Deep wrinkle on Stillness, thank you, totally enjoyable how you share your experience. You evolved your focus during the round to the source, your left foot, and you’ve identified a key to maintaining stillness, no pressure change equals stillness. With a yardage card and a continued understanding of stillness, it’ll keep getting better every round.
Thanks Jim! I think so many of us get fixated on the mechanics and setup of your method, but the real swing is in the wisdom of the philosophy. THAT'S where the improvement comes from. The swing is arbitrary.
My son and I decided to implement the Venetos golf swing. We watch some RUclips videos and joined his sight. My son is at one of the military academies and while he was a great basketball player, he started playing golf late. We have tried various golf learning systems as his time available to practice and play is severely limited. We have looked at Stack and Tilt, Shawn Clement, and Mike Malaska’s swings and training looking for a simple swing that would yield decent results given limited practice and playing time. Over two weeks of his Christmas vacation, we watched website videos, practice about 45 minutes and then would play 18. Not ideal for what Venetos proscribes, but it was what we had to work with. Two points we discovered. (1) With previous teaching, training, videos, there is always a gap between what the instructor says, demonstrates on camera, and student’s ability to implement. With “stillness” and pivoting on left hip, there is much less that can go wrong. This was the first program that we actually felt like we could practice and improve on. There is no timeline and tempo required. It’s setup and being still. So we practiced this swing more than we ever had with any other. (2) Our scores dropped and they dropped dramatically. We had to learn to trust the swing as you “feel” like you are just not swinging hard enough, yet when you take what could be characterized as an easy, short swing, the ball goes far and most often has a tight draw ball flight. My son coming home and playing golf after months of not playing, usually results in scores in low 90s and after a couple weeks, scores usually drop closer to 85. Due to weather we were able to play five times. We did not keep score the first day, instead practiced as we played, sometimes hitting two balls. On our last day we played and both shot an 80 and it could have been lower. Ironically, my biggest improvement was with the longer clubs especially the driver and my improvement putting using Jim’s technique was insane. My son’s improvement was more with wedges and shorter clubs. He had always been a good putter. Takeaways: stillness, not transfer weight, and swinging East are the absolute keys. We also found our “missed” shots may have been short or most often pushed right, but were very playable. A poor shot did not hurt us. We are both absolutely sold on this swing NOT because it is an amazing pro-type swing, but because it is easily practiced, practice is enjoyable, and it looks like we both will be able to consistently shoot into the 70s once we have learned our yardages with the various clubs much better.
Wow that's fantastic! So glad to hear that. Golf should be that enjoyable more often for the masses. It's a solid and sound method, and produces great results for those that master the stillness and just like you said, don't overswing. Awesome.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on JV's method. It appears that I am in the same boat as you are as far as trying ST, Shawn, M's, JV's methods are concerned. Now I am debating SC or JV and I like JV for its simplicity. To get bit more info, do you hold the club after pivoting? do you keep the ball at the center for irons and at front heel for driver before pivot? how far do you pull the right foot when you pivot?
Week 10 - My first on course test of this method. I have been a good boy and stayed off of the golf course for over 2 months. Now, I put my skills to the test with some context.
GTD, I couldn’t be more impressed at how you go about your journey to better golfing. ‘Matter of fact, I am jealous of your discipline and organized way you are with the program. I am learning from and with you in this as you put it out there and I love that you picked my one and only way of golfing that I believe in. I can’t wait for your future video updates 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼✌️✌️ Thank you!
Noel you are too kind. Thank you. I wear everything only sleeve and golf is no different. I know and see a ton of golfers who are able to go play and their performance doesn't affect them. They just go out to hang out. I've never been that guy. If it will occupy space and time in my limited days on Earth, I will do my best to do it well, or I wont give up my minutes. Sweeping a floor or raising a child, you'll get my best effort.
I’ve been using Jim’s methodology for some months now. When I focus on stillness and only stillness it works, and works very well, however, if I get distracted by other swing thoughts my game suffers. Your videos around Jim’s swing are both entertaining and a great learning tool for me. Thank you.
Just found Jim’s video’s a week ago and then I found your video’s this week! Really enjoys this first attempt on a golf course with Jim’s swing. I thought you did great! Good luck going forward!
Thank you! Yeah, same here. It was tight for 75 percent of the holes I'd say. But you know, that's good. I don't want to be king of a pushover course. I appreciate the tests. This wasn't a super long course. About 6400 yards. It was a fair test.
Chad, I love the way you are so honest and transparent in your videos. I started following Jim's methods about 5 months ago. I golfed as much as I could but the pandemic took away my opportunity to earn so I spent what I had saved for golf and entertainment at the driving range instead. Yesterday, Nov 19 it was nearly 60 in Wisconsin and it was the last day the course I like to play at was open so I went out for the very first time to try to apply Jim's method. I shot an 82 with no additional shots and no cheating. I hit 11 of 18 fairways off the tee and averaged about 230 yds on my drives which is fantastic for me. I'm 60 with some serious back issues. I simply could not believe my accuracy and distance! My focus was stillness first and then taking a smooth unhurried swing with even pace (no acceleration) during my swing. My 82 beat my best score ever by 5 shots. I swear to you I was almost in tears approaching the 18th green which I birdied for my only birdie of the day. I am sold on this method and I am sold on Jim. I am a retired instructor at Univ of Wisconsin Madison and only took up golf at age 58. I maybe hacked my way around a course 20 times total in my life mostly drinking beer at the time. I have committed myself to learning this game in my retirement and what little consulting I do is my job now so because of Covid my golf earnings were cut by about 75%. I committed to golf when I retired and now I've committed to Jim. It makes sense to me, it is a very cognitive approach (which is me) and it is very body friendly for someone with chronic back issues. Jim has inspired me to play this game for as long as I am able and this method should make that possible for a long time. Thank you for sharing your videos. Next time to chat with Jim please let him know I'm a huge fan. I'm pretty much done with golf for the winter now but I will continue to work on his method indoors taking advantage of everything I can gain indoors. I wish you peace and health brother and hope you continue to post these honest and awesome videos. Time for me now to see if Jim has posted anything on RUclips I haven't seen yet. All the best to you and your family! Rick
Rick, I really appreciate all of the kind words. So happy to hear about your great experiences, and the round of a lifetime. I can completely relate to that feeling, when it FINALLY happens and all of the years pay off. It doesn't happen often, so we have to enjoy it when it comes. Congrats to you and best of luck moving forward!
