As we approach the end of 2020 (thank goodness), it is easy to think back at our golf game and suggest that things were not all that bad. Excluding events of the golf course, I think that 2020 turned out to be one of my better years in the past 15. I am not going to offer up a bunch of stats and brag about my successes, I want to focus a bit more on how I grew as a golfer. It might seem strange that as I approach 60 years of age I am still learning. Well, I believe you can teach a old dog new tricks!
Continue readingSwitching Golf Club Alliances
Are you the type of person who is a die-hard customer that only supports a specific club manufacturer? You know, if you find something that works, then stick with it regardless if your game is improving or not. Well, I am semi-loyal to a golf club brand, but have transitioned from Titleist to Muzino over the last year. I made the move to Muzino after my club fitting, but I am still loyal with some clubs because I have not found anything better.
Continue readingPlaying Golf With Your Dad or Mom
Watching the practice round of Tiger Woods and his son Charlie at the 2020 PNC Championship sure brings back some fond memories. In my early years I had the honour of playing golf with my Dad, but alas we never had the opportunity to play in a tournament. That was reserved from my Mom about 10 years later. Whether in competition or playing in a friendly, I can say that those rounds were priceless!
Continue readingMy Birthday Present Has Arrived!
I was thrilled today to arrive home and find my birthday present sitting outside my door! It was in a long box and stood out like a shining start in the evening star. I wish I took a picture of this beautiful sight, but alas I was slow on the uptake. But, not to worry I can still see it as clear as the morning sun peaking over the trees. Unfortunately, I could not open the box for a bit because I had some domestic chores to handle first. Now, that I have, I am ready for golf season to start!
Continue readingThe Challenge Of Hitting A Shot When Needed
We have all played a round of golf where we shot ourselves into a situation that requires a needed shot. You know what I mean when I suggest that the pressure mounts after hitting a poor shot and a solid shot is required to recover from your poor performance. Or you are in a scramble and all of your team mates are out of play and they all look to you to save the hole. There are many situations where hitting a needed shot is critical to keep a good round going. I think I have the solution or at least on that works for me!
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The pressure shot I am suggesting does not have to be anything special. Sometimes we need to hit a great wedge from the middle of the fairway to set up par. Sometimes we have to manufacture something, but those shots are in a different category. I think the most common example would be putting a 3 footer for par on any hole. Making that putt more often than not is hitting a shot when needed to keep your score low. Lets go back to 150 yards and work on my solution from that distance.
The picture should give you part of my answer to success under pressure and producing that needed shot on demand.
Regardless of what situation we found ourselves in on the golf course, committing to whatever shot you selected is critical to lower golf shores. It is important to quiet the white noise and focus on success. Banishing the negative thoughts and self-doubt is all part of committing to your shot. When you take that positive step towards relieving the mounting pressure, the second part of my process kicks in.
Follow your routine as if there was no pressure on the shot. Yup, it is that simple. Follow the same pre-shot routine, shot execution and finishing your shot as per normal. Do not try to do anything different because when you do the results are not what you had intended. Play your normal game after committing to the shot. Focus on the results you want versus what you don’t want. This mental focus will allow you to hit any shot on demand during all situations.
Committing to your shot and following your routine are the two steps I use when hitting that pressure shot when needed. It might seem too simple, but I have notice over the years that most amateurs change their shot making routine because they believe they need to do something special. I would suggest that keeping things as simple as possible and relying on your skill (whatever level) to make the shot is the best path to success. Why change things and bring in an additional element of risk during a pressure shot.
So, the next time you need a specific shot; step back and take your time. Commit to your shot and execute it as per your normal game. You will find that you are far more successful and the results will be satisfying.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 