| When most golfers think of the elements of the | | | | the results they desire. |
| game upon which they want to improve, the vast | | | | It is a challenge for the serious player- let alone |
| majority think in terms of either technical | | | | the casual player- to make the non-swing related |
| elements or think about outcome. | | | | elements a priority. Given a finite amount of time |
| "I want to make more putts." "I want to hit more | | | | to devote to golf, most prefer to swing a club or |
| fairways." "I want to break 90 consistently." | | | | stroke a putter rather than work on the fitness |
| While not disregarding these important | | | | mental/tactical fundamentals. |
| considerations, players truly interested in overall | | | | That being acknowledged ask these questions and |
| improvement of their games would do well to | | | | answer honestly, "How much better would my |
| consider paying attention to all aspects of the | | | | score be if I was more physically flexible, |
| game of golf. Rather than golf being divided into | | | | stronger, and/or would tire out more slowly?" "If I |
| full swing, short game, and putting, the more | | | | were less distracted on the course, less nervous |
| astute players recognize a different division: | | | | over short putts, more confident about my |
| mechanical, physical, mental, and tactical | | | | game, how would that affect my play?" "Am I |
| components. | | | | sure that I am taking all considerations into |
| Many seek what they believe is the Holy Grail of | | | | account before I hit shots on the course? Would I |
| a great golf swing (mechanical) or putting stroke | | | | be helped if I made better decisions when I'm |
| (mechanical). This is done while ignoring the | | | | playing?" |
| benefits of golf-specific fitness training, mental | | | | If the answer is yes to any or all of the above |
| training, and/or course management | | | | questions, challenge yourself to set a course of |
| improvement. The practice ranges across the | | | | action to address these concerns, even if it |
| world are full of players who hit ball after ball | | | | means spending a little less time hitting or putting |
| attempting to perfect their swing, only to find | | | | golf balls. The benefits you receive by changing |
| that when actually taken to the course, the | | | | your practice priorities may surprise you! |
| improved swing alone is not enough to produce | | | | |