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10 Best Golf Instructional Videos Reviewed
However, these instructional videos are not only intended for novices in golf, but you will also find advice for pros, including the secrets of some of the best golfers related to handling difficult swings, chipping and pitching, and improving your putting. From beginners to seasoned golfers, they encompass everything you need to know about golf.
David Leadbetter Interactive Modern Golf Swing Improvement Drills
Tom Watson, Lessons of a Lifetime II
Hank Haney: ESPN Golf Schools-The 3-Club Tour
Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers: More Power
Best Instructional Golf Videos- Learn Basic Swing with Lessons
Golf for Dummies
Phil Mickelson, The Secrets of the Short Game
Jack Nicklaus, Golf My Way
Swing Simple, Short Game
The Eight-Step Swing by Jim McLean
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
Even if it might sound ambiguous, this criterion was selected to determine the applicability of the teachings and the instructions in real-life circumstances. You know that there are many golf instructions out there that are just superficial and that they don’t deliver practicality, and it is more theory than practice. Such instructions are very hard to understand and even less applicable when playing. Therefore, we read multiple reviews and experts' opinions to select the most convenient, practical, and user-friendly instructional videos. As you can see from the scores regarding this criterion, almost all of them feature a very high score and that is the reason why they are included in this list.
Versatility
If you are a novice golfer, then you are grasping at straws to reach at least a certain level of playability where you’ll see the ball airborne and reaching some distance. But, it is not only the swing and the long game they need advice. Getting out of the rough and putting are also skills that need a lot of practice, so basically, any tip or instruction is more than welcome.
This means that each of the instructional videos is more versatile when it focuses on several points of acquisition instead of only one or two. The broader concept seems to be more appreciated by high to mid handicappers, while low handicappers focus on their weaknesses, which means one or two segments of the game.
Features
When we reviewed these instructional videos, we paid attention to the sound and the image quality and the quality of the disc overall. Since some of the videos date from more than twenty years ago, we wanted to make sure that we will recommend only those that deliver a crisp image and high-resolution image quality. Within this criterion, we included all the extras that accompany the main DVDs, such as booklets or additional software. You’ll notice that these products are among the first ones.
Value
If you have ever had the privilege to have one-to-one classes then even though effective, it must have cost a fortune as these kinds of lessons are notoriously expensive. No doubt they work the best as you get instant feedback from the instructor, however, they are limited in time and duration and then, after some time, you tend to forget them.
However, when purchasing yourself instructional videos, you can repeat the same thing as much as you want, without being time-limited. Plus, some of those videos come with software that allows you to compare and contrast your performance which means direct feedback. Money-wise, these DVDs are a fraction of the price you would have to pay if you want to arrange an instructor and the ones that we have selected provide similar effects as having a personalized trainer, which means they are an excellent value for the money.
Release Date
Golf is a centuries-old game, however, it doesn’t mean it hasn’t been prone to changes. Over the years, people have invented multiple rules and regulations and removed the ones that made the game ineffective and boring. With the development of new technologies, woods were replaced with metal woods and golf balls have drastically changed their design and performance. These changes have implied the acquisition of new strategies, methods, and techniques, so the overall approach to the game has been modified as well.
A good swing is a good swing one might argue, and that’s mainly true but the weight of the clubs has changed, the sweet spot has increased and that implies different methods. This is why we have selected more recent videos, and for those followers of the good old school, we included the unsurpassed Jack Nicklaus whose methods are the closest to those of today.
The release date also influences the sound and image quality and the most recent ones come with today’s software who offers a more interactive, computer-based approach.
Top 10 Picks
1. David Leadbetter Interactive Modern Golf Swing Improvement Drills
This set includes one of the most profound DVD collection that does not only include lessons and teachings, but it also includes game improving drills that allow learners to practice and establish what has been acquired. Plus, most of the content is based and focused on one-to-one teaching programs and which represent another way of bringing golf closer to those who think that it is a hard game to learn. Unlike many DVDs that you can find on the market, this set features hi-speed photography and model swing comparisons, filmed in high definition and Cutting edge graphics. Plus, with the purchase, you get Swing Analysis software to compare and contrast your performance.
