The Domino Effect

January 1, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 13 Comments

Everyone wants to hit the ball far like Bubba Watson; Hit your wedge shots like Phil Mickelson; Putt like Steve Stricker; Have the mental concentration like Jack Nicklaus. All golfers know they can do better regardless of their success on the links. The key is to first identify adjustments required to lower scores and improve your mental toughness. Regardless, there is one critical point that all players must remember when making any change – the Domino Effect!

Similar to the Domino Theory of the 1950s, the domino effect is a chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby, which then causes another similar change, and so on in linear sequence. Any changes to a golf swing will directly or indirectly cause changes to other areas you are happy with. The above video shows that it is critical to keep the sight of the big picture and that minor adjustments to all areas of your swing might be required.

As an example, hitting the ball further off the tee or fairway will have a tremendous impact on your overall game. However, stepping up to the tee and bashing the cover off the ball is really not the answer. Chances are it might go further, but who wants to keep hitting their second shot out of the woods! It will take some major and minor adjustments to make sure the maximum effort produces the maximum results.

It is very important to understand that any change to your golf swing will produce a domino effect in your game. Knowing and understanding this fact will help shape your golf swing into a birdie machine. Do not forget that changing your swing and improving different areas of your game will also change how you manage your rounds. Regardless of what you change, be prepared to adjust the unexpected!

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

Choosing A Golf Ball

October 31, 2013October 31, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 16 Comments

Image from:http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/744835-halloween-custom-iron-set-sale/

Happy Halloween!

Does a golf ball really make a difference to your game? Is there any significant difference between the top-of-the-line manufacturers’? After some research, I would suggest there is a big difference. Through the years, I started off with Canada Cup (Spalding), Canada Club (Acushnet), Ultra (Wilson), Slanzenger (Slanzenger), many varies of Titleist and Callaway. Each change was driven by my increase in skill level.

For the past 3 years, I played Pro V1 and Pro V1x. However, I have found that I do not have the same feel or touch or something from them, so I have looked for another ball. At the end of last year, I won a dozen Srixon Q Star golf balls at men’s night and decided to give them a try. I really like them. So, I think during the upcoming season, I will start using the Q Star as my primary ball; with the right to change if needed.

Choosing a ball is difficult. Deciding which ball is best for you is no easy feat. Really, it comes down to personal preference. You can use a ball selector from Global Golf, which I did an ended up being directed to Q Star (go figure), or do research with the criteria at Golf Smith. Galaxy Golf has a great chart to compare all the golf balls and more importantly why the ball was designed. It provides an overview of most golf balls and is a good resource.

Even Jack Nicklaus has a newly released system for choosing a golf ball to simplify the entire process. On a side note, his golf balls are sold to support his and Barbara’s charity: Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Jack’s efforts to simply the ball selection process is something that most manufacturers try to accomplish, but their advertising hype seems to get in the way. I like Jack’s simple approach and would be interested to hear of anyone has played his golf balls.

Regardless of how you choose your golf ball, ensure it feels right for you. I have played with scratch handicappers who use inexpensive balls and those who play the top-rated balls. I could provide lots of advice, but unfortunately it would only apply to my game.

If I was to provide any advice it would be this: try different types and do not be afraid to change. Once you find the ball you like, stick to it for a bit to make sure. The choice is all yours and the right ball for your game will build confidence and ultimately lower your score. Which ball do you use?

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

Distraction, What Distraction?

September 10, 2013April 3, 2020 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Golf is a particularly interesting game. One of the greatest attributes to a great golfer is concentration! In the modern era, Jack Nicklaus demonstrated the greatest ability to concentrate while playing golf. Through 18 PGA Tour Majors, 8 Senior PGA Tour Majors, 2 Amateur Titles he showed that to stay focused for 4 hours was very difficult, especially during the stop and start tempo of a round on the links. While zeroing in on a shot for 15 seconds, many distractions could occur that would have an impact on the intended results.

“I was blessed with the ability to focus intensely on whatever I’m doing right now, free of distractions and to the exclusion of whatever else might pre-occupy me.” –Jack Nicklaus

If you have never played in front of a gallery of onlookers, it is difficult to describe the feeling of all those eyes intently watching your every move. The pros make it look easy. Each click of a camera, a cough, people shouting or the eerie quiet of a hushed crowd are all factors that could create distractions and interrupt your concentration. Having played with a small gallery of about 40 people watching, it is a bit unnerving. However, it was possible to stay focused and calm the nerves; it just takes practice. “Concentration is a fine antidote to anxiety.” (Jack Nicklaus)

There are many ways to keep your concentration while playing. It does take effort and practice, but ultimately the pay off is reduced scores and more consistent play. The following are concentration tips will help any player start to develop their own concentration techniques:

Develop a solid pre-shot routine. Annika Sörenstam states that “a pre-shot routine is a consistent and systematic procedure that is executed prior to hitting a golf shot and is very instrumental in the focus and relaxation process.”

Don’t over concentrate. The Telegraph published an article regarding a study that being too focused may be detrimental to your overall game. “One trick that people can certainly try is to try to distract your external focus. Make sure that your focus is on the hole or on a spot on the green and do not think about your technique or how your limbs are moving.” Basically, clear your mind when playing; to much activity between the ears does not really help.

Switching your concentration on and off. Golf Today suggests that “the absolute ideal in a round of golf is that you switch ‘ON’ for your shots and then switch ‘OFF’ in between shots.” Being able to be prepared to hit the ball when it is time to perform is an extremely valuable skill. It is impossible to stay focused for 4.5 hours (as well all know); some Golf Today suggests are:

A particular mark on your glove like the RED DOT. Make it personal to you and then look at this before you start your routine.
Have a particular word you say to yourself like ‘FOCUS’
Open and close the Velcro fastener on your glove paying attention to the sound.

Regardless what you do to turn your concentration on and off, it has to be yours and something that will enable you to focus when required.

Visualization. Visualizing your shot is another way to hone your concentration skills. See yourself hitting the ball successfully. When playing, take 5 seconds behind the ball see your shot, then step up, and perform. Visualizing a shot will allow you to stay focused when needed most!

There are countless ways to stay focused on the course. To achieve the greatest success while playing golf does take concentration. How a players develops this skill is really an individual process. Everyone is different, however having a pre-shot routine, not over concentrating, being able to turn your focus on and off or visualization are but four ways to lower your score and play consistently.

What are some techniques you use to stay focused on the course?

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