Opinion & Analysis
The year-long quest to fix my swing at GolfTEC
If golf instructional materials were drugs, call me Tony Montana. I wish I wasn’t such an addict, but it’s too late. I’ve read just about every instructional there is, watched countless YouTube videos and tune in to the Golf Fix regularly. Throughout this fascinating, but tortuous and often trippy journey, I’ve observed two basic constants:
- Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons is largely viewed as the Holy Book on golf instruction.
- No one agrees with one another.
In fact, I think golf instruction is probably the most complex, highly debated, nonsensical moving target in all of sports training; a subject that is not only mired in an endless black hole of tips, triggers and tricks, but features such opposite opinions on seemingly basic principles that the result of one’s glance into the kooky kaleidoscope of its instructional labyrinth is more likely to yield finished products more akin to Jack Torrance than Jack Nicklaus.
Read the books or watch the thousands of YouTube videos yourself, and you’ll see what I mean. The contradictions that exist within basic aspects of the golf swing are so maddening that even the most shameless of flip-flopping presidential candidates would likely cry uncle if forced to offer a harmonious explanation. Swing the club head or the handle? Do the hips lead the downswing or the hands and arms? On errant shots, is it better to keep a positive attitude or act out psychotic fantasies of bludgeoning your golf bag to death and stuffing its decrepit remains into the nearest trash can? For what it’s worth, I can see the latter being a great stress reliever.
In the spring of 2014, I made the foolish attempt to self medicate a swing flaw which, as I now know, has been a more challenging obstacle to overcome than my fraternity hell week. A premature extension of my wrists was occurring prior to impact and producing the hallmark of every doomed amateur: the dreaded flipped left wrist/chicken wing at and after contact. Try as hard as I might, I could not rid myself of this grotesque post impact deformity, despite my clear awareness of the issue. I knew the fault, but literally could not fix it. It was as if my brain was tapping my hands on the shoulder, evading detection, and pulling my hands’ pants down. And the advice I would get from fellow playing partners — my personal favorite, “you’re not making a golf swing, you know?” — was not helping matters either.
The months that followed were a mixture of mystery and misery. The “flippy” release was now in my head. One-hundred-yard pitch shots became a breeding ground for blooper-reel content. Drives were too often finding the wrong fairway, subjecting me to perplexed glares from different foursomes, even occasionally obligating me to explain the reason for wayward tee ball. For what it’s worth, I have found that an exasperated, “Rough night last night,” provides the best way to diffuse of this embarrassing situation.
In July of that year, my friend took me to his member guest, and we proceeded to finish DEAD LAST in the entire event, causing us to be the brunt of countless jokes and even some match fixing accusations from the affected parties in our flight. Thankfully, the bartenders made that weekend a little less painful.
This was no way to live. I solicited opinions from a variety of sources: friends, online articles, psychology journals. Experimenting with psychedelic drugs was considered. One of my friends had suggested I go to GolfTEC. “GolfTEC?” I thought. Sure, I had seen the (overly simplistic, cheesy) advertisements, but my legal training made me skeptical. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I went. And I’m glad I did.
I walked into GolfTec for a swing evaluation in October of 2014 with Wayne Sciscio, a friendly, straight-talking Jersey-Italian who runs the East Hanover, New Jersey, GolfTEC branch. He asked me about my long-term goals, my current misses and overall thoughts on the swing. He then hooked me into a vest of sorts (which measured my hip and shoulder rotation at various points in the swing vs. tour averages) as we took some initial cuts. Wayne explained the features of each GolfTEC hitting bay, which includes a down-the-line and face-on camera view, and the ability to immediately replay each swing in slow motion. There was also a launch monitor to provide us with all of the helpful data (swing path, launch angle, etc.), as well as an accompanying flat screen which simulated my ball flight (essential for any indoor training, really).
The initial consultation uncovered two major flaws: First, I was burying my right elbow deep behind my body on the backswing, thus necessitating a “throw” of the club head during the downswing to get the club “unstuck” and, most importantly, that my brain’s idea of impact needed serious rewiring. For about 20 years, my “squaring mechanism” for the golf club, like most amateurs, was to flip/throw the club head past the hands, as opposed to using lag, a proper pivot, and a descending blow at impact.
“I want you to imagine that the top line [of the club head] beats the leading edge through impact,” Wayne said.
I’d never heard impact expressed that way. Wayne even set up an imaginary finish line a few inches beyond impact, in which the top line of the golf club was to finish ahead of the leading edge. For anyone struggling with impact, I urge you to stop reading this article right now and try this exact move.
2014 (left) vs. 2015 swing position at the top
The entire look of my swing was different. Instinctively, I engaged my core, held the angle of my wrists, and kept the club more in front of me. We spent the last third of the swing consultation doing no-ball, slow-motion swings to reinforce this thought. It was necessary to, as Wayne put it, “create new neural pathways” for my brain to understand correct impact conditions. Side-by-side, before-and-after shots showed an immediate difference. But after my lesson, with Wayne not there to restrain my unbridled stupidity, full speed shots featured that same hideous flip through impact. Still, upon a week’s worth of reflection, I signed up for a 10-lesson package with a 3-month practice pass. Wayne was optimistic that, eventually, I’d realize some noticeable success.
