[comdpa]

Hello. This is my first post to this forum. I am a 57 year-old beginner from Long Island, NY. I've played just long enough to have developed terrible habits: an inconsistent bottom of my arc (sometimes topping the ball, sometimes hitting fat, sometimes just right), and a rather severe out-to-in , too steep swing path. I attended Mike Hebron's camp when I first started, but I don't recall him using TGM principles in the brief time that he spent with us. Frankly, he spoke in riddles. I have also taken individual lessons with several local pros, but still haven't come close to breaking 100. Given my background:
1. Do you feel that TGM can help me? From reading comments from TGMers on other forums, my impression is that most are already excellent golfers. I have always been a good athlete for my size (5'8"), so this is frustrating me. I am willing to work on my game, but I have much more time to do so during the summer.
2.If you feel that TGM would help, would it be better for me to focus on being a swinger or a hitter? Could you explain why in layman's terms?
3. From the excerpts I've read, Homer's book seems too advanced for me. Is there a video, other than Mike Jacobs' "Explosive Golf" that explains TGM in terms that I would understand and be able to execute? I liked Jacobs' tape very much, but it only taught the swinger method. For example, would Ben Doyle's or Brian Manzella's tape be better for a beginner? Or, is there a better option out there?
4. Finally, can you recommend a TGM teacher on Long Island, other than Mike Hebron? I was thinking of giving Mike Jacobs a call, but he's quite far from where I live.and I don't know if his swinger emphasis would suit me.
5. SwingNorthtoSouth, I noticed that you are from the Island. I would particularly welcome your feedback.

Thank you all in advance for any insights that you can provide.

teach

Hi Teach,

Welcome to the TGM family!

Briefly, TGM will help anyone provided its principles are "absorbed and applied". There is an instructor's part and there is a student's part. Both must be in place.

If the instructor imparts junk and the student is diligent = disaster
Instructor imparts correctly and student is lazy = disaster

Good instructor + Good student = HEAVEN!

Whether you should be a swinger or hitter depends on your tendencies - physical and psychology. Mr Kelly advises to swing if you are fast and hit if you are strong.

Typically, hitters have shorter backstrokes (Stadler, Palmer, Perry) and the swingers have longer strokes (Els, Woods) due to the differences in how they load their swings.

So, if you have a short stroke and vice versa, I will not mess with it and instead work with what you have. It is far easier to improve when you change the things that require greater attention.

The 3 absolute things you need to have?
1. A flat left wrist at impact
2. A clubhead that trails the hands
3. An on plane swing (at least from impact to follow-thru)

Hope that helps!