself before. I had the same guy from when I was 16 to age 20. At that time, for whatever reason, I stopped improving and he wasn't really impressing me with suggestions on what could be going wrong. So I asked some of the guys around who played at more or less the same level as myself who they went to. One pros name came up time and again so I went to him and he was great. The new changes were tough to make with an unfamiliar coach, and I thought I knew it all anyway playing off 3 but the things he could show me really opened my eyes.

The 1 in 10 times I could initially pull off what he was trying to get me to do felt unreal. The other 9 balls threatened the 50 yard marker and pitching nets. As I worked it out, 1 in 10 became 3 in 10 and so forth. After less than two weeks it became a comfortable move to make and my scores improved.

I'm just saying if you want to get better then go for it! It isn't possible to get better with the same swing, short game and Dr Bob aside. Lessons are a pain in the ass which is why 90% of people hate them and stick to what they know. Sticking to what you know may be comfortable but it's also sticking to the level you're at!

copacetic

good debate here guys, lets keep it civil. It's great to have the opposing opinions as long as everyone respects each others as much as their own..

dardoz

Yeh, I appreciate all the info guys. It has definitely made me want to find someone to get lessons from. But as also made me realise I need to make sure its someone worth paying.

ShriekingSheet, who was the guy you thought was so good?

ShriekingSheet

dardoz wrote:

Yeh, I appreciate all the info guys. It has definitely made me want to find someone to get lessons from. But as also made me realise I need to make sure its someone worth paying.

ShriekingSheet, who was the guy you thought was so good?

Brendan McDaid in Rathsallagh. It's a trek (bout 40 mins from Newland's cross) and he's not cheap so I probably wouldn't recommend him to start out with. He's better for improving more experienced golfers.

For starting out I'd recommend either of John Langan or Dave Lavelle. Dave is in Spawell and I'm not sure where John operates out of now but he definitely was giving some lessons in the Lep. They won't cost too much but are both quality guys who will ease you into the game and get you enjoying it more.

clog

Mick Kavanagh is very good especially with people starting out he will set you off on the right track.

dardoz

clog wrote:

Mick Kavanagh is very good especially with people starting out he will set you off on the right track.

Where is he based?

clog

Mick Kavanagh is the pro at Stackstown but also gives lessons at Leopardstown as well.

madds

I have a booked a short-game lesson with Simon Byrne in Hermitage GC (technically it is south of the Liffey) this evening. Weather permitting it will go ahead (had to cancel on Tuesday) and I'll let everyone know how the lesson went (how Byrne gets his message across, his manner etc.)

ShriekingSheet

madds wrote:

I have a booked a short-game lesson with Simon Byrne in Hermitage GC (technically it is south of the Liffey) this evening. Weather permitting it will go ahead (had to cancel on Tuesday) and I'll let everyone know how the lesson went (how Byrne gets his message across, his manner etc.)

Good job. He was the Leinster coach when I was playing U18/U21 golf. I found him good. He's quite gruff in a way but it's just his way. He's actually a very nice guy and more importantly, a good teacher.

Mister Sifter

I've never had a lesson in my life, but i'm seriously thinking of getting a putting lesson. It's an absolute shambles at the minute.

WHIP IT!

Graeme1982 wrote:

I've never had a lesson in my life, but i'm seriously thinking of getting a putting lesson. It's an absolute shambles at the minute.

That's just cos you Scotsman are too tight to pay for em!

I hear ya about the putting though... I rarely analyse my rounds in any great detail, but after playing what I felt was lovely golf on Tuesday (ball-striking wise) I was frustrated to finish with 30stapleford points. Conditions were good, apart from a little wind and rain - although I managed to still hit well through the couple of showers we got...

Anyway, I sat down and went over my round, stroke for stroke... and there they were - FIVE three-putts... FIVE!! I knew I hadn't putted well, but FIVE!!! One in particular was from about 10/12 feet... I also had just two one-putt greens...

Not that it's any great secret, but ya really can't score without putting well...

Anyone any good putting drills they find effective? I think I've a decent putting stroke but my long putting kills me... (h'cap 14)

clog

Graeme try Rathsallagh they have a device there which attaches to your putter and shows on a computer both where you are hitting the ball on the face of the putter and also your swingpath I found it very good just to get an idea of what I was doing before we went to the green. The lesson wasn't with McDaid but one of the other pro's but he was very good

Mister Sifter

WHIP IT! wrote:

That's just cos you Scotsman are too tight to pay for em!

