ASK BARRY GOLDSTEIN!
You can read past answers or ask Barry a question after this intro. or by clicking here.
Want Barry to analyze your swing? Click here.
Renowned teaching pro Barry Goldstein has agreed to take your toughest golf swing questions! Here's an overview of Barry's resume so you don't take lightly this chance to fix that contorted mess you've been calling a golf swing!
 |
Barry Goldstein teaches at the famed Inverrary C. C. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Nominated four times by Golf Magazine as "One of the Top 100 teaching pros in America" , and twice selected as one of the "Top 50 Teaching Pro's" by Golf Range Magazine, Barry comes with a resume rivaled by few. He's appeared numerous times on the Golf Channel's "Academy Live" and "Your Game Night", and is an instructional editor for Golf Tips Magazine! He was also named to the "Maximum Golf advisory board",...and now he's taking your golf questions here at ISUCKATGOLF...for free! (how'd we pull that one off? Better get your questions in quick before he changes his mind!)
Barry has been teaching golf for 13 years and says he feels lucky "to do what he loves all day and make a career out of doing it." Barry was trained by the legendary Jimmy Ballard, who was obviously a large influence on his teaching style. He's also spent time with several other legends of golf, including Bob Toski, Jim McLean and Dave Pelz. Barry feels "very fortunate to have learned from the best." Barry in turn has taught many of the PGA and LPGA pro's that you see on TV every week!
Barry is a single Dad of two lovely daughters, Aubrey and Carly Ray. Aubrey is into Soccer and Cheerleading, while Carly Ray has followed in Dad's footsteps and is a golfer. Carly Ray has already won 63 tournaments at age 13, and has fired a 4 under 68 in competition!
Barry also played baseball in college and was one of the captains of his High School Hockey team in Binghamton N. Y.. He says that he relates his golf teachings to other sports often. We've asked Barry a few questions of our own to start things off, you can read them below.
We'd like to thank Barry again for accepting our offer to write for us. (ok, "accepting our offer" understates it a bit. How about, "..put a stop to our begging and pleading"!) We could tell in short order that Barry was a great guy...and just by writing for ISUCKATGOLF you know he's "one of us". SO THANKS AGAIN BARRY!
ASK BARRY YOUR GOLF QUESTIONS FOR FREE BY CLICKING HERE!
PAST QUESTIONS ARCHIVE
Pro's problems vs. Amateur's problems
VIDEO LESSONS BY BARRY GOLDSTEIN!
What Pro's were good (or bad) students?
What to practice when short on time?
Which brand of golf ball to play?
New offset irons throwing you off?
PROS PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO OURS?
(Sept 08)
Do the pros have many of the same issues with their swings that the average golfer has?
Pro's have issues with their swings just like amateurs. Usually, the basics such as grip, stance, posture and ball position is where I look first with every player.
With a pro, we may just work upon a move such as a backswing flaw that may be too flat or upright, or a downswing flaw where they may get too 'stuck' coming from the inside. I have been told by many of the pro's I teach that I am a 'great pair of eyes' for them since they cannot see themselves. For a pro golfer, another pair of eyes is invaluable.
With an amateur, usually the issues are much larger such as balance, poor grip, and loss of tempo.
In general, the average golfer should really focus on the basics and having a balanced swing. I would say by far, for a typical golfer that shoots around 100 there is one huge common problem. Too much tension! They all strangle the club too darn tight. Relaxing their hands and arms would really help them! Grip it softly folks!
A major difference between a good pro golfer, and a top amateur golfer is clearly the short game, and the ability to hit shots under pressure. Professionals can score no matter how we are hitting the ball. An amateur usually does not have that knack.
OF ALL TIME? (PGA & LPGA)
(Sept 08)
Who do you feel is the greatest golfer of all time? PGA and LPGA.
I once teed it up with Tiger Woods back when we were both amateurs. He was 16 back then, and I can say without a doubt that he is the greatest talent ever to play the game. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in my opinion are the two best male golfers to play the game. I would pick Tiger if I had to choose one. Annika Sorenstrem is the best female golfer of my lifetime. I am a friend of Natalie Gulbis' and am partial to her, but Annika has no peers, with the exception of Lorena Ochoa if she continues on her current pace.
