Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a golf writer, I’m constantly looking for great videos to pair with some of my written content. Over time, I’ve learned who is out there from a creator standpoint, what they are all about, and whether their information is worth following. I’ve found some interesting things about YouTube golf advice and felt it’s worth sharing with the amateur golfer. Here’s the good news: If you love YouTube for your golf game, you can keep using it. Just follow this advice.
Unqualified Sources: Know Who You’re Following
There are some really talented people on YouTube. For instance, Bryson Dechambeau has a great YouTube channel, and so does Eric Cogorno. You’ll also find impressive content from HackMotion and Athletic Motion Golf.
However, some professionals don’t know what they are talking about. I’ve recently come across two videos with 100% contradictory advice.
As a professional, I can decipher this and understand what one was trying to say versus the other, but it’s still very confusing. Before you go all in on some instructors you found, look for credentials, experience, and testimonials.
Look at followers and views as well; they can be a good indicator.
I will say that I’ve seen plenty of great content that’s only had a few thousand views, so don’t use this as your only indicator.
Product Pushing: Beware of Unnecessary Purchases
As always, you have to wonder how the YouTube instructor is making money. Some are trying to push products; others are just looking for views.
If they mention a training aid that you need to use to do their drills, chances are it’s a product-preferring video. Some of those training aids may be good, but I love the video where you can use a good old alignment stick if you choose.
Trendy golf devices and products are sent to these creators to get them to promote them. If it makes sense for your game, go for it; if not, don’t feel the need to purchase.
Also, make sure they are giving valuable and useful information in addition to just pushing products at you. You should walk away from the video with actionable advice.
Time Wasting: Endless Chatter
There’s a reason this blog is only 600 – 700 words; we wanted to get to the point!
A 27 minute YouTube video with lengthy introductions, personal anecdotes and professional messages is just not worth your time.
Get to the point.
Take a look at the bottom of the video and see if you can scroll to the position of the drills. This is where you will get the best information and the advice you want to take to the driving range.
Diagnosing Issues: Without Knowing Your Game’s Weaknesses
Finally, this hidden risk is no fault of the YouTuber; instead, this one is yours!
Just because they are talking about taking the club inside more, on their backswing, does not mean that this is the solution for you! That’s right; you have to do some self-diagnosis first and make sure that the information they are sending you is going to help you get to the next level.
In the very beginning of the video you’ll usually hear something like “if you slice, hit the shot thin, chunk it, etc.” Before you make major changes to your game make sure that these apply to you.
I suggest starting with a specific area of your game and then going from there. There is no need to watch a YouTube video and completely overhaul your swing.
Experiment with a chipping or pitching technique, see how you do it, and go from there.
The biggest issue with following advice that may not be for you is ending up with a bigger problem or injury. Guess what? Bryson’s videos about gaining speed aren’t for golfers who need a hip replacement!
Final Thoughts
I learned the game of golf mostly by myself. I had Ben Hogan’s books, a club, and golf balls. If I had YouTube, I would have certainly used it, but I will admit that navigating which information is good and which is not so good would have taken me some time.
