I've been teaching golfers for 18 years and I enjoy it more than ever. There are lots of reasons; chiefly the people I meet and the constant pleasure of helping them improve. Learning from a great teacher can make what was thought of as complicated seem simple. I've been trained and certified by two great teachers, Jimmy Ballard and John Toepel Jr. Jimmy has taught well over 300 tour professionals and is one of the top 5 teachers in the world. John played on tour for 5 years; almost winning several times. He also played in the final group with Jack Nicklaus at the Australian Open and has been teaching for 30 years. His insights can be found in " Golf Can't Be This Simple - "The Swing" and "Playing The Game" a two book series that will release the game within you.
I invite you to learn a swing based on sound principles that will make lasting improvement possible. Most problems can be solved by simply improving the address position and alignment. Priciples such as a proper address, alignment, weight transfer, relaxation and a braced right leg will help you to be a shotmaker who can score on the golf course. Above all else you must be focused on the target when you play . Without this critical element you will never play to your potential. These skills can develop quickly with a regular thoughtful routine during practice. I will teach you what a golf swing is and how to practice in a way that will prepare you to play on the course and will improve your swing at the same time.
Private Lessons: All players have different strengths and ability levels. Feeling comfortable with the pace of learning is a key to motivation. Specific information about how to improve should match your ability to absorb and practice what is discussed in each lesson. After helping thousands of students of all ability levels I can adjust the lesson to the best course of action for you. We also go to the golf course as soon as possible so you can let your golfswing happen while you focus on the target.
Groups: A great way to get started in golf is a group lesson. I began my career teaching groups the fundamentals and I try to make the lessons fun and informative. I also encourage questions all along the way. So if you have a company tournament coming up or just want to have your golfing friends enjoy the game more don't hesitate; try a group lesson soon.
Playing Lessons: Do you practice all you can on the range and never score lower? Maybe its time to have a playing lesson to get an objective viewpoint. I see great improvement when a player learns to visualize what the shot should look like before the swing. Improving your preshot routine and aim cannot be ignored and are quick ways to bring that handicap down. Ask me about a golf course lesson and in just one round you will improve more than you thought possible.
Juniors: The #1 goal for any junior lesson I give is to have fun while learning. Kids will improve if you tell them to hit the ball in the hole. It really is that simple. Adjusting the lesson to fit the student is critical for juniors. A lesson that lasts too long or is too complicated can leave a negative impression and is worse than no instruction at all.
Tired of Plumb Bobbing for Triple Bogey? Take a lesson
If you have never taken a lesson at all its probably hard to imagine how it feels to have your swing inspected by a total stranger. You might be intimidated by the idea of probing eyes inspecting your movement and passing judgment but thats exactly what happens in a lesson. Someone who has seen thousands of different swings tries to use the judgment built while teaching to help you adhere to the principles at work in the swings of successful golfers. All of my instruction is offered in the spirit of discovery and improvement.
Why take lessons? There are many different reasons. Some people just want to try out golf and figure the best way is to learn from someone who knows how to teach. Motivation to play better might be a reason to seek out lessons. Upcoming tournament panic syndrome occasionally prods one to mend a wounded swing. Or perhaps because someone thought enough of you that they paid for lessons (who knows, maybe he really does want you to play!). Maybe you would just like to play better than you ever thought you could and decided to invest in some professional help.
Who takes lessons? The best players almost all have their swing looked at from time to time. Tiger Woods has consulted coach Butch Harmon in the past and now Hank Haney. But these teachers give lessons to absolute beginners also. I have been privileged to help players at a high level and I can tell you that their flaws are the same as everyone it just boils down to a matter of degree and adhearance to fundamentals.
What happens in a lesson? First we talk. This critical time lets me know your background and who you are as a person. We will discuss the swing as a whole so there is no doubt as to where we are headed when we hit balls. We will also have you establish realistic goals in a reasonable time frame. You should also know that we will get out on the golf course hitting shots right away so we can learn to play golf; not golf swing .
You will play better when you play for a target instead of just hitting the ball. But more about that when you come and see me.
Will lessons mess up my swing?
Absolutely not; in fact you will improve during the first lesson ,but you should be aware that if you have poor habits that are ingrained through years of repetition they will take time to change no matter who you are or how well you understand the benefit of the change. This means that some shots will feel very bad and you may not know why. While most instructors use mechanical quick fix ideas that only mask errors ; real progress will only happen when you understand the basic principles in your set up and swing and practice them in a tension free manner with the target as your goal.
How long until I can beat old man par? The truth is that it takes as long as it takes. But it also depends on your goals. If pure score is your goal then we can immediately bring down the handicap by focusing on the short game. Better pitching, chipping and putting alone may drastically reduce your score. But major swing improvement may be quicker and easier than you think when you learn to simplify the process. The important thing to remember is, stick with the ideas we agree upon: make practice swings regularly and don't give up the first time you feel confused. Stay with it and give it time. Above all else stay relaxed. And here's to no more plumb bobbing for triple bogey!
If you feel the notion to improve your game don't hesitate any more; call for an appointment now. I will make the lesson as painless as possible and soon you will be hitting better shots and posting lower scores . Call me today at or e-mail at markwellsgolf@yahoo.com