I hear ya about the putting though... I rarely analyse my rounds in any great detail, but after playing what I felt was lovely golf on Tuesday (ball-striking wise) I was frustrated to finish with 30stapleford points. Conditions were good, apart from a little wind and rain - although I managed to still hit well through the couple of showers we got...

Anyway, I sat down and went over my round, stroke for stroke... and there they were - FIVE three-putts... FIVE!! I knew I hadn't putted well, but FIVE!!! One in particular was from about 10/12 feet... I also had just two one-putt greens...

Not that it's any great secret, but ya really can't score without putting well...

Anyone any good putting drills they find effective? I think I've a decent putting stroke but my long putting kills me... (h'cap 14)

That sounds familiar whip it! At the minute i'm having at least 3-4 three putts per round and holing very few one puts from outside 5 feet. I've started using one of those online score tracker things and it tells me my putting averages and stuff and its shocking. So far this season my average is about 36 putts per round. Lack of confidence is obviously part of it, but there must be something wrong with my technique also. Long putting is a particular problem. Anything more than 25 feet and i'm near guaranteed to three putt it.

Mister Sifter

clog wrote:

Graeme try Rathsallagh they have a device there which attaches to your putter and shows on a computer both where you are hitting the ball on the face of the putter and also your swingpath I found it very good just to get an idea of what I was doing before we went to the green. The lesson wasn't with McDaid but one of the other pro's but he was very good

Thanks for that Clog. I live on the Northside so that would maybe be a bit of a treck for me. I like the sound of that device though. Sounds like something that might help me. Might try and find somewhere nearer to me that has one. If not i'll try Rathsallagh!

ShriekingSheet

WHIP IT! wrote:

Anyone any good putting drills they find effective? I think I've a decent putting stroke but my long putting kills me... (h'cap 14)

One reeeally good and very simple drill that promotes smooth accelleration through the ball is to set up to a few balls withing a foot and a half of the hole. Address and, without taking the putter back, follow through and push the ball all the way to the hole. Just think about keeping the hinge in your left wrist as constant as possible and accellerating through the ball.

Some people like to work on distance control by putting for the far fringe of the green (rather than a hole). Try and bring your ball to rest at the edge without any emphasis regarding direction. I'd give this a go but it was never one of my favorites.

Actually, now that I think of it, by far the best drill I've done for longer puts is to take about 4 balls and a put with a slight break. Place the first ball 4 feet from the hole, the second about 10 feet away roughly back along the line of the put, the third 15 feet away and the last one twenty feet away. They should be roughly along the line of the furthest ball away.

Hit the closest putt first. One you should hole most of the time. When you hole it move on to the 10 foot putt and so on. The game is to go back to the start each time you miss one. What this does is helps you with your longer putts by providing you with prior knowledge of the line given the shorter putts you've hit. Its much easier to imagine the last four feet of a twenty footer going in when you've actually hit that four footer moments ago.

The good thing is, if you stick to the rules and go back to the start each time you miss, it puts pressure on you after you've holed the first two to keep going. Getting the feeling of pressure is not easily done in a practice circumstance but the best bit about this drill is that it really helps you imagine the line a ball must take to the hole.

WHIP IT!

ShriekingSheet wrote:

Actually, now that I think of it, by far the best drill I've done for longer puts is to take about 4 balls and a put with a slight break. Place the first ball 4 feet from the hole, the second about 10 feet away roughly back along the line of the put, the third 15 feet away and the last one twenty feet away. They should be roughly along the line of the furthest ball away.

Hit the closest putt first. One you should hole most of the time. When you hole it move on to the 10 foot putt and so on. The game is to go back to the start each time you miss one. What this does is helps you with your longer putts by providing you with prior knowledge of the line given the shorter putts you've hit. Its much easier to imagine the last four feet of a twenty footer going in when you've actually hit that four footer moments ago.

The good thing is, if you stick to the rules and go back to the start each time you miss, it puts pressure on you after you've holed the first two to keep going. Getting the feeling of pressure is not easily done in a practice circumstance but the best bit about this drill is that it really helps you imagine the line a ball must take to the hole.

Hmmm, I like the sound of that. Good drill, thanks!

The putting to the fringe one is one of Rotella's creations isn't it - I'm not mad about it myself, just doesn't feel natural...

WHIP IT!

