Many golfers approach their next shot with blinders on without any regard for what they are seeing. Each shot offers a unique opportunity to make a great play. The challenge is that many players to do not visualize their shot prior to making any attempt. This particular technique should and I will repeat, should, be part of your pre-shot routine. If you do not visualize what you are seeing, then how does your body and mind know what you want it to do? Visualization is a basic technique to low handicap players and is engrained in their pre-shot routine! This might be a bold statement and if you are opening your mind to the possibility of visualization, then the next question has to ‘how?’.

There are many different ways to visualize any action your mind wants your body to take. I the case of golf, this process happens repeatedly in the course of just a few seconds. I have never broken down the entire process into six steps, however it makes sense and I can see what Erika Larkin is talking about as I visualize my golf shot. It is simple, easy to duplicate and measurable; what a great process!

An often overlooked aspect of visualization is backing a successful shot in your memory for later use. When we execute a golf shot successfully, it is important to remember how you swung your club and the conditions by which you were successful. The conditions of the course, ball location, potential hazards will help discern if this shot would be applicable at a later date. This knowledge is important when you visualize the same shot in the future.

One point about visualization that is often overlooked happens on the green. Many players do not visualize the roll and break of each putt. The guess at the break, pick a line and putt away. I like to see the ball rolling on the line I chose as it drops into the hole. Visualization helps with selecting the speed at which I want to putt and thus adds to the potential success to every putt. The next time you are putting, visualize your hole putting stroke, the entire line it takes and watching the ball drop in the hole. You might be surprised how this simple technique will help to sink more putts.

Visualizing a golf shot is important to a successful round of golf. Today, I am heading to the course to play in the second round of Club Championship Matchplay at the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. Visualization will be an important aspect of my golf and I am planning to use to victory.

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