Guy Rogers
Brad’s Three Day Boot is well structured over three days for five hours each day.
From a training analysis and design perspective Day One included self-appraisal testing and feedback during putting, chipping and pitching. Essentially this gave a good indication of our strengths and weaknesses in these important facets of the game. I knew these are areas of the game I can improve, and I am very pleased with the training outcome. A key fundamental for putting, chipping and pitching was stance, posture and ball position. My short game from 100 metres and into the green has saved me many strokes these past few months. And, with putting I have incorporated a strong discipline to subtly survey my line and length on the green. Some psychological benefits came to the fore, in particular to focus on the grip of the club rather than the head of the putter.
Day Two: The first hour was ‘in the classroom’ discussing ball flight cause and effect and the all important mechanics of the swing, in particular the hinging parts of the body from the ground up. Having played golf regularly for the last twenty six years I have had numerous coaching lessons. Brad without a shadow of a doubt in my mind was able to concisely and creatively convey to me this most important element of the golf – the golf swing – and the ability to rotate during the shot. This is one of the key elements I have worked on these few months taking it from the short game back to the fairway shots and at the tee-box. I have found a consistency coming into my shot making ability in particular a good rhythm that is not rushed but rather more balanced. Here is the rub, being able to see the shot in my minds eye and then realise I can achieve – generally there is a more clear focus on rotating my hips in a relaxed and controlled manner be it short irons, mid irons, or metal woods. The video session while hitting an 8 iron as well as a simple observation of bracing my right knee has since taken me to nirvana. This was a good example of where the classroom and the practice area came together. I was pleased with the video feedback, I was very surprised in a good sort of way. Then it was a good walk about the course and course management guidance.
Day Three: A good chance to work on the golf shot at the practice area and to have our clubs checked for correct fitting. Hand in glove so to speak no tweaking required. Out onto the course we split in two groups of three with Brad accompanying for nine holes each group. A good consolidation time to review the key elements addressed over the three days.
I completed the Boot Camp in early January and through February and March my game has found a very good pattern. The last seven rounds I have played to or better than my handicap, with three consecutive rounds posting a total of eleven under my handicap. I currently stand thirteen under par in these seven rounds.
