We have all played rounds of golf were everything was working. It just seemed that no matter how we swung the club, the results were better than average. Then, poof we have a very low score and we walk off the course elated. We are “walking on sunshine” (I bet you are humming that song right now); at that moment, all was right in the world. It was a great day on the golf course! The next round, thinking to build on our last round successes, yet nothing works. We chopped more wood than a lumberjack and no matter what we try we cannot figure out what was wrong. To me the answer is simple; we do not understand what works in our golf game to consistently make it successful!

Like many seasoned players, I have analysed all aspects of my swing. I am pretty sure I have narrowed down how to create a consistent effective golf swing. These three tenets apply to all aspects of my game with no exception. When, for whatever reason, I decide not to follow these fundamental swing actions, then all heck breaks loose and my game heads to the dumpster faster than the speed of light.

These fundamental aspects of my swing are neither special nor complicated, yet on some swings I neglect one or two. Not sure why, but it happens. In no particular order:

• Keeping my head still. Well of course this particular golf lesson is important (I know you all thought it, but kept it silent). This is my number one fundamental aspect of my swing that causes me the most trouble. On the days I am successful, my head focuses on the contact point for a count of one before tracking the ball. My body rotates around my head and feet in a smooth controlled rhythm. When I am struggling, I am more like a bobble-head doll that constantly nods my head in all directions. The funny thing, I know this is key to my success, but some days…….
• Following through on my target line. I sometimes have the tendency to tug my swing to the left. Generally this happens when I attempt to hit the ball farther, but this is nothing new. Where I notice the greatest challenge is when chipping or pitching from 100 yards and closer. When I swing easier (which I am working on this year) my body moves ahead of my arms and wrists and I end up hitting the ball left. My club head finishes through the ball left of my intended line; thus, I hit the ball left. I know this is a constant challenge and try to keep focused on my follow through, but some days……..
• Never try to steer the ball. This might seem like another obvious statement, however the moment I try to steer the ball, I lose control of swing. This can happen with any club! Instead of trusting my swing, I feel I need to help control the ball and that never works for me. I need to commit to a shot and swing away. If I visualize success of a shot, I just need to let my body take over and let it do its thing. When I do this, I have a smooth tempo and accurate contact. Never trying to steer the ball is a good thing, but some days……

Those three points are the secret to my golf swing. Of course there are many, many other things to think about when making a golf shot, but if can constantly include the above three aspects of my swing on each shot, then fantastic things can happen. I wish I had the secret to ensure that they are always present, but alas I do not. I guess that is what I am an amateur playing well, but not fantastic all the time (scores and results are relative). Golf is a simple and complex game that never ceases to provide constant amusement.

Do you know your golf game? Do you know what makes our swing great?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!