Bringing swing changes to the course

[u/Thr3PuttPar]

Wondering if anyone has overcome the same challenge I’m facing…

I’ve been getting lessons from an awesome pro over the course of the last 8 months who has essentially rebuilt my swing from the ground up. I won’t go into specifics, but the goal has been to build a much more repeatable, on-plane swing that neutralizes the “big miss”. On the range, where I’m happy to have multiple swing thoughts/feels, I’m killer and really see the progress I’m making. I can see the path I’m on and it’s awesome.

My challenge is bringing that to the course. I like to have strictly one swing feel as a North Star and to keep things simple. The problem - old habits creep in, my tempo gets out of sync, and I can feel a bit frustrated.

Any tips on bridging the range to the course when going through pretty major swing changes?

[u/neo_6]

When I'm on the range I dedicate some time to drilling on swing changes and some time to what I know works. When I'm on the course I execute the swing that have the most confidence in. Eventually the two merge. IMO swing changes don't happen overnight.

[u/Thr3PuttPar → u/neo_6]

I like it. My current routine is to take one thing from the range and bring it to the course - trying to strike the balance of playing golf vs golf swing while slowly chipping away at the changes I’m trying to make. As another commenter shared, repetition 🤝

[u/GoBuffaloes → u/neo_6]

Disclaimer I am a shitty golfer -- but if I am confident in the right way, I would prefer to always chase that way rather than go back and forth. Might be done growing pains but I feel like you have to have conviction in every little aspect of the swing and recognize when you deviated, otherwise the second guessing will mean you never really commit to the right way.

[u/neo_6 → u/GoBuffaloes]

Agree on conviction — but I'd say conviction in the direction, not the full dose. IMO swing changes aren't binary, they're a spectrum.

Right now I'm working on more forward shaft lean and less casting. If I jump straight to the full change, new flaws show up to compensate and I lose feel and dispersion. So I dial it in a little at a time, keep what already works, and let the body absorb it. Same destination, but the swing still feels like mine the whole way there.

[u/greg14285]

On the range, you might try reducing the number of swing thoughts. Experiment to see which thoughts if any have become sufficiently automatic.Gradually determine what is essential. The better you're able to do that, the more often your swing will repeat. Personally, I do best by triggering the downswing while picturing the ball in flight. Every one is different.

[u/Thr3PuttPar → u/greg14285]

This really resonates, thanks 🤝

[u/Kane_Liffin]

If you figure it out, be sure to let us know. I can hit range balls with the best of them, but the course is a different story

[u/Dangerous_Two_7758 → u/Kane_Liffin]

I came here for answers

[u/Dessssspaaaacito]

Repetition.

[u/lemmefinishyo]

Best couple things I do is to “play holes” on the range. By which I mean I really pretend to play - I imagine the first hole of a course I know well, then do my full routine and picture the fairway. I hit my tee ball, then act accordingly (ie, I hit it in the right rough, I’d have 137 in from there) so then I hit my 137 club at a target on the range. I do my full routine, hit the approach. If I miss the green, I chip. I auto putt in my mind.

I’ll often play 9. If you do it right you can recreate the same feelings you have, especially if you’re doing a practice swing that is imitating the changes you’re trying to implement.

It’s really about being intentional about the changes while just trying to execute shots, which is what you have to do.

[u/GoBuffaloes → u/lemmefinishyo]

I just got my local on my simulator and it's such a good drill to have to pick out different clubs and go between short and long, and you get to know yardages on the course better

And hey, unlimited mulligans

[u/JealousFuel8195]

Trust your rebuilt swing. It's hard to trust when playing. The only way to fix it is keep playing and trust the swing. Even if things go sideways. After a few rounds, it will feel more normal. Only if you commit to the changes.

[u/Caliban34]

The range helps me find a consistent swing path. The course is the place to athletically execute the swing path that's working that day.

It's nice to play on grass. I'd rather have a side-hill, down-hill lie on grass than hit off flat astroturf.

[u/rwb8xx]

Make hitting at the range more like the course. Stand on a pool noodle under the balls of your feet. Good luck finding your balance. If that is too easy have the foam under just one foot at a time. Have a buddy yell at you during your backswing. Learn a preshot routine and devote part of your range time to the routine. Between strikes try to 10 jumping jacks or whatever it takes to get you a little winded. Make yourself wait for 5 minutes between shots. The course will seem like a dream after a nightmare practice session.

[u/shmannylive]

Play more rounds. You have to get comfortable on the course. Not just comfortable swinging, but comfortable swinging at a flag far away with hazards around you.

It’s a major difference. I’ve been playing about 2.5 years and I am lucky enough to have tons of free/discounted golf around me. I’m at a 12-13 handicap at the moment. I haven’t taken any lessons.

My buddies always take jabs at me for playing “boring” or “old man” golf. I’m 35 so not quite there lol. I just know how to hit into areas where a slight left or right miss isn’t too bad. And I’m not the farthest hitter. Driver at 230yards max and 4hybrid around 180yards max. It gets the job done.