What is the best way to describe a great shot? The indescribable feeling that comes with hitting the ball perfectly is something every golfer knows. “sweetspot”.
The essence of golf is finding the right technique to recreate that feeling. For most golfers, the biggest mistake is to believe that the “evanescent” feeling is just a side effect of good technique.
Although golf is often called the “ultimate game of feeling”, the vast majority of instruction in the sport focuses on technical excellence. You believe poor shots result from a missed fundamental, such as lifting your head, bent elbows or dipping the shoulder.
The ability to let go of technical details for a mere one-and-a half seconds, and feel the ball is all that matters. This doesn’t determine your innate senses of feeling.
You can hit perfect shots if you have ever done it. You can recreate those shots by creating a trigger physical that cuts through the analysis and lets you swing free.
Doesn’t that sound complicated?
Any golfer, regardless of their skill level can create a unique trigger to allow them to play at the highest possible levels.
It can be as easy as taping the ground (Brandt Sneker), or twisting the club (Phil Mickelson), or hitting the pants (Jim Furyk). A player’s unique power move is the one they repeat consistently. It allows them to switch from feeling to thinking.
Although every trigger is different, three elements are common to all effective ones: (1) The player stands straighter. The trigger tells the player to be tall. (2) Player keeps moving till he/she is ready. The pathway to feeling is through movement. (3) A trigger lasts for between 3 and 5 seconds. This time period is ideal for golfers to get started on their swing.
What is your trigger?
Now close your eyes, and think back to your best shot. Is the target visible? Take a step back and see how you select the club, and prepare to hit it. As you approach the ball, focus on how it feels. Do you remember the shot? You can repeat the process until you are able to consciously recreate the optimal feeling.
Each round should have at least one flawless shot. It might be a two-hundred-and-fifty- yard drive or a four-foot putt.Whenever you hit a perfect shot, hang onto the feeling as long as possible. Did you see a Tour Professional holding their position at the end of a round? Wonder what’s in store for them?
You now know.
When you learn to play beyond the swing mechanics, I am eager to help you find your natural ability as a golfer.
We appreciate your interest!