Shhhh. Listen. A Member has come to meet with Reynolds’ golf therapist, Ryan Rios (his actual title is Lead Instructor of Member Development). The young man admits to pulling his putts and shanking chips from 120 yards and in. Be quiet and lean in here. Ryan is about to transform this guy’s golf game.
“Look around,” Ryan says, standing on the edge of the #4 green at The National Bluff.
The man looks. “Yes, it’s beautiful. And?”
“You live here … this is the lake life,” says Ryan.
“True. But where are we going with this?”
“Look again. Relax. Now let’s hit some shots.”
Ten minutes later the man is practically bowing to Ryan. “Thank you,” he says.
This week Ryan will provide 35 lessons to adult and junior players. It’s safe to say he’s seen it all. Right now it’s time for him to see his next patient, who comes with some pointed questions.
Why are you looking at me like that, Ryan?
The first thing I look at is the way you talk and gesture. I can tell from reading your movements that you’re probably swinging too fast and not clearing your hips.
What else are you reading?
Your feet. Are you shifting weight onto your heels or toes? I’m guessing you hit a lot of shots to the right.
That’s … true. Can you show me the perfect swing?
That’s not a good idea. Everyone has their own body type, so there’s no swing that fits all. My goal is to keep what’s comfortable for you and then prioritize one or two things.
What’s priority number-one?
Breathe. You’re holding your breath without realizing it, which tightens the muscles. Some of the top Tour players train with snipers to learn special breathing techniques and to smoothen their swings.
What’s the strangest swing you’ve seen?
I had a student who’d gotten rid of his yips on the green by using a chest putter. He’d face the hole straight on, hold the putter with one hand, and putt. It worked, so I left it alone.
Do you give advice that has nothing to do with golf?
Sometimes people talk about their personal lives. I figure that means they’re comfortable. On the flip side, I get advice, too. A Member once helped with my 401k. Another one told me to spend one-on-one time with each of my two daughters — they’re 5 and 8 years old.
Do they play golf?
We do fun things like using Hula hoops as targets or the picker on the driving range. It’s always fun to hit that. I’m preparing them to play golf without them realizing it.
Are you always so soft-spoken?
“It relaxes people. To me, that’s the most important starting point. This game doesn’t have to be complicated.”
Fun fact: Ryan gave 1,300 lessons last year to Reynolds Members.
