Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

The Formula for Winning at Golf

by Patch

Visualize the shot…develop a consistent pre-shot routine…write out your strategy.

All of the golfing greats have visualized their shots and putts before actually making the stroke. Visualizing helps the golfer to commit to a target and flight path to that target. This in turn, sends information to the muscles to condition or prime the body for what it is about to do.

Image the ball landing at your target and what the ball is going to do. Then back up following the line of flight and imagine yourself making the swing. How did it feel, including the tempo, the impact, and the follow-through? It is amazing how the mind and body works. Once you have the shot in your mind you are ready to believe you will make it happen.

The pre-shot routine which often includes visualizing the shot is the habit that you develop to get yourself mentally prepared to execute the shot. It helps you to relax and get focused on the shot at hand.

The difference between professionals and amateurs is in the quality and consistency of their routines. A pre-shot routine is very similar to hypnosis in that you are attempting within a very short period of time, just before the shot, to basically clear your mind to focus on the task. Professionals practice their routines before every shot allowing them to put their minds to rest and assure them of eliminating negative thoughts. Too often amateurs think about the possibilities which open the door to fear.

Pre-shot routines can include adjusting the golf glove to make sure it is secure; holding the golf club at an angle to place your hands on the grip and make sure the club face is open; stepping behind the ball to pick out your target and locate a spot 3 to 4 feet in front of the ball to focus on while setting your feet accordingly for the target and the ball; making sure you are balanced then taking a smooth practice swing before hitting the ball. (This is just one example. The key is developing something that is easily repeatable and something that helps you to get focused on the task at hand.)

Finally, we come to having a written strategy that we can refer to on every tee as to what we intend to do on each hole. Remember something; 60-70% of all strokes are taken within 100 yards of the hole. If you are to make measurable improvement in your game, you must get a handle on the short game regardless of what you do off the tee. And yet amateur golfers continue to lose strokes around the green.

In visualizing the shots, I mentioned imaging what the ball is going to do around the target. The only way you can do that is to understand what the ball is going to do at impact and then how that ball action is going to affect what happens when it lands. This takes not only knowledge of your swing but knowledge of how the lie conditions will affect the ball with that swing. And although we can see the fairway from the tee and have a pretty good idea of where we want to place the shot, we don't usually understand all of the subtleties from 100 yards in.

Ben Hogan was well known for walking the course the evening before a tournament to observe the subtleties of the course - Like he would say "to observe the tricks and traps". He wanted to understand what the ball would do where and what he needed to avoid - I think that 37 wins between 1945 and 1949 says he must have known something.

Visualizing the shot, developing a consistent pre-shot routine and writing out a solid strategy works and it can work for you.

Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

Key to Consistency

by Patch

Strategy, strategy, strategy...

Strategy in golf is the over all game-plan of what you want to do out there on the course. How are you going to approach each hole? What clubs should you carry in your bag to play to your strengths? What side of the fairway should be on? What position do you need to come in from to have the best shot at the pin?

Obviously you have to play all 18 holes in succession. But since some holes may play more to your strengths which give you a better chance to score you need to set mini-goals within certain stretches of holes. The same holds true for the holes that present more of a challenge to your game.

Ideally it is best to look at the holes the way they are laid out and determine where the course fits best with your game. If you have a tendency to draw the ball or fade it then what holes give you a slight advantage based on your ball flight and or distance?

And where do you need to focus on playing smarter or more strategic based on those holes are more challenging to your game? Where do you want to land the ball in the fairway to give your self a nice lie as well as a good angle for the next shot?

Then there are the pin positions: What angle do you need to have a shot at getting it close? Where do you need to land the ball to stay below the hole and still have a makeable putt?

There is a story out there that is going to unfold and you are the author and so thinking a little more up front on what you intend to do can help you measurable to be more consistent.

Just like many instructors emphasize "envisioning" the shot and its outcome before stepping up to the ball, you should think about your strategy and actually write it out so that you have a plan to keep you on track - to keep you focused and in-the-moment as your story unfolds.

This is smart golf and smart golf leads to better results.

Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

Can You Play Like the Pros?

Or Are you a Duffer for life???

by Patch

Professional golfers are not only very talented, but they play smart, strategic golf. And it is the "smart, strategic…" that separates them from the good amateurs and the average club professional. They know how to stay in the moment and avoid distractions by being very focused when it comes to hitting that golf shot. Yes, they practice for hours so that they can repeat that golf swing over and over again consistently; and they practice virtually every shot they will face when the tournament begins but all good golfers do that. But just as important as it is to making the shots, you have to know where to place those shots to get that right angle to the pin to get those extra birdies and eagles to get into the win column.

Golf is not an easy game at any level.

Hitting that little white ball and getting it into that small little hole has been a mystery ever since the game began.