Wayne makes some swing observations, and gleefully questions whether my suede bucks are suitable lesson footwear.
It’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge the dueling cameras I referenced before — undoubtedly one of Golftec’s strong points — and how they allow you to watch your swing immediately after its completion. As someone who uses the V1 App on my iPhone to frequently check my swing, GolfTEC’s video apparatus makes using my smartphone seem like dial up internet. There is no comparison. I could probably take, and watch, about 10 swings in the time it would take me to analyze one swing on my iPhone. And, until I land on the winning end of a plaintiff’s class action lawsuit and install my own personal indoor golf simulator, the GolfTEC set up is more than fine for now. It’s great, actually.
The green buttons allow golfers to watch each swing in slow motion, rewind, and watch again at GolfTec.
For the next several weeks, Wayne put me to work. One week, he’d reach into his tub of swing noodles or gadgets to assist him in making his point, whereas other times, he’d merely express ideas, suggest imaginary targets and reinforce the critical importance of no-ball, slow-motion training. We’d then analyze each swing on Wayne’s nearby computer, and talk about the differences between the early- and late-lessons swings. It was almost like my own version of the Golf Fix or School of Golf, but instead of Holly Saunders and Martin Hall, it featured two Italian dudes from Jersey talking about why the %$#^ I couldn’t achieve proper impact conditions.
A few hours after each lesson, I could watch my video highlights on my GolfTEC personal web page, a helpful feature in keeping a sense of continuity between GolfTEC visits. I could even book follow-up lessons on my iPhone through GolfTEC’s mobile app. Tough to beat.
I now know that the various golf packages offered at GolfTEC, which I initially figured to be a scam, are the only way to go. Golf, at least to me, is really, really hard. If you’re trying to make swing changes, it takes total dedication and appreciation of the difficult journey ahead. What feels right is likely wrong, and what feels wrong is likely right. I recall asking Wayne to recommend to me the best golf instructional to supplement my training, but his answer was a bit different than what I expected. He explained to me that the process of learning new positions and addressing swing flaws is rarely expressed or taught — certainly not in any of the famous swing manuals that we’ve all read — and that what I would learn most from my GolfTEC experience was how to train correctly.
And this, to borrow a cryptic Hogan term, is the “secret” of GolfTEC. It exposes the actual culprit in why we cannot improve at golf: our very own brain. Yes, that same alleged “super computer” that once assured you that streaking the quad wouldn’t attract campus security attention or, more appropriately, convinces you that you can automatically incorporate Sergio Garcia’s shaft lean into your weekend game without any practice whatsoever, is the main governor in your swing’s inability to break through to new heights.
For my specific impact ailments, the difference in what I was feeling versus what was actually showing up on GolfTEC’s cameras was, to be honest, nothing short of mind blowing. I personally had to feel like my golf club was in a state of free-fall for what seemed like an hour before I could actually see any real lag and shaft lean on video. New leaks would also spring up due to these changes, and I occasionally had to use lessons to address unforeseen setbacks. With each lesson, Wayne calmly prescribed a cure and never once seemed to share my sense of panic or despair; even as a couple of months had gone by with inconsistent results. Conversely, Wayne kept on preaching proper practice (again stressing the importance of slow swing or no ball training) and patience (not to mention all of the hands-on instruction, drills, and side-by-side comparisons with tour pros). If I had tried to make these changes by swinging 100 percent during each practice session or lesson, I would have never progressed.
My “flippy” release (top photo, circa October 2014). By March 2015 I’d improved it significantly.
Then, one day in the early spring of 2015, the things that I had been working on started to feel familiar; almost natural. Once foreign motor patterns were more instinctual. On the cameras at GolfTEC, I giggled with childlike wonderment as I witnessed my newly grooved strike in which my arms were fully extended after impact on full swings. On the course, I began taking proper divots, with a penetrating ball flight and a sweet crack that hadn’t been there previously. With my driver, I began hitting a hard push draw by employing a slightly bowed left wrist through impact to stabilize the club face and minimize my natural tendency to flip.
My swing in 2014 (left) and in 2015 (right). Note the slightly bowed wrist, rotated hips and better face control in 2015.
I was then able to apply these newly formed habits toward meaningful golf. Later that year, my friend and I won our flight this time in his member guest, and in the fall, I went on to capture my club’s A-Flight title. This year, I hope to make further progress and qualify for my club championship. My golf IQ has also increased. At GolfTEC, you’ll learn about (and witness the effects of) concepts like gear effect, how to properly diagnose missed shots, and (most importantly for me) why occasional episodes of the shanks creep in to your game and how to immediately fix them. By the way, there is nothing quite as disgusting and motivating as watching in slow motion what happens to your club face, post-shank.
