About 3 years ago I came up with five things that I believe every golfer should follow or at least be aware of to improve their (and others) enjoyment on the golf course. I am bringing them up again because I believe they are important and should be taught to beginners as a first step towards understanding that golf is more than just hitting a ball into a hole.
Continue readingpositive visualization
Golf’s Jedi Mind Trick
The famous Jedi Mind Trick is the most valuable resource in golf. By using the force, golfers are able to clear their mind of all potential hazards and hit successful shots time after time. This skill is not a difficult as one may think, it really comes down to believing in your swing and course of action chosen for that moment.
I am sure many of you are questioning my sanity right now, but if you really think about it, golfers can eliminate potential hazards all the time. Whether it is a shot over water, sand, a tree or right down the middle of the fairway; we are able to blank out many unwanted distractions in a blink of an eye.
Personally, I use the power of positive thought. I never (or at least hardly ever) think about the negative aspect of any shot. I visualize the end result, pick my target line, look at the desired ball flight, select the proper club to achieve your intended ball flight, set up according to your target line, and then step up to the ball – swing as if I was nothing bad could happen. When I use positive visualization, good things happen a majority of the time.
This is not a difficult skill to learn. I suggest trying it anywhere on the course next time. Stand behind your ball; take a deep breath; let it out slowly and visualize the result you want. Sometimes it takes two breaths. When you are sure of the result, go through the above steps, then step up to your ball and execute! You will be surprised at the results!
Let me know how you make out!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Your Favorite Shot In Golf
What is your favorite shot in golf? If you take a moment to think about it, there is that one shot that you love more than any other. Maybe you like it because it keeps you out of trouble. Maybe because the ball flight is something to marvel. Or even it is because the of the sound the ball makes off your club. The reason can be just about anything, but I bet you have a favorite shot in golf.
As I think about this perplexing question, I can visualize every shot in my bag. I can see me standing on the tee as I prepare to smash the cover off the ball. With no difficulty I can see my set up for a wedge shot into the green. And I can imagine making that long left to right putt for birdie! I can visualize every shot, so narrowing down the options in my game is a bit difficult.
Well, I have narrowed down my select too three possibilities. Here are my options for my favorite shot in golf:
- I am on the edge of the green. The ball is sitting on top of the grass and I have to a perfect lie. I have several club selection options, but I reach for my trusty 7-iron. Following my pre-shot routine, I envision the ball going into the hole. I step up over the ball and make my swing. Right at impact, I know when I have hit the ball pure. The crisp click I hear as the ball cleanly bounces off the club face is music to my ears! I love that sound!
- It is 6 am on a Saturday morning. I grab my clubs out of the car and quietly walk towards the first tee. I am the only person at the course. The sun is just starting to rise, revealing the beauty of the course hidden by the night. I hear the birds announcing the morning and letting the world know that a new day of adventure has finally arrived. I stand on the tee box, survey my surrounds and breath deeply. Every time I am grateful as I take my first swing of the day!
- I am standing on the tee box of any par three. I check the wind, pin location, and possible hazards I must conquer to hit the green. I think of the possibilities of my next swing as I approach my ball. The risk reward of every par three weighs on my mind. Finally, I clear my head and make that full swing. The anticipation as my ball heads towards the green offers hope beyond imagination. This is a golf shot.
Walking Towards The First Tee at Laurentide Golf Course
So what do you think? Well golfing fans, I will take what is behind door number 2! The serenity I feel early in the morning is really tough to beat. That first swing early in the morning is my favorite shot in golf.
What is your favorite shot in golf?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Creating a Winning Mindset in Golf
Have you ever wondered why certain players are always in the winner’s circle? When the pressure increases during the finishing holes of a match, these players remain calm and execute winning strokes without hesitation. Many experts point towards great form, a balanced approach to golf or confidence from hitting a winning shot a thousand times. But is that really all that is needed to play winning golf?
I agree with most of what the pundits suggest, but I also believe there is more to winning in golf than a great swing. Of course, that is the basis of any world class golfers, but there is more to winning than strong fundamentals.
A winning mindset is as important as perfect mechanics. It is critical to have a mindset where all self doubt is non-existent when making that crucial shot. Your mind should be focused on a positive result and not the possibility of failure! Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 