Video Lessons from Barry Goldstein
on The Golf Channel!
...these are really good! (ISAG two cents worth)
Lesson Title |
Ratings |
(1) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
|
(0) |
students?
(Sept 08)
Hi Barry,
Thanks for taking my questions. I wanted to know what pro that you teach or have taught in the past that that takes direction the best and who resists change the most.
Ben
Well Ben, when I am working with a Tour pro it is very much a 'team' effort between the professional golfer, and myself, a professional instructor. I interview the player and learn everything I can about the golf swing they have played with and the problems they have dealt with over their careers. I will then videotape his or her golf swing, and give the player my professional opinion on what should be improved or tweaked in their swing or setup. Once my suggestions for improvement have been agreed upon, I will then begin working with the player to help them become better and more consistent players. Every Tour pro I have ever taught has taken direction well Ben. I have never taught a Tour pro that resisted a change that will help them become better players. Mike Standly was already a PGA Tour winner when I met him, and while making changes in his swing he referred to me as 'an extra pair of great eyes' for him. A pro cannot see themselves so having an experienced teacher like myself be 'a pair of eyes' for them is invaluable for them. The lovely Tina Miller of ISAG fame has taken a lot of hours of lessons from me, and was a very hard worker who was very hungry to improve her action.
If I only have say ½ hour at lunch to hit balls, what would should I concentrate on and am I doing the wrong thing by rushing to the range to squeeze in this practice twice a week? It’s really the only time I get except for one day on the weekend. I’m only hitting a medium bucket by the way.
Thanks , Ben Ga.
What to practice when short on time?
(Sept 08)
Ben,
if you only have a half an hour on your lunch break to practice I highly recommend putting and chipping for the entire half hour! Short game pal...that is where you should spend the time. I cannot stress enough that to be a better player, leave the longer clubs in the trunk and just work on putts and chips ...believe me it will pay off. If you are determined to hit balls, hit a lot of short wedges and work on pitching to begin with. Hit a few 7 irons, a few drivers...and finish again with little wedge shots. Concentrate on your grip, aim, stance, posture and ball position Ben. And good balance and rhythm. That is where the heartbeat of your swing is...in the correct fundamentals Ben!
Barry
(Oct 2008)
Barry,
I am at a point where I am wondering if it will improve my game to move up to more expensive golf balls. Right now I rarely loose more than 1 or 2 in 18 holes and am using Intech and Topflite 3000 and 5000 X which you can get for around $8 to $10.00 for 15.
Are more expensive golf balls worth it? What makes them better, and if you have a handicap of 10-12 would the more expensive balls help.
Any recommendations for a good ball for a hacker like me.
Thanks
,Gary (Texas)
Hi Gary,
... and without a doubt switching to a softer ball such as a TaylorMade Red or a Tilteist Pro V1 will help lower your scores for a simple reason. You see Gary, to put it plainly, the softer ball will always react better and allow you to have better touch and feel when you are pitching, chipping, putting and even hitting greenside bunker shots. The cheaper and harder balls will never spin and bite on the green as well, and more importantly never putt as well. You are putting with a rock which shoots off your putter very violently. Imagine putting with a ball that actually compresses on your putter face! I can say with no doubt that a 10-12 handicap will certainly find the more expensive ball worth the price. Try the TaylorMade Red or Titleist Pro V1. I bet you'll be very glad you did!
And Gary, you are no hacker! A 10-12 is a decent player pal.
Barry
re- response:
Thank you, Barry for the information. It makes sense and I will make the investment. I spend a lot of time at the driving range, and I think that helps. Also, this web site is great, and I am happy I found it. I play at a course that is very close to my home and is a short course with a par 68. My last 3 scores were 77,78,75, although I do allow myself 2 mulligan's. Once I get consistently under 75, I will try some of the longer courses, and my handicap may go up, but maybe the better balls will help.