Playing with my weekend group, I now laugh at the various forms of irrelevant unsolicited swing advice being tossed around. You’re not keeping your head down or you need to swing in a barrel are just a few of the nonsensical, know-it-all bits of blabber you may hear from the latest Butch-Harmon-of the-moment mid-handicapper. Now, when that same blowhard tries to rationalize your latest pure draw due to you swinging out to the target, you can politely counter: “Actually, my path at impact was right of the target with a club face that essentially bisected the target line and my swing path, thus putting draw spin on the ball. I even caught the ball a little off-center, toward the toe, thus producing a gear effect impact condition which aided the draw.”
Nuff said.
Opinion & Analysis
Brandel Chamblee PGA Championship Q&A: Rose’s huge McLaren risk, distracted LIV pros and why Aronimink suits the bombers
PGA Championship week is here, and Brandel Chamblee did not hold back in our latest discussion ahead of the season’s second major.
In our 2026 PGA Championship Q&A, golf’s leading analyst made the case that PIF pulling LIV’s funding has left its players competing in a state of confusion, called Justin Rose’s mid-season equipment switch a huge risk at 45, and explained why Aronimink will be a bombers’ delight this week.
Check out the full Q&A below.
Gianni: With the PIF confirming that they’re pulling funding from LIV at the end of the season, what impact do you expect that to have on the LIV players competing at the PGA Championship?
Brandel: I would imagine that they have all been thrown into a state of confusion, and will be distracted, not knowing where they are going to play next year and not knowing exactly their road back to either the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour. Or in Rahm’s case, being tied to a sinking ship for the next few years, likely playing for pennies on the dollar in events that no one cares about or watches.
I doubt this would put him in the best frame of mind to compete at his highest level. Keeping in mind, however, that majors are the only time that LIV disciples get to play in events that matter, so never disregard the motivation they have to prove to the world they are still relevant.
Gianni: Justin Rose switched to McLaren Golf equipment mid-season while playing some of the best golf of his career. What do you make of the change?
Brandel: I don’t really know what to make of Rose switching equipment. It seems a huge risk on his part, even though it is likely, in my opinion, that the clubs he’s playing are similar, if not the exact grinds, to what he was playing previously, with a McLaren stamp on them.
Having said that, at best, it is a distraction when he seemed to be as dialed in with his game as any 45-year-old could be and trending in the majors to perhaps do something that would definitely put him in the Hall of Fame. At worst, given the possibility that these clubs aren’t just duplicates of his old set stamped with McLaren on them, he’s made an equipment change that would take time, and 45-year-old athletes don’t have the time to do such things.
Gianni: Aronimink has only hosted a handful of professional events since it hosted the 1962 PGA Championship. What kind of test does it present, and does a course with less recent major championship history tend to level the playing field?
Brandel: Even though Aronimink has only hosted a handful of meaningful professional events, it has been fairly discerning in who can win there. When Keegan Bradley won the BMW Championship on the Donald Ross masterpiece in 2018, he was the 2nd best iron player on tour coming into that week. When Nick Watney won the AT&T at Aronimink in 2011, he was 2nd in strokes gained total coming into the week.
In 2020, Aronimink hosted the KPMG Championship, and Sei Young Kim won. On the LPGA that year, she was first in greens in regulation, putts per green in regulation, and scoring average on the way to being the LPGA player of the year. And then there is the 1962 PGA Championship won by Gary Player, who eventually became just one of a few players to win the career grand slam on the way to winning 9 majors. It is a formidable test, and if it’s not softened by rain, it will bring out the best in the upper echelons of the game.
Gianni: Is there a specific hole at Aronimink that you think will do the most to decide the winner?
Brandel: The hardest hole at Aronimink in each of the three tour events that have been played there since 2010 has been the long par-3 8th hole, with the par-4 10th being the second hardest, so most of the carnage will happen around the turn, but with the par-5 16th offering opportunities for bold plays and the tough closing holes at 17 and 18, the finish is likely to be frenetic.
Gianni: The PGA Championship has always sat in the shadow of the other majors. What does the ideal PGA Championship look like in your eyes, and what would it take for it to carve out its own identity?
Brandel: The PGA Championship, to whatever degree it suffers from the comparison to the other three majors, is still counted just as much when adding them up at the end of one’s career. Almost 1/3 of Nicklaus’ major wins were the five PGA Championships he won. Walter Hagen won 11 majors, five of which were PGA Championships.
Tiger Woods twice in his career won back-to-back PGA Championships, and those four majors count just as much as the other 11 he won. The PGA may not have the prestige of the other three, but it carries the same weight. Having said that, I preferred the identity that it had as the last major of the year.
Gianni: You nailed your Masters picks. Rory won, Scottie finished solo second, and Morikawa surged to a tie for seventh. Who are your top 3 picks for the PGA Championship and why?
Brandel: I am not a huge fan of majors played on golf courses that have been shorn of most of the trees, although I understand some of the agronomic reasons for doing so and of course the ease with which it allows members to play after errant drives. However, at the highest level, it all but eliminates any strategy off the tee and turns professional golf into an even bigger slugfest. That means that it will likely be a bomber’s delight this week, but fortunately, Scottie Scheffler is long enough to play that game and straight enough to play it better than anyone else.
