I Got a Lesson From Tiger Woods Ex-Coach!

Summary

In this instructional golf video, Tiger Woods' former coach Sean Foley offers valuable insights to improve wedge play. He addresses common struggles with wedge shots, emphasizing the importance of trajectory and spin control. Through an uncut lesson, Foley provides detailed analysis, using a range of balls to demonstrate launch and spin variations. He shares tips on ball striking, club face control, and body rotation, ultimately helping the student refine technique for consistent, controlled wedge shots.

Takeaways

• 🏌️‍♂️ Sean Foley, Tiger's former coach, is renowned for working with top PGA tour players and offers valuable insights on improving wedge play.
• 🌟 The video provides an uncut lesson focusing on wedges, emphasizing the importance of trajectory and spin control for better distance management.
• 🔍 Sean highlights the difference in ball performance between range balls and those purchased in stores, noting that store balls have softer covers leading to more spin and a lower launch.
• 🚀 Great wedge players tend to have more flighted shots, making it easier to control distance, unlike long iron players who hit higher shots.
• 🌐 Sean suggests that controlling the attack angle and minimizing hand involvement can lead to more consistent strikes and better control over the ball's trajectory.
• 🤔 The coach emphasizes the importance of not overthinking during the swing, as mental interference can lead to inconsistent ball striking and loss of control.
• 📈 Sean introduces the concept of 'shallowing' the attack angle, explaining that a slightly shallower approach can help in controlling the spin and launch of the ball.
• 🔄 He also discusses the role of body rotation and weight shift in generating power and maintaining a consistent swing, advising against trying to force the hips to fire faster.
• 🌳 Sean uses the Pro Sender, a training aid, to help the student feel the correct hand and arm positions during the swing, aiming for a more hands-free and natural motion.
• 📊 The lesson concludes with a focus on practicing the new swing mechanics at different distances, emphasizing the need for consistency in the swing's triangle and minimizing changes in the club path.

Q & A

What is the main issue the host is struggling with in his golf game according to the video script?

The host is struggling with his wedge shots, as they are not performing well and he needs help to improve his control and consistency with these shots.

Who is Sean Foley and what is his role in the video?

Sean Foley is Tiger's former coach and one of the best golf coaches in the world, known for working with many PGA tour players. In the video, he is giving a lesson to the host to help improve his wedge game.

What is the impact of a range ball's hardness on launch and spin rates?

A range ball's harder cover can change the launch and spin rates. The harder cover leads to less friction, which can cause the ball to launch higher with lower spin compared to a softer cover ball that would launch with more spin.

Why is it beneficial to control distance by trajectory rather than height when hitting wedges?

Controlling distance by trajectory is beneficial because it allows for more consistency and accuracy. Great wedge players tend to focus on a flighted trajectory, which is easier to control than trying to adjust height, especially when considering different pin positions on the green.

What is the significance of the 'floaty' ball flight mentioned in the script?

The 'floaty' ball flight indicates a high launch with low spin, which is not ideal for wedge shots where control and a softer landing are preferred. The host is trying to avoid this type of ball flight to improve his wedge play.

What is the purpose of the Pro Sender training aid mentioned in the video?

The Pro Sender is a training aid designed to help golfers achieve a more consistent and effective swing path and face control. It is used to practice and reinforce the correct motion and feel during the golf swing, especially for shots around the green.

Why does Sean Foley suggest hitting low draws with wedges?

Hitting low draws with wedges can help maintain the spin and control needed for shorter shots around the green. It also helps to avoid trying to deloft the ball with a tack angle, which can lead to inconsistent shots.

What is the importance of the forearm rotation in achieving the desired shot shape with wedges?

The forearm rotation is crucial for turning the club face down at impact, which helps to achieve the desired shot shape, particularly for low draws. It allows the golfer to control the attack angle and spin rate of the ball.

How does Sean Foley address the issue of inconsistent strikes on wedge shots?

Sean Foley addresses inconsistent strikes by focusing on the setup and swing mechanics. He suggests adjustments such as moving the hands back in the stance, having the hands higher at setup, and reducing wrist hinge to create a more consistent ball striking.

What advice does Sean Foley give regarding the footwork and weight shift in the golf swing, especially for wedge shots?

Sean Foley advises that the footwork should be natural and not forced. He emphasizes the importance of the ground reaction force and maintaining pressure on the ball throughout the swing. Weight shift is a natural part of the golf swing and should not be overly manipulated, as it helps in generating the necessary speed and momentum for the shot.

What is the significance of the 'towel drill' mentioned by Sean Foley in the context of practicing wedge shots?

The 'towel drill' is a practice method used to help golfers feel the correct swing motion and pressure on the ball without actually hitting the ground. It can help in developing a better understanding of the swing and maintaining consistency, especially for shots around the green.