| If you've ever watched a professional (or even a | | | | discussed mental preparedness... which was a huge |
| really good amateur) swing a golf club, you've | | | | boost in my golf swing improvement. |
| probably seen 3 noticeable facts. | | | | I watched as one of the instructors lined up his |
| 1. They make it look easy | | | | shot, and as he explained his technique, he |
| 2. They swing almost effortlessly | | | | encouraged us to formulate our own strategy... |
| 3. The hit the ball a ton! | | | | here is what I did: |
| Achieving the perfect golf swing on a consistent | | | | Before each shot, I decided where I want my ball |
| basis is impossible for a human. Yes, I said that | | | | to land. I had trouble lining up my shots, so I'll go a |
| right. It is impossible! Only a robot can swing a golf | | | | step further in explaining. What I do, is stand |
| club perfectly, taking note of club speed, | | | | about 3 to 4 steps behind my ball. I grip my club |
| alignment and rotation. This is bad news for the | | | | normally, and hold it up in front of me so it is |
| "hackers" of the world, but it is a simple and true | | | | pointing at a 45 angle down the fairway. I close |
| fact. The GOOD news, however, is that best of | | | | one eye, and cover the ball with the base of my |
| the best (and even you) can get pretty darned | | | | thumb, and side step left or right until my club |
| close. | | | | head is pointing in the direction I want to ball to |
| You've probably heard that golf is 90% mental, | | | | go. I now have my "line of sight." |
| and if you've ever played a round of golf in your | | | | After I am properly aligned, it is time to address |
| life, I'm sure you would agree. So what are you | | | | the ball...and THIS is when I use my "trigger." I |
| doing to integrate the mental aspect of your | | | | take a deep breath as I walk to the ball (taking |
| game? | | | | note of the direction I just sighted with my club), |
| Here's a little tip that the pros use: | | | | spin my club on the ground in my hand, and |
| 1. Mentally Prepare for your shot. | | | | exhale as I address. This tells my brain, that I am |
| Now this seems awfully obvious doesn't it? But in | | | | concentrated and mentally focused. |
| reality, not many "hackers" out there properly | | | | At this point, there is nothing else going on in my |
| take this step when approaching for their shots. | | | | mind... I am ready to initiate the swing. "Triggers" |
| The best part about this technique, is that it | | | | are an important part of the game of Golf. Watch |
| applies to your woods, irons and wedges - All of | | | | how other professionals utilize them the next time |
| your shots should start out with a proper and | | | | you see one on TV or at an event. Some pros |
| focused mental attitude. | | | | pull up their shirt sleeve as they address, and |
| So what is the proper technique? The simple | | | | some mimic a technique similar to the one I use. |
| answer is... whatever works for you! Before I | | | | Whatever your "trigger" is, make sure it is |
| explain, let me give you a little history on how I | | | | something that relaxes you to the point where |
| picked up this beneficial tip. | | | | you feel comfortable and confident in swinging the |
| When I was a junior in High School, I spent my | | | | golf club. Remember, if golf is 90% mental, you |
| summer vacation playing golf almost every day | | | | need to be mentally prepared before you |
| (those were the days, let me tell you). I ventured | | | | approach the ball! |
| off with a friend to golf training school at the | | | | Integrating a few of these techniques into your |
| University of North Carolina, where I trained with | | | | existing golf game can help you stay more |
| Division 1 college team coaches and soon to be | | | | focused, and more importantly, more consistent |
| stars (Tim Clark, who is now on the PGA tour, | | | | throughout your round! |
| was actually one in particular). One of the sessions | | | | |