Well, I did it. Made the journey to Marietta this past Saturday. Had the famous a.m. meeting at the Cracker Barrel--and as soon as the table was cleared the legal pad and markers came out and we were off! Geometry of the circle, arc of approach, angle of approach, etc. ---explained in a very understandable fashion.
Then off to the Marietta Golf Center---first stop was to meet Ted Fort (Luke the Nuke). I had already told Lynn that I was pretty sure I was a hitter, so he had Ted, a REAL hitter, demonstrate his set-up and a few easy pitching wedges---about 140yds each. Then he hit a few drivers--don't even ask how far THEY went.
Then Yoda and I ventured to the far end of the range with a huge bucket of balls, dowels, hinges, stretch bands, and some other kinky stuff. We started with basic motion curriculum (12-5-0) and progressed from sand wedge to 8 iron to 5 iron to driver. We worked on several issues from grip to wedges to extensor action to over acceleration. The last 2 proved to be my Achilles heel on my bad shots. After a quick lunch we were back at the range with another huge bucket of balls, working on my problem areas, more dowel and stretch band things, etc. Then up to the short game area for some chips with horizontal,angled and vertical hinging, some bunker work and finally a few putts.
The last stop was to get a video of my swing courtesy of Ted Fort. A little under plane coming back, but was ok at the top. To my surprise I was right on plane coming down , but was showing a little throwaway at impact---and then my brain apparently turns off just after both arms straight and I finish with my hands barely above my left shoulder and the club down my back---UGLY. But I know what to work on.
Then a surprise treat. Both Ted and another instructor, Steve Ferguson, had just finished their lessons for the day. Steve is a swinger and Ted is a hitter. Yoda had them stand about 10 feet apart and each one took turns as I watched from face on. Hope Yoda remembers to get this on video! It was pretty amazing to see. Although Lynn had hit a few balls during the day, he began to hit a few drivers---make that a lot ! The man likes to hit balls! After saying, "Just one more" about 15 times we headed towards the parking lot. Had Ted and Lynn sign my book, and thought we were done. Almost!! Lynn pulls a device out of his car to demonstrate hinges. As we said good bye Ted drove off with a CD of Homer Kelley playing in his car--these guys are dedicated.
Finally, the next day I went back to the range by myself to work on a number of things. There was a young guy, mid 20's, hitting to my right. We ended up hitting driver about the same time. He was working on some strange move and was all over the place. I could tell he was watching me at times and it had to be driving him crazy that the chubby 53 y/o guy next to him was outdriving him. We had the same Ping driver with the same Grafalloy shaft.
On the last ball I planned to hit with my driver I really had the computer in gear. Nice controlled backswing, wedges intact, no over acceleration prior to impact, made contact, and remembered extensor action for a change with a nice high finish with my hands. Literally stood there posing as I watched the best drive I have hit in 2 years land way out yonder with a nice soft draw. As I turned to put my driver in my bag I heard this kid mutter, "Jesus." I just looked at him, smiled and said," Nope. Yoda."
For all of you who have been lurking like I did for the past couple of years, I have one suggestion----DO IT. Just set up the time and do it. It is a wonderful experience, which I now refer to as Yodafication. And while the time looks imposing just remember--time sure flys when you Yodafy. Thanks Lynn and Ted. (and Steve) Dr. Dave
Homer Kelley once said to me, "The most satisfying thing about my work is the people who are attracted to it. I don't know how you guys find me, but I'm glad you do."
Today, these many years later, it is people such as Dr. Dave who weekly reinforce that memory. Thanks for being the dedicated student that you are, Dave. I'm proud to be a part of your journey in The Golfing Machine.
Homer Kelley once said to me, "The most satisfying thing about my work is the people who are attracted to it. I don't know how you guys find me, but I'm glad you do."
"Build it and they will come!"
"IT" is The Golfing Machine and Lynn is IT’s builder.
We are arriving with into Marietta with our headlights on.
Linear Mode
