i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

[ubizmo]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

Of course a lot easier and quicker success depends on ones ability to play sport, hand eye coordination etc, I believe I had a pretty decent game anyway so yes the 3skills simply released me from all other un-becoming thoughts.

This is an important point, I think. One's ability to play sport, one's basic hand-eye coordination and timing--these things make a difference. If your fundamentals are pretty good to begin with, then it makes sense that focusing on the three skills, and sweeping out lots of other ideas, can help take you to the next level.

On point I would correct you on is there is no swing thoughts, you look at the ball and simply imagine the club coming from the inside, downward and through the ball, no actual feelings during the swing (hard to explain)

After several weeks of working on the three skills, at the practice range and on the course, I agree. This approach is very single-minded. You focus on impact, you visualize the correct path and you swing the club. That's all. The feeling of doing things this way is almost disembodied. As I said in my last post in this thread, when I working the three skills I lose all awareness of what my body is doing, especially from the waist down.

The question is this: Is it a good thing to lose awareness of one's body like this? I think the answer is: It depends. If what you're doing with your body is basically sound, then I suspect the answer is yes. Focus on the three skills and your body will take care of itself. Some of us, however, have little or no athletic instincts, and our "natural" ways of moving are awkward and unbalanced. I put myself in this category. I never played any sport. So when somebody like me takes up golf at age 50...I just may not be the kind of person who can let my body take care of itself.

Will swing mechanics help somebody like me? I don't know. It's what I've been doing for a few years, and I've wrestled my average score down from the 120s, to 97 or so--from a handicap so high only dogs could hear it to about a 25. I don't actually keep a handicap, but my playing partner does, and he's a 25 and lately we're about even. Or we were until the last few weeks. The progress I've made has been the result of trying to understand what I do wrong and fix it.

Let's face it, breaking 90 is promised to no one. It's not written anywhere that anyone who plays, practices, takes lessons, etc. has the ability to strike a golf ball consistently enough to break 90. I like to think it's possible for me. For quite a while I wondered if I'd ever manage to break 100, but it finally happened. So I think I have a shot at breaking 90 too. But the way it seems to me right now, to do so I need to continue to be vigilant about what I do with my body. When I relax that vigilance, as the three skills approach suggests, I just don't do well. I'm not trying to make a "case" against the three skills approach, because my situation is probably not typical to begin with.

[BrianW]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

I will retire from this thread as there appears to be a school that suggests some of us are either on commission or are telling lies on the subject of 3 skills, I really do despair with the levels of cynicism in life these days. I, like Slater have found the system has been a benefit to me so thought it may be helpful to let others know.

Before jumping in with criticism of Joe Hagan's thoughts on letting go of other swing thoughts it may be better to actually read the whole book and consider what has been said. Nowhere does it imply that the swing other than 3 skills does not matter, it rather suggests that when the skills are improved the swing should improve with it.

Like any golf system or other it will suit some more than others, some will find this particular method easier to learn than others. I have to say that I have read and studied many golf swing systems and have taken more lessons than most in my life, no book, video or lesson has clarified to me the essence of ball striking like this book does. You are absolutely at will do do it your way, feel free.

Signing out,
Pissed off,
May feel better after a few beers

Brian.

[Ian Hancock]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

Purely in the spirit of debate, how much of this is because you have fundamentally sound swing mechanics anyhow?

Perhaps using 3Skills is liberating for you because of Bradley, The Swing Factory et al - you might be letting them go on one level but they are still there subconsciously.

I wouldn't disagree that the simplicity of 3Skills is freeing users of the techniques up to play better golf - how could I? the evidence is in this forum but I'd respectfully suggest many of the beneficiaries were half way there already.

And just to be mischievous, when we talk about the mechanics of the swing just what are "the clubface going back and coming through on the correct path, hitting the ball with the correct angle of descent for the club in use and closing the club through impact" if not swing mechanics.

From my point of view I will be persevering with the 3Skills concept because I think I've [with Brian's help] solved a problem with Skill 2 that was really holding me back but I'm still not sure that its stands alone as a technique but rather something that frees you to [as previous posts have explored] just to "twat it albeit to "twat it" with control and purpose.

OK I'l retire now and await the bombardment.

Great Post,

Of course a lot easier and quicker success depends on ones ability to play sport, hand eye coordination etc, I believe I had a pretty decent game anyway so yes the 3skills simply released me from all other un-becoming thoughts.
On point I would correct you on is there is no swing thoughts, you look at the ball and simply imagine the club coming from the inside, downward and through the ball, no actual feelings during the swing (hard to explain) I have said we had the benifit of a one to one lesson with Kevin.
The revolution for me is also the ball striking, it has got better by each round, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed the rest of my swing is ok, because I have forgot what else i'm doing, but it doesn't seem to matter.............Quote.......just let go.

Ian.

[slater170]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

Ian

I really do apologise if you were offended by the use of "disingenuous" and I withdraw it.

