Swing or hit? (how to decide)

[ChangeMySwing]

How does one decide which one to learn? I'm looking for the simplest procedure.

[Delaware Golf]

How does one decide which one to learn? I'm looking for the simplest procedure.

ChangeMySwing,

Good question, it's an issue all of us have to deal with...

In the end, you will want to learn both...I have been studying TGM for about 15 years, currently I use a right arm based swinging motion (7-19) and the hitting procedure. Course conditions, trajectory, and distance control influence which procedure I use per chapter 14. The last tournament that I won, I used the hitting procedure for a number key shots into par 4's where distance control was the factor and the club that I picked the hitting procedure delivered the optimal distance.

Start with swinging per 12-5-1/2/3....then go see an authorized instructor for a complete evaluation.

DG

[ChangeMySwing]

I've been tinkering, and I have discovered that:

1) Hitting produces better iron shots: better accuracy and distance control (plus it is easier to do)

2) I prefer to swing my driver.

My goal as a golfer is to have fun. I'm not interested in being a scratch golfer, but I do require a certain level of ballstriking.
I'm building my game around a monster driver (grip n go), and pinpoint accuracy with my irons.

[Thom]

I'm not interested in being a scratch golfer, but I do require a certain level of ballstriking.
I'm building my game around a monster driver (grip n go), and pinpoint accuracy with my irons.

It sounds like you'll be a scratch player real soon, interested or not

[phillygolf]

How does one decide which one to learn? I'm looking for the simplest procedure.

I would see an AI and let him see it...I personally feel its easier to work with your natural motion then to change it....

[bray]

"If strong-Hit. If quick-swing. If both-do either. Or both."

Sorting Through the Instructor's Textbook.

B-Ray

[Bagger Lance]

Learn both. Then you will know the differences. The clearer the differences, the better your feel system can keep swinging or hitting pure. You will also be able to determine which pattern best fits your natural tendencies.

The majority of hitters have learned golf from swinging. It's the only swing pattern taught. No one outside of TGM knows how to teach hitting. For most natural hitters, the first full hit is instant recognition.

[tongzilla]

This is the way I did it:

I wanted to learn about Hitting and Swinging, but learning both at the same time was too confusing for my tiny brain.

So I decided to take it one step at a time. But I had no idea where to begin.

As far as TGM is concerned, I couldn't tell the difference between my arse and my elbow.

I tossed a coin. Heads for Hitting; tails for Swinging.

Tails it is. Swinging I will pursue.

I then read all I could find on the forums and in The Book about Swinging, and disregarded everything about Hitting.

All I did was Swinging drills, learning how to manipulate CF, learning Horizontal Hinging, learning Startup Swivel, learning Arc of Approach, etc.

I couldn't have cared less about Hitting.

I wanted to be the master Swinger -- understand the concepts and being able to perform it.

After about eight weeks of incubating and practicing Swinging drills, I started to have a pretty good idea. I was reaping the reward of my single-mindedness and undivided attention.

Then on one rainy Thursday afternoon, for some unknown reason, I wanted to learn how to Hit.

It took half a day. That's it. It was sooooo easy. I had an intellectual understanding and was clearly able to feel all the differences. Initially, my body wasn't coordinated enough to do it. But after about 20 balls or so, I got a lot more confident. Over the next few weeks, I was Hitting as often as I was Swinging.

Now, for the first time ever, I knew whether I should be a Hitter or Swinger. I am fully equipped with the understanding and feels to make an informed decision -- one that only I can make.

And therein lies the secret. No one can tell you whether you should Hit or Swing. Only you can decide. Only you will really know the true answer. But you must be have a good theoretical knowledge and be able to demonstrate both to a 'high standard' in order to make an informed decision.

It doesn't matter which one you choose at first -- just choose one and stick with it!

There are thousands of checklists you can go through.
Are you quick or strong?
Flexible or not?
Slim or fat?
Old or young?
What's your previous sporting background?
What's your personality?
Different people will tell you different things. Even GSEMs or GSEDs. If you try and assimilate everything everyone says you will go mental!
You will start having doubts. When you're Swinging and hit a bad shot, you will start thinking, 'maybe I should be a Hitter'. And vice versa.

By the time you make up your mind you would've wasted at least a month! Why not just spend this time and master one of them? You will never truly understand either if you keep messing around.

[Yoda]

This has the makings of a great thread. What a joy it is to see the Master Mind reveal itself!

[YodasLuke]

For most natural hitters, the first full hit is instant recognition.

I have to agree COMPLETELY. My first 'true' hit sealed my fate.