I love golf. Golf has been my passion since the age of 12 when I started playing. As a kid, you could even ride your bike to the local course for just $9. For the rest of the dollar, you could stamp for fries at the halfwayhouse down the street. Driving range: “stop and sock”And golf carts had no roofs. Those were good times and more.
One day, in a flash of clarity I saw how the game was taught. And what one needs to do to win. The game of golf has become a powerful power-machine where driving long distances outweighs touch and feel. People at parties wear Fedoras. They believe buying a $300 driver that has screws inside will transform the way they golf. Trust me. I am not bitter. While I appreciate all technological advances, I am not bitter. However, for common golfers, I know that the solution to better shots isn’t what the marketers are telling them.
Let me now speak up. It’s a game I have played for thirty years. It has been my profession. More than I’ve won is my fair share. You guys, and girls, need to start practicing if your goal is to increase your game. The magic cure? Practice. This is not about hitting the long drives. Don’t think of the long ball until you are able to hit the chip-pitch-put! For $50, you can get help from a professional. We will not improve our game if we do it ourselves. You can learn the fundamental mechanics of chipping, pitching and putting. This activity doesn’t offer any thrills. The ball won’t fly to the Heavens like we would love. However, I can promise that if you just keep chipping the ball at the hole and consistently putting it in, your score will improve dramatically. You can also practice this method. “touch and feel”Perception is a key attribute of all golfers. They do it by practicing. Practice on grass and chipping. Then they pitch, putt, and hit the putting ball after shot until it is consistent. “in the bag.”
Perhaps you are thinking that I am mentioning practice because it is my audacity. “How long does this take?”Oder ” When will I see results?”Both these are fair and human questions. The answer to all of these questions has been: “When you know that you no longer need to guess, then take it to the course!”
There are plenty of ways to improve your practice, but here are some tips.
1. Practice is a time to be present. Think of yourself as a golfer on the green, chipping and pitching a round. It’s hugely different from practicing to playing. Try to imagine yourself as you would during practice rounds.
2. Humans are all human. Every moment we are human, we process billions of different information. Allow yourself to take a break and let your mind wander. Warm up before you play any rounds. This will allow you to prepare your body and mind for the course. It means: “wake up”You put all your effort into the practice sessions. Don’t expect to play a good game if you just rush out to the fairway (as weekend warriors do). You can warm up and see how your swing is changing …., thus the beauty of golf …..
Sorry if you thought this was an exaggerated rant. My goal is to improve the game and help players. The majority of changes I see in the industry don’t make sense. This isn’t about hitting the long drive, or playing a putter with rocks and moons in it. Your inner game and your personal strengths are what the game revolves around. This is what all the top golfers have known… and now it’s your turn.
~Mitch