I’ve been taking golf lessons for the past few weeks because I’ve always struggled with consistency and honestly never really had a reliable golf swing. Hooks, pushes, fat shots, the occasional shank. You name it I’ve probably done it.

My instructor immediately noticed a few things. My clubface was way too shut at address, my backswing was getting under plane, and I was swinging at what he described as 110% effort. We started working on my setup, takeaway, weight shift, and most importantly, slowing the hell down.

The first few lessons were encouraging, but also frustrating. I’d occasionally hit some great shots and think I was finally figuring things out, only to show up at the range the next day and completely lose it.

We started doing half swings with a towel under my armpits to work on connection and tempo. Initially, I hated it. Felt ridiculously restrictive.…