Had a golf lesson today, my first ever after over 20 years of play. All of my golfing knowledge having been cobbled together from various people, observing professionals and guess work. Autodidacts are often knowledgeable in odd ways, but such knowledge conceals huge deserts of ignorance.
Alas, I am too old to have my swing reconstructed from scratch, but I did receive some very good - immediately useful - advice. I have to close my grip and use my index finger as a kind of trigger. He also advised me to make the arc of my swing much more open (so that I look like one of those old duffers who strike the ball miles). Just 2 pieces of advice (alongside the 6 or so things I tell myself anyway) added to my store of knowledge - but what a difference it made to my swing.
Playing golf is pure being. It is one of the most flighty uplifting experiences in the world. I felt exalted, lighter than air after playing a good shot. All anxieties and traumas fade away. It is bliss.
I have an ambition to get my handicap down to 18 within the next few years. Given that I only play about 4 times a year, this would seem to be a stretch too far, but perhaps not if I can sustain the form I showed today.
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