Articles

March 2005—South Carolina Amateur Golfer Magazine

Why golf tips only work for a short while

Last month we introduced a somewhat novel idea, a golf student getting what they want from instruction.  Not the instructor giving the student what they think is right, what that often involves is getting the student to try the "tip" which the student is told will fix the problem.  Often that tip works... for a short while.  Why?  Think about it, you're on your own, "working" on your swing, playing golf swing  instead of hitting golf shots, you're frustrated, and perhaps confused, all the information you've read or seen seems valid but you can't make it work.  Then a friend you know helps you.  By the way, everyone thinks they're an instructor, they will most likely tell you what worked for them or what they've heard or read, so it should work for you.  The friend says this this or that will stop you from slicing, you listen, think it makes sense and then try it.  Voila! the slice is gone, for a shot, or a hole, or perhaps even a full round.  Then it's back again.  Throw that tip in the dumpster!  What happened?

This is most likely what happened.  The tip made sense even though it may not have been a valid long term cure, but you tried it and it worked.  So you think.  Most likely  you listened, cleared your brain of all the information you have that should make your swing good and thought of only one thing, the "tip".  You focused on one task.  Your mind  then worked efficiently, but once you hit that first bad shot you lapsed back into playing golf swing again, asking  "what am I doing wrong"?  Thinking of all that information, your mind  floods with all those tips again and you crash and burn.

Last month I talked about beginners or even accomplished golfers going to a local pro and getting a golf swing lesson instead of a golf lesson and often leaving more confused then when they arrived.  It is common for lessons to consist of a series of tips while not addressing what's most important, hitting shots and not practicing mechanics.  Golf is about one thing: hitting a ball to a target .  I think you'll be very surprised at the results when you do this.  We spend far too much time thinking about what it is we're doing, and far too little time thinking about where it is we're going-- to the target!  The target should be the only focus when striking a golf ball, and if it is you'll get much more out of your golf game; fun through lower scores.  If this sounds interesting to you and you'd like to know more, contact steve@carolinasmartswing.com.   Also, visit our website:  www.carolinasmartswing.com,  or pick up your phone and call:  843.556.0217 ; 843.708.2837 (c)

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