Learning Golf

Golf Lessons

(includes Photos)

Lesson Summary

Have decided that as we are learning the art of golf it would be interesting to document how we are progressing. Ros, Karen and I have enrolled in a 5 week lesson structure with Paul at Victoria Golf Driving Range.

Here is Paul - he's our Yoda.

Have a sneaking suspicion that we do not take lessons as seriously as some of his other students.

Lesson 2 : Seven Iron and Baby Hits

22 July 2003

Karen rang me in distress about an hour before the lesson. Apparently the Boss from Adelaide was visiting and someone was running a little bit late. I ended up supplying clothes, shoes and socks. It was not until Paul commented how relaxed Karen's swing was that she admitted to a few drinkies prior to arrival.

Anyway, we started the lesson this time on a positive note: Milky Ways. Postive reinforcement. Melanie also joined us on the lesson this evening. Will finish on her fantastic effort.

Now comes the summary and practice tips from Paul:

Basically, tonight was successful for those who practiced. Ha ha. Guess who was the only one that practiced during the week. That's right - everyone look at Amy. Mind you, I still had my share of improvement opportunities. The wrist cocking is under control but I need to swing the hips forward and follow the swing through for power. Tell you what, I discovered my stomach muscles tonight.

Now I hinted on Karen's relaxing performance. But Paul said that she needs to practice straightening the arm before cocking the wrist. Karen was a lot happier with her performance comparative to last Friday at the BMW round.

It was decided that Karen should have a few relaxing drinks before attending the session next week.

Ros, for a reason not explained to me, was required to place two balls on the mat. After the lesson had finished Ros was having a bit of a whine at how expensive her lesson and practices were going to be as she had to have two balls on the mat at once. Unbeknownst to Ros, Paul was in the car park and piped up, amidst laughter, that she was only meant to be hitting one ball - not two!

Mel decided to be the fourth wind and join the girls in the golf lessons. Having only played in previously in charity functions she had not lifted a golf club for many a year. Paul might have done this for amusement but Mel has now earned the name of Mini Mel as she was only allowed to swing the club back about 20 degrees and the follow through.

Our parting comment from Paul was

"Ladies you do promise to practice before next week"

Lesson 1 : Seven Iron

15 July 2003

After Ros turned up a fraction late we decided that there was a penalty fee of one beer.

The lesson started off well. After a few hits Paul, our instructor, quickly found our improvement opportunities. Ros was quickly identified as being the one requiring no "cocking of the wrist". However, Karen and I needed to be a lot more cocking. (But if Karen's hubby is reading - it had nothing to do with wrist cocking)

Cocking of the Wrist

I also found out that I kept my back leg a little too straight whilst swing through - to my amusement I was given a bucket to hold between my legs.

By the end of the lesson, the girls had the Seven iron under control. I also sustained a cramp in my butt due to bucket holding. Am sure that we are going to be sore in the next few days.

Paul's advice - you can never hold a golf club for too long. Karen and I must practice wrist cocking for 4 days before coming back to the driving range. Ros needs to work on her power swing.

Will report next Tuesday night on our performance.