Practice the right way
– with golf balls
Does your practice swing really do you any good? After you have
made it does your actual swing at the ball feel the same? If you
are like 85 percent of the golf world the answer is, no. So what’s
up with that? The difference is something only 1.68
”
in size, that’s right it’s the ball. When we swing at nothing we
really swing; when we swing at the ball we are trying to get the
mass of the club squarely behind the ball. So what good does a
practice swing really do?
Practice the right way – with golf balls
Does your practice swing really do you any good? After you have made it does your actual swing at the ball feel the same? If you are like 85 percent of the golf world the answer is, no. So what’s up with that? The difference is something only 1.68″ in size, that’s right it’s the ball. When we swing at nothing we really swing; when we swing at the ball we are trying to get the mass of the club squarely behind the ball. So what good does a practice swing really do?
Your brain is giving a different set of commands to your body when we are trying to hit the ball. So a practice swing doesn’t really prepare us to square up the club behind the ball. Harvey Penick said, “never take a practice swing at nothing because that is what you will hit.” Your brain needs to rehearse exactly what you are trying to do.
Here is something you can do when you play that should make your practice swing closer to what you are really wanting to do. Take your practice swing about three inches from the ball and just make sure you don’t hit the ball. As you are making your swing, look at the ball and ‘see’ the club square up behind the ball in your mind. Your subconscious will think that is what you are really doing. Now your two swings should begin to feel the same. Remember ninety percent of golf is in your head so don’t be afraid to use it. Play well.
Just a reminder – any police officer, firefighter or active military personnel is invited to play Eagle Ridge GC Monday through Thursday for half price, so please come see us. Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at [email protected]. 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.
