A Golf Resolution: Capturing My Swing One Month at a Time

From the perspective of a former college golfer

As the new year begins, I’ve set a resolution that blends my love for golf with my desire for self-improvement. This year, I’m committing to filming my golf swing once a month. It’s a simple idea, but one I hope will yield powerful results as I track my progress, refine my technique, and reflect on the journey.

Why This Resolution?

Golf is a game of precision, and even small adjustments can make a big difference. Over time, habits—both good and bad—creep into our swings, and it’s not always easy to spot them during a round or practice session. After years of playing on a college team, where every swing was closely analyzed and feedback was instant, I now find myself practicing alone more often, without the luxury of teammates to bounce ideas off of or a coach to guide me in real time. Filming my swing each month has become a way for me to bridge that gap.

I remember the days when we would practice as a team and how we would critique each other’s swings with the feedback only a fellow teammate could have. It was a great system, but now, on my own, I have to create my own accountability. This resolution is my way of staying sharp and motivated.

By capturing my swing on video each month, I aim to:

1. Identify Patterns: Seeing my swing on screen will help me pinpoint recurring issues or improvements. Sometimes, I’ll feel like my swing is on point. But when I watch the footage, I’ll notice flaws I didn’t pick up on during the session.
2. Measure Progress: The camera doesn’t lie. Comparing January’s swing to December’s will show how far I’ve come—or where I’ve stalled. I had a moment last year where I went back and watched footage from my college days and I realized just how much I missed the clear, concise feedback from my coach. This filming resolution is a way to fill that void.
3. Stay Accountable: Knowing I’ll be recording my swing keeps me motivated to practice consistently. When I was part of a team, showing up to practice was non-negotiable. Now, I’m my own motivator and filming my swing gives me a tangible goal to stay on track.
4. Collaborate with My Coach: Sharing these videos with my coach will allow for more focused and effective feedback. Even though I’m not practicing with my coach every day, I can still tap into her expertise through these videos, which feels like a nice middle ground between independence and guidance.

The Plan

To keep this golf resolution manageable and productive, I’ve outlined a simple plan:

• Monthly Filming: I’ll dedicate one practice session each month to filming my swing from multiple angles. When I was in college, I had the luxury of immediate access to a video system that helped me analyze my form in real-time. Now I have to make a bit more of an effort to set everything up, but the payoff is always worth it.
• Structured Review: After filming, I’ll analyze the video for areas of improvement, noting any changes from previous months. Honestly, the first time I went back to film my swing after graduating, I was shocked at how much I had changed. The transition from a highly structured team environment to solo practice was rough at first, but now it’s about embracing the process of constant self-assessment.
• Goal Setting: Based on my review, I’ll set specific goals for the following month’s practice. Sometimes these goals are as simple as “tighten my backswing” or “focus on my finish position,” but other times, it’s more about developing a consistent rhythm—something I truly miss about having teammates around to remind you to slow down and focus.
• Feedback Loop: I’ll share the videos with my coach or trusted golf buddies for their insights. A huge part of my college career was receiving instant feedback from my coach and teammates. But now, without that daily feedback, I’ve had to create a network of people to stay connected with. Having those trusted voices still in my corner makes all the difference.

Tools of the Trade

Fortunately, technology makes this resolution easier than ever. Apps like V1 GOLF offer tools for swing analysis, allowing me to slow down the footage, draw lines to check alignment, and compare swings side by side. It’s like having a personal coach in my pocket.

Challenges and Anticipations

I know this golf resolution won’t always be easy. There will be times when my swing feels off, and reviewing the footage might be frustrating. However, I’m choosing to embrace those moments as opportunities for growth. There’s also the challenge of staying consistent—not letting a busy schedule or poor weather derail my monthly filming.

But what excites me most is the thought of seeing my progression throughout the year. Golf is a journey, and this resolution is my way of documenting it in real time.

Join Me?

If you’re a fellow golfer, I encourage you to join me in this challenge. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, taking the time to film your swing can offer valuable insights. When I was in college, I used to question when my teammates would obsess over the tiniest adjustments, but now I see the value in even the smallest improvements. Plus, it’s a fun way to see how your game evolves over the months.

Here’s to a year of better swings, lower scores, and personal growth—both on and off the course!

 

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