The major championships give us very few surprises anymore, going back to the beginning of 2012, so the last 57 majors played, the average world rank of the winners has been better than 15th in the world. So look at the highest ranked and longest drivers who are on form coming into the PGA Championship who also have great short games as the surrounds at Aronimink are very challenging. That’s Scottie Scheffler by a mile and then McIlroy and Cameron Young with a far bigger nod towards DeChambeau than I gave him at the Masters.
In this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, we dive into one of the most interesting flatstick releases of the year with a full review of the new TaylorMade SYSTM 2 putters. After spending time on the greens, I break down what makes this design stand out, where it performs, and why it has me completely torn between loving it and fighting it. If you are into feel, alignment, and consistency, this is one you will want to hear about.
We also take a look at some of the putters in play on the PGA Tour last week. From familiar favorites to a few surprising setups, there is always something to learn from what the best players in the world are rolling with under pressure.
To wrap things up, I walk through the process of building a set of JP Golf Prime irons paired with Baddazz Gold Series shafts. From component selection to performance goals, this is a deep dive into what goes into creating a unique custom set and why this combo has been so intriguing.
This year my 50th birthday. Gosh, where has the time gone?
As a teenager in rural Missouri, some of my junior high and high school years felt interminable. Graduation seemed light years away. But the older I get, the faster life seems to fly by.
I’m also increasingly aware of my mortality. My dad died recently. Earlier this year, a friend and fellow PGA of America professional and I were texting about our next catch-up. The next message I received was news of his unexpected passing at 48. Shortly after, a woman I dated in college succumbed to cancer at 51.
Certainly, one can share perspective at any age. Seniors help freshmen, veterans guide rookies. But reaching this milestone feels like as good a time as any to do one of those “what would I tell my younger self?” articles.
I’ve had a uniquely varied career in golf. I started as a 27-year-old, average-length-hitting, 14-handicap computer engineer and somehow managed to turn pro before running out of money, constantly bootstrapping my way forward. I’ve won qualifiers and set venue records in the World Long Drive Championships, finished fifth at the Speedgolf World Championships, coached all skill levels as a PGA of America professional, built industry-leading swing speed training programs for Swing Man Golf, helped advance the single-length iron market with Sterling Irons®, caddied on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, and played about 300 courses across 32 countries.
It’s been a ride, and I’ve gone both deep and wide.
So while I can consult and advise from a lot of angles, let me keep it to a few things I’d tell the average golfer who wants to improve.
1. Think About What You Want
Everyone has their own reason for picking up a golf club.
Oddly, as a professional athlete, I’m not internally driven by competition. That can be challenging, as the industry currently prioritizes and incentivizes competition over the love of the game.
For me, I love walking and being outdoors. Nature helps balance my energy. I prefer courses that are integrated into the natural beauty of their surroundings. I’m comfortable practicing alone. I’m a deep thinker, and I genuinely enjoy investigating the game, using data and intuition to unearth unique, often innovative insights. I’m fortunate to be strong and athletic, so I appreciate the chance to engage with my abilities. Traveling feels adventurous. I could go on.
You don’t have to overthink it like I do. For you, it might be as simple as hitting balls to escape work, hanging out with friends, and playing loosely with the rules and the score.
The point is to give yourself permission to play for your own reasons, and let that be enough.
But if improvement is your goal, thinking about your destination—and when you want to get there—is important, because it dictates the steps you need to take. When I set out to go from a 14-handicap to the PGA TOUR as quickly as possible, the steps I needed were very different from those of a working golfer trying to break 90 in six months. That’s also different from someone who just wants a few peaceful hours outside each week, away from work or family.
None of these goals are better than the others, but each requires a different plan that you can work backward from.
2. There Are Lots of Things That Can Work
One of the challenges of golf is that, although there are rules for playing, there aren’t clear, industry-wide standards for how to best play the game. There’s a lot of gray area.
You might hear a top coach or trainer insist that a certain move is the best way to swing or train. Then you dig a bit deeper and, much to your confusion and frustration, another respected coach or trainer says something completely different. I don’t think anyone is trying to confuse you—at least I hope not. It’s just where the industry is right now.
You have to be careful with advice from tournament pros, too. They might be great at scoring, but they’re also human and sometimes just as susceptible as amateurs to believing things that don’t really move the needle. Tour players might describe what they feel, but that’s not always what they’re actually doing when assessed with technology.
I recently ran a test on my YouTube channel (which connects to my GolfWRX article “How to use your hands in the golf swing for power and accuracy”), and, interestingly, two of the most commonly taught hand actions produced the worst results in the test.
Coaches can certainly help. If you find someone you connect with to help navigate, that’s great. But there are many ways to get the ball in the hole. In the current landscape, you may need to seek multiple opinions, think critically, and use your own intuition to discern what seems true and whose advice resonates with you.
I’d recommend seeking someone who is open-minded and always learning, because things constantly change. Absolutes like “correct” or “proper” should raise a red flag. AI can be useful, but it tends to confidently repeat popular advice, so proceed with caution.
3. Get Custom Fit
If you’re serious about becoming a better player, getting custom fit is hugely important. There’s no sense fighting your equipment if you don’t have to. Most better players get fit these days and, if they don’t, they’re usually skilled enough to work around clubs that aren’t ideal.
