- Lesson 1: Demonstrations
By Tom Ward, Professional Golf Instructor
Almost anyone can learn to play an enjoyable game of golf, regardless of age or natural abilities. I have worked over the years with many golfers with Physical Disabilities. However many have not allowed this unfortunate handicap to limit them in continuing to enjoy golf. In fact, many are fundamentally better than their healthy counterparts because they are forced to utilize sound mechanics, which prove that Golf can make the playing field more equal for everyone. Through these articles you will see how I am going to dispel many myths that are prevalent in the world wide golfing community, such as "Keep your eye on the ball". I teach blind golfers to play, so that throws this theory out the window. Golf is a Billion Dollar Industry of Misinformation! I am not going to try to re-invent the wheel for you -- only act as a guide to help you sort out fact versus fiction when it comes to what really goes on in the golf swing and the game. So if you want to learn to play golf, you CAN. Now let's move on to "lesson one", and how I approach golfers who are new to the sport.
- My first lesson with a pupil: they show me, I show them.
Without showing or telling a new pupil anything at all, I have them swing the club the best they can. Then I briefly have them explain to me what they think it takes to hit the ball. This gives me an idea of what natural ability they possess, as well as how to approach them mentally based on their verbal descriptions. After the new golfer has made some swings for me and we have talked briefly about whatever they have been exposed to up to this point in learning, I have them sit back and watch, and listen, as I fully explain and demonstrate the 5 basic body actions necessary to achieve maximum results in attaining their golfing goals of "playing well in a relatively short period of time which will require minimum amounts of maintenance".
The "5 Basic Actions" are:
Number 1: Foot Action
Number 2: Leg & Knee Action
Number 3: Hip & Shoulder Action
Number 4: Arm Action
Number 5: Hand & Wrist Action
Other than your head, this incorporates your entire body. In the next lesson we will start the process of how to start your swing from the "Ground Up instead of the Hands Down" using this "5 basic actions dynamic domino effect" -- which creates the proper chain reaction necessary to becoming a solid golfer for a lifetime.
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