Feel, not mechanics, drive golf success
When you are working on a swing change, as you are working
towards that change, what is really important during that process?
Is it the flight of the ball or the actual mechanics of that
change? I find for most people it is the flight of the ball.
The flight of the ball is only important after you have made
that change.
Feel, not mechanics, drive golf success
When you are working on a swing change, as you are working towards that change, what is really important during that process? Is it the flight of the ball or the actual mechanics of that change? I find for most people it is the flight of the ball.
The flight of the ball is only important after you have made that change.
This is the one mental approach I stress to my students. When you play golf you play good golf by feel. If you try and play by mechanics you are doomed to a tight, stress-filled round. The golf swing happens too fast to control all parts of it. This is what I teach my students to do to get that feel.
Let’s say you are always out of balance after you swing at the ball. First I will put my student in a balanced finish.
I mean I will push or pull or whatever it takes to get them in a balance finish position. Then I tell them to close their eyes and feel what it is like. Next I will have them make a swing and hold the finish and see if it feels the same. They will do this until they feel it and I see they are correct.
Now I will have them hit a ball, but not until I stress to them that the only thing that is important is that they make the same swing to balance. Not the ball and where it goes, just what they felt in their practice swings.
Then I tell them to hit a ball, hold the finish, close their eyes and see if it feels the same. If it does, great if it doesn’t repeat the process, and that is it until the balance is the same with both swings. The only thing you can control on a golf course is what kind of swing you make – a good one or a bad one – and if you know what a good one is, well, what do you think? Play well.
Eagle Ridges’ Kids Course is open every Sunday starting at 2 p.m. It is for kids 12 and under, please join us.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at sk*****@ea**********.com. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