Even under the best of circumstances, players will lose strokes when they lose focus. Golf takes a lot of discipline.

Think of the number of moving parts in the golf swing; the exact spot you need to hit the ball to get the distance required for the shot; the proper club selection; the tempo; the perfect club path; the right feel; soft hands; then firm grip or firm wrist; shoulder turn... If you have played golf for long at all you have probably been told to do all of the above at one time or another.

If you listen to the caddies of the touring pros they are like the playing pro's second conscience. They remind the player of what lies in front of them, what the ball is going to do, and what will happen if they go long or come up short. And although you would think that the player with all of his or her experience would consider all of those things on their own, truth is there is just far too much to consider when the pressure is on.

"Make sure you get it well past the hole. With that club it is going to really spin. You don't want to…". "Aim at that bunker on the right hand side and draw it in. Swing smooth and..." "I don't know, I'd go with the 7 and get it there. Take bogey out of the picture. You have a..."

We don't all have caddies with us on the golf course. And if we did, I am not so sure they would want to have to work that hard. But there is a way to accomplish virtually the same thing.

If you notice in every golf tournament, the caddies and the players carry little pads in their pockets that give them the distances to the hole from various spots on the course. These booklets are computer generated before each round and give critical details to the golfers that help them make decisions on what club to hit and what things to consider like landing area, roll of the ball, trouble to avoid, etc. Then by considering the weather conditions (wind direction, wind speed, rain, etc.) the golfer can make the appropriate adjustments - And, of course, with the assistance of their caddy.

Too often golfers just go out there to "grip it and rip it" and live with the result. But golf can be so much more than that. Having a plan and actually writing that plan out can go a long ways to keeping you in the moment and focused on the task at hand during the round resulting in better scores.

And what golfer out there wouldn't want to drop 2 or 3 strokes a side?

As we all know, golf is a 4 to 4 ½ hour round. To stay focused during that amount of time is an accomplishment in it self and the truth is that the average golfer is not always up to the task. It doesn't take much to get out of focus. A miss hit ball, a stupid bogey, a fat-shot, a crappy bounce, a spike mark on the green can all play with the mind and upset the best of us at just the wrong moment.

Strategies are a game-plan of how you hope to generally approach each hole based on your skill sets. By writing that approach out, it keeps you focused in the moment and basically gives you a new start with each and every hole. In the end, it is hoped that you will be successful on more holes than not. Again, it is to keep you in-the-moment - and from my perspective it just makes darn good sense.

Then the second part of all of that are the adjustments that we know we will have to make when we are out there on the course.

Golf seems to always present new challenges to us with each time we play. But the general strategy doesn't change. We just make certain adjustments depending upon how well we are striking the ball; how confident we feel; etc. And then make notes along the way. It is those notes that you can work from either on your own or with your local professional to refine your game or smoothen out some kinks in the armor.

On the golf course is not usually the place to get a lesson unless it is an instructional round with your PGA Teaching Professional. It is also not the place to be getting advice from your playing partner that struggles just like you do from time to time or some golfer you just hooked up with that hit one good shot and now is an authority. But there are some basic fundamentals that apply to everyone when it comes to making a golf stroke. Those fundamentals are what you should focus on so that you start to become consistent in your performance.

And a rule of thumb in golf should always be: If they ask for advice then fine; if they don't, then keep your thoughts to yourself. Golf is tough enough as it is.

Bottom line is: you know your swing and you know your target; so focus on that and stay with your plan. You will eventually start to see measurable improvement.

Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

The Diary of a Golfer

by Patch

No doubt there are high hopes heading out to that first tee. You feel strong; you can see that ball exploding off the club. That feeling of raw power as the ball soars through the air; that swing so smooth and powerful; your head definitely in the game.

And then for some reason after taking a smooth practice swing and still feeling on top of the world, you address the ball and just then a little bit of doubt creeps in as you start that back swing with a little sway in the body and before you know it you have over-swung just a bit. Then as you start your downswing your hips shift slightly causing your hands to get too far ahead of the club so that at impact you are coming from outside in cutting at the ball causing a severe slice to the right and the round begins.

From the heavy rough you try to make the miraculous shot only to find yourself advancing about 100 yards with a 4 metal and no better of a lie. By the time you reach the green you have visited the sand and are now putting from 25 feet for bogey with a slight breeze in the brilliant sun but you might as well be playing in the rain - you see nothing but two putts.

You reach the second tee, you are now the last one to tee off and the smoke is billowing. Smack! This time the ball takes an abrupt turn to the left, heading toward the trees, ricocheting off the tall branches and settling softly behind a beautiful Douglas Fir with no way to advance the ball. From here you play straight across the fairway, left-handed by the way, and are then hitting number 3 to this 375 yard par 4.