The swing you are implementing works and I have been working on my game for thirty some years I’ve studied many and have read Ben Hogan’s book you know the one now I think I am a mixture of them all , someday I want to have the time to just work totally on my game and nothing else ,thanks .
Ha, I just worked out my short irons with Jim's swing yesterday,, I had trouble like u, in setting up,, Then I tried tried setting up backwards, or reversing the order, seems to work better for me.. Hit 9 balls 110m from the green, all landed on the green , 4 rolled off, just extra distance without adding power, 3 went inline with the flag ,,the rest only 3-4m for a putt.very pleased.. Driver still n progress,,
GTD Being a early starter like you ...6:57 am ... we find looking into the sun more then what we’d like Good shot off that hard pan ...nice stillness to Give Winn dry tech grips a try ...you won’t need that old glove anymore...I like the jumbos myself Glad that foot pressure gage thing worked for you Nothing wrong with pressure on yourself...gets you to focus on the task at hand To hot to walk but still a great video Thanks
Thanks BG! Yeah, the glove was soaked halfway through hole 2. I will definitely look in to the grips. As for walking, yeah, I enjoy it a lot, but I might be done with that. At least for a while.
I just finished watching all 4 today, and if you read my comment on the 1st video, the only other piece of advice I am compelled to give is, don't quit. You started down the road of change and you canmot get off until you get there. KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
I agree. One of the lessons that I really want to reinforce in myself, and hopefully pass on to others, is that the path to happier, better, more reliable AMATEUR golf doesn't lie in focusing on positions. Thats for the pros. For me, and I suspect many others, the "one off" tips and position checkpoints, all that mechanical stuff, is way too much to manage for weekend players. We need to be more artisan bread, rather than 5 star dishes. Rough around the edges, not so refined of flawless. The results we get will never be US Open quality, but they need to allow us to depend on simple swings and more fun golf.
Thanks for putting it all out there. That stillness journey means a lot of different things to different people. JV is great when it comes to that self discovery.
Nice vid GTD. Gotta tip the hat to you doing all that in those conditions. I was out in a foursome outting on saturday and it was 90 here in Indiana.......had as much fun as possible but the struggle was real! Those driver mashes sounded solid as hell!
You picked a tight course for your first round. All golfers, especially those adopting a new swing system findthere is a distinct difference between a range mat and an actual fairway (or rough). If we could all take out a small range mat with us onto the course things would turn out differently.I thought you did very well for your first time and you did commit to stillness.Well done.Jim will be very proud of your video.
Jim would be proud of you GTD. I did exactly the opposite. Saw JV,s RUclips videos, tried it on the range once, then used it in a game. My scores were double, triple, double ,triple bogies, then a string of pars and bogies. Score was 90 which is almost my best ever. Condition in Oz were torrential rain and strong wind, no run and about 15 yards less carry than in summer. I hope to do better too. I am sure you will!
When your playing your not practicing. The range is where you need to learn your skills. I’ve been trying that Jim swing and it’s going to take awhile to get used to it.
Well done, I think scoring 83 on a new course in very hot weather was a good result. The JVGA swing is very easy in theory but staying still and not trying to overpower the ball are much harder in reality.
Yes it is. One advantage though; It is a skill that can be gotten through practice, and it's a lot easier to just be still than it is to time 187 movements in 1.4 seconds LOL.
I recently started using Jim's method and found that I was using s traditional shoulder turn, which does not work for this method. You have to keep your back shoulder back so it does not rotate forward like a traditional swing. Feels strange at first like you can't get your hands through but it works, it just takes practice.
Did you do the back swing drill as your practice swing? Also look over your left shoulder to a spot just to the right of where you want the ball to go...helps you to get and stay closed.
@@GolfTestDummy The challenge I have is to trust the closed/aiming some out to the right...and yet, unless, I do something I shouldn't the ball comes out just fine...
@@colerche I had that thought on the way home. That as much as I know draw is coming, my energy is moving forward, rather than being directed right like it should.
Dude you remind me of myself when you said you thought you were thinking of stillness but really wasn't! LMAO. There's something about that ball that hipnotizes you and before you know it you forget everything and swat at it. Great video keep it up.
It looks like a brutal day weather wise. I’ve have hit some amazing shots with this system but am I better with it ? I just don’t know. Right now I’m stuck between swings. I love golf but I hate golf. Golf is like a beautiful woman who will tease you with just enough attention to bankrupt you emotionally and financially
Thanks so much for doing this, great job. Chad. I've yet to play since starting with Jim but don't intend to until I have yardages and more 'stock shots' with each club. And of course I haven't done much at all with driver yet. Wish we could play a round together. It would be cool to play with another JV student.
You are absolutely making the right choice. Here are a few random thoughts I have in general. Most golfers are undisciplined and unstructured. By having the foresight and discipline to avoid the fun until after you have completed your chores means you are already a better golfer. 3 months or less is a relatively short time to give up for a lifetime of higher golf. The range is where you experiment and develop, the course is where you play with instinct and muscle memory. Keep your vigilance and remember what you're trying to achieve.
@@bmatt9379 He made a video that discusses this. I believe Chad stopped the JV swing method as far as ‘all in’ but still uses some of the principles in his game.
I made a few videos on that, but its been a while. It's so different than what most people associate with the golf swing, so the tendency for some people is to lose their nerve or will, and stop trying before they give it a real chance. I stuck with it for months and it really helped my irons and short game. It's like a reprogramming and takes time, but once you get it, the setup and concept do produce consistent draws.
Not a bad idea, I would say. I had a similar idea involving clinching the muscles in my left leg to lock it in place. My opinion is; It may be good as a crutch to help us feel stable, but ultimately we need to learn the "Skill of Still".
