As I've already shared, in my quest to play to my potential in golf, I made a conscious decision to research and discover golf's inner and mental aspects instead of going the traditional route of getting instruction on swing technique. This video pretty much sums up why ;).



But seriously, even if you introduce only one of those swing thoughts, that's enough to interfere with your natural ability to swing a golf club. Instead of working on technique and depending on swing thoughts, I've found that the more effective I become at simply focusing only on the precise flight path and target I want before and during my swing, the more frequently the ball goes there.

While most golfers are taking golf lessons and spending time on the range working through a rigid pre-shot routine, lining up your stance, and placing the ball in the "correct" position, I enjoy simply experimenting and "playing" during practice. I do think if you're just getting started, a single lesson is useful to learn a proper grip and perhaps a couple other fundamentals. But this information is also available in tons of golf books. I found that standing in front of a mirror to check your grip, find a comfortable stance, and observe your swing is very helpful too.

I like to experiment with open and closed stances, weak and strong grips, and different ball positions in my stance when I practice. I try to hit the ball exactly where I want with these variations and observe the various ball flights they create. What I've found is that no matter how I place my feet or where I put the ball, I'm usually able to hit the ball pretty close to where I want, without thinking one bit about my swing. By simply focusing only on the desired target, my body seems to figure out how to get it there.

All it takes is a deep trust that our human bodies already know how to do something as simple as swing a golf club. You just tell it precisely what you want it to do through visualization. However, this is only effective to the degree that you free your mind from the interference created by thoughts introduced by fear and doubt. That's where trust comes in. The range is a perfect place to experiment with this since it's much easier to be free from these interfering thoughts on a wide open golf range with nothing on the line.

With practice, I've learned how to take this "care-free" attitude out to the course, visualize and create the shots I desire, swing freely, and let go of judgment about the outcome and move on to the next shot. I find I only get into trouble when I start "trying" to steer the ball or hit it too far, resulting in over-swinging and a quick tempo. I'm learning to slow down, be still, and trust my body to deliver exactly what I ask for.

I've used the same approach throwing a ball to 1st base, shooting a free-throw, swinging a bat, and taking a slapshot. Those simple actions don't require professional instruction. Seems as if putting and hitting a stationary ball shouldn't either. Give it a try.

Labels: Disciplines, Golf Lessons, Self Coaching