An account of Monte's clinic

[thejazzmarauder]

Apologies if this should be in another thread instead of its own post.

 

Just finished up day one of Monte's Seattle clinic. I think there were 18 of us. During the first five hours, we went one at a time hitting shots in front of the group. After two shots, Monte would point out the primary issue(s), leading to more general instruction and discussion. The reason I'm writing this post is that probably 16/18 players hit great shots their first swing after implementing the recommended changes. It was a teaching exhibition. I was one of the two who didn't see an immediate benefit in ball flight, but I can already tell from mirror work at home that the recommended setup change will make me more consistent.

 

Here's an example of how this went: Player A comes up in front of the group and hits two shots while Monte films them on his iPad. Monte identifies primary swing and/or setup flaw. Monte tells Player A what to do to fix it. Player A looks at Monte with some combination of confusion, distrust, and anger. Monte insists that Player A do what he says. Player A stripes it. Everyone watching claps, laughs, or curses in astonishment. Monte grins like a 10-year-old flipping through a Playboy, and then says something to the effect of: "Golf is simple. I'm not the greatest teacher ever... but I'm pretty damn good, though."

 

I haven't participated in something like this before, but it's hard to imagine there are many instructors who could take 18 players of different shapes, sizes, and skill levels, and then not only identify their primary swing flaws, but communicate the fix well enough that nearly every one of them shows immediate improvement. It was impressive to watch.

[mantan]

Monte definitely has a gift for quickly identifying the root cause of the issue and prescribing exactly what's needed to address it.

[smdykas]

I will be looking t join a clinic the next time he is in the Chicago or Michigan area.

[HillbillyInBC]

I can vouch for every word of this as one of the aforementioned 16 of 18. On top of all that, Monte's a great storyteller and a helluva lot of fun to hang out with.

[Priceyd]

I will be looking t join a clinic the next time he is in the Chicago or Michigan area.

 

I did his clinic in Phoenix last year well worth the money!! Had a great weekend. Would love him to do one in Michigan

[wmblake2000]

Monte grins like a 10-year-old flipping through a Playboy, and then says something to the effect of: "Golf is simple. I'm not the greatest teacher ever... but I'm pretty damn good, though."

 

 

That really captures something I, too, see. He definitely takes pride and pleasure in his prowess and it's fun to watch and be the beneficiary of.

[Fairways_and_Greens]

I was there too. He can really put on a show hitting 1i and Driver. I really look forward to working on what we covered at the clinic for a month or two and then sending in a video.

[powerpushfade]

Apologies if this should be in another thread instead of its own post.

 

Just finished up day one of Monte's Seattle clinic. I think there were 18 of us. During the first five hours, we went one at a time hitting shots in front of the group. After two shots, Monte would point out the primary issue(s), leading to more general instruction and discussion. The reason I'm writing this post is that probably 16/18 players hit great shots their first swing after implementing the recommended changes. It was a teaching exhibition. I was one of the two who didn't see an immediate benefit in ball flight, but I can already tell from mirror work at home that the recommended setup change will make me more consistent.

 

Here's an example of how this went: Player A comes up in front of the group and hits two shots while Monte films them on his iPad. Monte identifies primary swing and/or setup flaw. Monte tells Player A what to do to fix it. Player A looks at Monte with some combination of confusion, distrust, and anger. Monte insists that Player A do what he says. Player A stripes it. Everyone watching claps, laughs, or curses in astonishment. Monte grins like a 10-year-old flipping through a Playboy, and then says something to the effect of: "Golf is simple. I'm not the greatest teacher ever... but I'm pretty damn good, though."

 

I haven't participated in something like this before, but it's hard to imagine there are many instructors who could take 18 players of different shapes, sizes, and skill levels, and then not only identify their primary swing flaws, but communicate the fix well enough that nearly every one of them shows immediate improvement. It was impressive to watch.

How many shots does Monte hit vs. instruction?

[Soloman1]

I believe the approved formula is 0.628 per "instruction."

[Shane1]

 

Here's an example of how this went: Player A comes up in front of the group and hits two shots while Monte films them on his iPad. Monte identifies primary swing and/or setup flaw. Monte tells Player A what to do to fix it. Player A looks at Monte with some combination of confusion, distrust, and anger. Monte insists that Player A do what he says. Player A stripes it. Everyone watching claps, laughs, or curses in astonishment. Monte grins like a 10-year-old flipping through a Playboy, and then says something to the effect of: "Golf is simple. I'm not the greatest teacher ever... but I'm pretty damn good, though."

 

This is gold. Come to Melbourne Monte!!!!

[er1cchandler]

How many shots does Monte hit vs. instruction?

 

Didn't hit any full swings with full effort until the end of the second day.

[lhahn]

I wanted to thank Monte for an amazing 3 days. Thanks for all the knowledge you've passed along to all of us! Making the trip down was easily one of the best decisions I've made.

 

Also, wanted to thank Chris Shnee for coming as well and being Monte's little bit......I mean helper. Made the clinic run so much smoother. Not only that but you are so nice and best golfer I've ever met in my life. Forget Tiger, forget Jack, YOU ARE THE GOAT. I was in awe of your game during the playing lesson. You hit it 30 yards by me every time and hit the ball so pure. YOU ARE THE GREATEST!

 

fml

[tcq42]

I gotta say, I totally agree with you. Chris Shnee is the man. He was amazing today, but Lawerence, don't sell yourself short. You've got it all: the long ball, the iron play, the short game. Was a real honor to be in your foursome. So much so that I don't even mind that we played straight up!

[lhahn]

You are too kind TC

[Schnee]

Thank you gents. Too kind. Was a pleasure meeting you and getting to play with you.