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If you have ever had the chance to see what professional coaches and golf teachers recommend to their students, the name of David Leadbetter pops out almost everywhere, and his instructional videos are officially claimed to be one of the most recommended among the professionals. The reason for that, as experts say, is his ability to transfer his knowledge to students in the most precise manner, and to enable them with the opportunity to practice each part of the game. Along with every lesson, there are some drills that will make sure that you have mastered the content not only theoretically but practically as well.
Content
These five DVDs are very versatile, and each focuses on various swing techniques and concepts that deliver tailored drills to correct every swing flow that golfers have. In the first DVD, he explains the foundations of the consistent swing and instructs golfers on how to establish the stance, the grip and the posture at address. In the second one, he elaborates the positions of the swing and describes all the proper positioning for more powerful shots. The third one focuses on improving the accuracy, and how to successfully get rid of hooks, slices pulls and pushes. The fourth DVD is about eliminating the fat, thin and shank shots, and how to gain more yardages of the tee. The fifth DVD is actually the software DVD swing analysis, which integrates the same swing technology that is used by the Tour players. This software has been developed by the V1 Pro platform which is the number 1 swing analysis system in golf.
Cost and Value
Having one-to-one instructional classes is an incomparable possibility to improve your swing speed and your overall performance. However, it is extremely pricey and if you engaged a pro expert it would cost you a fortune. Therefore, these DVDs offer similar convenience from one of the best instructors but for a considerably lower price. Plus, the possibility to analyze and compare your swing is unique, and it appears as if David was giving personal instructions to you, which makes the whole set an excellent value for the money.
2. Tom Watson, Lessons of a Lifetime II
When in 2010 Tom Watson launched his first instructional DVDs, they quickly become one of the most sold golf instruction programs of all time. These videos were sold to more than 40 countries and they were translated into five languages. This second, updated edition was released in 2014 and included the previous lessons accompanied by 20 additional lessons that reveal the secrets of better golf.
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After the release of the second, upgraded editions, many golf experts and PGA professionals came up with their review about the quality of the content. Among multiple positive reviews, many agree that these lessons bring to light some of the most vital aspects of the golf swing which most golfers and trainers tend to overlook. Others claim that the videos are all-inclusive, clear, precise and very understandable, and they can help master the game even if you don’t practice with a golf instructor. Plus, in case you are struggling with a certain game aspect you can go over and over again until you master it completely.
Content
The overall content in these instructional videos is masterfully dissected and broken down in the tiniest of parts so that new golfers can learn the fundamentals of the game, while better players can refer to it to eliminate any uncertainties that have often been a subject of acquiring bad habits. Every aspect of playing golf is organized in a clear and precise form in the most comprehensive matter. So, from terms definition and explanation of all the types of shots to handling the pressure and boosting confidence, you will find everything for everybody.
Cost and Value
These instructional DVDs represent an invaluable source of getting to know the in-depth analysis of each golf segment. The videos with all the instructions come in three discs which are of high quality and which can be played over and over again. Users claim that it is the best form of instruction and that these DVDs are a great value for the money.
3. Hank Haney: ESPN Golf Schools-The 3-Club Tour
The privilege to be called one of the best and finest golf instructors in the world can’t be attributed to anyone, which means one needs to have the credibility to be considered as such. Credibility such as being one of Tiger Woods’s trainers in addition to over 200 touring professionals from LPGA, PGA, European, Asian and Japanese Tours. There is almost no student that hasn’t won a major championship in the professional and amateur golf taught by Hank Haney. His achievements, dedication to work and methods obviously work in any aspect of the game, so his book is a real pearl for every golfer who is aiming to reach the top.
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What can one expect from such a prominent golfer and one of the greatest teachers in pro golf? Even if we didn’t write it here, nobody would doubt these instructional videos were of good quality, both in terms of quality and content. For many golfers and pro experts, these DVDs are extraordinary in several segments, and regardless of the number of times you are watching them, there seems to always be something new and valuable.
