Golf is a game of intent. Regardless if you just pick up the sticks or have more rounds completed than you can count, golf is a sport where each shot should be made with the intention of either sinking or positioning the ball. It is not a difficult concept in theory, but the execution of each shot is definitely more difficult than we think. Personally, I try to visualize each shot from the moment of contact until my ball comes to rest. It is a process that I feel is important go great golf. It is one process that is easily learnt.
Continue readingSeven Days in Utopia
The Science of Golf
Science is the core factor to innovative changes to new golf equipment or at least to manufacturers. Personally, I do not understand most of the physics behind golf, but I can appreciate that science is important to playing great golf.
Bryson DeChambeau has taken ‘the science of golf’ to a new level. A recent US Amateur Champion and low amateur at the 2016 Masters, DeChambeau is also a “mad scientist of sorts”. Continue reading
A Golf Tip For Everyone
Universal golf tips are difficult to find. Depending on the skill level of the player, a golf tip could be too difficult or too simple. Focusing on more than one movement during a golf swing is often overwhelming for amateur golfers. Therefore, it is very difficult to find that one universal tip that fits the needs of every golfer. Well, for two years I have searched for the elusive tip and I think I have found it!
This drill is so simple, I think everyone can do it! It helps meets the criteria of focusing on one aspect of a golf swing and can be performed by any golfer. It takes only 5 minutes a day and can be practiced anywhere! It is called active visualization. I know we have discussed visualization at length (Visualization for Success, A Growth Mindset, and Visualizing a Shot) and I have finally figured out what was missing.
What was missing was the active part! Normally, when visualizing my golf swing, I think my way through the shot. I try to picture my swing in my mind’s eye through my pre-shot to post-shot routine. I try to keep my concentration on the moment and have achieved relative success. However, I found that I am sometimes easily distracted by other thoughts creeping in, noises, or falling asleep! Ok, now that you have stopped laughing…..
Active visualization is nothing new. My idea actually comes from the movie “Seven Days in Utopia“. The seasoned golf coach in Utopia was helping a struggling golf professional. The first step to improvement was to write out his golf swing. It made the player concentrate on how and why he swung a golf club in a particular way. After some reflection, I think this approach is brilliant.
Active visualization does start with writing out your golf swing. If you are having difficulty, there are many sites that will help. However, it is important to focus on your swing. As you go through the step by step process of writing out your swing, you are in fact analysing your mechanics. This is an important step towards understanding your golf game and is critical to improving your overall game. Once you are done writing, read it out loud to yourself several times.
After reading your Pulitzer prize article aloud, you will remember it step by step. Now, close your eyes and recite your swing to yourself. You will be surprised to see images form within your mind’s eye! You will also see your swing in all its glory!
The cool thing about this process is the ability to make changes. After you have written your swing out in detail, it is easy to identify that part of your swing that is causing you the most difficulty. Once identified, change that part until you are satisfied – watching videos of professional golfers may help if you are experiencing challenges. An important aspect of active visualization is being engaged in the entire process. For 5 minutes (once you have written out your script) anyone can visualize their golf swing and as a result build confidence in their game. Visualization does help lower your golf score, active visualization will provide the foundation to a great golf game.
In future articles, I will share what I have written for my active visualization. But, before I do, what do you think? Do you think this will work? Or am I just crazy?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Seven Days in Utopia
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!
The Grateful Golfer 