I know, because we have exchanged PMs on the subject that you are genuinely trying to help your fellow high caps based on your own success with the 3Skills; I tried them out on the course today and, yes, I was striking the ball better - sadly my short game and putting showed all the finesse of a blacksmith on PCP - add in a 3 club wind and unfortunately I didn't score any better.

All I was endeavouring to point out - for the benefit of those who are struggling to implement the concepts - was that you are a golfer who, for example managed a PB of 82 the week before seeing the 3Skills at Arden albeit coupled with a 103 the same week.

So perhaps "forgetful" would have been a better word than "disingenuous" in that your enthusiasm for 3Skill blinded you to just how good you potentially were, which is where I think I came in i.e. 3Skills liberating the good golfer.

You've posted your last post so thats fine but the apology & explanation is here to be acceopted if you want.

thanks robin
im not meticulous in keeping stats so i suppose there is little integrity in the numbers i supplied
the bottom line is 3skills is working for me, im just sorry the summer has ended now, but i will be putting in a ton of practice over the winter and i think 15 is a realistic figure for me next year.

[bdbl]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

ok guys this will be my last post in this thread
it has worked wonders for my game (hoorah for me) or maybe i was a better golfer than i previously thought.
there's no selling angle on my part im not on commission!

do what you want guys, buy the book or dont buy the book

i was trying albeit naively to promote something i thought would help my fellow high handicappers.

i resent the inference that im "dishonest" and "disingenuous"

so enjoy your game guys

Ian

I really do apologise if you were offended by the use of "disingenuous" and I withdraw it.

I know, because we have exchanged PMs on the subject that you are genuinely trying to help your fellow high caps based on your own success with the 3Skills; I tried them out on the course today and, yes, I was striking the ball better - sadly my short game and putting showed all the finesse of a blacksmith on PCP - add in a 3 club wind and unfortunately I didn't score any better.

All I was endeavouring to point out - for the benefit of those who are struggling to implement the concepts - was that you are a golfer who, for example managed a PB of 82 the week before seeing the 3Skills at Arden albeit coupled with a 103 the same week.

So perhaps "forgetful" would have been a better word than "disingenuous" in that your enthusiasm for 3Skill blinded you to just how good you potentially were, which is where I think I came in i.e. 3Skills liberating the good golfer.

You've posted your last post so thats fine but the apology & explanation is here to be acceopted if you want.

[slater170]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

ok guys this will be my last post in this thread
it has worked wonders for my game (hoorah for me) or maybe i was a better golfer than i previously thought.
there's no selling angle on my part im not on commission!

do what you want guys, buy the book or dont buy the book

i was trying albeit naively to promote something i thought would help my fellow high handicappers.

i resent the inference that im "dishonest" and "disingenuous"

so enjoy your game guys

[BrianW]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

I am beginning to think maybe Cmays is a prophet.

How many have reduced their handicap by more than 3 strokes?? Convince me....or is it just Bulls***???

I am not being antagonistic, I just want to see if there is true improvement or is it just grandstanding???? Show me the numbers......



Chessbum....

To be honest it means nothing to me if you buy the book or not, it's not my book. Why do you think people like me are exaggerating our experience, I have nothing to gain by that!

I said I would get the book, try it then report back. I have! You can also do as you wish, good luck with your Golf

[bdbl]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

i have come to realise that perhaps i am being a little naive to think that 3skills will work for everyone straightaway.
you know the old saying "you can please some of the people some of the the time but you cant please all of the people all of the time"

i looked at the my stats earlier and prior to 3skills i was averaging 97 per round.
since then my average has dropped to 88 thats 9 shots!
last week other than for a blow up at the last hole of a comp i was looking at carding a nett 64 i still got cut 1.2
the day after i won my companies golf competition shooting a 90 on a hillside course that id never seen before that was physically demanding and in shocking weather.
i will start next season on a 21 handicap im pretty confident that i will drop that by more than 3 strokes

OOH a bit disinenguous that Ian and a slightly selective use of stats. Do you not remember what you posted in July?

"43! What a great number

especially written twice on your card!
been a little off the boil of late the poor weather being a major factor.
managed 18 after work and felt i played a lot better.
front 9:- 4,6,6,4,5,5,4,5,4
back 9:- 5,6,4,5,3,6,5,6,3 = 86 -hcap @22 = nett64 yeehaw"

I remember it well because I was damned jealous at the progress you'd been making that far through the season.

Now don't get me wrong; I like the idea of the 3Skills - anything that allows a simplified focus on core fundamentals gets a thumbs up from me because, well as my wife and son will tell you I'm a bit simple anyhow

My point for debate was really twofold - or two sides of the same coin - first that in order to concentrate on the 3Skills you might need some half decent fundamentals to start with and second that it is possible to have a fundamental flaw that needs fixing before you can progress.

It is clear that 3S is enabling you to reach previously only occassionally attained levels on a consistent basis leaving you poised for the sub 80 break through (damn you ).

My question is whether 3Skills releases existing ability or whether it develops new talents for the game.

[slater170]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

I am beginning to think maybe Cmays is a prophet.

How many have reduced their handicap by more than 3 strokes?? Convince me....or is it just Bulls***???