If you plan to play for a long time, it’s worth spending a little more upfront to get something that truly fits you and your game, rather than continually buying and discarding equipment.
Equipment rules haven’t really changed significantly since the early 2000s. To stay in business, manufacturers keep pushing those limits. If you pull a bunch of clubs and balls off the rack and test them, you’ll find differences. I’ve tested two new drivers and seen a 30-yard total distance gap. Usually, the issue isn’t bad equipment; it’s that the combination of components simply isn’t the best fit.
It’s like wearing a new pair of floppy clown shoes. Sure, they’re shoes—but you won’t sprint your best in them compared to track shoes that fit perfectly.
Be wary of what’s called custom fitting, too. Sometimes the term is used as a marketing strategy rather than an actual fitting. In some retail settings, fitters may be incentivized to steer you toward higher-priced components. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s not the best fit, but you should be aware of potential biases.
I learned a version of this lesson outside of golf. Years ago, I bought a tennis racquet at a big box store from a seemingly knowledgeable employee who thought it would suit me best. The racquet gave me tennis elbow, and I spent months recovering with rest and acupuncture. The next season, I invested more time and money to find what actually fit me, and I walked away with something amazing that I still play with years later.
So if you’re going to get fit, be smart about it.
Find someone you believe has deep knowledge—possibly with certifications, but not necessarily. Make sure there’s a wide inventory across many brands. Check recent reviews for the individual fitter if possible. Make sure you trust that the fitter has your best interests at heart. If they’re wearing a hat or shirt with a specific brand’s logo, proceed with caution. Unless you specifically want a certain brand or look, be wary of upsells, especially if two options perform nearly the same.
Also, while golf is called a sport of integrity, there’s a thread of manipulation in the industry. I once drafted an equipment article for an industry magazine, structured just like one of their previous popular stories, with matching word count and great photos. The assistant editor loved it; it was useful to readers and required little work on his part. But the editor-in-chief nixed the story. When I asked why, I was told it was because I wasn’t an advertiser. It turned out the article I’d modeled mine after was a paid ad cleverly disguised as editorial content.
I really dislike games, clickbait, and fear-based manipulation. I hope this changes, but golfers deserve to know it exists.
4. Distance and Strategy Matter
There’s a real relationship between how far you hit the ball and your scoring average, even at the PGA TOUR level.
I experienced this early in my pro career. I started as a power hitter, swinging in the high 120s and breaking 200 mph ball speed with a stock driver.
Back then, some instructors advised swinging at 80%, so I tried slowing down for more accuracy. That worked fine on shorter, tighter courses. But on longer setups, I was coming into greens with too much club, and par 5s stopped being
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MattMcW
Jun 8, 2016 at 4:33 pm
For all of those folks who are leery of GolfTec, I am living proof that if you put in the work, you can get the results. I started with GolfTec 3 years ago with an index of 6.9 and my June 1st revised index is 3.5. It hasn’t been easy and I will echo John’s sentiments about being able to actually see what you think you’re doing as opposed to what you actually are doing. To be honest, I’m not anywhere near where I actually want to go, but I have seen a change in the shape/path of my swing, my release pattern, the quality of my strike and the shape of my ball flight. I’ve gone from a classic come over the top pull slice that was caused by an over active upper body at the top, which produced shots high in the air with a lot of spin and great for hitting lots of fairways, but rarely did tee shots get any roll out. Now, I’m seeing shots come off the club with a more penetrating right to left shape to them.
As for the whole “Stack and Tilt” commenter, GolfTec talks about body positions that all the pros get into during their swings but doesn’t force you into those positions because everyone’s body moves differently.
Matt McWilliams- I go to the GolfTec in Tysons Corner, VA
Wayne Morris
Jun 5, 2016 at 11:47 pm
In my opinion the fact that you claimed to be a 13.6 handicapper prior to starting this golftec experience but looking at those before pictures and those horrible positions makes me scratch my head. Truly your new after positions and knowledge sounds like a more avid golfer, and its more believable that you are a 8 to 10 handicap now not a 5-6. I do agree that high speed video helps pick the flaws to work on, where on the range its always a guess. But golftec does force feed you a certain style which i think is not always the right way for everyone. Belive it or not, with your obvious dedication, and hunger to get better, any instruction would have improved your game but trust me you would have gotten better with a PGA pro than golftec
John Iaciofano
Jun 6, 2016 at 2:10 pm
Hmm…I am not sure where I claimed I was a 13.6 handicapper, nor did I claim I am a 5. Also, many PGA Pros are also Golftec Pros. In my case, my instructor was a Class A PGA Pro.
JJJ
Jun 4, 2016 at 5:02 pm
Started up with GolfTEC last July, got a good pro. Little bit lazy with the lessons, usually only 1 or two a month. Was a 17.1 back then, 12.4 now and trending down. The big thing for me is the immediate visual feedback, frame by frame, both in the lessons and in the video practice. What I think I’m doing is so often far from is actually happening. The visual reinforcement of what I’m trying to achieve has been extremely helpful.