Content
Hank Haney divides the content into three sections in which he separately discusses the performance with the driver, the wedges and the putter. He focuses on these three clubs because according to him, these clubs constitute about 75% of golfers’ scores. In the part about the driver, he elaborates the swing plane, the complete setup, the backswing and the downswing to pre-shot routines and quick fixes. Regarding wedges, he scrutinizes the performance with the pitch, lob, and the sand wedge and delivers valuable input about playing with these wedges. In the putter part, he helps golfers understand the most important impact factors such as distance and directions, putting techniques, reading greens, and he also includes some drills.
Cost and Value
When these DVDs were initially launched on the market, they were a real craze even though they were ten times more expensive than they are now. Guaranteed to deliver multiple improvement and versatility in your performance, you’ll enjoy spending more and more time with one of the greatest golf teachers of all time.
4. Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers: More Power
This DVD is professionally crafted into useful advice that comes from 100 pro golf experts who teach the best golfers. These golf experts come from various backgrounds, such as top-rated golf academies and driving ranges across the country. The videos include coverage of all the specific aspects of the game, including psychological boost, tension release, and managing transitions. As these instructional videos are delivered by pro golfers, they are mostly applicable for mid to low handicappers.
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Most of the reviews highly praise the warm-up lessons and all the basic tips which highlight the game aspects that are wrongly acquired, and which cause repeatable impediment for progression. Many reviewers appreciate the wisdom and the skills revealed for the viewers which have been a tremendous help for anyone. Many prominent golfers say that these instructional videos are the most valuable source, in the clearest possible way.
Content
Even though the serial includes multiple approaches to the game, the DVD called The Power focuses on enabling golfers to increase the speed of their swing in order to obtain more distance. From timing, coil, a tee shot planning to proper setup and shoulders and upper body movement, everything is broken down into multiple segments. Plus, there are bonus videos that deal with instant tips, warm-up sessions with Mike Malaska, behind the scenes footages and much more. Among those 100 names, you’ll come across David Phillips, Acott Sackett, Craig Shankland, Brian Mogg, and many more.
Cost and Value
Taking golf lessons might cost you a little fortune as you know how expensive these lessons can be, especially if those classes are delivered by highly valued professionals who have the key to better performance. This compiled assortment of tips is much more convenient and budget-friendly and many golfers agree that this is a must-have video for anyone who is expecting progress in their performance.
5. Best Instructional Golf Videos- Learn Basic Swing with Lessons
When you first start playing golf, it is all smoke and mirrors and many golfers are practically perplexed by the terms and the instructions given by the coaches. Sometimes what golfers need are broken down segments which will be acquired one at a time. And, as we know, repetition is the mother of learning and the more we go over and over again certain swing, the more successful we become. These four DVDs go into all segments covering the long and the short game, course management and etiquette, and practice drills.
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When it comes to videos and the quality of its content, it is usually the viewers who have the final say because their experience with the instructional lessons is a direct indicator of the effectiveness of the content. Plus, golf experts should not be neglected as they have their professional opinion about the quality of the cover material. The feedback about these DVDs is very positive and they point to the effectiveness and the clarity of the included material. What users loved the most was the coverage of all the aspects of the game and the reliable content, even though the quality of the video might not be the most top-notch.
The Content
The first DVD covers the aspects of the long game with instructions on how to avoid the most common mistakes, how to perfect your stance, and the swinging techniques which lead to successfully hit the sweet spot. The second DVD covers the aspects of the short game, how to avoid bunkers and water hazards, how to handle the slope shots and hardpan lays, and how to line up for a perfect putt. The third DVD focuses on practice drills and equipment and how to improve your connections and timing. There are five lessons for acquiring golf techniques that focus on distance and direction. The fourth DVD focuses on using the whole tee box, how to keep the fairway and how to avoid the rough.
Cost and Value
As you could read from the above-mentioned summary of the reviews, those users who have bought these DVDs are very satisfied with its content and the areas it covers. They are some of the most inexpensive instructional videos from which you have plenty to learn.
6. Golf for Dummies
The “dummy” thing has gained in popularity about every single sport, science or craftsmanship, and whatever you have no clue about but wish to learn and get the basics with some more advanced directions, the books or the videos for dummies will do the job. Golf for Dummies comes as a natural response to beginner golfers who needed some more instructions off-the-course. Created by a 30-year golf veteran, senior PGA Tour Champion and CBS-TV golf commentator Gary McCord, it offers various ways to learn the basics and improve in your game.
