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Various Problems!
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"I'm struggling to get keep my hands ahead of the club on the downswing. I "unwind" the wrists to early, and I usually end up with an outside-in divot in front of the ball, even if it feels like my right arm is glued to my torso. This results in weak and high shots. Are there any drills or "swing thoughts" to avoid unwinding or allowing the club to get down too early in the downswing?"

A Swing Aid is a really good training aid for this problem. There are a couple of variations. You can check out the club aid here, or the 'plastic device that attaches to the shaft of your club' here. If you cock your wrists properly on the backswing, your leading forearm will connect with the forked portion of the Swing Aid. Then, it's just a matter of maintaining that connection to the top of the backswing, and as long as possible on the downswing. I've compared videos of my swing, with and without the Swing Aid(s). I most definitely see a later release on the swings.

Golf tips for when you are in a funk.

"I am in a FUNK! I can't seem to do anything right. I used to shoot in the 80's quite often, but now can't get the ball off the tee, or if in a fairway, can't seem to get any lift on the ball. Even my putting has evaporated. Suggestions?? (Golf Books haven't helped)!"

I was in the same boat a few years back. I'm still a hack, but can string along a few good holes and usually break 100 fairly easily now. You have to get all these swing thoughts out of your mind. That is the first thing!!!! Everyone has a unique swing, based on their body type and flexibility....you need to find yours and stick with it. Start with chipping and get that down pat. Than go to pitching. And advance to your irons. I once read that you should swing a driver with the same swing you use a 7 iron. Maybe this imagery will help. I have read a lot of golf books in my day. You are right, they are all conflicting. But that does not mean they are all wrong. There are many ways to skin this cat. Find one instructional guide you like and stick with it. Give it a chance to work. Here's the best one I found, 'Golf Tips For The Weekend Warrior'. With each change you implement, you will probably hit a lot of poor shots in the beginning, until you get the timing and coordination down.

You're in a funk (obviously). Take two weeks off.... then come back and give it up completely. :-)) Seriously, if you don't have the cash for professional help, get yourself the best training aid available. That is the only way to work out your problems by yourself. The only one I know of that will effectively teach you a decent swing is one of the "noodle clubs". Otherwise known as a Whippy, or Swing Aid. All you have to do is keep swinging the thing and hitting balls with it. If at first you are hitting it terrible (or not at all), that's good... you are one that it can help the most. Try it, you might be surprised.

Always carry a club around. Hit something, a post, a cat's scratch post, your mother-in-law, the cat, the dog (ok, but you get the idea). Whatever it is, aim for the same point each and every time, keeping your address position with the various clubs. You can buy a golf ball on a string, but you'd have to do a google search or other type of search to find it. I also recommend

Sandra G. of California states:

"Very good tips, easy to use and works immediately. Thanks!! Here's a tip I have:

If you put a towel, or jacket under your arms, and try to swing without opening your elbows and dropping the jacket, you are on the path to a good swing!"

That's an oldie but a timeless goodie! Use a towel, place it under your arms, and your elbows are force to stay closed, keeping the club square! Good job, Sandra!!

GUEST Mike Wilson "Better Balance"

One of the most underrated aspects of the golf swing is good balance. Great attention is often paid to golf's fundamentals and swing mechanics, but balance is often a forgotten topic. Achieving good balance is a worthy pursuit because if you are finishing your swing on balance you are most likely swinging correctly.

The most common cause of poor balance is over swinging, or trying to hit the ball too hard. Many golfers attempt to produce extra power at the expense of good rhythm and balance and in the end they will actually lose distance and increase their potential for injury.

Instead of using brute force to hit the ball farther, try swinging in balance and allow the natural motion of the swing to produce the distance for you. This is often called swinging within yourself. This is possibly the game's oldest piece of advice and is still one of its wisest.

Drill:

A very effective drill for improving your balance can be performed by gripping two clubs together and swinging them in slow motion. The reason for the second club is to add extra weight to the swinging motion. A heavier object will naturally slow the swing down which will most often produce better rhythm. In addition if you will hold the finish position for at least five seconds at the end of each swing you will begin to learn the correct feel for finishing on balance.

Try this drill as part of your warm up routine and I'm sure you will find your balance will improve as a result.