Bogeypro
Jun 3, 2016 at 10:26 pm
Congrats on the better play, but this really sounds like a plug for a sponsor.
Truth
Jun 3, 2016 at 6:19 pm
Golftec is garabge. A computer can’t teach you how to feel or how to “swing your swing” as Arnold Palmer put it.
leon@aee.us.com
Jun 2, 2016 at 11:07 am
Avid or serious golfer never go to GolfTec for any fix of their swing. Most of the pros there are “rookies” who just started their teaching career with limited experiences. They are good for beginners who is trying to get a glimpse of the golf and having a very “programmable” swing.
If you already have a good taste of the golf swing but would like to get better, find some experienced instructors hosted in nearby golf courses or dedicated learning schools (teaching centers, non-franchised). They normally charge more for a lesson ($100-$250 one hour lesson depends on who you are working with) but deliver more effective fixes that you can see the results immediately when you walk off the lesson. The guys who can survive the teaching competition and root themselves on a golf course normally have something to show around.
I worked with one instructor for four lessons ($150 per lesson, I visited him once a month) and brought down my scores from mid 90s to low 80s (or even mid 70s) in a few months. But you need to keep educating yourself and keep practicing / experimenting during the learning process. By gluing all the swing facts together, you will find a swing that suits you and your game.
John Iaciofano
Jun 3, 2016 at 2:26 pm
It all depends on the Golftec. The pro that taught me there is a class A PGA professional and I think has given close to 30k lessons. Not exactly a “rookie.”
Jim
Jun 2, 2016 at 8:35 am
One of the best articles about instruction—as opposed to instructional articles—I have read. I particularly liked your emphasis on slow swing/no ball training. If you can’t get into the proper positions in slow motion, you don’t understand what they are and you will never achieve them at full speed. I went to a winter golf school this year and had similar swing faults as you, especially flipping at the ball and contacting the turf before hitting the ball. My instructors are advocates of slow swing/no ball training and it wasn’t until I got serious about this aspect that I saw real improvement. And I think this is true regardless of the system or method of instruction.
Philip
Jun 1, 2016 at 11:12 pm
Checked out the GolfTec site. Interesting, but it has two issues for me. The first is if the lessons are mainly on fake grass – as I’ve found it can hide too many flaws. Of course, if your swing is good then you can hit off of anything, but that is not their larger market. The second is the use of video – I’ve never found it to be helpful in understanding my swing. It is interesting and useful to understand other swings from a general point of view, but I need to visualize my swing internally from my perspective, and video is external from a different point of view, and other peoples swings is irrelevant to me as I am not them. My best success has been with a golf pro on real grass reviewing my fundamentals to make sure they haven’t gone adrift. The more I understand how setup and address affects a swing by practicing in slow motion, as well as at regular speeds, the better I am able to control the club face and distance.
John
Jun 10, 2016 at 10:35 am
Philip – I’m sure everyone is different; perhaps video is not your thing and you could be right. I must say however, that in my case, I couldn’t have possibly made progress without video. It’s necessary for me to see my swing faults and be able to see what it feels like when I’m trying to correct it.
Brian
Jun 1, 2016 at 6:57 pm
I have to agree with John. I worked with GolfTec for about 18 motnhs. I started as a 12 and went to an 8. Obviously, we all learn differently, but I will not go back to taking lessons on range.
Johnny Muscletown
Jun 1, 2016 at 6:38 pm
GolfTec seems to be very polarizing, especially by the armchair pros out there. I had a great experience at GT for over a year. I quit because I had to buy an engagement ring. I took a few other lessons here and there that were not in Golftec from various pros that were very good as well. Bottom line is to find a good teacher and actually do what they say.
Bob
Jun 1, 2016 at 3:06 pm
John, how much did GolfTec pay you? I’ve heard more horror stories then good things about GolfTec. The picture you posted does confirm one thing, Golf Tec obviously is teaching the Stack & Tilt. Looking at your before and after picture gives me shivers down my back just as reading about the Stack & Tilt golf swing gives me nightmares at night. Sorry John, but this post of your reeks of “Paid for by” Personally I would not waste my time or money on GolfTec. Sorry John, just don’t buy it.
John Iaciofano
Jun 1, 2016 at 4:20 pm
Bob – Actually, I did this after my Golftec experience, which I paid for personally. Golftec is likely not teaching the stack and tilt; I personally like to have a bit of a forward move to assist me with proper impact.
Bob
Jun 1, 2016 at 4:57 pm
John, look at the picture you posted of your after back swing. “Stack & Tilt”
And yes from what I have been told “Stack & Tilt” is the company teaching policy.
John like it or not you are now a Stack & Tilter. Scary stuff 🙁
John Iaciofano
Jun 2, 2016 at 10:15 am
Ha. Never once was Stack and Tilt taught during my golftec experience. Although I would not mind swinging like this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im5UAZHeoDc
Bob
Jun 2, 2016 at 10:37 am
Maybe that’s what they told you but the reality is you are now a Stack and Tilter John. Have fun.