I applaud you for sticking to the swing through the round. I think there is usually a tendency to want to hit when on the course. Playing a round by yourself does give you a chance to refocus and looked like it paid off. That course is tight! Send me a link to the GoFundMe page to get you a new glove! LOL
LOL! Brilliant! I'm sure I could land a better glove in the lost and found. I will have 2 new gloves before heading back out. This time of year, gloves take no time to get wrecked.
@@GolfTestDummy I use the lambkin tour wraps and no glove...I keep some foot or body powder in my bag (spray type) and every couple of holes I spray one of my palms and then rub my hands together front and back. Does a nice job and you don't have to spend $12-15 on a glove. Great job on the video and congrats on sticking with your program. It's very easy to abandon a swing if thinks are going rough. 83 on a course that you've never seen before is very commendable.
Im using this swing with really good success. Im learning simply from videos on RUclips. I often hit the shots on the toe area of the face. What can account for this? Am I flipping or coming over the top or both? Aiming is difficult. My first 3 shots with this setup produced nice little draws with OK distance. But once I tried to aim, things have gotten a little confusing.
I'm no expert, so without seeing your swing, I couldn't make a guess at why your hitting the toe. However, Jim does video analysis and could tell you right away. It could be that you're set up a bit too far away, or that your weight is moving in your swing. Aiming is something that Jim says is done in retrospect. Meaning, it becomes instinctive based on reading ball flights. You should really consider joining the academy if you are feeling good about the method.
Not a bad result for the first time out with a new swing. Talking it to the course is the hardest part. I seem to lose focus on the course, and default back to something else. Btw, if your miss is a hook don't overlook the "players" irons when looking at new clubs. I'm convinced that SGI clubs are draw biased because of the high MOI. With every set I have had so far I was always fighting a hook. Not so with my current Hogans.
Great little nugget for thought James! Thanks! I am looking at Mizuno. I would like to be fit for the MP 18 SC. Might do a combo set. But I will keep my mind open and go with what works best.
@@GolfTestDummy That would be a good choice. I learned to play the game with traditional muscle back irons, but I got sucked into the distance thing for a few years. Then, I realized that I hit clubs of the same loft basically the same distance, regardless of the construction.
If you could help me with the driver, , I like Jim’s method. But the the driver is killing me , what kinda of grip ? Are you hitting down on the ball like your other clubs ? Is it tee high ? Head behind the ball , and I know keep still weight on left, thanks
I wish I could be more help, but since I was spotty and streaky with the driver, I can't say that I have a wealth of good advice to help. I'll do my best though. Jim's swing method is all about controlling the low point through the elimination of unnecessary variables. The stillness in the backswing, the fixed left shoulder, dropping the club in the slot, etc. This should all help create a consistent low point. With that, it becomes a matter of placing that low point in the correct spot in relation to the ball. With any ball on the turf, the low point will always be on the target side of the ball. So when you set up, get your body in a spot where the low point feels like it will be on the target side of the ball. With driver, it does get a bit tougher, but again, low point positioning is key. The low point on a teed up golf ball for driver should be right at the ball. So in your practice swings, find where that low point is, then setup in a spot that puts the low point at the ball. The key to all of that is not changing your swing. Don't give up position during the swing and don't give away your stillness.
Mate, I started using Jims method a few months ago, as I was in the same situation as you with my golf, I'm also a 8 handicap. I have watched all of Jim's videos to ensure the correct setup. Things that I've seen in your swing that may help you with your contact, (This is want I did and it feels more natural). - I think your stance is to square, you need to be more closed, just drop your right foot back about 2". Check out some of Jims vid's, you will see that when he turns in the setup his right foot is back. - Try taking the club away more on the inside and keep it low (shallow), you may find that you don't come in so steep, and that will result in better contact. Just my thoughts, good luck.
Ian thats terrific, thanks so much. I love the flow of information with everything we do nowadays. It speeds up education and improves it. You are spot on. In week 8, I found that very thing and it was brilliant. For some reason, that "spot" I found isn't as easily reached the last 2 weeks. It's a trust instinct with me I'm sure. I will keep it in the front of my brain for next time.
What is the power source for this swing? There must be some left leg - butt - back involvement, otherwise it's all arms ( like your second shot at 2.19). You can't just drop the club and let gravity work, there's no power it that. When Jim does it, it seems effortless, but it's actually not all that easy to reproduce. Any ideas? Thanks!
Thanks for the comments Lyle! The short answer is; Jim makes it look easy because he has been swinging this way a long time and he's a very talented golfer LOL. He described the power source as a fixed axis of rotation and the club working in as much of a true circle as possible, with the shaft storing and unloading power. He has the subtle bump forward with the momentum of the club turning him through to target, but on the way back, his lower body is a statue.
Fade is easy with this swing. Rotate your set up left of Target a bit, aim your club face at the Target, close your stance and swing while keeping still.
@UCMX20AxbZkefQ_L-QEcLcaA I don't think I have asked this yet, but have you signed up as a student on the site? If you have, Jim has videos on this and once you get to that level, he can help you through your analysis. If youre not a student yet, you need to become one if you want this to work for you. It isn't something that can be fully or easily learned by watching the stuff he has on RUclips.
DId I say easy? Well not quite. I got it wrong inthe above answer. You close your stance as per usual, thene rotate the set up left of target ( your shoulder line left of target) then you need to open your club face relative to the swing plane line ( shoulder line) . You can do this either by pre -setting the club face to the target, or advance your wrists a bit at set up, or do it during the swing. Choose which ever method works for you. While I was working on this I found if I rotated left of target, then closed the stance I was getting pull shots with a draw spin.
I am really enjoying following your JV swing journey. One question, when pivoting into the closed set up do you allow the club face to open or do you keep it facing the target?
Low expectations ; new course,hot conditions, filming while playing. You can't expect perfection even with a well grooved swing. I am finding if I push fade my shots I used my trail side lower body in the through swing. Stay still and it draws a bit. It will take time.
When I was reviewing this system, I think my feet snuck closer together a lot of times, and they probably should've been wider. Easier to have lower body stillness when you're wider.
