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Perfect Example of a Great Recap by a Student ...
Hey Mark,
You probably never got a review this quick. As you are well aware by now, I am a confirmed golfaholic. Hopefully those handicap numbers below will be dropping before too long! I have now doubts you are the guy to get me there!! I like the fact that you are so thorough in your evaluation process and you expain everything really well.
I gotta hand it to you...I never thought I'd be hitting draws/hooks after a one hour lesson! Well maybe I did, until I tried it in front of you. It took me 'till about the end of the first range bucket to start "getting it" so I got a second one....plus extra balls guys left around :) I didn't want to stop!! As I mentioned I was hitting everything from straight shots with hook spin after landing to baby draws to 40-50yd hooks. I've been trying off and on for years to hit something resembling a draw and might have pulled it off 3 times by pure accident. What an awesome feeling to know I will be able to do it on command!!
Anyway, I know you think I'm a bit nuts/fanatical (guilty as charged) and I'm rambling on so I'll try to keep the rest short (yeah right):
Topics Covered:
- Mental Attitude- staying in the moment instead of thinking of the past (bad shots) & future score/outcome. (the rubber band!)
- Swing Path - you clearly proved that I have an out-to-in swing path leading to my pulls & slices.
- Patience - don't expect miracles overnight.
- Never say can't (unless you want to do push up's!)
Visual & Physical Keys/Changes:
- In order to incorporate and ingrain proper swing path aim feet, hips & shoulders along line WAY right of target (closed stance), ball very forward, and club face pointed at intended target (closed)....then swing along body line to promote in to out path.
I gotta tell you I did not get why you had me position the ball so far forward and could not get comfortable with it until I "got it" on the range. The only way to keep my shoulders aligned with my hips and grip the club with my right hand was to tilt my upper body to the right (which I know from all my amateur reading and swing studies is a proper set up - I just could never do it before!). It also took me a while to realise the looser I gripped the club the better realease/draw I was getting.
Mental Keys/Drills/Practice Habits:
- Stay focused on shot at hand
- Use alignment aids during practice
- We are making major changes to a swing I've incorrectly engrained over 20 years, so give it time!
- Stay positive
- Never say Can't!
I plan on hitting the local range (williw brook) more than the course over the next couple weeks. I'll probably schedule my next session in about 2 weeks. I hope to have my new swing & draw perfected by then.
Thanks again....you rock!!
Terry B.
Mark,
Shot 104 yesterday at willow brook, tying a career best.
Driver & 3 wood off tee was strong.
Fairway game was on.
Short game from 110 in solid.
Putter absolutely FAILED me! Probably 3 putted 9 holes... If I putted like I did earlier this year I shoot 97.
Nick K.
Mr. CSENCSITS;
Greetings! My name is Frank and I am looking to take formal golf lessons. I was recommended to check out Bethlehem Municipal Golf by a friend, Michael.
After looking around at your website, I was pleasantly surprised to see that you offer a free lesson to military veterans. As a 20 year Navy veteran (and Active Reservist) I applaud you and your staff for this! I also noticed that you offer a "Learn Golf for $7.14 per hour!" class and an assortment of private lessons packages.
With all that being said, I was hoping that you could guide me in the best course of action, with regards to a lesson plan, to elevate my game.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Very Respectfully,
Frank N.
Mark,
I have to share this with you.
So I played 9 on Sunday. Bad stuff. I went back to my old habits with an old buddy, at a familar course. Not good.
So I then travel to Rochester on business today. I had a few meetings. Of course, I noticed that the forecast was 76 degrees and that a driving range was right down the road from my hotel...so I took my clubs. I was able to hit a few balls between my meetings and a dinner engagement.
I started out hitting a few balls. From the start, it was better than when I was on the course, but nothing to write home about. I kept concentrating on the few things we had discussed, posture and a more upright swing. Well, a 76 degree day in Rochester, in April, brings everyone out. Before I knew it, there was a group waiting for a spot. It looked like a bar two or three deep on a Friday night. I started concentrating on the ball. More than anything, I want a smooth swing with a complete follow through. I started to realize that complete concentration on the ball eliminated too many swing thoughts. I could concentrate on posture before the swing. I could then think about my backswing but then just concentrate on the ball and let the rest of the swing just happen.