And as for me, I have better things to spend my money on rather then making the CEO of Golf Tec richer.
John Iaciofano
Jun 2, 2016 at 11:38 am
I will have fun. Golf has never been more fun. Thank you, Bob.
larrybud
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:48 pm
So what’s the bottom line? What’s your GHIN before and after? It’s all about scoring.
John Iaciofano
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:50 pm
larry I would say i was about a 9-12 and now hover between a 6-8.
Ric
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:57 pm
The tip you gave” Wayne even set up an imaginary finish line a few inches beyond impact, in which the top line of the golf club was to finish ahead of the leading edge” sounds like what happens when the clubhead overtakes the handle. Am I missing something?
John Iaciofano
Jun 1, 2016 at 1:57 pm
Ric – it’s the opposite actually. If you have your club’s “top line” (the top of the club) beat the “leading edge” (the bottom of the club) your handle would overtake the clubhead.
larrybud
Jun 2, 2016 at 7:42 am
You don’t have any hard numbers?
John Iaciofano
Jun 2, 2016 at 11:36 am
Rarely is my handicap ever fixed or hard; it moves around. At the end of last year my index was a 6.9; which is the lowest it has ever been by at least 1-2 strokes.
Peter d
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:43 pm
I did 2 years of golf tec, plus countless other lessons. I see gt as a system of instruction rather than instruction itself, but that system addresses a key fault of “normal” lessons: frequency and long-horizon. I think most people go to lessons to “get fixed” and do not usually keep up with lessons unless they self identify a problem. The gt system addresses this by regular, consistent lessons over an extended period of time, past the initial “fix”.
That said you still need a solid instructor to actually do the lessons!
cody
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:40 pm
I think all instruction is as good as the instructor. Golftec included. All the gadgets and gizmos in the world will not make up for quality instruction. I am sure, that golftec locations, just like golf courses are individual and vary in the “pros” ability and understanding to teach the swing. I dont think that golftec is good or bad. I am glad they exist to try to help players get better, and don’t begrudge them trying to make a dollar at the same time. I say if you are looking for instruction, give them a pass and see if it fits. if not move on.
KangarooLefty
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:21 pm
John,
If you mentioned it in the article – I missed it. Do you actually score better?
While I don’t agree with the masses on the issue of GolfTec: that it is a rip-off/scam/waste; and, that you will never get better. I do believe that fixing an aspect of your swing may not always lead to better results on the course. I know, that statement seems counter-intuitive, but hear me out.
Most single digit handicappers have either one or both of these parts of their game significantly better than higher digit handicappers: they hit the ball a lot farther; or, they have better than average course management skills. All single digit handicappers are better at yardages under 100 and chipping/putting. GolfTec does not teach you course management and does not teach you chipping/putting. So, while your swing may be getting better – are your scores?
To most people – the score at the end of the round is more important than the look of the swing or the flight of the ball. A few years back – when I was really devoting time and energy to the sport and had achieved a fairly modest handicap of 4 – I went to GolfTec and had a few lessons. If I had stuck with the entire package maybe my results would have been different, but I immediately felt like my swing wasn’t good enough. I was young and spry and could hit the ball a mile, but my shoulder turn wasn’t maximized and during portions of the downswing I was sliding too much. So off to the range I went with the drills and the thoughts in my head and I started to decline.
My biggest problem with the GolfTec way is that they only use Professional Golfers as the barometer for your swing. Does your hip rotation match that of Phil Mickelson? Does your shoulder rotation match Dustin Johnson? Here – how does your swing look side-by-side to Tiger Woods in his prime? Are you left-handed – here we can mirror any pro you want to see how you compare. Then – they use averages for shoulder rotation, hip rotation, swing plane, etc to compare your 40 year old swing to that of a professional golfer in their prime. Amateurs that are taking GolfTec lessons will not be able to match those numbers – not anatomically and not physiologically. Therefore, what are you really getting?
MOST of the time a lesson with a PGA instructor on the range, or better yet, on the course will yield more favorable results than GolfTec – and it behooves me that we keep seeing article after article about experiences with GolfTec.
I will never take away from a person’s positive experience at GolfTec – it is your money and your pipe dream. If you get better I am happy for you.
If most high handicappers spent more time on the putting green and chipping area they would reap greater rewards than any full-swing lesson will get them.
John Iaciofano
Jun 1, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Kangaroo – I definitely improved from golftec; I was breaking 80 with regularity due to the lessons, I think. I am down to about a 6-8 index these days whereas before it was more like a 8-13.
I personally think that the video lessons are incredibly valuable. If I just went to the range with some tips, I would have not improved. That’s how I always did things prior to golftec; but it took my experience at golftec for me to realize that for me to change an inch, it had to feel like a mile. For what I was trying to do – move my swing bottom forward – I couldn’t have done it without video and Wayne’s guidance. The interesting thing was that my experience was not overly technical. We definitely spent time doing side by side comparisons with tour pros, but it was used as more of a benchmark as to what were working on than a teaching point.
Actually, one of the things that improved the most was my scoring ability from 100 yards and in. By improving my impact conditions (divot after impact) I was really able to get a more surgical with my pitches and even long chips.