[skraly]

Apologies if this should be in another thread instead of its own post.

 

Just finished up day one of Monte's Seattle clinic. I think there were 18 of us. During the first five hours, we went one at a time hitting shots in front of the group. After two shots, Monte would point out the primary issue(s), leading to more general instruction and discussion. The reason I'm writing this post is that probably 16/18 players hit great shots their first swing after implementing the recommended changes. It was a teaching exhibition. I was one of the two who didn't see an immediate benefit in ball flight, but I can already tell from mirror work at home that the recommended setup change will make me more consistent.

 

Here's an example of how this went: Player A comes up in front of the group and hits two shots while Monte films them on his iPad. Monte identifies primary swing and/or setup flaw. Monte tells Player A what to do to fix it. Player A looks at Monte with some combination of confusion, distrust, and anger. Monte insists that Player A do what he says. Player A stripes it. Everyone watching claps, laughs, or curses in astonishment. Monte grins like a 10-year-old flipping through a Playboy, and then says something to the effect of: "Golf is simple. I'm not the greatest teacher ever... but I'm pretty damn good, though."

 

I haven't participated in something like this before, but it's hard to imagine there are many instructors who could take 18 players of different shapes, sizes, and skill levels, and then not only identify their primary swing flaws, but communicate the fix well enough that nearly every one of them shows immediate improvement. It was impressive to watch.

I've been to two of Monte's clinics and enjoyed both immensely. Money well spent.

[er1cchandler]

It was a real treat to get to play with both Schnee and Lhahn during the on course lesson. I was constantly humbled in every aspect of my game while watching these two play. They were long off the tee (Lhahn would have given Monte a run with his drive on 17), and Chris was deadly accurate from any lie or location with his irons. It was a shame we only played 12 holes in competition, it would have been a pleasure to watch two golfers of their skill level for 6 more holes.

 

*sigh*

[q-school]

What course did you have playing lesson on?

[Schnee]

What course did you have playing lesson on?

 

Allenmore. Very fun course, great layout for working on your game.

[Fade to Black]

As a higher handicap player, it's the thought of standing in front of 18 other players that scares the bejeezus out me and makes me hesitant to do one of his group clinics.

 

Hitting some fats/thins/shanks in front of low single handicaps is plenty intimidating.

 

Edit: spelling.

[lhahn]

As a higher handicap player, it's the thought of standing in front of 18 other players that scares the bejeezus out me and makes me hesitant to do one of his group clinics.

 

Hitting some fats/thins/shanks in from of low single handicaps is plenty intimidating.

 

I'm a low single and I nearly topped my first shot. After he made some set up changes, I was also one of the couple that hit it very poorly. Nothing to worry about. It happens to everyone regardless of skill =)

 

It's been said before but truly, one of the best parts of the clinic was seeing everyone with all their faults, have Monte make one little suggestion, and then BOOM. pure for 16 out of 18 people. It was mind blowing.

 

I think if you can laugh at others and can laugh at yourself, the clinic will be a great time with TONS of learning. The other plus is the camaraderie and new friendships made.

[Andrew M]

Go to the clinic -- you won't be the only one embarrassed, so there's nothing to worry about.

[MonteScheinblum]

How many times did this happen?

 

I said make setup change X and/or small movement change Y.

 

The player made sounds of disdain and disgust.

 

I said, "Now you're going to pure it and everyone will laugh at you because of how much better it looks."

 

Pure shot, I grin, everyone laughs, player drops head in shame.

 

 

[lhahn]

 

kidding...it was almost EVERYONE. You feel like a re***d but it works =)

[Andrew M]

How many times did this happen?

 

I said make setup change X and/or small movement change Y.

 

The player made sounds of disdain and disgust.

 

I said, "Now you're going to pure it and everyone will laugh at you because of how much better it looks."

 

Pure shot, I grin, everyone laughs, player drops head in shame.

 

Still mad at you about that, just so you know. :D

[ryan983]

How many times did you hear "this feels weird"?

[Ghost of Snead]

As a higher handicap player, it's the thought of standing in front of 18 other players that scares the bejeezus out me and makes me hesitant to do one of his group clinics.

 

Hitting some fats/thins/shanks in front of low single handicaps is plenty intimidating.

 

Edit: spelling.

 

Low single handicaps hitting fats/thins/shanks in front of higher handicaps is more intimidating as they ain't supposed to do that.

[deathbymuffin]

As a higher handicap player, it's the thought of standing in front of 18 other players that scares the bejeezus out me and makes me hesitant to do one of his group clinics.

 

Hitting some fats/thins/shanks in front of low single handicaps is plenty intimidating.

 

Edit: spelling.

 

No one cares (besides you!). Also, every player, regardless of skill, hits the laughably bad shot once in awhile. Heck, I recall Brooks Koepka shanking one sideways during the Ryder Cup and he went on to win the US Open. There's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Everyone is just trying to get better.

[q-school]

As a higher handicap player, it's the thought of standing in front of 18 other players that scares the bejeezus out me and makes me hesitant to do one of his group clinics.

 

Hitting some fats/thins/shanks in front of low single handicaps is plenty intimidating.

 

Edit: spelling.

i'm a pretty high handicap player as is the friend I attended with. We enjoyed it immensely and would not hesitate to go again.

we were not intimidated even though we were clearly the worst of the bunch. everyone was super friendly, and there was plenty of group time but also solo teaching time.

i still review my notes and videos from those clinics and have been back to see Monte numerous times.

(i tend to revert to old habits sadly)

Always a great time with Monte though.

[stickner]

I would have liked to attend the NJ clinic but schedule did not permit.

 

For those that attended the clinic it would be interesting for you to post your before index and then your after index.