Thanks for your time, and I’ll let you know how things turn out.
Gary
(Oct 2008)
Barry,
I need help. I played this weekend and shanked almost all my short irons on the back nine. I’ve never shanked before, at least not in years and years. I was hitting the ball pretty well up to that point. My normal ball flight is pretty straight, and I’m an 11 handicap! Any thing I can practice this week at the range? I’m almost afraid to go because if I shank there it will be banging off the the side walls and I’ll look like a hack!
Thanks,
Randy
Randy,
First of all the shanks are easy to fix, so just pay close attention.
Second, every player has shanked a ball if they have truly played golf in their lives, so relax. I had them once at the famous Pinehurst Number 2 course in North Carolina. Drove it 280 down the middle all day, and could not hit the green if you would have paid me $1000. Frustrating. Here's your fix: You Randy, are hitting the ball on the heel of the club, actually on the hosel of the club.
Randy, immediately, stand farther from the ball, a good inch more than you are currently standing.
Also, get your weight more back towards your heels. I bet anything your weight is too much out on your toes, and you are falling out and away towards the golf ball. Keep your weight more centered towards your heels, and avoid leaning or falling out towards the golf ball on your downswing at all costs. Your posture must be less leaning out over your toes Randy. More tall and feeling upright, not slumped and leaning forward.
When you practice, put a head cover, or another golf ball about an inch farther away from the ball you intend to hit. Avoid hitting the outside ball on your takeaway and your downswing. You do not want your club swinging to the outside going back or coming down. Randy, finally, realize that you would rather make contact a bit more off the toe end of your club face than the heel end. The heel end is where you are currently hitting your short irons.
Barry
(NOV 08)
Hi Mr. Barry Goldstein,
I am thrilled that I get to ask you a golf question for free! Whoa, how cool is that?! I have seen you teach on The Golf Channel and have read allot of your articles in magazines too. You are an awesome teacher, and I bet you can help me greatly. I am 23 years old and play to a ten or eleven handicap. I have a simple technique question for you Mr. Goldstein. I struggle with my greenside sand bunker play. I tend to leave them in the bunker often, and leave them well short a lot when I do get them out. I live in Orlando, Florida and we have very sugary sand in our traps. Can you give me your professional opinion on how I can improve my bunker shots?
Thanks so much for your time and answering me Mr. Goldstein! Very cool. And congratulations on your daughter Carly Ray's success. I just read about her, and she is really good! I really do appreciate your time Mr. Goldstein,
Terry
Terry,
I am going to assist you with your green side bunker play very effectively ...please just key on the following fundamentals which I am confident will help you out.
I live in Florida as well Terry, and the sugary sand is actually a good thing if you realize how important accelerating your clubhead through the sand to a full finish is Terry. I bet anything you are making a long backswing and then, you decelerate the clubhead and have a short finish and a small follow through. Remember this Terry: "Short To Long!" What I mean by this is make your backswing shorter, and your follow through longer. Finish fully, with your weight completely on your front foot, and your club head high.
When you set up, dig your feet into the sand so you sit a little bit lower than normal. Make sure the clubface is slightly open, and not closed! Play the ball forward!! Like a driver or 3 wood ball position Terry. Do not play the ball in the center of your stance. Attempt to hit 2 inches behind the ball Terry.
And most importantly, finish your swing Terry! Follow through to a "world class finish".
Short To Long Terry. It will work. And, find a practice bunker and hit nothing but bunker shots for half an hour a week ...guaranteed this will make you more confident Terry. Go hole some, and you will look
forward to bunker shots on the course!
Thanks Terry.
I am very proud of my daughter Carly Ray as she works very hard and smart and has earned her success on the golf course. Most importantly, she is a great person as well as a great golfer. She is a true champion on and off the course.
Barry
(Nov 08)
Barry,
What can I do to stop hitting behind the ball?..Some times my divots start as much as 6" behind.