KangarooLefty
Jun 1, 2016 at 7:59 pm
John – thanks for the response. Sorry my comment was not displayed they way I spaced it paragraph wise. Like I mentioned, I am happy that practicing paid off for you (literally!). I think getting from that low double digit handicap spot to single digits is a great milestone to achieve. As a proper lead-in to any before/after comparison: how did your practice schedule/intensity change? You mentioned that you read every book and you watched every youtube video on golf instruction, so there was obviously knowledge of the golf swing before GolfTec. Was the practice as concentrated and numerous before GolfTec? Or, as you learned to like your new swing/results did your practice sessions become more regular or concentrated?
John Iaciofano
Jun 2, 2016 at 10:29 am
The practice was definitely quite frequent and concentrated, before. I would bang balls at the range; even using my V1 app frequently. It’s actually possible that I practiced less with golftec, although I definitely took advantage my 3-month practice pass.
I identified the “flip” due to my own recording with the v1 app, but it was a really hard fix and I enlisted Wayne’s help. I would say the WAY I practiced became much different.
JOL
Jun 1, 2016 at 8:21 am
I also signed up for a series of lessons at GolfTec and after 2-3 months never got past trying to get into the “PERFECT” backswing position. In hindsight, it was a waste of time and money.
Snoop
May 31, 2016 at 3:11 pm
Glad you liked it, but your picture is too perfect for this meme:
Pays GolfTEC lessons
Shows up in jeans
Maybe we should all forget about golf and get some of that lawyer money
John Iaciofano
May 31, 2016 at 3:30 pm
GT’s cost per lesson is actually pretty reasonable vs. competitors. The way I saw it, I’d probably be paying for 10 lessons anyway in the next couple of years. And the practice pass is nice, too.
Steven
May 31, 2016 at 3:05 pm
John,
Great article. I agree that the system at Golftec is designed for improvement. The constant instruction and video is great. Making swing changes does take time, and Golftec does a good job of showing the process for making changes. That learning is critical to long term success.
My experience wasn’t as good at Golftec because I had 3 different instructors. I was following a similar improvement plan after a year, but then started having to switch instructors. Like you said, everyone has a different perspective, so I struggled with the switches. I think Golftec is great for accountability, but the right instructor (or instruction) is the most important. A good plan with V1 can have similar results if consistent. It sounds like Wayne is a good instructor, and my guess is he would be good anywhere if the student follows the plan.
Just my thoughts. I know tons of people have great success with Golftec. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the same luck with the instructor.
Hope your progress continues and you qualify. That is a great accomplishment.
Jay
May 31, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Nice article – I had experience with GT prior to them offering the ball flight simulator. Would imagine thats a big plus to their (already pretty snazzy) technology
ooffa
May 31, 2016 at 2:33 pm
I could have fixed you in two minutes for the price of a cocktail at the 19th hole.
John Iaciofano
May 31, 2016 at 2:20 pm
Thanks puffy – completely agree with your thoughts. I was very pleased with Wayne’s instruction, and my experience, at Golftec.
Feherty's Large Mouth bASS
May 31, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Really? Another advertorial for GolfTEC? Poor kid had tons of lessons to fix a post impact problem where the root cause was 100% in the backswing and transition. Probably took more like 10 minutes to discover that and fix it rather than 10 months and thousands of dollars!
John Iaciofano
May 31, 2016 at 2:33 pm
100% huh? Feel free to enlighten us; this is an educational piece after all.
PuffyC
May 31, 2016 at 1:52 pm
Great write-up, couldn’t agree more. I’ve been working with GolfTec for over a year and the main thing I tell people is that if you’re taking lessons without video, you’re probably wasting your time. What you think your swing is doing is almost 100% never what it is actually doing, and without the cameras you have no idea.
Pe
May 31, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Video works for some, not for all. Just like any lesson. And some are just not born for physical activity of any kind, let alone any sport. Don’t encourage those people they can play this sport. They can’t.
bruce
Jun 1, 2016 at 1:07 pm
i think most people can find their way around a par 3 or executive course (they’re ok from 100 yards and in). and even on “real” courses one can always play from the forward tees (they should remove the gender designation). but, yeah, some people (myself included) don’t have what it takes to play from the tips. for me scoring mostly comes down to pitching, chipping, bunkers and putting anyway (and avoiding complete mis-hits on longer shots).
larrybud
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:57 pm
Depends on how you learn. My wife is all about showing her (like putting her into a certain position) so she can feel that position. Video is nearly useless to her.
bruce
Jun 1, 2016 at 1:12 pm
for me it’s interesting to see how i’m doing on video but it doesn’t really help me figure out what i’m supposed to “feel” (or think about) during the swing. and if i think too hard about one particular aspect of the swing (like touch your chin to your shoulder on the backswing) it generally kills my tempo and i hit a horrible shot. maybe it’s as much about rhythm, tempo and confidence as anything else (i know i can hit this shot because i’ve done it before). and for me my results on the driving range are pretty much unrelated to how i play (it’s all different when you’re actually playing a course).