LOL thanks. Yeah, it's no award winner. What's funny is, we just moved to a neighborhood on an award winning course, that I can't afford. There are nicer courses closer and I will be trying them all. New area, gotta learn the local courses.
One thing I found that worked... Setup conventional. Take it to the top and stop. Then without moving your body and legs, return the club back to address. THAT is your setup. You're presenting the body position of the backswing at address.
@@heatley1 I think he does it to eliminate variables. Instead of starting from a neutral position, he starts with his body in an inside to out swing path position. Then he just stays there.
Finish. But ultimately, Jim teaches that aiming is done in retrospect, which is a tough concept for a lot of people to grasp. You hit a shot, see where it goes, then adjust. From there, you will get a feel for where and how to aim.
@@GolfTestDummy I had this the other week shot +5 and was hitting everything tight little push draw on to target. Last couple of rounds striking it so well but either starting right and not quite drawing back or over drawing. Practice the other night and was hitting push draws onto target, but just can’t quite trust it on the course yet.
Let's see if I can remember this fix..... When you start it right, and it doesn't come back, that is caused from the shoulders opening, instead of staying closed. When you over draw it, you didn't keep your weight still. I may have those backwards, lol, but, that was what he told me. Those two shots have direct fixes. Focus on still weight, and keep the shoulders closed until after impact.
The par 3 you played first your feet were aligned to the right. So your hips were still aligned to feet from what I have gained from what I have seen and experienced that isn’t following the teachings. And hence why u hit right first and second shot you came in steeper and short of where your weight is supposed to be at your front foot
I appreciate the insight. Jim always taught me to setup closed. Not just with my shoulders, but with my feet. He would have me drop my right foot back, pointing right of the target, every session. Alignment in his system has nothing to do with hips and feet. He has videos on that also.
Ideally, you want zero lower body movement until impact, like Jim. As he tells me, there will always be room for improvement in stillness and at this stage of my progression, whereas I'm not as still as I would like, I have made huge progress in lessening my lower body movement compared to where I began.
Good catch. Yeah, I had to stop using it. It was soaked with sweat and mostly ineffective at that point. I need a new glove anyway, but in this heat, I probably need a few that I can rotate.
I don't care what swing model you've adopted: Playing on a course is a COMPLETELY different animal than smashing balls on the range. All you need do is peruse the postings on the various forums (GWRX, THP) and count the number of "Can't bring my range swing to the course" and similar subjects. It can literally take a year or more until your swing on the course mimics your range swing (how long has Tiger been working on HIS new swing?). Take it from someone who switches swings more often than shirts: Stick to it. There is literally NOTHING to be gained by giving up (not that you have said or implied you are). Frankly, and some may not like this, ANY reasonable swing model (of which JV's is one) can work. It's just a process. Trust it. Good Luck.
I can't tell you how much I agree. Great thoughts. Jim states what we all know in many of his videos. "Golf is hard." It's why we get hooked. Deep down, golfers like to be tested, whether they know it or not. The key is not giving up when the road gets bumpy.
In my experience, it doesn't matter what swing you're using. The elevation changes on course can play hell on anybody. Slope calculations being factored in to your yardage, how the ball will react, getting your weight through or on the front foot, how your club sits on the ground, etc. Golf is hard enough. Adding the mountainous terrain doubles down on that.
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Deep wrinkle on Stillness, thank you, totally enjoyable how you share your experience. You evolved your focus during the round to the source, your left foot, and you’ve identified a key to maintaining stillness, no pressure change equals stillness. With a yardage card and a continued understanding of stillness, it’ll keep getting better every round.
Thanks Jim! I think so many of us get fixated on the mechanics and setup of your method, but the real swing is in the wisdom of the philosophy. THAT'S where the improvement comes from. The swing is arbitrary.
My son and I decided to implement the Venetos golf swing. We watch some RUclips videos and joined his sight. My son is at one of the military academies and while he was a great basketball player, he started playing golf late. We have tried various golf learning systems as his time available to practice and play is severely limited. We have looked at Stack and Tilt, Shawn Clement, and Mike Malaska’s swings and training looking for a simple swing that would yield decent results given limited practice and playing time.
Over two weeks of his Christmas vacation, we watched website videos, practice about 45 minutes and then would play 18. Not ideal for what Venetos proscribes, but it was what we had to work with.
Two points we discovered. (1) With previous teaching, training, videos, there is always a gap between what the instructor says, demonstrates on camera, and student’s ability to implement. With “stillness” and pivoting on left hip, there is much less that can go wrong. This was the first program that we actually felt like we could practice and improve on. There is no timeline and tempo required. It’s setup and being still. So we practiced this swing more than we ever had with any other. (2) Our scores dropped and they dropped dramatically. We had to learn to trust the swing as you “feel” like you are just not swinging hard enough, yet when you take what could be characterized as an easy, short swing, the ball goes far and most often has a tight draw ball flight.
My son coming home and playing golf after months of not playing, usually results in scores in low 90s and after a couple weeks, scores usually drop closer to 85. Due to weather we were able to play five times. We did not keep score the first day, instead practiced as we played, sometimes hitting two balls. On our last day we played and both shot an 80 and it could have been lower. Ironically, my biggest improvement was with the longer clubs especially the driver and my improvement putting using Jim’s technique was insane. My son’s improvement was more with wedges and shorter clubs. He had always been a good putter.
Takeaways: stillness, not transfer weight, and swinging East are the absolute keys. We also found our “missed” shots may have been short or most often pushed right, but were very playable. A poor shot did not hurt us.
We are both absolutely sold on this swing NOT because it is an amazing pro-type swing, but because it is easily practiced, practice is enjoyable, and it looks like we both will be able to consistently shoot into the 70s once we have learned our yardages with the various clubs much better.
Wow that's fantastic! So glad to hear that. Golf should be that enjoyable more often for the masses. It's a solid and sound method, and produces great results for those that master the stillness and just like you said, don't overswing. Awesome.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on JV's method. It appears that I am in the same boat as you are as far as trying ST, Shawn, M's, JV's methods are concerned. Now I am debating SC or JV and I like JV for its simplicity. To get bit more info, do you hold the club after pivoting? do you keep the ball at the center for irons and at front heel for driver before pivot? how far do you pull the right foot when you pivot?