Bill
Bill, here are some proven fundamentals to avoid hitting behind the ball so much. Realize, you want to hit the ball first, then the grass Bill. We want the divot in front of the ball. In your setup, stand noticeably taller, and get your weight centered over your shoelaces...not way out on your toes! Avoid rising up on your backswing, and then falling towards the ground on your downswing.
On your downswing, you need to shift your weight to your front foot better...avoid hanging back on your rear foot Bill. To get the divot in front of the ball, you must have your weight on your lead side more prominently. You also should make a great effort to avoid 'scooping' or 'flipping' with your hands prior to impact or at the impact position. The back of your left hand should be straight, not broken down or bent towards the target. Your hands should lead the club face into impact, not the club face leading your hands into impact.
Finally, make an effort to have a world class finish with all your weight on your front side.
Try these tips and I bet you will begin hitting much better shots and lose the fat shots for good.
Barry
New Offset Clubs Throwing Me Off!
(Dec 08)
Hi Barry,
I recently purchased the Callaway Big Bertha Irons. I noticed, relative to my prior set of knock offs, that the ball position required seems to be right of center, especially for the short irons. That is, the way the clubs are manufactured, the shaft angles much more forward than my prior set. Is my ball placement right of center a correct approach. If I position the short irons at center, my hands are way forward than what feels natural. Am I missing something in my address?
Please advise,
Sidney
Well Sidney,
I am going to make this quite simple for you.
It seems as though your new irons currently have more offset than your old irons had.
What I suggest is that you play your short irons in the dead center of your stance, and do not move the ball back in your stance just to accommodate your new irons.
If you cannot get used to the way the irons sit at address, I suggest you go to a club repair person that you trust, and have the new irons bent to your specs. Do not change a fundamental as important as ball position just to 'try to fit' your new clubs.
I am a big believer in having strong fundamentals, and Sidney, I suggest next time you purchase new clubs that you get professionally fitted for them by a qualified club fitter.
Good luck, and I hope this helps you out Sidney.
Barry
(Dec. 08)
Hi Barry,
I found you while searching for answers to my swing problem. I've taken lessons & am now hitting 6-8 buckets of balls per day with little improvement. I don't expect anything for free and I'll be glad to pay you or reciprocate with free medical advice if you can help me. I know you can't positively diagnose my problem without seeing me swing but maybe you can point me in the right direction. I am 50 years old, 6 ft tall, 200 lbs., athletically built. I was a 10 handicap until my problems started. I hit my irons dead straight but my driver & 3 wood are horrible. I tend to hit a low pull-hook with both. Occasionally I top the ball. Occasionally I'll push my driver bad. 80% of the time it's pull- hook city. Often my follow thru is out of balance. I've slowed down my swing & done balance drills with a little improvement. I feel at times I am I am raising up and occasionally leaning back on my finish. Please help me get back on track.
Thomas D.
Hi Thomas,
To begin with please remember this: I would much rather see you put in an hour tops on the range...hitting 60 or 80 balls. Six balls with each club. WITH FOCUS! Don't just hit balls...practice with a purpose Tom. I believe you are hitting tons of balls, but incorrectly and with no goals or game plan. You may get a little exercise and a tan, but you are not going to improve.
May I make a few suggestions? First, send your video to me here at isuckatgolf... I KNOW I can assist you if I can view your swing Tom. Second, it sounds like you may have a shut or closed club face on your takeaway and into your backswing Tom which is bad news. I also bet you come up and out of your posture on the backswing, and drop back down on your downswing. Make sure the takeaway finds the club 'toe up' as you are halfway back on your backswing. I think maybe your clubface is looking 'toe down' and closed at this point.
And, try to keep your posture very level Tom. Imagine if there was a glass table above your head...do not rise up and bang your head. Similarly, if there were a table below your chin, do not drop down and bang the chin either.
I think these keys can help you. Thomas, send the video, and I am sure I will help.
Barry
ISAG Bonus Tip: See Clubhead Position under the Fast Fixes category above for more on the "toe up" or "toe down" tip.
TO ASK BARRY A QUESTION CLICK HERE!
