Son finallly taking up the game

[isaacbm]

My 18 year old son has got the bug. He'd decided that he wants to get as good as he can at golf and wants me to help him along the way. I mean, he's really serious. Wants to go out everyday and is just loving it.

 

How good do you think he can get in a short amount of time?

 

His back ground: Played on Canada top soccer team last 3 years. Won Nationals and Provincials a couple of times. Was one of the most athletic and the most fit player on his team.

 

He's played almost no golf. Basically 2 rounds per year at his moms side of the family family-reunion.

 

We've hit balls a couple of times in the dome in the winter but that's pretty much it. He just never really was into it until he moved back in with me this summer. He's not playing soccer any more and decided he want's to hang with me on the course and to both of our surprise, he just absolutely loves it.

 

So here's my question: How good do you think he's gotten in 2 months and how good do you think he might get in a year?

 

When he started this summer on June 20th he shot 110 a couple of times. And that was with a few mulligans and a couple of max-out 4 putts.

 

He's played 30 rounds now and he's hit probably 75 large buckets of range balls. And he loves going to a local short game practice area by himself quite often.

 

Anyone want to guess what he's shooting now playing by all of the rules?

 

He has a distinct advantage in that his dad's a +4 x-mini tour pro that taught for years. Also, most of his rounds are played with me and my low/under scratch handicap buddies that are all encouraging and very competitive.

 

Any guesses?

 

(hint: very unhumble brag proud dad post)

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Knowing you and your game firsthand I'm guessing he's broken 80 already and posting low 80s on the regular

[mdgboxx]

I agree with O_P_B, mid single cap.

 

Depends on the coach :cheesy:

 

(hint: very unhumble brag proud dad post) Probably at or close to scratch :bb:

[Hawkeye77]

Very athletic kid, great model to watch growing up, I'm guessing he's shooting 72-76. I wouldn't guess that low but you said it's a brag and you play to an exceptionally high standard (although shooting high 70s, low 80s in such a short time would be awesome and worthy of lots of brag).

 

Nothing like having your own kids enjoy the game and enjoying it with them.

 

This is just great!

[MrJones]

He has a distinct advantage in that his dad's a +4 x-mini tour pro that taught for years. Also, most of his rounds are played with me and my low/under scratch handicap buddies that are all encouraging and very competitive.

 

Any guesses?

 

(hint: very unhumble brag proud dad post)

 

This, in my opinion, is a huge advantage. Playing with, observing, and learning from someone at your level right from the beginning should have gotten him on the right track fast. Plus his athletic ability...I'm guessing he's breaking 80 on the regular. Anything better than that would be spectacular in 2 months.

[gsea33]

30 rounds, 75 buckets, dad a +4 x mini tour player as a teacher. He better be in the high 70s -low 80s. I assume his short game will be the the game breaker.

[isaacbm]

You guys are bang on. He shot 79 on Canadian tour course rated 74.3/143 couple days ago. The problem so far is short game. It's pretty bad. I can't believe how good the ball striking has gotten so quickly. His problem is 35 feet -50 feet. Lots of times taking 4 to get down still.

 

But we're working on it.

 

Full swing pretty good. All we work on is alignment and balance. He hits a lot of shots with his eyes closed which I think is one of the best drills you can do when learning.

 

And short game is just a matter of reps.

 

I'll try and get some swing video soon .

[JW223]

He hits a lot of shots with his eyes closed which I think is one of the best drills you can do when learning.

 

Is there a method for this type of drill? What are you supposed to think about/picture while swinging with your eyes closed? Would love to hear more.

[isaacbm]

He hits a lot of shots with his eyes closed which I think is one of the best drills you can do when learning.

 

Is there a method for this type of drill? What are you supposed to think about/picture while swinging with your eyes closed? Would love to hear more.

Once you set up to the ball and you're in position to start your Takeaway, you simply close your eyes and swing focussing on balance tempo and holding your follow through . The ball doesn't move therefore golf doesn't need to be a hand-eye game. I have sought many rounds in the high 60s closing my eyes on all shots outside of 50 yards .

 

More than anything else closing your eyes forces you to become more body-aware. You'll feel whether you're moving off the ball, or whether you're falling forward, or whether you're over swinging or losing your balance. When your eyes are open the connection that your eyes have to the balance spot in your brain will force you to regain your balance in the middle of your swing when you're making a bad swing. If you practice with your eyes closed, you will literally fall over if you lose your balance .

 

 

[isaacbm]

 

 

 

 

this last one is me a few years ago...

 

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Definitely a dad inspired swing. looks good

 

Bringing him to the Monday game at Papago this winter?

[isaacbm]

Definitely a dad inspired swing. looks good

 

Bringing him to the Monday game at Papago this winter?

 

He's got some hip flexor stiffness just like the old man!

 

I'd like to see the whole thing get more fluid with better hip action but it's a process...

 

As far as Papago? LOL! I don't need to front the bill for 2 donators! Let's give it a little time. But if we head down this winter,

we'll get out with you as always !!

[oldschoolrocker]

The Apple does not fall far from the tree Pops. I know you must be, not just proud of his accomplishments in so short a period of time, but, also in the fact that he had garnered a love for the game, one that will provide both of you many hours of pleasure in the future.

I might offer a "well done" to you, not for your teaching skills on tuning him up, but, for your parenting skills in not pushing him toward your love at an early age. Allowing him to come to the game in his own time and way speaks volumes about you.

[Sean2]

I am very happy for you Isaac! Not only with his golf, but the fact that this is something father and son can do together. :-)

 

Dang, that is a very tidy swing the lad has. His progress is remarkable to say the least. Once he gets that short game going his scores will plunge...unless he simply hits all greens.

 

Best of luck and wish him well!

[isaacbm]

We're going out today to play with a 19 year old that just shot 62 at a hard course in Calgary. We've got a father/son vs father/son match going. I'm thinking we need a few strokes...

 

Golf is pretty cool. The 4 of us have known each other for years and it's a great way to spend time together on the weekend.

[mdgboxx]

We're going out today to play with a 19 year old that just shot 62 at a hard course in Calgary. We've got a father/son vs father/son match going. I'm thinking we need a few strokes...

 

Golf is pretty cool. The 4 of us have known each other for years and it's a great way to spend time together on the weekend.

 

If I read this right, your son is competing against his buddy, because he already knows he can beat you, hands down????

[JohnnyMIke]

much respect. It's fantastic sharing the game with your kid whether he's a 18 yr old athlete shooting high 70s or an 8 yr old kid shooting high 70s for 9 holes with her hacker dad.

I am going to say that the fact that he's got an ex-pro dad with a +4.5 index, and is an elite athlete himself makes me think he's got to be in the top 0.1% of all golfers with his level of experience, and, frankly makes me further dubious of those who claim to be honestly breaking 90 the first time they play, etc. Not too many on the planet are going to learn the game faster than your son.