I was running late, so I told they guy behind me that I would hit a few more balls, and he could have the rest of the bucket. At that point, something clicked. The club felt relaxed in my hands, and I started to hit some balls clean. I hit about ten balls. The last one was my best. I turned around and said, "I am ending on a high note. It's all yours".
The guy behind me was probably in is late twenties. He said to me, "Your backswing is so light and graceful. So different from mine". I almost fell over. The first true complement I have ever received in golf. I told him that I had taken a lesson and I thanked him. I knew that I was hitting those last few balls in a different manner, but I could not believe the feeback.
Thanks.
Greg W.
Hey Mark,
On Tuesday you helped to cure me of the "k-shanks". I was anxious to try the swing adjustment and hit a small bucket Wednesday morning. Not one "k-shank"! Last night was league night and I shot my season best 39. I was very accurate.
Thanks for your help, I hope it sticks.
Chad
It was a pleasure participating in the coach’s program these last few months w/you. Your succinct feedback (especially video) has been very helpful; I’m a better golfer from it and know what I need to do to get better. Getting out on the course that last lesson was extremely helpful also. I’ve been recommending you & your program to my other frustrated friends & look forward to working w/you in the future. Great stuff!
Thanks again,
Dave Evans
First, I want to thank you for the lesson, I found it informative in that I had heard the terms "casting" and "over the top" but prior to seeing it on the videos, I didn't comprehend the concept.
Second, thank you for the videos; obviously for the information noted above but also that I have wanted to see my swing. The added graphics are very beneficial.
Now, for what I learned. In being able to see myself coming over the top and the correction to lining up with a closed stance I can understand how I was coming across the ball at impact. I knew I was doing it but I couldn't envision why. In addition, the rolling of the wrists when coming through the ball and into the follow through allows me to understand how to get the draw I want to have when teeing off.
I heard you mention about bringing my downswing "into the slot" and its also a phrase I have heard when watching golf. When we started the lesson, I mentioned that I felt that I was hitting too hard and didn't have the effortless feel that pro golfers seem to utilize. Although we didn't use my driver in the lesson I had previously adjusted that swing to bring my hand down into that slot position (although I wasn't certain that is what I needed all I knew is it seemed to work). What I didn't do was hit out (to the right) or roll my writs at impact. I generally had a straight drive but felt that I should be getting more yardage (hitting out to 225 plus roll) and that is why I felt I was "working" too hard. If I begin to use the methods you showed me and include the roll of the wrists should that provide an easier swing and perhaps additional yardage!
Bob S.
Mark,
Just checking in to let you know I will not be at class next week..... vacation has sadly gotten in the way of my golf training.
I really enjoyed the first class, the energy, enthusiasm and the training team's love of the game and dedication the Bethlehem course.
See you in two weeks.....
Casual Club Member
Mark,
Thanks for the followup lesson today - very helpful. As far as our first session, I really appreciated your knowledge and quick response to the issues I am having and the way you explained everything and your different analogies as far as getting in a linebacker stance or wrestling stance and the positive reinforcement.
I just had a chance to review the videos - they are are really helpful. It was great to see how I started out and how I finished just after an hour. I personally think the videos are an excellent learning tool also.
Again, thanks for the help. Looking forward to Thursday's session, I am truly excited about playing golf again.
Thank You,
Wayne E.
Mark,
Just wanted to say thanks for the lesson. I cannot believe how much I learned today. After we were done, I hung around and hit more balls. I could not believe how consistently long and straight I hit the ball. I have already booked my next 2 lessons. I have a tee time at Bethlehem tomorrow morning I will let you know how it goes.
Again thanks for the help,
Wayne E.
It was really cool for me to hit straight drive after straight drive after the lesson, that's something that hasn't happened for me in a long time. Each step in the process you showed me has a physical reminder attached to it, and that will allow me to become more repetitive with my practice and know what went wrong if I don't hit the ball straight. I'm looking forward to implementing this process on the course as I continue working to improve my game and lower my scores!
Best,
Rob
Mark,
Thank you for the video recaps.
I came away from this lesson understanding the cause and effect of launching myself forward in front of the ball and trusting that the motion and rotation will close the angle and club face. Got it! What a difference. Feels like hitting butter when it's right. And the corrected angle "INSTANTLY" recovered my lost distance. I loved the drill with the painted lines. Will use that one again. I think I've always tried to hit the "back of the ball". Now my primary thought is to create a divot in front of the ball and coincidentally the ball happens to be in my way, so I have to drive thru the ball to get my divot. Surprisingly still feel like I have the really "high" ball flight, but I've recovered the distance. I did notice when I move the ball position I seem to have a slight draw as well. Still playing around with that.