Week 10 - My first on course test of this method. I have been a good boy and stayed off of the golf course for over 2 months. Now, I put my skills to the test with some context.
GTD, I couldn’t be more impressed at how you go about your journey to better golfing. ‘Matter of fact, I am jealous of your discipline and organized way you are with the program. I am learning from and with you in this as you put it out there and I love that you picked my one and only way of golfing that I believe in.
I can’t wait for your future video updates 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼✌️✌️
Thank you!
Noel you are too kind. Thank you. I wear everything only sleeve and golf is no different. I know and see a ton of golfers who are able to go play and their performance doesn't affect them. They just go out to hang out. I've never been that guy. If it will occupy space and time in my limited days on Earth, I will do my best to do it well, or I wont give up my minutes. Sweeping a floor or raising a child, you'll get my best effort.
Just found you and Jim today and like this method. Can’ wait for the snow to melt and get out there. 🏌️♂️
I’ve been using Jim’s methodology for some months now. When I focus on stillness and only stillness it works, and works very well, however, if I get distracted by other swing thoughts my game suffers. Your videos around Jim’s swing are both entertaining and a great learning tool for me. Thank you.
Thanks Dennis!
Just found Jim’s video’s a week ago and then I found your video’s this week! Really enjoys this first attempt on a golf course with Jim’s swing. I thought you did great! Good luck going forward!
I've played tight courses before...but this one is something else. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Yeah, same here. It was tight for 75 percent of the holes I'd say. But you know, that's good. I don't want to be king of a pushover course. I appreciate the tests. This wasn't a super long course. About 6400 yards. It was a fair test.
Chad, I love the way you are so honest and transparent in your videos. I started following Jim's methods about 5 months ago. I golfed as much as I could but the pandemic took away my opportunity to earn so I spent what I had saved for golf and entertainment at the driving range instead. Yesterday, Nov 19 it was nearly 60 in Wisconsin and it was the last day the course I like to play at was open so I went out for the very first time to try to apply Jim's method. I shot an 82 with no additional shots and no cheating. I hit 11 of 18 fairways off the tee and averaged about 230 yds on my drives which is fantastic for me. I'm 60 with some serious back issues. I simply could not believe my accuracy and distance! My focus was stillness first and then taking a smooth unhurried swing with even pace (no acceleration) during my swing. My 82 beat my best score ever by 5 shots. I swear to you I was almost in tears approaching the 18th green which I birdied for my only birdie of the day. I am sold on this method and I am sold on Jim. I am a retired instructor at Univ of Wisconsin Madison and only took up golf at age 58. I maybe hacked my way around a course 20 times total in my life mostly drinking beer at the time. I have committed myself to learning this game in my retirement and what little consulting I do is my job now so because of Covid my golf earnings were cut by about 75%. I committed to golf when I retired and now I've committed to Jim. It makes sense to me, it is a very cognitive approach (which is me) and it is very body friendly for someone with chronic back issues. Jim has inspired me to play this game for as long as I am able and this method should make that possible for a long time. Thank you for sharing your videos. Next time to chat with Jim please let him know I'm a huge fan. I'm pretty much done with golf for the winter now but I will continue to work on his method indoors taking advantage of everything I can gain indoors. I wish you peace and health brother and hope you continue to post these honest and awesome videos. Time for me now to see if Jim has posted anything on RUclips I haven't seen yet. All the best to you and your family! Rick
Rick, I really appreciate all of the kind words. So happy to hear about your great experiences, and the round of a lifetime. I can completely relate to that feeling, when it FINALLY happens and all of the years pay off. It doesn't happen often, so we have to enjoy it when it comes. Congrats to you and best of luck moving forward!
The swing you are implementing works and I have been working on my game for thirty some years I’ve studied many and have read Ben Hogan’s book you know the one now I think I am a mixture of them all , someday I want to have the time to just work totally on my game and nothing else ,thanks .
I like the pressure under the lead foot as a gauge of stillness. I found that keeping my lead knee slightly flexed gave me better strike
Ha, I just worked out my short irons with Jim's swing yesterday,, I had trouble like u, in setting up,, Then I tried tried setting up backwards, or reversing the order, seems to work better for me.. Hit 9 balls 110m from the green, all landed on the green , 4 rolled off, just extra distance without adding power, 3 went inline with the flag ,,the rest only 3-4m for a putt.very pleased.. Driver still n progress,,
GTD
Being a early starter like you ...6:57 am ... we find looking into the sun more then what we’d like
Good shot off that hard pan ...nice stillness to
Give Winn dry tech grips a try ...you won’t need that old glove anymore...I like the jumbos myself
Glad that foot pressure gage thing worked for you
Nothing wrong with pressure on yourself...gets you to focus on the task at hand
To hot to walk but still a great video
Thanks
Thanks BG! Yeah, the glove was soaked halfway through hole 2. I will definitely look in to the grips. As for walking, yeah, I enjoy it a lot, but I might be done with that. At least for a while.
83 the first time out shows me you made the right decision without a doubt. Proud of you and your dedication!
Michael I really appreciate that. That's 1 over my handicap, but I learned a ton by putting things in context. Next round will be better.
Just found you on here. Wish I was near you to play and learn this new method. Great video.
I just finished watching all 4 today, and if you read my comment on the 1st video, the only other piece of advice I am compelled to give is, don't quit. You started down the road of change and you canmot get off until you get there. KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
I agree. One of the lessons that I really want to reinforce in myself, and hopefully pass on to others, is that the path to happier, better, more reliable AMATEUR golf doesn't lie in focusing on positions. Thats for the pros. For me, and I suspect many others, the "one off" tips and position checkpoints, all that mechanical stuff, is way too much to manage for weekend players. We need to be more artisan bread, rather than 5 star dishes. Rough around the edges, not so refined of flawless. The results we get will never be US Open quality, but they need to allow us to depend on simple swings and more fun golf.
Good score for your first real test of the new swing. Kudos!🏌🏻
Thanks John!
