Winter training plan – opinions requested.

[gref.rm]

Background. This past summer was my 3rd since I moved south and I took up golf. 1st year was just learning the basics, 2nd summer was almost worse then the 1st year but this past summer I was resolved to improve and to “play” the game. I originally had a horrific slice but with lessons late last summer and early this season I have mostly conquered this demon, though sometimes regress into a pull or strong fade. It is truly fantastic how much fun the game can be once you learn a bit of swing and play from the fairway !

(not related at all, but my best round this year was going into the 18th hole requiring a make-able Par to shoot a even 80…instead, complete melt down … 2 balls out of bounds and finished at 84, which was still one shot better then my previous best)

Getting it into the fairway more regularly I began a quest for more distance, especially required with the driver. If I keep focused on staying in the fairway I average 200 to 210 yards (in the air but high so not much of roll added). As I always walk and slowly started to get into better shape throughout the summer. I noticed as the year came to a close I was adding distance. In addition I am getting obsessed enough to research everything golf and can see the need for good physical condition (strength and flexibility). Therefore, for both golf and other health benefits I am resolved to improve my physical condition over the winter, including some very specific flexibility and strength exercises specific to this great game.

This is getting a bit long, sorry for the book….

The Plan:

To keep a feel of the golf swing I set up a net in the garage and want to hit 100 balls every few days. I was thinking of getting one of those weighted drivers, like a PowerHitter or other training aid, specifically to build strength but also to remember the swing I found this year.

To the Question:

Playing the game only 3 years I really do not trust that I have “grooved” a golf swing. Hitting into a net feels good and might build strength, but as you cannot see the results of your swing (fade, pull or slice) how do I know if I am building a muscle memory of a good golf swing ?
Is there a risk I could be ingraining a nasty swing habit that will take tons of time to correct next spring?
Would one of those training aids force you into the proper swing plane due to the extra weight ?

Any informed opinions out there?

Ah, what I am saying, this is the Torontogolfnuts forum, uninformed opinions welcome also.:)

[Golftime]

You are right to worry about just hitting into a net. You may be grooving something undesirable. I don't know if you have access to it but using a simulator/launch monitor will give you feedback on your swing.
You may be better off working on your short game. Chipping and putting well takes pressure off the rest of the game and that leads to a more relaxed swing.

[davevandyk]

if you are concerned that you might be "grooving" the wrong swing habits over the winter by hitting balls with an "improper" swing, i would suggest seeing a pro for a lesson perhaps once a month at a dome of some sort. All you wanna do is keep your swing how it is now, so i wouldn't think you would need to get a lesson more often, perhaps every two weeks when the season is right around the corner.

The best advice i can give about the strengthening side and flexibility is to search the net. You will find TONS of info on strengthening your core, lower back and abs, which are the core of a good swing.

[Golftime]

if you are concerned that you might be "grooving" the wrong swing habits over the winter by hitting balls with an "improper" swing, i would suggest seeing a pro for a lesson perhaps once a month at a dome of some sort. All you wanna do is keep your swing how it is now, so i wouldn't think you would need to get a lesson more often, perhaps every two weeks when the season is right around the corner.

The best advice i can give about the strengthening side and flexibility is to search the net. You will find TONS of info on strengthening your core, lower back and abs, which are the core of a good swing.
Did you see where he lives? Haileybury Golf Club is over 200 km north of Barrie. May not be many domes up there.

[davevandyk]

Did you see where he lives? Haileybury Golf Club is over 200 km north of Barrie. May not be many domes up there.

ahh 200 kms is well worth the driver to a CPGA pro... isn't it??

[Ger63]

Get a Momentus swing trainer, or even a 2 pound dumbell and work on your swing in front of the TV. Focus on hitting your spots, especially impact position. The extra weight helps to stretch out your backswing and does wonders for your timing.
Good Luck,
Ger

[Rough Ranger]

Seeing as you are concerned about your "groove", you might see if you can get a session or 2 with a pro and ask him / her what you can do / what you need to watch for over the winter season.

He / she should be able to give you some drills which you can do over the winter, as well a a method of self monitoring so you know if you are on track.

Another option is to video your swing and use that to see what you are doing. There are some SW packages out there that will allow you to review you swing. That will help you "see" what you are doing.

Lastly, work only with your putter. Strange as this may sound, it will really cut down on your score!
With indoor putting (in the winter), you see the ball path from you swing, so you do have instant feed back.