By Matt Keel
As a golf instructor, I come across golfers who are very frustrated with their golf games and have a belief that they will never improve. I’ll ask these golfers what they are doing to improve. Most of the time, the frustrated golfers are “trying” several different things without a clear direction and with little effort to making real improvement. The truth is that real improvement requires making effective swing changes.
The difficulty people have in making a swing change is that they have to make a change. What I mean by that statement is that in life, human beings often resist change. Change in any area of our lives can be uncomfortable and takes time. Making a swing change is no different. Just like any change, a swing change involves feeling uncomfortable and requires time before the change becomes more permanent.
However, there is good news in changing your golf swing. First, some swing changes are easier than others. Since everybody is unique, what is difficult for some people may be easy for others. There is no one size fits all. Second, it is the job of the instructor to make sure that you see improvement right away. Improvement happens quickly, but consistency takes time and practice. Third, you will be creating a better swing which leads to better ball striking and lower scores.
In making a change to your golf swing, all you are really doing is creating a new habit. Your goal should be to commit to the change until it becomes a new habit. Once you create a new habit, the old way of doing things becomes uncomfortable. There are three stages to creating a new habit. You begin by first having to think about the change with each swing. Next, that thought becomes a feeling. You begin to feel how your new swing should be. Last, the feeling becomes a new habit and is more automatic.
You play the biggest role in how quickly you can turn a swing change into a new habit. There is an effective method to accelerate the change process. First, do your drills either at home or on the driving range. I always make sure my students know effective drills to practice that will create the desired result I am looking for in their swing. Second, there is no substitute for practice on the driving range. When practicing on the range, focus specifically on the new change. Rather than just hitting balls, use your range time to create that new habit. Third, take the change to the course. The golf course is the true test to whether or not you have ingrained the new habit. The key is to stick with the change throughout your entire round of golf. Golfers will often revert back to their old swing once they play on the golf course. The more you revert back to the old swing, the more difficult it will be to create the new swing.
Swing changes can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Remember that in making a swing change you have to be willing to change. By understanding how swing changes occur and working your way through the process, you will be on your way to lower scores and happier times on the golf course.
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 www.Mattkeelgolf.com.