Graeme1982 wrote:

.... I've started using one of those online score tracker things ....

Which one is it Graeme? Is it howdidido.co.uk?? I can't seem to get onto this site anymore. I think it may be because I use Mozilla Firefox...

Mister Sifter

Both good drills. I'll give them both a whirl at the weekend. I'll need t otry and find a nice quiet putting green i think though. Thanks sheet!

Mister Sifter

WHIP IT! wrote:

Which one is it Graeme? Is it howdidido.co.uk?? I can't seem to get onto this site anymore. I think it may be because I use Mozilla Firefox...

I used that one for the trial period, but it's not very detailed. One of the best ones is golfscoretracker.co.uk. That's the one i use.

ShriekingSheet

No Problem lads, let me know how you get on.

Another thing to watch out for when working on long putts is dropping 4 balls 30 feet from a hole, hitting them in the direction of the hole and repeating. This is just etching out a trial and error feel for the particular green and will not really serve much use toward improving your on-course putting.

As with the drill above, mix up the length of your putts in practice if you want to hit some long ones. Personally, I never really hit practice putts over 10 feet. Maybe one or two but that's it. There's no further knowledge or technique to be gleaned from trying longer putts - only less holed putts.

madds

Right, so I had my lesson with Simon Byrne this evening and it's a thumbs up. After watched me play 3/4 pitch shots from 15 yards short of a green he showed what I was doing wrong, why it was unnatural, and why I was hitting inconsistent pitches (duffs, thin shots, etc.).

Within minutes I had my confidence back as he had me using the correct technique for pitch shots, be they 15, 10, 5, or a yard off the green. What I liked most about the session was that he explained very clearly what the pitch shot entails, and how it really is a simple shot to play.

The main things I need to remember are -

1. Keep the shaft of the club pointed towards my navel (centered in my stance). I have a tendency to close the face of my wedges at address, which causes a kind of punching shot.

2. Promote a short follow through. I have a longish follow through which Byrne said was a waste of energy, and wasn't required.

3. Pitch with your legs. I don't transfer my weight through pitch shots so Byrne got me working on that and right away i could feel the benefits - much better feeling at impact and definitely a feeling that I could repeat this stroke more consistently.

By no means is everything solved, I still need to put in the hours of practice, but I have to say it was definitely worth the €40 for the 40 odd minutes I spent with him.

ShriekingSheet

madds wrote:

Right, so I had my lesson with Simon Byrne this evening and it's a thumbs up. After watched me play 3/4 pitch shots from 15 yards short of a green he showed what I was doing wrong, why it was unnatural, and why I was hitting inconsistent pitches (duffs, thin shots, etc.).

Within minutes I had my confidence back as he had me using the correct technique for pitch shots, be they 15, 10, 5, or a yard off the green. What I liked most about the session was that he explained very clearly what the pitch shot entails, and how it really is a simple shot to play.

The main things I need to remember are -

1. Keep the shaft of the club pointed towards my navel (centered in my stance). I have a tendency to close the face of my wedges at address, which causes a kind of punching shot.

2. Promote a short follow through. I have a longish follow through which Byrne said was a waste of energy, and wasn't required.

3. Pitch with your legs. I don't transfer my weight through pitch shots so Byrne got me working on that and right away i could feel the benefits - much better feeling at impact and definitely a feeling that I could repeat this stroke more consistently.

By no means is everything solved, I still need to put in the hours of practice, but I have to say it was definitely worth the €40 for the 40 odd minutes I spent with him.

Brilliant, glad it went well for you!

That navel point is a great one to work on- such a new feeling when you try it! Thinking about a helicopter with one blade where your body is the fulcrum and the club is the blade always helped me.

Your last bit is spot on. Nothing really gets 'solved' in a lesson. But you're given the know-how to sort the issue with your own time.

Man, given the importance and frequency of 5-15 yard shots in a round, this could really improve your scores. Keep us posted!

One Cold Hand

ShriekingSheet wrote:

Actually, now that I think of it, by far the best drill I've done for longer puts is to take about 4 balls and a put with a slight break. Place the first ball 4 feet from the hole, the second about 10 feet away roughly back along the line of the put, the third 15 feet away and the last one twenty feet away. They should be roughly along the line of the furthest ball away.

Hit the closest putt first. One you should hole most of the time. When you hole it move on to the 10 foot putt and so on. The game is to go back to the start each time you miss one. What this does is helps you with your longer putts by providing you with prior knowledge of the line given the shorter putts you've hit. Its much easier to imagine the last four feet of a twenty footer going in when you've actually hit that four footer moments ago.