Thanks for putting it all out there. That stillness journey means a lot of different things to different people. JV is great when it comes to that self discovery.
Thanks! Yeah, he tends to leave certain parts vague so we can figure it out dor ourselves, or because it is irrelevant.
I am with you brother. Love the back 9. Learned a lot from your video.
Thanks Geary!
Nice vid GTD. Gotta tip the hat to you doing all that in those conditions. I was out in a foursome outting on saturday and it was 90 here in Indiana.......had as much fun as possible but the struggle was real! Those driver mashes sounded solid as hell!
LOL thanks. Yeah, Summer is here for sure. Probably have 3 months of this ahead. It ain't going anywhere so we better get used to it.
You picked a tight course for your first round. All golfers, especially those adopting a new swing system findthere is a distinct difference between a range mat and an actual fairway (or rough).
If we could all take out a small range mat with us onto the course things would turn out differently.I thought you did very well for your first time and you did commit to stillness.Well done.Jim will be very proud of your video.
Thanks Bob. He and I discussed and he was very happy. So was I. Ahould be doing a week 12 video this coming week to wrap it all up. More to come soon.
Jim would be proud of you GTD. I did exactly the opposite. Saw JV,s RUclips videos, tried it on the range once, then used it in a game. My scores were double, triple, double ,triple bogies, then a string of pars and bogies. Score was 90 which is almost my best ever. Condition in Oz were torrential rain and strong wind, no run and about 15 yards less carry than in summer. I hope to do better too. I am sure you will!
Reminds me of the San Destin Course, on;y it had 12 water holes to boot some of those were the length of the hole.
Good stuff,Thanks 💯
When your playing your not practicing. The range is where you need to learn your skills. I’ve been trying that Jim swing and it’s going to take awhile to get used to it.
You're correct. Play isn't practice. I thought I was at a point where I had practiced enough to play a bit better than usual. I was wrong.
Well done, I think scoring 83 on a new course in very hot weather was a good result. The JVGA swing is very easy in theory but staying still and not trying to overpower the ball are much harder in reality.
Truer words were never spoken! Thanks George.
You are absolutely right: stillness is the key but it’s hard to do.
Yes it is. One advantage though; It is a skill that can be gotten through practice, and it's a lot easier to just be still than it is to time 187 movements in 1.4 seconds LOL.
I recently started using Jim's method and found that I was using s traditional shoulder turn, which does not work for this method. You have to keep your back shoulder back so it does not rotate forward like a traditional swing. Feels strange at first like you can't get your hands through but it works, it just takes practice.
Did you do the back swing drill as your practice swing? Also look over your left shoulder to a spot just to the right of where you want the ball to go...helps you to get and stay closed.
That's a good tip, I'll have to try it. I did the downswing drill most of the time. I will have to develop my preshot routine as I go.
@@GolfTestDummy The challenge I have is to trust the closed/aiming some out to the right...and yet, unless, I do something I shouldn't the ball comes out just fine...
@@colerche I had that thought on the way home. That as much as I know draw is coming, my energy is moving forward, rather than being directed right like it should.
Dude you remind me of myself when you said you thought you were thinking of stillness but really wasn't! LMAO. There's something about that ball that hipnotizes you and before you know it you forget everything and swat at it. Great video keep it up.
Thanks Johnny!
Have you gained, lost, or maintained your distance using the JVG swing?
It looks like a brutal day weather wise. I’ve have hit some amazing shots with this system but am I better with it ? I just don’t know. Right now I’m stuck between swings. I love golf but I hate golf. Golf is like a beautiful woman who will tease you with just enough attention to bankrupt you emotionally and financially
Briliant
Thanks so much for doing this, great job. Chad. I've yet to play since starting with Jim but don't intend to until I have yardages and more 'stock shots' with each club. And of course I haven't done much at all with driver yet. Wish we could play a round together. It would be cool to play with another JV student.
You are absolutely making the right choice. Here are a few random thoughts I have in general.
Most golfers are undisciplined and unstructured. By having the foresight and discipline to avoid the fun until after you have completed your chores means you are already a better golfer.
3 months or less is a relatively short time to give up for a lifetime of higher golf.
The range is where you experiment and develop, the course is where you play with instinct and muscle memory.
Keep your vigilance and remember what you're trying to achieve.
Just curious how your experiment with Jim’s swing worked out?
@@bmatt9379 He made a video that discusses this. I believe Chad stopped the JV swing method as far as ‘all in’ but still uses some of the principles in his game.
@@thevinsk how has Jims program worked for you?
I made a few videos on that, but its been a while. It's so different than what most people associate with the golf swing, so the tendency for some people is to lose their nerve or will, and stop trying before they give it a real chance. I stuck with it for months and it really helped my irons and short game. It's like a reprogramming and takes time, but once you get it, the setup and concept do produce consistent draws.
Me again :-) Today I tried Ben Hogan talon toes with my left foot and it did wonders to stabilize my left side. I wonder if Jim would go for that.
Not a bad idea, I would say. I had a similar idea involving clinching the muscles in my left leg to lock it in place. My opinion is; It may be good as a crutch to help us feel stable, but ultimately we need to learn the "Skill of Still".
I applaud you for sticking to the swing through the round. I think there is usually a tendency to want to hit when on the course. Playing a round by yourself does give you a chance to refocus and looked like it paid off. That course is tight! Send me a link to the GoFundMe page to get you a new glove! LOL
LOL! Brilliant! I'm sure I could land a better glove in the lost and found. I will have 2 new gloves before heading back out. This time of year, gloves take no time to get wrecked.
@@GolfTestDummy The best glove I've found is Bionic RelaxGrip. They are built to last.
@@GolfTestDummy I use the lambkin tour wraps and no glove...I keep some foot or body powder in my bag (spray type) and every couple of holes I spray one of my palms and then rub my hands together front and back. Does a nice job and you don't have to spend $12-15 on a glove. Great job on the video and congrats on sticking with your program. It's very easy to abandon a swing if thinks are going rough. 83 on a course that you've never seen before is very commendable.
@@Spudroe That's a good tip! A glove is not a necessity for me honestly. I have half cord grips that do well with moisture.