Finally you lift one up into the air heading directly toward the green and it looks like a beauty and the rest of your foursome yells "great shot", "beauty", "at a way partner" but suddenly it comes up short, lands in a soft spot where moisture has collected from last night's 5-minute shower storm and the ball is plugged.

All of you look for a good 5 minutes but there is no ball to be found. Soon, reluctantly, you pull out another Titleist take your lost-ball stroke, then shank it onto the green leaving yourself another long putt but now for double-bogey - oh-oh, another two to get down. Two holes completed and you are now 5 over par.

Smoke is now coming out of your ass.

"Where's the golf Strategy, sweetheart." Any hopes you had of "this being the day" have just vanished in the first 13 meetings of your clubface and that little white ball.

Of course we all know that this has nothing to do with you. There is obviously something wrong with the golf clubs or the ball is out of balance or they did something to the golf course. This just can't be. You felt too good. You had this all planned out in your mind and you were told by that latest article that all you had to do was visualize the shot and that is exactly what you did.

Where is the justice??? Somebody call the sheriff and get his fat buns out here.

Golf is always full of surprises. And to many of us that is probably what makes it such a great game. But just once, wouldn't it be nice to be hitting on all cylinders and having that ball land in just the right spot on every hole? And then have every putt break just as you had planned and end up perfectly in the middle of the hole? …probably not going to happen.

The above scenario is not so far fetched as most all golfers know. In fact, you play this game enough and you will have many of these sorts of stories of your own. Most of us have one or two every round.

But this is the very reason why golfers need to think more about "Golf Strategy". It is too easy out there over a period of 4 to 4 ½ hours for things to get out of control. And if you don't have something written down to help you get back on track you can turn one mistake into many very quickly and that is what can drive up the score.

The written strategy does not have to be complicated at all. It is just a reminder of what you intend to do on each hole. Where do you want the ball to land? What club selection makes sense off the tee? What do you need to consider giving you the best chance at par? What do you definitely want to avoid? And what are the distances from certain landmarks so you know what to do if things don't go quite as planned?

Most golfers try to do all of this in their heads. But when things go a stray, plans start to get abandoned. And that is not good. It is better to only have one bad hole as opposed to many if you can prevent it. And the quicker you can get your mind off of the bad shot or the missed putt the better off you will be.

The concept behind a written plan in golf is no different than a written plan in business or your personal life. It helps to solidify the plan or strategy in your mind and then keeps you on target - you have something to refer to when distractions get in your way. It is also a great tool for evaluation. You are not just remembering what you did that was good or bad but you have your plan to see how you are doing against your strategy for each hole.

In time this will pay dividends with more consistent play.

Think about it: Get that "Strategy" out of your head and onto some paper for better results.

Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

Who Gives Jack about Strategy?

He Did!!!

by Patch

Most golf instructors talk about the importance of golf strategy. Some have used the term "Course Management" but it all comes down to playing the course strategically based on your abilities. Jack Nicklaus was considered probably the best "course manager" of all time. He wasn't really seen as a particularly great ball striker but he knew how to handle the course. He played smart golf. It's about understanding your game inside and out, which includes your limitations, your strengths, when to gamble, when to back off… Course strategy will also help you to control your judgment and your emotions and in competition, those are the most important elements of golf.

Part of strategy is not only knowing what is on the course and where you want to be but it is also developing a routine that you can follow consistently shot after shot. Visualize what you want to do and approach each shot positively. A good routine can help to keep you in the moment and keep you on a even keel.

It is also important to know the right club to hit. And this is where knowing your distances and what type of shots you can hit from there are so important. Do you have the ability to put a lot of spin on the ball or is it going to land hot? And what about where you hit from on the tee - Is that going to matter? Where can you get the best angle between where you are on the tee and where you want to be? And what about avoiding trouble?

And don't forget about good old risk and reward. Think about your shots and consider what makes good sense. What are the percentages of hitting the fairway and giving your self a good angle to the pin? What could happen if you miss the shot? And, of course, learn to take your licks and only lose the one stroke. Don't add to the error by playing another shot that could lead now to a triple bogey.

You will notice that in the Situation Golf Guide it states to always make the same swing. And be aware of your tempo. Don't take a practice swing nice and smooth and then get up to the ball and swing like the hatchet man - Swing with ease and don't force it. Watch Ernie Els or Vijay Singh, they get plenty of distance with what seems to be so little effort. If you are concerned about getting there, then consider using more club.

Finally, I spoke briefly about the importance of emotions on the golf course. That cannot be overstated. Strong emotions in golf can definitely work against you. Golfers need to stay even tempered and take the same mental approach to every shot whether you are playing well or not.

