Ultimate Golf School Review

[Phana24JG]

I had the good fortune to attend the recent Golf School held at Rock Hill on July 29-31. Here is a brief review of the school.

Day One. This is basically data collection day. We all took turns hitting mid irons and drivers (other clubs if there was a specific interest were included) on Mike Jacob's Flightscope X-2, Brian Manzella's Trackman, and the AMM 3-d System under the auspices of Dave Kuck. While data collection was the objective, Mike and Brian did make improvements to swings as they were observing. In between stages, golfers could either rest or go to the adjacent practice range, where Matt Bryda was available for additional instruction. As an added bonus, Dave Kuck gave us each a physical evaluation and made suggestions for how we could improve our game through conditioning and training. Finally, everyone went on the SAM putting lab with Mike Jacobs. You basically received at least a half hour individual lesson from two of the best teachers in golf, Mike and Brian, and all the time you needed from another excellent Manzella Instructor, Matt. Most people got more out of this than I did, but only because my back limits the number of swings I can take.

At the end of formal activities, golfers were free to practice, play golf, or as in my case, head to the heating pad and pharmaceuticals.

Day Two. This was awesome. Between Trackman, Flightscope and AMM you will know almost too much about your golf swing. Fortunately, Mike, Brian, Matt and Dave discuss your results the night before and present them on video in terms that a golfer can understand. In my case, the AMM results were sort of devastating, I am so out of shape that swinging a golf club consistently is challenging. It did provide the necessary resolve to begin a workout program.

After the video review, it was off to the range for full swing instruction. This was the high point for me. After borrowing some suggestions from each instructor, I was finally able to put away the snap hook. What is unique about this approach is that you get two or three different perspectives on how to achieve what you need to improve your swing. For example, Brian wanted me to adjust my pivot with hip motion. Due to lower back issues, it was not working well. Mike suggested I try to accomplish the same objective with footwork. While Matt was watching me, we agreed on which avenue was getting the desired results in terms of the swing. This was important because if I relied on ball flight alone, I would have gone in the opposite direction. After resting, I got back on the range and within ten minutes was spanking six irons and bombing drives with misses actually to the RIGHT

The afternoon began with the groups taking turns on the Manzella short game matrix with Matt also providing individual help. The other group was either practicing or working with Mike. We covered pitching, chipping and the sand game in detail. We then went to the putting green where Mike covered the X Golf School putting system.

Again, those with any energy left were free to practice, play, or seek relief.

Day Three. We began with an optional clinic by Geoff Magnum. Geoff is incredibly knowledgeable about putting and quite a character as well. I had to cut short my clinic since I cannot stand still for an extended period of time, and was nursing a raging back (if I had any brains I would not have played, but no one ever accused me of being too smart). There was also an option to review any issues with Mike, Brian, or Matt before we went to the course. We then played 18, alternating every six holes with a different instructor.

This was different for everyone. Some students wanted to talk about course management, others were more concerned with swing issues and the instructors reacted accordingly. I had the honor of sharing a cart with Dr. Aaron Zick for 12 holes which was a lot of fun. I played terrible but did not mind, I knew I was simply too fatigued to swing correctly.

The ultimate judgment will not play out for a couple of weeks. However, if yesterday's round was any indication of what is to come I cannot wait. I hit 4 of 7 fairways, and two of the misses were hit on line, but wind miscalculation/bad bounce sent them into the first cut, and the final miss was blasting a drive through a dogleg, which is a nice problem to have.

In conclusion, let me state that if you really want to get better at golf, this is the way to do it. If you cannot attend this particular school, you can get almost the same info directly via Mike, although I must admit that AMM device really shamed me into getting in shape. Upon retrospect, I have two suggestions for anyone thinking about attending such a school. First, if you are over 50 and/or very out of shape, remember your limitations. Quality trumps quantity every time, and even the best instructor cannot overcome physical limitations. Second, bring a notebook. There is soooo much good information that even writing stuff down at the end of the day leaves much to be desired. A small memo pad would have been invaluable.

P.S. Eh, don't let any Canadians borrow your sunscreen, you won't get it back. Just kidding, Paul.

[trickyric]

Very cool!
I am disappointed I had to miss this one.

[Shot Limit]

Good post. Now I'm more jealous! I'm holding out for one in NOLA, gotta start saving that chedda!

[Michael Jacobs]

It was a great one! Phana thanks for taking the time to write a review. I shot lots of little clips during the school and will post them up, we had lots of great feedback with the format. 3D - Data Day - Full Day of Instruction - Short Game - Playing Lessons. It is always fun to teach with Brian Manzella and Matt Bryda. Matt is an excellent teacher or those in the midwest!

The New York Newsday wrote a story on it and it is in todays paper:




Dr Aaron Zick was here for a whole week and he and I made some very big strides in golf swing study. He just left late yesterday so I occupied all my time with him and that is why I have been absent from adding things to the website here.

I am heading out for a sold out day but will try and put all the pictures and clips up soon.

Lessons are sold out for about a week ahead so if you are looking to schedule something with me please do so very early !

[trickyric]

How much did you pay them to print the article
Just Joshin you, it's super cool!

[Michael Jacobs]

A little highlight reel from the Ultimate Golf School