Kirk Bryan Will try that glove. My Foot Joys were “just another glove” until I found Hirzl. Had one for months. Soft, durable, superior.
great stuff bro!
Thanks Michael!
Im using this swing with really good success. Im learning simply from videos on RUclips. I often hit the shots on the toe area of the face. What can account for this? Am I flipping or coming over the top or both? Aiming is difficult. My first 3 shots with this setup produced nice little draws with OK distance. But once I tried to aim, things have gotten a little confusing.
I'm no expert, so without seeing your swing, I couldn't make a guess at why your hitting the toe. However, Jim does video analysis and could tell you right away. It could be that you're set up a bit too far away, or that your weight is moving in your swing. Aiming is something that Jim says is done in retrospect. Meaning, it becomes instinctive based on reading ball flights. You should really consider joining the academy if you are feeling good about the method.
@@GolfTestDummy Im seriously considering it. If people can hit 300+yd drives, Im in.
GTD, what've you been up to, doing any more golf videos?
I upload every week. Go to my channel page and subscribe and hit the bell. You'll get notified when I upload. TONS of videos since posting this one.
@@GolfTestDummy Will do.
Not a bad result for the first time out with a new swing. Talking it to the course is the hardest part. I seem to lose focus on the course, and default back to something else. Btw, if your miss is a hook don't overlook the "players" irons when looking at new clubs. I'm convinced that SGI clubs are draw biased because of the high MOI. With every set I have had so far I was always fighting a hook. Not so with my current Hogans.
Great little nugget for thought James! Thanks! I am looking at Mizuno. I would like to be fit for the MP 18 SC. Might do a combo set. But I will keep my mind open and go with what works best.
@@GolfTestDummy That would be a good choice. I learned to play the game with traditional muscle back irons, but I got sucked into the distance thing for a few years. Then, I realized that I hit clubs of the same loft basically the same distance, regardless of the construction.
If you could help me with the driver, , I like Jim’s method. But the the driver is killing me , what kinda of grip ? Are you hitting down on the ball like your other clubs ? Is it tee high ? Head behind the ball , and I know keep still weight on left, thanks
I wish I could be more help, but since I was spotty and streaky with the driver, I can't say that I have a wealth of good advice to help. I'll do my best though.
Jim's swing method is all about controlling the low point through the elimination of unnecessary variables. The stillness in the backswing, the fixed left shoulder, dropping the club in the slot, etc. This should all help create a consistent low point. With that, it becomes a matter of placing that low point in the correct spot in relation to the ball.
With any ball on the turf, the low point will always be on the target side of the ball. So when you set up, get your body in a spot where the low point feels like it will be on the target side of the ball.
With driver, it does get a bit tougher, but again, low point positioning is key. The low point on a teed up golf ball for driver should be right at the ball. So in your practice swings, find where that low point is, then setup in a spot that puts the low point at the ball.
The key to all of that is not changing your swing. Don't give up position during the swing and don't give away your stillness.
@@GolfTestDummy , thank you , I think that has helped, just wanna say thanks for taking the time to help ,you gotta fan !
Thanks Edward!
Mate, I started using Jims method a few months ago, as I was
in the same situation as you with my golf, I'm also a 8 handicap. I have watched all of Jim's videos to ensure the correct setup.
Things that I've seen in your swing that may help you with your
contact, (This is want I did and it feels more natural).
- I think your stance
is to square, you need to be more closed, just drop your right foot back about
2". Check out some of Jims vid's,
you will see that when he turns in the setup his right foot is back.
- Try taking the club away more on the inside and keep it
low (shallow), you may find that you don't come in so steep, and that will
result in better contact.
Just my thoughts, good luck.
Ian thats terrific, thanks so much. I love the flow of information with everything we do nowadays. It speeds up education and improves it.
You are spot on. In week 8, I found that very thing and it was brilliant. For some reason, that "spot" I found isn't as easily reached the last 2 weeks. It's a trust instinct with me I'm sure. I will keep it in the front of my brain for next time.
What is the power source for this swing? There must be some left leg - butt - back involvement, otherwise it's all arms ( like your second shot at 2.19). You can't just drop the club and let gravity work, there's no power it that. When Jim does it, it seems effortless, but it's actually not all that easy to reproduce. Any ideas? Thanks!
Thanks for the comments Lyle! The short answer is; Jim makes it look easy because he has been swinging this way a long time and he's a very talented golfer LOL. He described the power source as a fixed axis of rotation and the club working in as much of a true circle as possible, with the shaft storing and unloading power. He has the subtle bump forward with the momentum of the club turning him through to target, but on the way back, his lower body is a statue.
Fade is easy with this swing. Rotate your set up left of Target a bit, aim your club face at the Target, close your stance and swing while keeping still.
It seems to have come easier than I thought. I had to pull off quite a few shots I had not tried with this swing before.
@UCMX20AxbZkefQ_L-QEcLcaA I don't think I have asked this yet, but have you signed up as a student on the site? If you have, Jim has videos on this and once you get to that level, he can help you through your analysis. If youre not a student yet, you need to become one if you want this to work for you. It isn't something that can be fully or easily learned by watching the stuff he has on RUclips.
@@GolfTestDummy yes i am a student of JVGA.
DId I say easy? Well not quite. I got it wrong inthe above answer. You close your stance as per usual, thene rotate the set up left of target ( your shoulder line left of target) then you need to open your club face relative to the swing plane line ( shoulder line) . You can do this either by pre -setting the club face to the target, or advance your wrists a bit at set up, or do it during the swing. Choose which ever method works for you. While I was working on this I found if I rotated left of target, then closed the stance I was getting pull shots with a draw spin.
I am really enjoying following your JV swing journey. One question, when pivoting into the closed set up do you allow the club face to open or do you keep it facing the target?
It remains facing the target. I let the club rest on the ground, then pivot, then grip without disturbing the aim of the clubface.
Low expectations ; new course,hot conditions, filming while playing. You can't expect perfection even with a well grooved swing.
I am finding if I push fade my shots I used my trail side lower body in the through swing. Stay still and it draws a bit. It will take time.
I can understand that. It makes sense. I will keep that in mind! Thanks!