Work in progress, but now I know what I'm working on. My confidence is back. It was worth the lesson investment and then some.
Thanks Mark!
Kevin M.
Thank you Mark. I learned a lot and had fun too. I played my first tournament on 6/24 and won the longest drive for the women. Thank you again and will see you soon. :)
Sandra P.
Great lessons. Lots of common sense. Mark makes it easy and fun to golf. Thanks!
Colleen C.
Mark,
Thank You for your patience and awesome instrcuctions! I feel more confident about the game everyday.
Terry M.
Mark,
Thank you so much for giving me a great foundation upon which to biuld a better golf game. I'm enjoying it more than ever and look forward to playing more so I can continue to improve.
Dorene D.
Mark,
Your the best golf coach I have every had...I have tried 6 different teachers. You were the one that helped me understand how to play the game rather than perform shots or moves. You genuinely cared about me playing better and enjoying the game more.
Peter W.
Mark is an amazing teacher and coach. After just 2 lessons and coaching sessions I am driving the ball 50 yards farther! Mark uncovered how I learn best and used that mode to teach me. He is a perceptive and effective teacher.
Les S.
I am a 60 year old male with a 10 handicap. I am a recent student of Mark's and I believe with Mark's help I can definitely lower my handicap. Mark is very passionate and progressive in his approach to coaching golf. He is a high-energy individual and often uses humour to convey his point...he is very personable. I personally know that he is continually researching and sharing new ideas with other professionals about the physical, emotional and mental aspects of golf instruction...resulting in him being an extremely knowledgeable coach. I know this because I met Mark at the PGA Village in St. Lucie Florida where he was attending workshops, presentations and observing top 100 Instructors in America conduct their lessons. Mark is a 'complete' golf coach, not just a swing instructor.
Randy Gregory
Canada
Last night we arrived back home - weary, but excited nevertheless about our wonderful holiday. Never in a million years did I imagine that my golf lessons would turn out the way they did. Somehow those words - golf lessons - don't begin to describe the learning experience that I enjoyed. You are indeed a pro ... in more ways than one! You are a gifted teacher with an array of incredible skills. Somehow you managed to make the diagnosis and prescribe 'the fix' (by not only introducing appropriate drills, but helping me to internalize the 'feel' that was required) - all the while keeping the pace perfect (where on earth did the morning go?!!) and making the whole experience interesting and fun.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. I've always loved the game, but you have made me even more excited about the possibilities! Before arriving in Port St. Lucie I knew I was missing something important in my swing. Now, thanks to you, I finally understand what I need to do. That is huge. I do realize I'll have to put in a lot of work to make the necessary changes, but I now have hope! You have shown me how to go about my practice - what it is I need to focus on.
As if that isn't enough ... now I have received your wonderful cSwing videos that illustrate precisely the modifications I need to make. Now I have no excuse! You have certainly gone above and beyond. I know that taking the videos, studying them closely, and adding the audio guidance/recommendations all takes considerable time. Thank you sincerely for providing these wonderful videos. John has downloaded them onto my computer for me.
Finally Mark, thank you for your expertise, your insights, and for helping me to progress. Now it's my job to show that you can teach an old dog new tricks after all!
John and I wish you all the best!
Cheers
Debbie
I wanted to let you know that after an up and down golf season at Moravian, Rachel was given the Coach’s Award last evening for leadership. She also was named Captain for the 2011 season. I thought you might be interested since you were her actual coach and gave Rachel the skills she needed to compete in high school golf. She couldn’t have done this without your guidance and expertise so a portion of these awards are a reflection on you!
Ilsa L.
Take it from this 43 year old golf novice that spent 25 years of his life reading books, watching videos, buying training gimmicks and listening to friendly advice while never really hitting a golf ball the way it was meant to be hit.
If you want to improve your game, spend your golf money wisely this year with lessons from Mark!!!
