lower scores

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!

Is the sun rising or setting?

Every golfer tries to shoot their best score each time out. Some times they are successful, sometimes not. I routinely go through streaks of good play and periods of OH MY GOD! Regardless, it is important to maintain a cool demeanor on the course.

Two weeks ago I shot a smooth 87. Yup, I can not believe it either. No matter what I tried, I could not score well. I was either shooting par or double bogey and nothing in between.

Five days ago, I shot a 1-over 72. Actually, I can believe this one because I carry about a 5-6 handicap. I had four birdies and thee bogeys and a double (grrrrr).

So what is the difference between the two rounds that I should build upon to maintain success on the links. After much introspection, I decided that lower stress about my game was a very important factor to my score of 72.

Early in each round I encountered a point where my short game skills were tested. During the high round, I had plenty of self-doubt and lack of confidence. Not sure why, but my attitude was poor. I made a poor chip and started to get frustrated and my stress started to climb. Unfortunately, I could not reverse this trend and poof, a score of 87!

During the great round, as I walked to the ball, I told myself that I can make this shot like a hundred times before. I confidently chose my 52 degree gap wedge and easily chipped the ball within 2 feet and putted in for par. Feeling very happy about the result, I continued with the positive attitude (even when I shot a double bogey) and it seemed that I just could not miss a shot. There was no stress at all during the entire round.

I am not sure exactly how to control my stress on the golf course, but I do know that a positive mental attitude definitely helps. It must be working because I have shot 72, 74 and 74 during my last three games…..and NO STRESS! And I am confident my good play will continue.

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