Have you ever wondered what process produces the best results in golf? After all the practice, research, and effort golfers put into their game, it is amazing that we are not all heading for the tour. Interestingly, I use a technique that I think will be beneficial to all amateurs that produces great golf shots. My process is simple, easy to use, repeatable and sustainable. Is that not something that every player is looking for to improve their game?

Long before I watched the movie Seven Days In Utopia, it had used a technique to work on my swing. I use it primarily with my short game, but it works in the other areas of my game as well. It is very simple: I talk myself through my golf shot. Yes, I literally talk out loud (actually under my breath) and describe all the steps I use to make the shot I want and or need. It is not anymore complicated than that I assure you.

By describing my shot from start to finish, I force my mind and body to align for the golf shot. The more detail I use, the great the chance of success. I will describe my grip, stance, contact, aim point, landing area, and release distance. More importantly, I explain to myself why I am doing what I am doing what I do. Through this explanation I am able to uncover any swing errors, what is working and more importantly what is not.

I used this technique with Noah the other day and it worked very well. By the end of our nine holes, he was already down the path of making a successful shot by thinking through all the aspects of his shot in his head. The transference from vocal to mental is very important because the latter is how we play golf. It allows ourselves the opportunity to work through each shot and the factors that may affect it. As I stated earlier, this process is simple, easy to use, repeatable and sustainable. More importantly, it really works.

Next time you are practicing your game, try talking through your golf shot from start to finish. Work through all the problems of the shot and how you are going to solve them. This verbal process will transfer to a mental process eventually, however, I find it a great practice tool that shines the light on challenges to my swing. Additionally, it helped identify knowledge areas that I needed strengthening. Golf can be a difficult game, however using this verbal technique can help solve some of the formidable obstacles.

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