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These instructional videos have been reviewed by many golfers who had given them a try before they advanced in their performance, claiming that it was because of these videos that they were able to understand the complexity of the game and its specifics. However, it is not only the beginners, but mid handicappers consider them helpful too because they elaborate on the aspects of the game taken from different perspectives, and therefore have helped them self-correct some wrongly acquired habits.
Content
Not only are these videos inclusive and very insightful, but they are also very fun and entertaining to watch! Stretched in four DVDs, all the terms, concepts and notions are explained in a very detailed manner with an assumption that the viewer knows nothing or very little about golf. Going step by step throughout the course, a very patient and dedicated golfer will be able to learn everything relevant about the game. The tips and instructions are segmented into instructions about body posture and stance, right grip, types of swings, short and long game, putting and common faults.
Cost and Value
Characterized as a vastly entertaining introduction to golf, these videos are going to impress anyone who is seriously determined to learn the game. It is concise, comprehensible and very easy to understand, and all that presented with the great sense of humor that Garry posses. The DVDs are of high quality, even though not a top-notch, but bear in mind that these videos were recorded in 2004 so it is understandable. Affordable and mid-priced, they are an excellent value for the money.
7. Phil Mickelson, The Secrets of the Short Game
All the aspects of the game are important, however, the short game has its unique features that combine talent, skills, practice, and knowledge. Plus, unless you are super experienced player who is capable of understanding what the clubs are telling you, and you feel is increasingly developed, then you are probably facing issues when it comes to using your short irons and wedges. Paying for extra lessons is a good idea but it doesn’t happen every day, nor the chances to repeat a difficult shot are possible.
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According to many users and experts, if you want to advance in your short game performance and master the chips and flops to get a few birdies and some pars, these instructional videos are the key to get there. As some reviewers said, they lacked the words to describe the immense impact those videos had on their performance. And indeed, what they agree the most is the system that Phil Mickelson offers that attracted so much attention. A system that works!
Content
What Phil Mickelson tries to develop in golfers is the psychological confidence before they take each shot. Many top golfers will agree that the assertation that you know what you are doing when you pick up your wedge is half a well-performed shot. The set that lasts for more than an hour includes two DVDs which are divided into a focus on the putting and chipping, while the other one goes into details on specialty shots, bunker play, and flop shots. The main focus is presented in the first DVD which describes the “hinge and hold” chipping method. Plus, the handy 10-page booklet represents a synopsis of the key pieces of advice and all the necessary reminders found on the DVD.
Cost and Value
Explained in the most comprehensive and at the same time professional manner with a confidence of an experienced golfer who knows what he is doing, you’ll realize the importance of these lessons once you see an improvement in your short game, which will be soon enough if you closely follow the instructions. With the sound and video highest quality and the hi-tech production, you’ll enjoy watching the videos and playing better. The price seems to be higher than most of the instructional videos on this list, but they are surely a good value for the money.
8. Jack Nicklaus, Golf My Way
These DVDs represent a unique opportunity to get direct instructions from one of the greatest golfers of all time, Jack Nicklaus. Most of the footage was filmed about 25 years ago when he was in the midst of his career and with the development of the technology, most of it has been re-mastered with the use of today’s advanced technology. The two DVDs contain most of Jack Nicklaus’s insights and teachings that have been broken down in many lessons so that he could address all the aspects of the game.
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For many prominent golfers out there, Jack Nicklaus has always been the greatest golfer of all time, and his insights represent the most valuable input for advancing and perfecting their skills. The reviews are impressive, praising the clarity of the instructions including the excellent speech abilities that Jack Nicklaus has and the ability to easily convey all his knowledge regarding the sport. Besides the positive reviews provided by the experts, many casual and recreation golfers found them useful and claim that his way is the way to go.
