The wide variety in playing styles; it sometimes seems as though every golfer has their own set of rules—is one of the game’s most fascinating (and frustrating) features.
How can the once-weekly golfer sort through the deluge of (often contradictory) technical data to decide which components are worthwhile replicating?
A different viewpoint could possibly provide some clarity.
Have you ever made a flawless shot? The sensation of ease is something that all golfers, regardless of skill level, can identify with. Your ability to consistently re-create that effortless feeling before each shot, is the missing link that is often overlooked in traditional instruction.
To say, but how do you do it?
Create a basic repertoire of motions that will enable you to recall past successes with ease. This sequence of actions is known as a pre-shot routine in golf slang.
The idea that the routine is unchangeable and that each movement must be repeated with exact mechanical precision is a common misconception. A successful pre-shot routine consists of a series of harmless motions that divert the conscious mind from thoughts of swing mechanics or potential catastrophe. The main objective is to maintain movement until you are confident that you are ready to make the shot. Exact movements are secondary.
Obviously, the generic term “ready” means something different to each of us, but you know the ineffable feeling – as if you knew the swing was going to be good before the swing began.
One of the most frequent mistakes made by golfers with mid to high handicaps is to freeze over the ball at address.
What happens when you stop moving? The first thought that comes to mind is usually about swing mechanics, potential dangers, or past errors.
Are you familiar with the term “staying in the moment?”
Every level of golfer should take note of this. Whenever the body is moving, the rational mind is inactive. You have three to seven seconds after you stop moving before your conscious mind takes over and starts issuing alarms.
The next time you watch golf on television, pay attention to a player’s pre-swing actions. The player does he/she spin the club? It might be customary to tug at the sleeve of the shirt. The pre-shot routine consists of any motion that is repeated frequently.
The key to letting go of conscious control and allowing your natural ability to take control is when you start to pay more attention to feelings than proper technique. In effect, you learn how to “forget” swing mechanics for one-and-a-half seconds and just hit the damn ball!