For years, I was the quintessential weekend golfer—ambitious, inconsistent, and stuck in a frustrating cycle of good rounds followed by inexplicable flops. My handicap hovered stubbornly around 18, and despite countless YouTube videos and tips from well-meaning friends, real improvement always felt just out of reach.

That changed the day I committed to golf swing coaching.

The Wake-Up Call

One round last spring was the final straw. A beautiful Saturday, perfect weather—and I shot a 97. I walked off the 18th green defeated, realizing that if I really wanted to get better, I had to stop guessing and start learning. That’s when I decided to book a swing evaluation with a PGA-certified coach (Craig Hanson).

The First Lesson: Breaking Old Habits

My first session was eye-opening. We started with video analysis, which was both humbling and enlightening. Seeing my swing frame by frame showed me what my instincts had never quite grasped—my setup was inconsistent, my grip too tight, and my swing plane… well, let’s just say it had a mind of its own.

My coach didn’t overwhelm me with information. Instead, we focused on a few foundational tweaks: grip pressure, alignment, and tempo. Simple concepts, but they made a world of difference.

The Process: Practice with Purpose

Over the next few months, I committed to one lesson every two weeks, with focused range sessions in between. My coach gave me drills tailored to my tendencies—like working on hip rotation drills and impact bag work to improve ball striking. More importantly, he taught me how to practice smart, not just more.

The biggest change? I stopped chasing “perfect” and started building consistency. Even when I hit bad shots, I understood why—and how to fix them. That self-awareness is gold in this game.

The Results: Down 5 Strokes and Still Improving

After three months, my scores started dipping into the low 90s. By month six, I broke 85 for the first time in my life. Today, my handicap sits at 13, and I’ve never enjoyed golf more.

Of course, I still have the occasional off day—this is golf, after all—but I now approach every round with confidence, a clear swing thought, and the knowledge that I can play better.

Final Thoughts: Coaching Is Worth It

If you’re serious about improving your game, swing coaching isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment. You can only get so far on your own, and nothing replaces personalized feedback from someone who understands the game inside and out.

Dropping 5 strokes didn’t happen overnight. It took patience, practice, and trust in the process. But it was absolutely worth it. So, if you’re stuck in a rut, consider this your sign—book that lesson. Your future self (and your scorecard) will thank you.