I am not being antagonistic, I just want to see if there is true improvement or is it just grandstanding???? Show me the numbers......



Chessbum....

i have come to realise that perhaps i am being a little naive to think that 3skills will work for everyone straightaway.
you know the old saying "you can please some of the people some of the the time but you cant please all of the people all of the time"

i looked at the my stats earlier and prior to 3skills i was averaging 97 per round.
since then my average has dropped to 88 thats 9 shots!
last week other than for a blow up at the last hole of a comp i was looking at carding a nett 64 i still got cut 1.2
the day after i won my companies golf competition shooting a 90 on a hillside course that id never seen before that was physically demanding and in shocking weather.
i will start next season on a 21 handicap im pretty confident that i will drop that by more than 3 strokes

[bulldog2k]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

Always good to read a variety of views, and always intersting to read them when they are forcefully put!

It's not that I have any beef with the 3 skills concept - I do intend to buy the book at some stage, but (a) my game is going in the right direction, (b) I start taking regular lessons on Monday (hurrah!) and (c) numerically, as Cmays alludes to, I buy the Bob Rotella principle that at least 70% of ones practice should be on the short game, not the long game.

I'm happy with my irons off the tee, and I'm happy with my short game. That leaves me with drivers off the tee, and anything more than 120 off the deck. That - by my reckoning - comes to in the order of 25 shots a round. It's not that they aren't important (and indeed the first thing I want to cnocentrate on are my fundamentals with the pro), but they are half as numerous compared to the 50 shots from 120 in.

This isn't scepticism - far from it; just an explanation of my thinking behind my priorities...

[ubizmo]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

Let me make it as clear as I can. I have no quarrel with the three skills. They are completely reasonable and presented with great clarity in the book. I'm not "blaming" the three skills concepts for my poor performance.

The book discusses the three skills in some depth, and presents a small number of drills to work on. These drills are meant to help one to master the three skills. I have no quarrel with that either.

The remaining point is this: The student of the three skills is supposed to work on these drills and not "pollute" his practice with other swing ideas and, presumably other drills. What this means to me is very simply: One should think about the three skills, and do the three skills drills, and nothing else. And that's how I've been approaching it. I think it's not the three skills and the drills, but the lack of attention to other aspects of my swing that is causing me to lose ground.

Let me be very specific. I tend to be an "arms" person, when it comes to my golf swing. If I don't make a conscious effort, my body below the waist remains pretty much inert. The three skills system focuses my attention away from my body and fixates it on the club face. Granted, the club face is where the action is. Nevertheless, at one point this morning, after a series of bad shots, my playing partner came up to me and commented on my swing, something he almost never does. He said "Boy I noticed you really rolled over on the edge of your right foot. I thought you said that was bad news." Mind you, he's not at all into swing mechanics. He just happened to notice this. And of course he was right. It is bad news, and it's a persistent bad habit that I had finally pretty much corrected just a few weeks ago. But it has crept back in, because for the past few weeks I haven't been focusing on "body parts" like feet and knees. And that's just what he happened to notice. As I focus on the club face, I become oblivious to things like what's happening at the level of my feet.

So if someone says that the three skills will help me to remember what is essential in golf ball striking, I agree. But if someone says, the three skills, and the associated drills are all I need to know, and all I need to think about, to strike the ball really well, then I have some doubts.

[greghutton]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

Great news chaps...

There will be a 3skillsgolf demo day coming up

Following the great feedback from the GolfPunk review and the full feature on Setanta Sports, 3skillsgolf will be running a demo day at its base - Hersham Village Golf Club in Surrey.

I will let you all know when we have a firm date for this event.

It will likely be around March/April time.

[chessbum]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

There is a famous auto dealer that I know as far as being a top seller. He started to run 30 minute spots after the news each night.

At 1st, it started to bring in some new business and just as fast as he put the spots up after the news, the business started to decrease because the interest was no longer there.

He then learn to spread the spots out over a longer period of time and the business returned, greater then ever.

Some of you are wearing this subject thin and maybe causing more damge then you are doing good.


You can hit the ball great, but come back when you start scoring and reducing the handicap and then you have something to report on.

I am beginning to think maybe Cmays is a prophet.

How many have reduced their handicap by more than 3 strokes?? Convince me....or is it just Bulls***???

I am not being antagonistic, I just want to see if there is true improvement or is it just grandstanding???? Show me the numbers......



Chessbum....

[slater170]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

nice one brian!

chessbum
i think you will be ploughing a lonely furrow on this one!

[BrianW]

Re: i used the 3 skills and nailed it!

Dear Ubizmo,

You are the only one I believe is 100% honest in his assessment of this program. Although, I want to buy the book, it's just too difficult. I am beginning to believe that it's just another golf book.

Please keep posting your thoughts. I'll keep watching....

Thanks again for your honesty...

Chessbum....

I guess you are entitled to your opinion if you had one based on some experience. Don't get the book, keep doing what you are currently doing which is probably not getting you very far. But then again, I am probably feeding you bulls***!