My swing evolution/problems

[theothertomjones]

So, this might be a little longer of a post than I normally write.

 

I got my first set of fitted clubs last summer. I've yet to get registered to start establishing handicap, but I'm somewhere in the high teens. Anywho, I'd like to go over how my swing has progressed and then pose some questions for you.

 

I started out sweeping the ball with minimal, if no release at all. I also didn't have any weight transfer and my timing was horrible, this when I hit balls or played around, my back took several days to recover.

 

I wised up, took lessons from the local pro, and finally bought myself fitted clubs (i20 everything, g20 driver, gorge wedge).

 

I hit around 300-400 balls a week as I continue to work on my swing (I have a membership at the local range). I usually try to play one round a wek when I can in the offseason.

 

I now have a great release motion coming in at nearly 90 degrees but cant yet hold that past my left hip (right handed and simply not strong enough quite yet), proper weight shift/transfer, and have just now been focusing on swinging through the ball. The orange whip trainer has helped me tremendously in learning how to follow through the shot/swing.

 

So, now I significantly trap the ball but dont leave much of a divot if one at all. I've been told this is generally a good thing pending on the shot you're trying to hit.

 

I have 2 problems now - the longer the club I hit, the more tendency I have to hit fat shots. Is this ball position related, or maybe standing too far away? Both? This only occurs with my 5i, and 3/5 woods. I don't have this problem at all with my 3/4 hybrids.

 

The other problem is that I'm hitting my driver on the ground way before the tee, causing a dropkick, and a raging hook left... Like Bubba but on accident :-)

 

I assume that because the driver is also the stiffest shaft club in the bag, and the ball position is the most forward, that this is a common timing issue that comes with learning how to hit the club? It's odd - practice swings and swings at the tee are fantastic when the pros are watching me in a lesson, but put a ball in front of me and nope, fat, drop kick, or slice.

 

Any words of advice or drills I could practice at the range to get this mental block with the driver out of my head? Any other tips/reminders?

 

Are these problems with this type of swing progression normal?