the routine

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED...

Another golf season is winding down. I played more golf this summer and learned a lot about the golf swing, my golf swing, my golf swing process and the process of playing golf. I played good this summer overall, even shooting a few sub par rounds and being near par most of the time. I did play in a few CNY Section tournaments, even playing pretty well in one of them. The Section Championship proved to be another futile attempt and championship golf as I struck the ball pretty well, but putted like a fool, using over 40 putts per round in each of the two rounds. I do know that the modern golf swing or any competent golf swing is built around the large muscles.  You have to swing your arms with your chest while building some forward momentum towards your shot. Your weight, in some way has to move toward the target before it transfers into the actual striking of the golf ball; and a solid left side at impact is a vital and necessary component in hitting accurate golf shots with length and control.

I have developed a pre-shot routine where I take one or two practice swings trying to feel the entire golf shot at hand. The practice swings are all-out versions of the swing that I will use to execute the shot. If I need a fade or left to right shot I will practice that swing at full speed. If I need a knock down chest swing to control the distance I will use that as the practice. If it feels right after the first practice swing I will go ahead and play the shot. If I need two practice swings I will take two to get the feel for the shot. No more than two. The whole sequence takes place during the full speed, whatever that speed may be, practice swing and the pieces of the technique and feel combined fall into place. If I hit a bad shot, at least I know I gave it a good try and played out the shot before hand, it just did not come off.

I know I never take two swings the same. I don’t know if anybody does. Every shot is different and this pre-shot routine enables me to play play out the shot mentally, physically and emotionally before the actual shot itself. My mind works that way: fast too fast for golf. This routine is the fastest way for me to put together all the pieces of each shot. since I am fully aware that I cannot take two swings the same at two different shots, the all out practice swings give me immediate feedback as to what will happen once over the ball. Once there the muscles are primed for the shot. Kind of like an isometric exercise. Take one look to line up then all systems are go: pull the trigger and let it fly!

I am pleased with the results and hot some good shots under difficult fall conditions. At least I feel as though I am giving each shot my best preparation and effort. It is a peaceful feeling over the ball, a feeling that I need to play my best golf.

10/31/2010

You know it really does work. I played 36 holes yesterday and shot a 74 in cold, damp windy conditions in the morning playing for a rabbit for 18 holes. I hit many good shots under pressure and did not wilt. I was finally able to finish a round under control of my total golf game. I played with an attitude. My pre-shot routine carried me into a place where I was playing golf with the same fervor, zeal, emotion, control and abandon that I used to play football. I always said that I tried to play golf the way I used to play football but it never worked, that the two games are not compatible. Well I was wrong. I played mean but I played under control. One of the guys I was playing with even said that I was playing for blood. It was not that I was playing for blood but I maintained an intensity of purpose that I have not felt in a very very very long time. My pre-shot routine of  a full “dress rehearsal” for each swing kept me hitting some really good shots and I putted extremely well after missing two short par putts on the first three holes. I played the same for the second 18 that afternoon. This system really does work.