The Swing Thought

Chin up, loose hands, flared left foot, butt out, feel the clubhead, see the target….on and on and on.

Since I started to get technical, I have forgotten how to just play golf. Having lost my confidence with the drive, I decided to start reading up and trying to identify the FATAL flaw.

Now as I step up the ball, I find myself thinking way too much and not just feeling my way thru a round and it is frustrating. They seem to be more detrimental that helpful at this point.

Different strokes for different folks. What do you think about swing thoughts?

Pucky, I agree the better golfer “plays” rather than “thinks” golf. Having just spoken with a leading sports psychologist that works with a dozen tour players he suggested “make the commitment to enjoy playing golf. See yourself having fun.” The mechanics of the golf swing he indicated are better on the practice tee. In other words to play better golf you have to see it first. Good luck.

I agree with the idea that all the technical stuff is better suited for the range, but I think one or two “triggers” can be very helpful on the course, especially if you are struggling. Instead of thinking of every aspect of your swing, like Pucky mentioned, try to concentrate on one or maybe two things. When I am practicing with my teacher we try to identify the one swing flaw (because there are many) that is causing me the most harm. Next we come up with a thought or drill, which I call my “Trigger”, to combat that one problem and that is what I take to the course with me. Instead of thinking of everything, I think about one thing.

What I am trying to avoid is not thinking about anything. When I have nothing to focus on, I feel a bit lost out there.

According to Fred Shoemaker, author of “Extraordinary Golf”, swing thoughts, like any other thoughts occuring during a swing, interfere with the peace of mind required to swing freely and fearlessly. Make fearless swings at precise targets… just like you would shooting a basket or throwing a pitch. I’ve found that if I’m successful in visualizing my intended flight path or roll towards a precise target, my body simply knows what to do. As soon as any other thought creeps in, tension increases, muscles tighten, and I loose my swing. Highly recommend Fred Shoemaker’s book as well as Dr. Gio Valiante’s book, “Fearless Golf”.

Well I have been slapped by the Swing Thought monster a few times. First I was trying to have a different thought for each part of my swing. Then I started just trying to concentrate on one part. None of that worked for me. So I was reading a book about Zen and the martial arts and I came across a lesson taught by a Zen master to his student. Basically it goes like this: In the Japanese art of Kyudo (archery), the man who shoots for nothing does so with all of his mind body and spirit. He has nothing to concentrate on except the shot. However, as soon as there is a piece of gold to be won, he is divided. Part of him wants the prize. Part of him wants to shoot. The only way to truly shoot each shot pure is to shoot for nothing.

After reading this, I went out to play and made every shot like one on the range. No pressure. No caring. Just swinging. After 14 holes, I was only 4 over. Normally I play to a 14 handicap. I looked at the scorecard. Then I started thinking about breaking 80. Then I started to get excited. Then I was walking off of the course with an 83. So I regrouped. Took a few days off. Took the wife with me to keep score and to talk to me so I wouldn’t try to keep my own score. End of the day. 78. Never once did I even think about my swing. Even when I hit an errant shot, I just shrugged it off. Try this. You’ll be surprised how well it works.

I’m new to Golfbuzz and have been trying to explore the site every time I have a few minutes. I found the “Zen” post. This seems like the ticket. That’s the dream … bring the range swing and mentality to the game. Thanks for a great reminder that we sometimes make this even more difficult.

As Roy McAvoy said “Dollar Bills”

Thinkers are Stinkers!!!!! : )

wow, thadeuce has basically shared with us “the secret” of the game, “the man who shoots for nothing does so with all of his mind body and spirit. He has nothing to concentrate on except the shot.” The trick is learning to shoot for nothing – no intent to impress others, no intent to shoot a certain score, no intent to win, no intent to hit every green, no intent to make every putt, ... an intent only to pick a precise target on each shot and swing freely, with no fear of failure. The result is usually that you’ll impress others, shoot a low score, make the putt, hit the green, and perhaps even win ;)

Then there’s that book … “The 27 Most Important Things to Think About During the Golf Swing”

Long time since a post was made here. Do any of you have a different approach now versus your last post? I would be interested to know.

I took up golf photography about 7 years ago and my whole attitude towards a golf course has changed dramatically. I don’t look at a score card or course book the way I used to. I am only looking at angles and approaches toward the green. Ever since my game has changed as my focus has shifted from making a shot versus taking a shot. At first I didn’t like carrying my camera while I played and now I try to position myself for a picture as I play. I know it’s wierd but now I am more focused on positioning than just about anything else. I look at what is in front of me so I will have a good view of the flag only and it has helped me to manage my game so my focus is not on golf so much but being in place where I can play from. When I am in this mode I don’t ever feel anything like the first tee jitters as I am more anxious to get my first photo and not so much the birdie. No pressure at all and it works for me. I have never had as much fun playing this great game as I do now. When I get home I get review my round from a completely different perspective.

These are the thoughts you shouldn’t have:

1. -Spine angle, turn the hips, follow through, watch the wrists….” 2. -I really need to stick this close” 3. -What’s the bet?” 4. -Bunker, marsh, WATER!” 5. -That goose better look out”

I like “that goose better look out!” Around my course, you could hit it close AND hit a goose!

Seriously, though. When I’m on the range, I think about most of the things I’m doing… normally with the goal of fixing or engraining something specific. When I’m on the course, I just think of alignment, ball flight, and staying loose. The less I think about, the better!