So far tips from pros really do help

I was happy to meet Shawn Clement at the Richmond Hill learning centre about a month ago (see Shawn Clement Golf ). I was getting ready to go low but my iron shots were erratic and I was going to take some lessons from Shawn. He was kind enough to take a quick look even before we scheduled the lessons and pointed out couple of things:

a) that my grip was not secure and that I was creating a gap at the top
b) my old pain of taking the club inside and coming even more from the inside on downswing causing lack of power and occasional shank

The first one was not very difficult to fix - I knew what the grip was suppose to be but got sloppy over time. The second one is naturally much harder to fix but with a little work and persistence in working on keeping the club in front of my chest at all times it worked out. I have not shanked in last month and consequentially increased my confidence in ball striking. Worked hard on the putting as well and guess what, broke 80 couple of weeks ago with a great 78 with even par on the back nine. I missed I believe couple of fairways (where I had lost balls) and perhaps a few more green in regulation but for sure had more than 10 GIRs. It was a great round and I was able to repeat with 79 at Richmond Hill. I took the golf digest challenge and it definitely points out that my weakness is in the short game.

Anyhow, I had my first class with Shawn and I must say that I am impressed. His understanding of the swing and short game is exceptional and his teaching method is very easy to understand. I look forward to next couple of months.