Strategy Golf works and that is a fact. But you have get to know the course and then understand how it plays into your game. It all starts with good instruction. If you have a sound swing that you can depend upon then what is left is how to play the course and it is those that figure out that part of the game that excel.

Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

Is Golf Really that Easy?

by Patch

One of the main reasons for spending some time with a PGA Golf Professional on the driving range is to understand the golf swing, somewhat, so that when something happens, you have an idea of what you did right or if wrong, what you need to adjust or modify. Is the body swaying? Is the shoulder dipping? Is the head getting ahead of the ball? Are you only using your arms? Are you turning your shoulders?

There can be a lot to think about with the golf swing. Just pick up the latest golf magazine of your choice and you will probably read another 10 things to stick into your memory bank. Then you add to all of that the hundreds of learning tools out there and this game is mind boggling.

It is no wonder they say golf is a thinking man's game.

The truth is, though, when it comes to the mechanics of the game, it shouldn't be. If you watch the better golfers, there isn't that much to their swings. Everything seems so effortless and yet they hit drives 300+ yards. You can't help but get excited watching what they do if you play the game. But for some reason, something happens between "watching" and that first tee that never ceases to amaze me.

Here I have just watched professionals in the latest televised tournament and envisioned my doing what they do (they are always preaching to visualize the shot) and have a clear idea in my mind of how awesome I am going to be and yet in one swing I can completely dash any hopes of greatness. With one swing reality hits me and I am back to thinking about every nuance of the swing.

The truth is; I don't need to know every little thing about the golf swing. What I do need is to understand clearly a few basics and what the result is if one of those basics falls down. For instance, look at the divot. Is it pointed straight at the hole or is it pointing to one side or the other? That is going to tell me the swing plane. I am either right on track (direct at target) or I am swinging too much inside (pointing out) or swinging too much outside (pointing in). If you are too much inside, the ball is going hook and if you are too much outside the ball is going to slice - simple as that.

The same theory can also apply to where you are playing the ball in relationship to your feet. If the ball is too far back in your stance, you are going to hook it. If too far forward in the stance you are going to slice it. Now, that piece of knowledge can not only help you to get your ball properly positioned with each club or to make that corrective adjustment, it can also help you to make that difficult shot from that unusual lie. Playing the ball back will not only cause the ball to hook, the ball will also have less height. The opposite is true with the ball more forward (slice and higher trajectory).

It isn't the amount of knowledge but the right knowledge that can make a real difference in making you more consistent each time out.

Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

Pinch That Ball Off the Turf

by Patch

"Just pinch the back of that ball, son"; "swing inside out"; "keep your head behind the ball"...words of wisdom that still echo in my head to this day.

My brother and I had a good role-model to follow since dad had won the Tacoma Amateur in the early 30's and followed that up with 20+ amateur titles over the next 30 years.

We both enjoyed the game but in my case there were other priorities as a teenager - If only I had known then what I know now.

Golf, as we all know, is a game that you can play your entire life. And although dad tried his hardest to pass on his legacy, I didn't make it easy for me. "Pinch the ball" what does that mean? "Keep your head behind the ball…" aren't you already 'behind' it facing it?

By the time little "cocky me" asked someone to show me what pinching the ball looks like it was too late. I had already pissed off the messenger.

The one thing that dad did get through to me that made sense was to play more strategically when it came to golf - always put your self in a position to make the next shot. He modeled perfectly with each round.

You see, golf is no different than most anything else. Those that succeed understand that preparation and planning are the keys to success. That includes practice as well as laying out a game-plan that one can follow during the golf round.

Even when dad had a miscue he was never out of the hole. You would see him wandering off somewhere other than in the fairway after hitting an errand shot yet the next thing you know you look up and there he is 20 feet from the pin putting for his birdie.

Dad's theory was quite simple: always play the smart shot, keep your mind in the game and things will eventually take care of themselves. (In fact, that was his basic theory in life - "it will all work out" was his pet phrase).

Dad would let the big "bangers" flirt with the trees flexing their muscles with every shot while he strategically stayed with his game-plan always giving himself a shot at the pin.

Even his miscues would leave an open shot.

Did he always win? Of course not but no one does. What he did do was always win more often than the other three in his foursome put together. Dad was consistent - never counted out. And if you were to beat him you would have to do it with your best game straight up.

Dad could get beat but he never lost.

As the years have gone by I have thought about the lessons that dad tried to convey on the golf course and even though they did not register nor seem important at the time they have grown in clarity with each passing year. He was not only a great "sticker" but a great human being and I wish he were still here to show me how to "pinch that ball off the turf".

I think I just might 'get it' now.

Formula for Winning at Golf - Key to Consistency - Can You Play Like the Pros

Diary of a Golfer - Who Gives Jack About Strategy?

Is Golf Really That Easy? - Pinch that Ball off the Turf

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