In all of my 25 years of golfing, I have never hit a drive even close to 250 yards straight down the middle which I finally did after just one 60 minute lesson and video with Mark. The $100 video lesson well was spent as I could finally SEE and UNDERSTAND my common mistakes as Mark explained them to me in a visually descriptive way like I have never seen before. After watching my video and 20 minutes of posture and swing plane lessons, I hit a couple of drives that I never thought possible, one even past the 250 marker (unless Mark moved the yardage signs closer prior to my lesson...hmm). For someone who struggles hitting his drives 200 yards let alone in the fairway, I was amazed. I have a lot of hard work and practice ahead of me and I miss hit my share of practice shots but for the first time in my golf life, I actually think there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I cannot thank you enough Mark! Maybe golf will actually be fun for me one day soon! If my wife is reading this, lessons make a great Birthday or Christmas present! After all, if Tiger and Phil need lessons, I guess I do too.
Steve H.
Mark is one of the top professionals in the area due to his knowledge of the golf swing, his approach to each session and his ability to breakdown your swing and make the improvements needed. Mark video taped our session and was able to determine that I was keeping all my weight on my back leg after making contact with the ball. After two months of doing drills on my own that Mark recommended I'm playing golf with less back pain and driving the ball with more distance. If you want to improve your game and learn drills to do on your own, I strongly recommend Mark as your instructor.
Mike Kramer
Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional
Hi Mark, its Collin. I was looking around the internet about golf related things and I came across your website. I dont know if you remember me but I got a few lessons from you and was in the junior program for a few years. So I just wanted to inform you that I am one of your success stories. I made Central Catholics team as a freshman and I transferred to Parkland this year. I made their team and improved my game by 20 shots in 2 years. I broke 80 for the time last week and came in 2nd in a tournament at Iron Lakes this past Wednesday and Thursday, shooting 87, 78. I just wanted to thank you for kick-starting my golf career and hope to see you at some point in the future.
Thanks, Collin
Mark,
Thank you so much for all you taught me over the past five weeks. I have to admit I was skeptical coming into the lessons that I would learn anything. After three years of playing I thought I was beyond these lessons. After you pointed out all the things I did wrong with my putting the first week, I knew I was totally wrong. I do not believe I have ever chipped prior to your lessons, and now I’ve realized how often I’ve pitched when I should have chipped. Even tonight, as simple as it was to point out, I never thought about pointing the arrows on the golf ball to where I wanted to hit the ball on the tee.
I love the game and challenge that is golf and I think that I will enjoy it for years and decades to come. But now I have a whole new appreciation and what I feel are a whole new set of weapons to attack the courses that have frustrated me since I started. I'll try to keep in touch as I progress to let you know how things are going. Again, thank you very much for all your help.
Sincerely,
Al T.
Mark,
Thank you for the lesson. Your suggestion of standing more upright and improving my posture was a winner. Thursday, Friday and Saturday I played in my member guest outing and played the most consistent golf of the year. Shot two nines of 41 on Friday and one nine of 43. Saturday shot 40 and 42. My partner and I had the closest to the pin on the par threes both days, and I won one of those as well. 165 yards to a back pin placement, and my eight iron landed 4 inches from the hole, hit the flag and ended up 2' 9" from the hole. The next day I almost hit it in the hole again. My iron play has been much better in both accuracy and distance. Sunday I hit a 5 iron 197 yards to pin high with a wind in my face.
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your help and guidance.
Scott B.
Happy Golfer
Mark,
Alex had an excellent playing lesson. (He shot a 79 at Southmore the following day ... Need I say more?)
Thanks for everything.
Bruce W.
Mark -
I just want to thank you for the lesson last Saturday. I know you said I might get worse before I get better, but that was not the case. Thursday I played my first round since the lesson and shot 43 on the front and 37 on the back nine missing several birdie putts under ten feet. This was the first time I broke 40 on nine holes in four years. I thought you might enjoy hearing about my short term success.
Chris P.
Dear Mark,
Tom and I just wanted to thank you very much for all your great instruction and wonderful help with Erik. He learned so much from you! We've enjoyed the videos and especially watching him get excited about his improved golfing. We appreciate all you did for him. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Donna & Tom G.
Dear Mark,
On behalf of everyone in Bethlehem Special Olympics, I'd like to thank you for your warm welcome to our golfers. Please express our sincere thanks to all the employees who are so gracious to us.
Thank you for inviting us to the tournament last fall. Everyone had a blast and you were wonderful to our athletes.
Sincerely,
Louise T.