Content
But, these instructional videos are not the first time that Nicklaus shared the way he played golf with the world. Before he started recording hours of instructional videos in 1983, he had previously published his book called Golf My Way that was the best selling golf book and which was regularly part of the instructional literature of many golf academia and schools. It was motivation for many pro golfers, and the instructional videos just continued the tradition. It breaks down the game into many segments that include a complete step by step analysis of each swing.
Cost and Value
These precious DVDs are one of a kind, as they come from the best, record-breaking golfer in the history of golf, so it is more than evident that we are talking about a premium quality lessons and instructions that offer the best of the best. The DVD collection is slightly overpriced, but if you consider the quality of the content it is definitely worth the money.
9. Swing Simple, Short Game
For many golfers, the short game is the hardest aspect of the game of golf, and many of them increase instead of lowering their handicap within this part. Even one of the most seemingly easy shots, the putting, takes a lot of effort and sometimes it can be very frustrating. While practicing is the most efficient way to cure all those fat shots and mishits, a good instruction manual is a precious tool to know if you are doing things the right way. Scott Barret, a golf expert, and a zero handicap player, has decided to offer golfers tremendous help with these instructional videos by clearing out what needs to be done when you get your wedges or your putter.
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For golfers out there who needed some help with their short irons, this video meant a lot of help. What they liked the most was the simplicity of the narrative and the visual effects that made them realize where they needed some changes. Golfers seem to appreciate having the opportunity to go through various settings to understand how to approach the ball from different angles, which has been a tremendous help.
Content
This 70-minutes video will take you through multiple short game circumstances. It starts with the basic fundamentals for developing consistent putting stroke and it continues to how to improve and practice your putting and how to develop a pre-putt routine. It goes on with learning the basics of pitching and chipping. It delivers valuable advice on which club to use under various circumstances with simulations around the green. Since feel is very important for these shots, he instructs you on how to develop proper feel, how to control spin and distance and how to develop a proper stance.
Cost and Value
This video will provide you with plenty of information regarding the short game and help you develop insightful information on how to do things properly. It is recommended for your short game and it is the most inexpensive instructional videos on our list.
10. The Eight-Step Swing by Jim McLean
Jim McLean's book was greeted with appreciation and admiration as it divided the swing into 8 steps so that golfers could understand what constitutes a full-blown swing, and successfully perform it. Inspired by the book, these videos represent a visualization of the book and many golfers think that they are a perfect addition to the book and completely complement it. Plus, each of the video sessions includes additional drills so that you see that you are on the right track.
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Among the multiple reviews regarding these instructional videos, the most impressive are the ones from golfers who claim that before watching them they hadn’t been able to get the ball airborne, rest aside achieve more substantial speed and distance. Other reviewers say that the method that is provided in the video helped them to develop consistency in the speed and consequently gain more yardages. Expert opinions agree that it is one of the most detailed videos that help golfers cure slices and fades and increase the confidence straight from the tee box.
The Content
These serials last for about 80 minutes and represent a complete step by step analysis of the golf swing which identifies 8 key swing checkpoint positions that represent the foundation of swing improvement teachings. These eight steps, when completely mastered, are bound to help golfers substantially increase the speed of their swing, and gain more yardages. After a detailed explanation of each checkpoint, he includes some drills so that golfers know that they are on the right track.
Cost and Value
This is a very professional video and all the information that is contained there is most certainly beneficial to golfers who like to follow step by step instructions. The only deal-breaker could be the relatively high price tag which, according to many golfers, is over the roof.
Sources
- , The 8 Best Golfing Instructional DVDs of 2019, Buying Guide
- , Top 10 Tips For Golfing Beginners, Article
- , Jack Nicklaus “Golf My Way” Available for First Time on DVD, Article
- , Lessons of a Lifetime II, Article
- David Leadbetter Interactive Modern Golf Swing Improvement Drills
- Tom Watson, Lessons of a Lifetime II
- Hank Haney: ESPN Golf Schools-The 3-Club Tour
- Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers: More Power
- Best Instructional Golf Videos- Learn Basic Swing with Lessons
- Golf for Dummies
- Phil Mickelson, The Secrets of the Short Game
- Jack Nicklaus, Golf My Way
- Swing Simple, Short Game
- The Eight-Step Swing by Jim McLean
