INFORMATION OVERLOAD
One of the most common conversations I have with my students is about a golf video or reel they watched on Instagram or YouTube. Let's assume that all of the videos are providing sound advice (which isn’t always the case), this still doesn’t mean you should be trying to experiment with everything you watch. It only makes sense to watch videos and implement ideas that are relevant to your problems. Yet there are so many golfers trying new things every range session in the hope of finding that one swing fix or magic bullet.
The other problem that exists is that the videos seem to follow current trends and fads. For example, not that long ago, every video was about bowing the lead wrist, then came shallowing the club, and now everything seems to be about hitting the ball further!
This information overload will keep you in a vicious loop of frustration unless you learn to filter and categorize what you’re watching. Are the videos providing entertainment or education, and is the content relevant for you?
I’m not saying that instructional videos are the problem, nor am I suggesting that people shouldn’t be making them. In fact, I’ve made a lot of instructional content in the past and continue to do so. What I’m suggesting is a different approach to how you view this content.
HOW INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS CAN WORK FOR YOU
Once you have a clear idea of where you are with your golf game, and where you want to reach, then you’ll be able to find the information that will guide you to your goals. You may not be able to correctly diagnose your current problems, but that's where a PGA Professional will be able to help.
Once you’re clear about the path forward, then look for someone who creates content on the topics that match your problems. For example, if you’ve identified that you need more focus on your short game, then look for coaches who specialize in putting and chipping. Likewise, if it’s distance you seek, then you’ll easily find coaches who are experts in strength and speed. Follow those people and listen to them exclusively when it comes to changing your swing or improving your game. That way, even if you try something new, it will at least be in the same 1-2 areas of your game and not randomly something new every week.
Lastly, I’ll say that making changes takes time, so whatever you’re doing with the information you get online, you need to stick with it for months or years! Too many golfers try something for 1-2 weeks and give up because it’s not working. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. You need to commit a lot of time to repeat, repeat, and repeat the drills until your mind and body learn a new movement pattern.
THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Step 1:
Find a coach (local or online) who can diagnose your current swing and build an improvement plan for you. Ask them for guidance instead of blindly searching the web. These days, it’s really easy to contact the people behind the content, and apps such as Skillest will allow you to find a coach you like anywhere in the world and work with them remotely.
Step 2:
Make a commitment not to watch Instagram or YouTube videos! Or at the very least, not implement anything you watch without getting approval from your coach. I personally advise all of my students not to watch online content and stick to the drills and improvement plans I provide to them.
Step 3:
REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT. You should do the drills and exercises that have been prescribed for weeks, months, and even years until you get so good at that particular movement that it starts to improve. This approach is far better than trying something for 2 weeks and then trying something totally different for the next 2 weeks!
Step 4:
Communicate and update your coach about any feels, changes, improvements, struggles, or any other factors relevant to your drills. This will give your coach the information they need to either adjust the improvement plan or make changes.
Step 5:
Stop listening to your friends who want to tell me about a new training aid or video they have just watched online! Although they mean well, most of your inner circle can keep you in this never-ending circle of frustration by adding fuel to the fire. Just stop watching the WhatsApp forwards or simply tell them that you’re currently in a 12-month program where you aren’t allowed to try anything that’s not prescribed by your coach.
In a world where information is available so easily with one press of a button, you need to be careful with what you listen to.
Find a coach, build a plan and keep the information filtered and selective. Your golf game will thank you for it!