Your feet seem almost completely together. How far apart are they both with irons and driver?
When I was reviewing this system, I think my feet snuck closer together a lot of times, and they probably should've been wider. Easier to have lower body stillness when you're wider.
I’ve watched your JV swing videos. Did you ever get comfortable with the stillness? in this video your swing seems very stiff, rigid
I never really mastered stillness. It was a very difficult thing for me.
@@GolfTestDummy of all the method you’ve tried have you found one thing in common? Have you developed a sort of hybrid swing?
Good job. You hit a lot of good shots. No way, though, I’d drive 30 minutes to play a course with no fairways. Hope you will look for a better one. 😉
LOL thanks. Yeah, it's no award winner. What's funny is, we just moved to a neighborhood on an award winning course, that I can't afford. There are nicer courses closer and I will be trying them all. New area, gotta learn the local courses.
So how do you know your pivoted correctly when attempting Jim’s swing
One thing I found that worked... Setup conventional. Take it to the top and stop. Then without moving your body and legs, return the club back to address. THAT is your setup. You're presenting the body position of the backswing at address.
@@GolfTestDummy yeah but he does that pivot in order to hit a inside out draw?
@@heatley1 I think he does it to eliminate variables. Instead of starting from a neutral position, he starts with his body in an inside to out swing path position. Then he just stays there.
@@GolfTestDummy so your weight is still all on the lead foot throughout the swing right?
Thats what he teaches; Yes. Your weight goes on the lead foot at the setup, and stays there throughout.
I thought i was the only one who had thoughts like these .
It's been a while since I put that video out, so you'll have to refresh my memory LOL. Which thoughts are you referring to?
I’m having great success with this but struggling with where to aim should my club face be aimed at target of at where I want to start the ball
I always aimed the face at the target, set the club on the ground, pivoted into my turn, then took my grip.
@@GolfTestDummy target being where you want the ball to finish or want the ball to start?
Finish. But ultimately, Jim teaches that aiming is done in retrospect, which is a tough concept for a lot of people to grasp. You hit a shot, see where it goes, then adjust. From there, you will get a feel for where and how to aim.
@@GolfTestDummy I had this the other week shot +5 and was hitting everything tight little push draw on to target. Last couple of rounds striking it so well but either starting right and not quite drawing back or over drawing. Practice the other night and was hitting push draws onto target, but just can’t quite trust it on the course yet.
Let's see if I can remember this fix.....
When you start it right, and it doesn't come back, that is caused from the shoulders opening, instead of staying closed. When you over draw it, you didn't keep your weight still.
I may have those backwards, lol, but, that was what he told me. Those two shots have direct fixes. Focus on still weight, and keep the shoulders closed until after impact.
Can you hit anything but hooks like this?
Oh no. I hit a fade on the back nine and you can hit any shot you like. My preferred shot is a draw though.
The par 3 you played first your feet were aligned to the right. So your hips were still aligned to feet from what I have gained from what I have seen and experienced that isn’t following the teachings. And hence why u hit right first and second shot you came in steeper and short of where your weight is supposed to be at your front foot
I appreciate the insight. Jim always taught me to setup closed. Not just with my shoulders, but with my feet. He would have me drop my right foot back, pointing right of the target, every session. Alignment in his system has nothing to do with hips and feet. He has videos on that also.
I focus on left weight thats it
I have noticed that you have a bit of movement in the left knee when you hit you're driver, is this suppose to be so?
Ideally, you want zero lower body movement until impact, like Jim. As he tells me, there will always be room for improvement in stillness and at this stage of my progression, whereas I'm not as still as I would like, I have made huge progress in lessening my lower body movement compared to where I began.
83 seems pretty good to me for first time out with a new swing. 👍
Thanks Roger! Better next time, you watch!
Are you from NC?
Yep! All my life. In some of my other videos I mention my recent move.
Golf Test Dummy well my man. I'm from Shelby Nc. Right outside of Charlotte. Nice to meet ya, neighbor!
@@jamesbrown4632 I was born and raised in Kannapolis.
Well my friend..... I say we get a round in sometime!
Your 5 iron that you toed from the fairway you didn’t put your glove back on before you hit it.
Good catch. Yeah, I had to stop using it. It was soaked with sweat and mostly ineffective at that point. I need a new glove anyway, but in this heat, I probably need a few that I can rotate.
@@jerryinsc Thanks for the tip!
I don't care what swing model you've adopted: Playing on a course is a COMPLETELY different animal than smashing balls on the range. All you need do is peruse the postings on the various forums (GWRX, THP) and count the number of "Can't bring my range swing to the course" and similar subjects. It can literally take a year or more until your swing on the course mimics your range swing (how long has Tiger been working on HIS new swing?). Take it from someone who switches swings more often than shirts: Stick to it. There is literally NOTHING to be gained by giving up (not that you have said or implied you are). Frankly, and some may not like this, ANY reasonable swing model (of which JV's is one) can work. It's just a process. Trust it. Good Luck.
I can't tell you how much I agree. Great thoughts. Jim states what we all know in many of his videos. "Golf is hard." It's why we get hooked. Deep down, golfers like to be tested, whether they know it or not. The key is not giving up when the road gets bumpy.
Pro's would be killed on those tight fairways.
First two shots 🤣😂umm it’s called stillness and stay Left .. u can’t hit 10cm behind it if your weights LeFt !! Forget the word stillness ..lol
I like your swing but I think your feet are too close together if you look at Jim’s set up his feet are further apart
First❤
You're always first in my book!🔥🔥
Why am I seeing 4 year old videos?
The course is flat as a pancake. Trying to learn the stack & Tilt. However, my course is not flat. That's a bitch.
In my experience, it doesn't matter what swing you're using. The elevation changes on course can play hell on anybody. Slope calculations being factored in to your yardage, how the ball will react, getting your weight through or on the front foot, how your club sits on the ground, etc. Golf is hard enough. Adding the mountainous terrain doubles down on that.
Drives further $10..20 petrol ⛽️ for a cheaper & probably shittier golf course 😑…
The JV method doesnt work. Stop wasting your time.