One of the biggest afflictions I see every day with the better players I coach on the practice range has to do with a false piece of golf instruction many of us were taught in our earliest learning stages. We were taught to push the club back and this does an enormous amount of damage to 98% of the golf swings I see. Lets talk about what I mean from a practical standpoint and then I’ll back my comments up with hard scientific evidence.
Nearly every amateur golfer progresses through a series of levels. They highest handicap golfers start out by hitting the ball left of the target line with a slice until they figure out how to release the club and eliminate some of the problems that originate from pushing in both the back swing and the downswing. They have two misses. They either pull the ball and it…
Today is the start of my team’s quest for golf in the Ontario Regional Military basketball competition. In a few hours, we hit the court with high hopes and expectations for success. Like every athlete, I wonder if I prepared myself properly to ensure I play my role and contribute to the team’s victories. Time will tell very shortly if I did enough!
Interestingly, I prepared for this basketball competition the same way I prepare for golf events. I trained to improve my cardio and strength, I ate properly, hydrated and most off all focused mentally on success. The mental aspect of the game is most important because a positive attitude and the knowledge that we will win are strong driving forces for success.
To prepare mentally for this basketball competition, I visualized weeks before today on winning. What I had to do as part of the team to make the team better, I visualized my shot going into the hoop, and most importantly, I visualized raising the banner as a champion. This competition is a team sport and to be successful I have to mentally be prepared to do what the coach requires to make the whole team better.
The mental preparation in golf is exactly the same. Before any competition, I start the mental preparation of winning. I focus on proper strokes – where and when to hit what shot. I go over the course in my mind and visualize each hole. I visualize how to play each hole. I focus on playing my game to ensure I keep out of trouble. Finally, I visualize on winning. Holding the trophy and feeling the joy of winning!
Mental preparation is an important key to success! How do you prepare to a golf tournament?
“If there is one thing I have learned during my years as a professional, it is that the only thing constant about golf is its inconstancy.” – Jack Nicklaus
The Golden Bear describes many golf games. Watching the tour it is not difficult to see that consistency is the key to success. For example: Phil Mickelson is currently on the bad side of consistency; he has played in 6 events and only has 4 top 25 finishes, missed the cut once and withdrew once. Not one of Mickelson’s memorable starts! However, Harris English is 5th in the FEDEX points; he has played 11 events with 6 top tens and has made the cut in every event – extremely consistent. Looking around the professional and amateur ranks, it is not difficult to see that consistency is one of the major keys to success!
Consistency is defined as reliability or uniformity of successive results or events – pitched with remarkable consistency throughout the season. Basically, accurate repeating of the same stroke at the same distance with similar results. The stroke does not have to be pretty, but the results, when trying to break 100, have to consistent. This is really the key to great golf.
Regardless of a players handicap, consistency drives their score. A single digit handicap player will be extremely consistent in most areas of their game. The closer to the pin, the more consistent the player becomes. Their short game is really something to watch – it is almost magical. If you watch professional golf, their short game is sometimes breath-taking as they consistently make miracle shots when least expected.
To achieve consistency and break 100 there is a magic formula. It is the best kept secret and is repackaged everyday. It is free and anyone can follow the simple process. Here it is – PRACTICE YOUR SHORT GAME!
I know many will say that you cannot even hit the ball well – that might be true, but most beginners will waste 3-5 shots around the green on every hole. They will 3-4 putt, chip the ball 2 and three times or get in the sand and have a hard time getting out! We have all been there and experience shows that consistency around the green is the first step towards lowering your score and achieving milestones.
If you are still skeptical, ask any player who scores consistently low, 98% of them will point to how well they chipped and putted during their round! To confound Jack Nicklaus’ quote, take time to practice your short game it will be the first steps to breaking 100.
Recently, through the magic of social media and blogging, I came across Tom Kennedy. His CV is quite long and extensive, but what peaked my interest is new position as the Director of Golf for Ghana! Recently taking over, he is faced with many challenges. These challenges are things that we western golfers take for granted: good golf courses, accessibility, many media outlets, etc. This has not deterred Tom, but only inspired him to bring golf to Ghana.
IM – Will you be responsible for promoting youth golf?
TK – Absolutely! It’s vital to start playing golf at a young age. Right from the beginning, I’ll be developing grass-roots golf with all of my energy and enthusiasm by introducing Junior Golf Programmes at all of the Golf Clubs. I understand that there is a large, secondary school overlooking the golf course at Achimota GC, where I will be based – no better place to begin prospecting for future golf talent than right there! Achimota is regarded as Ghana’s best course. There’s a strong Irish presence and influence due to Tullow Oil having an operation close by.
Focusing on the juniors is a way to build a strong foundation for future golfers. It will take longer, but building from the ground floor up will develop a sustainable and viable program for years to come!
This is the first of several blogs I intend to dedicate to the development of golf in Ghana. I cannot think of a better way to help others enjoy the game that provides so much. Stay tuned for future updates and possible ways for you to help.
Recently, I was surprised by a golf movie called Seven Days in Utopia. The movie dealt with how golf is not just a game, but has an impact on our entire life. As I am always on the hunt for a good golf movie, Seven Days in Utopia is one I would watch again next winter.
The overview of the move is: After a disastrous début on the pro circuit, a young golfer finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas and welcomed by an eccentric rancher.
Robert Duvall is Johnny Crawford and ex PGA player. He says the classic line about Luke Chisholm (Lucas Black): How can a game have such an effect on a man’s soul? The way I see it, how can it not? You don’t chose the game, it choses you. And when it does, life and golf become forever connected. That’s how it was for a young man named Luke Chisholm.
I do not want to give to much of the movie away, but I do think it is worth a watch. The movie can go two ways for the viewer. As a golfer, It offers some great advice that can help anyone’s game. As a feel good movie, it talks about how the world around us affects all aspects of your game. I found the movie enjoyable. I hope you do as well!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links…..soon!