The good thing is, if you stick to the rules and go back to the start each time you miss, it puts pressure on you after you've holed the first two to keep going. Getting the feeling of pressure is not easily done in a practice circumstance but the best bit about this drill is that it really helps you imagine the line a ball must take to the hole.

SS this is a really good drill. I use the same one the whole time but with shorter distances, normally 3, 5 and 7 feet. I think starting at shorter distances might suit a beginner or someone working on their putting, even 2,4,and 6ft are good distances. Obviously then the more confident you get you can move out to 10 and 15ft. I just think this drill would be very difficult for a beginner if they use distances of 10 and 15ft at the start.

Anyway it is a great drill because it's quite difficult to hole all 12 putts in a row, so that means your constantly going back to the start and repeatedly holing 2/3/4 foot putts. By the time you get out onto the course you'll have holed so many short ones it'll be like second nature.

ShriekingSheet

One Cold Hand wrote:

SS this is a really good drill. I use the same one the whole time but with shorter distances, normally 3, 5 and 7 feet. I think starting at shorter distances might suit a beginner or someone working on their putting, even 2,4,and 6ft are good distances. Obviously then the more confident you get you can move out to 10 and 15ft. I just think this drill would be very difficult for a beginner if they use distances of 10 and 15ft at the start.

Anyway it is a great drill because it's quite difficult to hole all 12 putts in a row, so that means your constantly going back to the start and repeatedly holing 2/3/4 foot putts. By the time you get out onto the course you'll have holed so many short ones it'll be like second nature.

Absolutely. The theory is the same regardless of distance. The balls should be like bread crumbs leading to the hole along the line of the putt.

Personally I'd actually use shorter measures myself too, the longest put being 10 feet. With my golf, 10 footers are the difference between an average and good round. So I use three balls, bash a three footer in and then let the 7 foot and 10 foot putts follow into the hole with the same smooth stroke.

One Cold Hand

ShriekingSheet wrote:

10 footers are the difference between an average and good round.

Yeah, as you said earlier, there's only so much work you can do on the long putts. If you can put all your chips and 50 footers inside 10 feet, then holing those putts makes the difference.

WHIP IT!

madds wrote:

Right, so I had my lesson with Simon Byrne this evening and it's a thumbs up. After watched me play 3/4 pitch shots from 15 yards short of a green he showed what I was doing wrong, why it was unnatural, and why I was hitting inconsistent pitches (duffs, thin shots, etc.).

Within minutes I had my confidence back as he had me using the correct technique for pitch shots, be they 15, 10, 5, or a yard off the green. What I liked most about the session was that he explained very clearly what the pitch shot entails, and how it really is a simple shot to play.

The main things I need to remember are -

1. Keep the shaft of the club pointed towards my navel (centered in my stance). I have a tendency to close the face of my wedges at address, which causes a kind of punching shot.

2. Promote a short follow through. I have a longish follow through which Byrne said was a waste of energy, and wasn't required.

3. Pitch with your legs. I don't transfer my weight through pitch shots so Byrne got me working on that and right away i could feel the benefits - much better feeling at impact and definitely a feeling that I could repeat this stroke more consistently.

By no means is everything solved, I still need to put in the hours of practice, but I have to say it was definitely worth the €40 for the 40 odd minutes I spent with him.

Great stuff Madds, hope it works out for you...

I must say, when it comes to short game (and all aspects of golf, actually all aspects of life!), the difference a bit of confidence makes is immeasurable... I know when I'm struggling a bit, every chip shot just looks like potential disaster. You stand behind the ball and just think "there's no way I can get this close..."

But when the tail's up and your playing well, well I almost relish missing a green with my approach - all of a sudden you can see four or five ways to make the shot.. bump it in with the PW? Run it up with a Rescue? Flop the LW at her? Knock one in with a bit of check?

I struggle with all aspects of my game at one time of another - but I have to say, when the short game is working it's the most satisfying thing in golf. Better than hitting big long straight drives and crushing Iron shots... The short stuff is where the money's made.

Mister Sifter

If your short game is on the ball, you're likely to score well. Rather than go for a game tomorrow i'm gonna go and spend a good bit of time working on my putting and chipping. I need to work on my bunker shots too. Not getting them close enough and finding it very hard to control the ball consistently out the sand. A day up at Slumped's favourite haunt beckons!

