Why golfers never get better after taking lessons!

Why golfers never get better after taking golf lessons.

It isn't enough to just pick any random golf coach. You need someone with expert knowledge is physiology, biomechanics, and a strong understanding of individual differences.

The Importance of a Concrete Plan

Golf is a sport of precision, technique, and endless nuance. Many golfers, from beginners to seasoned amateurs, are often frustrated when they don't see improvement after taking lessons. Despite countless hours of coaching, video analysis, and practice, their games remain stagnant. So, why do so many golfers fail to improve after lessons? The answer lies not in the lessons themselves but in the lack of a structured, personalized improvement plan.

The Jumping From Technique to Technique Trap

One of the biggest reasons golfers don’t improve is because they jump from one technique to another without fully committing to any single method. After taking a lesson, a golfer may initially see some progress with the changes suggested by their coach. However, when that progress stalls or a bad round occurs, it becomes tempting to abandon the new technique and look for another "quick fix."

Golfers frequently fall into this trap. With the plethora of instructional videos, books, articles, and even advice from fellow golfers available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Instead of sticking to one coach’s guidance and focusing on mastering the changes over time, golfers often switch methods in hopes of finding the magic solution. Unfortunately, this approach usually leads to confusion, inconsistency, and frustration.

Golf is a sport where consistency is king. Jumping between different swing thoughts and techniques without giving any of them enough time to truly develop leads to inconsistent results. The body and mind never have the opportunity to fully adapt to the changes being made. As a result, golfers often find themselves cycling through coaches, techniques, and training aids, wondering why nothing seems to stick.

The Importance of a Concrete Plan

For any golfer to see real, long-lasting improvement, they need more than just sporadic lessons; they need a well-structured plan. The plan should outline clear goals, timelines for improvement, and specific drills or practice routines designed to reinforce the lessons.

Without a concrete plan, golfers lack direction. Improvement in golf isn’t something that happens overnight or in a single lesson. It requires a long-term commitment to the process. This means that even when immediate results aren’t visible, golfers must trust the plan and the process.

A plan provides accountability. It’s easy to get lost in the intricacies of the game and lose sight of the larger picture. Having a structured plan helps golfers stay focused on their goals, track their progress, and adjust their approach when necessary, without completely abandoning the core fundamentals they’re working on.

Understanding Your Body’s Limitations

Another reason many golfers don’t improve after lessons is that they haven’t taken the time to understand their body’s unique physical limitations. Every golfer’s body is different. Some golfers have tight hips, while others may have limited shoulder rotation or weak core stability. These physical traits significantly influence the type of swing that is best suited for an individual player.

Without a proper physical assessment, a golfer may be trying to implement a swing technique that their body simply cannot execute efficiently. For example, a golfer with limited shoulder mobility may struggle to create the ideal shoulder turn that some swing techniques require. Instead of focusing on a technique that works with their physical capabilities, they may try to force their body into positions that lead to discomfort, injury, or a lack of power and consistency.

A body analysis—whether conducted by a golf fitness specialist or through a self-assessment—can provide critical insights into what a golfer’s body can and cannot do. This is key to unlocking a golfer’s potential. Once a player understands their physical limitations, they can work on improving mobility and strength or choose techniques that align with their current abilities.

Tailoring the Technique to the Golfer

The best golfers in the world all have their own unique swings. Sure, there are certain fundamentals that apply to everyone—like maintaining balance, proper grip, and ensuring good alignment—but the finer details of the swing vary from player to player. That’s because every golfer has a different body type, flexibility, strength, and even mental approach to the game.

The problem with cookie-cutter lessons is that they often fail to consider the individuality of the golfer. Too many golf lessons focus solely on technique without taking the player's physical capabilities and personal tendencies into account. A one-size-fits-all approach might work for some, but for many golfers, it leads to frustration when they can’t replicate what’s being taught.

Instead, golfers need individualized plans that cater specifically to their unique physical and mental makeup. If a golfer struggles with a particular aspect of their swing due to a physical limitation, their coach should work with them to develop an alternative technique that achieves similar results without putting undue strain on their body. This might mean shortening the backswing for someone with limited flexibility or adopting a more upright posture for a player with back issues.

Developing a Personalized Improvement Plan

So, how can golfers develop a plan that will truly help them get better after lessons? The key lies in combining technical coaching with a personalized approach that takes the whole golfer into account. Here are the steps to creating a comprehensive improvement plan:

Get a Body Analysis:

The first step should always be to understand the golfer's physical capabilities. A golf fitness professional can conduct a full body analysis to assess mobility, strength, flexibility, and any areas of concern. This will provide a foundation for determining what swing techniques are realistic and sustainable.

Set Clear Goals:

Improvement in golf should be measurable. Whether it’s reducing the handicap, improving driving distance, or increasing greens in regulation, clear goals give the golfer something to work towards. These goals should be realistic, specific, and broken down into smaller, manageable milestones.

Develop a Technique that Suits the Golfer:

Based on the body analysis, a golfer should work with a coach to develop a swing technique that works best for them. This technique should take into account any physical limitations and be geared toward improving performance without risking injury or unnecessary strain.

Commit to a Long-Term Plan:

Golfers should resist the urge to jump from technique to technique. Improvement takes time. A long-term plan that focuses on gradual progression, with regular check-ins and adjustments, will lead to more consistent results than constantly searching for quick fixes.

Practice with Purpose:

Mindless practice rarely leads to improvement. Instead, golfers need focused, intentional practice sessions that align with the goals set in their plan. This means working on specific drills, reviewing progress, and continually reinforcing the changes made during lessons.

Monitor Progress and Adjust:

As the golfer improves and physical capabilities change, the plan should be revisited and adjusted. Improvement in golf is rarely linear, and there will be times when progress stalls. By sticking to the plan and making small tweaks along the way, golfers can avoid the temptation to overhaul their entire approach after a single bad round.

Conclusion

Golfers who don’t get better after lessons often fall victim to a lack of planning and commitment. Without a concrete plan, they jump from one technique to another, never giving themselves enough time to truly improve. By focusing on developing a personalized plan that accounts for their body’s unique capabilities and sticking to that plan over the long term, golfers can unlock their potential and see real improvement in their game. It’s not about finding the perfect swing; it’s about finding the perfect swing for you.

Talk soon!

Robbie Potesta

www.externalfocusgolf.com