Golf is a game of tempo. There is no one correct tempo that fits everyone’s game, but there is that one correct tempo that fits your game. I have one as well and I know when I am in the groove by how I feel hitting through the ball. To be fair, my tempo does fluctuate slightly from round to round, but for the most part it is very consistent. What I do find frustrating during a round is when I rush my shot for no reason. It dumbfounds me when it happens because this wayward shot comes out of left field and usually disappears as quickly as it arrives. Regardless, any rushed shot for no reason has no place in my game and I forbid it from ever coming back!
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Establishing Consistent Golf Swing Tempo
Golf is a fun game when we are playing well. I know that as my round continues and my score is in excellent zone, I have a tendency to change my tempo and focus. Mostly it is because my emotions are ramping up and I get a head of myself. When I can control myself, I find that my tempo stays in check and I am able to finish strong. I have a few techniques and found a video by David Leadbetter that shows two things I do that helps. The other two might be a benefit for you, but only you can decide.
Continue readingBuilding Power In Your Golf Swing
Every golfer I know wants to hit the ball farther. I have never encountered any player saying they wished they did hit the ball so far; everyone wants more distance. Over the 2021 season, I made some fundamental changes with my driver that increased my distance while keeping my accuracy. The changes I made are only the beginning, however I wish I had notice Annika Sorenstam’s tip earlier to help speed up my learning curve.
I changed several things with respect to my driver set up, however adopting the ‘less is more’ philosophy was by far the toughest change I made to my driver and fairway woods. With my new set up, I found that if I tried to swing fast at the ball, I would pull it left……consistently. Of course there is sweet spot between tempo and club head speed that we all seek and not trying to grip it and rip it is the first step. As I ran through my morning news feeds, I found this video that would have helped earlier in the season.
I tried placing my thumb over my grip to see how it felt. I took a few practice swings (no ball contact yet because my DIY driving net will not be set up until the new year) Sorenstam’s tip definitely forced me to grip the club looser. This, inturn, forced me to swing the club with less tension in my arms, wrists and hands. Hence, the natural ‘less is more’ golf drill.
Before I get too excited, I will need to hit balls to see if this drill will produce the results I am looking for in my golf swing. Moving forward, I will have to wait for a bit, but it is knowledge I can store and recall when the time is right. As you know from previous years of reading The Grateful Golfer, my off-season is the time I try to expand my knowledge and prepare my tools for my next golf season. Annika Sorenstam’s thumb over drill is a perfect example of my process that helps me keep me focused on ways to improve my overall golf game. As my golf journey continues, I am grateful for the time and access to knowledge that helps reduce my learning curve.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Reverting Back to Old Golf Habits
As a golfer with many years of experience, I have tried a plethora of techniques in an effort to lower my golf score. I have willingly embarked on this, sometimes frustrating, journey with no regrets. Along the way I have learned a great deal about myself and this self actualization has helped improve my core golf game to a point where my golf game only requires minor tweaks. I realize that I will never be a player who will consistently shoot below par, but I continue to keep that vision of success at the forefront of my efforts to improve. Unfortunately, my journey has some pitfalls such as relearning habits that I thought I had kicked. For some reasons, these poor habits pop up from time to time and this is the frustrating part of my journey.
Continue readingOn To The Semi Finals Of The Osprey Links Stroke Match Play Competition
From the title of the article, I guess you figured out that I won my match yesterday. After playing 18 holes with hickory sticks, I played another 18 holes against Scott. Steve and Dan, Scott’s friends (and now my friends) joined us to round out our group. These young players have strong developing games in addition to being great company during our round. There were some great shots, some not so great shots, and some forgettable shots. However, the company was fantastic, the weather was gorgeous and the course was in fantastic condition. Overall, it was a great round and I had a great time.
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