Golf swing improvement can only begin once you know how the golf swing works - you need to know the why as well as the what to do.
The reason for this is explained in the following example:
You have been given a golf swing tip (this might be from a friend, a pro or even have seen it in a golf swing magazine). You use this tip the next time you go out to play a round of golf.
What happens... this tip might suddenly give you a great improvement in your swing consistency, it might have you knocking the flags down and peppering the holes. You think 'great I've finally susssed this game'. Does this sound familiar? If it does then I'm with you all the way as I've been there.
What happens next? You feel all cocky and think I've got this game mastered. You see a magazine with the tag line 'Improve Golf Swing' and you think 'I don't need that anymore I've got my swing sorted'!
Next time you go out with your friends you're feeling all confident and are ready to rip the course up! But this time you hit a duff shot, then another, you start really analysing every move you make, you start doing slow practice swings to see what's happening, you start to think really hard during your proper swing... and all of sudden you're back to were you were before that great swing tip made your sudden transformation, it's as if that great last round had never happened. I'm with you, as it's happened to me before.
So how do we start to resolve this, how can we stop this cycle of boom and bust and really improve our golf swing?
The answer is in the first words you read on this page 'golf swing improvement can only begin once you know how the golf swing works - you need to know the why as well as the how'. To truly benefit from golf swing instruction you must understand the WHY and HOW as well as the WHAT to do. If you understand HOW and WHY you are making a change to your swing then you are far more likely to stick with any advice you are given because you can test it against your own logic. I simple tip gives no supporting evidence that you can draw on when things don't go so well.
Next time you are given a golf swing tip then ask WHY you are making a change and HOW it effects your swing - that way you will know whether you should stick with it.
Many golfers still mistakenly believe that if they regularly practice newfound skills they will automatically transfer onto the course. LEARNING HOW TO SWING AND LEARNING HOW TO PLAY ARE TWO SEPARATE PROCESSES.
If there is a weakness I see in most teaching pros, they don't spend enough lesson time on the issue of transference from the range to the course. The fact is, a golf instructor wirth his salt will take their student onto the course where real learning takes place.
Granted, this is a fairly sophisticated psychological concept, but the issue has to be covered about the strategies and tactics of bringing one's game onto the course. Good teachers always address this issue at the end of each lesson.
Pretend certain range shots are like those specific ones you will encounter during a round. It is true, "If you want to play like you practice, then practice like you want to play." Spend time reflecting on this maxim.
Before a round of golf and you are on the range and you have warmed up, hit the club you would normally hit on the first hole. Visualize the first hole and how it looks while you are on the range...the fairway, any trees or bunkers. Then go through your pre shot as if you are on the course. Pick out a spot on the range where you want the ball to end up.
This programs your subconscious to get into ?scoring mode? rather than mindlessly beating balls and thinking you are ready for the course. After you hit your first shot, imagine what your second shot would be and then hit that shot.
If it is a chip onto the green, do that. By the time you reach the first hole you will feel like you have already played it and you will feel more confident.
The club you use to hit the last ball on the range should be the club you will use on the first hole. This will keep the shot fresh in your mind as you head for the first tee.
I recommend having a few extra balls in case your ?last shot? is not a good one...you want to end your practice on a good note...this will add volumes to your confidence on the first tee. This is so incredibly powerful in getting you off to a good start that I cannot emphasize it enough.
You see, your preparation for your golf round is crucial in getting your mind set for achieving your potential out on the course. Watch the pros practice before a tournament...they are constantly practicing shots they expect to see on the course.
So if you're the kind of person who wants to break free from mindlessly banging balls on the range and finally achieve great results on the golf course, this proven method will set your golf game free!
Both Jonathan Barrett & John J. Lynch are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jonathan Barrett has sinced written about articles on various topics from Golf Guide. Jon Barrett WAS a frustrated golfer who studied the golf swing for 5 years in search of information to but without success... UNTIL he discover. Jonathan Barrett's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
John J. Lynch has sinced written about articles on various topics from Golf Guide, Internet Marketing and Personal Desktop. John Lynch is owner of and writes on a variety of subjects. To read more about this golf topic John recommends you visit:. John J. Lynch's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.