By Matt Keel
As you have probably learned by now, golf is one of those games that is full of both highs and lows. We are constantly striving for more highs and trying eliminate the lows. In order to play our best golf, we not only need to have an effective swing, but we need a good “mental game.” The “mental game” is one of those terms that is loosely thrown around without truly knowing how to develop one. The biggest key to having a strong mental game is your ability to narrow your focus.
When we are preparing to hit a golf shot, there are a tremendous amount of variables that will affect our shot such as distance, wind etc. Narrowing your focus is simply taking all the information about the variables and making decisions until you’re left with just one swing thought. Picture that you are putting all the information about your shot into a funnel and what you are left with on the other side of the funnel is one swing thought. The best way to create this funneling process is to use an effective pre-shot routine. Let’s take a look at a simple three step pre-shot routine that will take you through the process of narrowing your focus.
Look at the shot and make your club selection: First look at your shot and start asking yourself some questions. Some of the questions you may want to ask are: What is my distance? Is there any trouble I need to go over or avoid? Is there any wind that will affect my shot? How is my lie? Once you have answered your questions, select the appropriate club.
Make practice swings: A practice swing is like a rehearsal. If you are acting in a play, you would rehearse your scenes. A practice swing is no different. Rehearse your swing a couple times before opening night. When making your practice swings, either practice the exact swing you are trying to make or practice the swing change you are currently trying to make. This point in the routine is the perfect time to incorporate any changes you are trying to make from a lesson or practice on the driving range.
Line up and swing: When you are lining up, pick a target and be very specific. The more specific you are about your target, the better your shot will typically be. When setting up to the ball, line your club up to the target first and then orient your body to the club. Setting up in this sequence will give you the best chance to line up correctly. Last, make your swing. Did you notice that I said make your swing rather than hit the ball? If you are lined up correctly and you make a good swing, the ball will go where you want. If you are trying to hit the ball rather than swing the club, you will never be able to develop the consistent golf swing you are working so hard to develop.
Try using this routine. Just like a swing change, a pre-shot routine will require a little practice before it becomes a new habit. Soon you will start to notice that you are able to narrow your focus and begin to see more consistency on the golf course.
With the Christmas holiday right around the corner, golf lessons make excellent holiday gifts. This year’s Holiday Special: receive a complimentary 90 minute on course playing lesson with the purchase of a 6 lesson game improvement package. The package must be purchased between November 27, 2015 and December 24, 2015; however, the lessons can be taken at a later date.
Matt Keel is the Lead Golf Instructor at Wildfire Golf Club located at the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge. For any questions or information about golf lessons email Matt at Mattkeel@pga.com or visit the website http://www.Mattkeelgolf.com.