WHIP IT!

Graeme1982 wrote:

If your short game is on the ball, you're likely to score well. Rather than go for a game tomorrow i'm gonna go and spend a good bit of time working on my putting and chipping. I need to work on my bunker shots too. Not getting them close enough and finding it very hard to control the ball consistently out the sand. A day up at Slumped's favourite haunt beckons!

Graeme, a night out to Angels Lapdancing Club on Leeson Street is not going to get your short game in order... come on man - priorities!! :rolleyes:

Mister Sifter

I know i've been talking about struggling to get it in the hole, but i didn't mean that!!

WHIP IT!

Graeme1982 wrote:

I know i've been talking about struggling to get it in the hole, but i didn't mean that!!

A man could catch a dose of the YIPS in a place like that if he wasn't careful !!

Bob Pelz

I am thinking of starting a series of lessons through out the winter. I had a frustrating summer, with no improvement, so very keen to make amends for this over the winter and be ready for next season.

I play off 13 and live in South Dublin, so any recommendations of a pro would be good. Thanks

ShriekingSheet

Bob Pelz wrote: »

I am thinking of starting a series of lessons through out the winter. I had a frustrating summer, with no improvement, so very keen to make amends for this over the winter and be ready for next season.

I play off 13 and live in South Dublin, so any recommendations of a pro would be good. Thanks

To be honest, I'm certain you'd be better off waiting until early spring before starting lessons, or straight away now. The "winter swing change" idea is really more of a tour player or elite amateur thing. In my experience, intermediate and junior (h'cap) players benefit better from lessons when they have time/weather to play regularly.

Improving on the back of lessons but not playing and seeing results in your scores is really frustrating. During the season, your improvement will be rewarded with handicap cuts and larger comp wins. I'm not saying get a lesson the week before the captain's, but the depths of winter ain't the time either

Bob Pelz

Thanks for the reply and it makes sense. I fancied the idea of doing a Faldo rebuild on my swing over the winter, but probably too much work!!!

Any idea of decent pros? I especially like ones with video technology as its much easier to see and understand my faults!

ShriekingSheet

Bob Pelz wrote: »

Thanks for the reply and it makes sense. I fancied the idea of doing a Faldo rebuild on my swing over the winter, but probably too much work!!!

Any idea of decent pros? I especially like ones with video technology as its much easier to see and understand my faults!

From what I know, around the €40 mark and suitable for a good intermediate player, Zak Rouiller (Beech Park/Spawell), Raymond Burns (South County) and Kevin Foy (Leppardstown) are all very good. I haven't been to Foy myself but have a few good reports from friends of mine. Paul whats-his-name from Powerscourt is apparently really good for short game too.

There's plenty of good guys besides the above too. I don't go in for the whole "I need someone who really understands my game, appreciates the intricate detail of my personal technique and works with my natural swing... yadda yadda yadda". It's mostly BS if you ask me. Do your research, get a good guy and do what he says.

As for having videos of your lessons... see the other thread and make up your own mind.

dlegend3

I've been going to see Darren Mc loughlin in Glenmalure Golf Club. He teaches you at your own pace, he's also a qualified sports psychologist & nutritionist so he covers all aspects of the game. When you get home from your lesson Darren forwards a breakdown of your do' & dont's I find them a great reference.His number is 0861713465. You could do alot worse as he's the best I've been to see.

stumpypeeps

dlegend3 wrote: »

I've been going to see Darren Mc loughlin in Glenmalure Golf Club. He teaches you at your own pace, he's also a qualified sports psychologist & nutritionist so he covers all aspects of the game. When you get home from your lesson Darren forwards a breakdown of your do' & dont's I find them a great reference.His number is 0861713465. You could do alot worse as he's the best I've been to see.

Are you in love with Darren McLoughlin or what? Your forever giving out his number and singing his praises.

f22

stumpypeeps wrote: »

Are you in love with Darren McLoughlin or what? Your forever giving out his number and singing his praises.

Sad attempt at self promotion it seems as nobody else seems to agree eith him

stumpypeeps

f22 wrote: »

Sad attempt at self promotion it seems as nobody else seems to agree eith him

If he is actually promoting himself, that really is sad. I'm sure no one would object if he actually came on here and said he was giving lessons.

That guy from stepaside was up front at least. Even though he got torn a new one.