Game Improvement Technique

Burgerman55

Recently my game has been struggling a little so I've been reading up on some techniques. I'm trying to take a few extra seconds before every shot, carefully picking an exact target and even visualising my shot in advance. this seems to have helped very much.
I now always take 2 practice swings before each shot, regardless of distance, lie etc

However I must admit I have used an alternative approach of late - about two weeks ago I was playing against a mate who is a top class golfer, plays off 6 and he was destroying me after 3 holes. From that point onwards I pretended I was Phil Mickelson and in my own head pretended he was Padraig Harrington. Amazingly by the 13th hole i was leading by two shots and ended up tieing the game - great result.

From then on I have always used Phil for golf purposes. I think this is helping me significantly, its definately giving me more confidence on the course.

Has anyone else any expereince of likewise techniques?

thegen

Burgerman55 wrote: »

Recently my game has been struggling a little so I've been reading up on some techniques. I'm trying to take a few extra seconds before every shot, carefully picking an exact target and even visualising my shot in advance. this seems to have helped very much.
I now always take 2 practice swings before each shot, regardless of distance, lie etc

However I must admit I have used an alternative approach of late - about two weeks ago I was playing against a mate who is a top class golfer, plays off 6 and he was destroying me after 3 holes. From that point onwards I pretended I was Phil Mickelson and in my own head pretended he was Padraig Harrington. Amazingly by the 13th hole i was leading by two shots and ended up tieing the game - great result.

From then on I have always used Phil for golf purposes. I think this is helping me significantly, its definately giving me more confidence on the course.

Has anyone else any expereince of likewise techniques?

Did you call him Paddy or Padraig as you went around?;)

Burgerman55

I did not share my game approach with my opponent on that occasion, fearing embarrassment (despite him being a dear friend)
Its probably best to keep this technique to myself I'd imagine.

Do any of ye here use anything likewise though?

mag

i like to pretend im corey pavin. in fact ive taken to playing on my knees, growing a rubbish tache & being an annoying little tit to make it uber-realistic. hasnt helped my game though because i cant find anyone to play with

Myksyk

Burgerman55 wrote: »

I did not share my game approach with my opponent on that occasion, fearing embarrassment

He probably sussed it after you grew tits, starting playing left handed, lobbed everything from 20 yards and tipped your hat after every shot!!;)

GreeBo

In what way were you pretending to be him?
Telling yourself that you could do what you wanted with the ball and using it to improve your confidence or what?

Burgerman55

Simple mannerisms, walk, clothing, accent at times (although I'm conscious of minimising this)

Patrick_K

Craziest thing i've ever heard, I want to play with you !

charlieIRL

Burgerman55 wrote: »

Recently my game has been struggling a little so I've been reading up on some techniques. I'm trying to take a few extra seconds before every shot, carefully picking an exact target and even visualising my shot in advance. this seems to have helped very much.
I now always take 2 practice swings before each shot, regardless of distance, lie etc

However I must admit I have used an alternative approach of late - about two weeks ago I was playing against a mate who is a top class golfer, plays off 6 and he was destroying me after 3 holes. From that point onwards I pretended I was Phil Mickelson and in my own head pretended he was Padraig Harrington. Amazingly by the 13th hole i was leading by two shots and ended up tieing the game - great result.

From then on I have always used Phil for golf purposes. I think this is helping me significantly, its definately giving me more confidence on the course.

Has anyone else any expereince of likewise techniques?

whatever works for ya!!!

Its all about a positive mental attitude - if you go out with it in your head that you are gonna have a bad round......then you will have a bad round. I always go out with the attitude that i'm gonna play the best round of my life!!

alxmorgan

I read John Richardsons book "Dream On" there recently (recommend a read by the way) and in it he talked about something similar. He didn't pretend to be a golfer per se but he imagined Seve being with him on the range and especially on the course - giving him tips if you will.
I guess its not so much "What would Seve do" as "What would Seve recommend me to do"
In other words he's not going to try some exhibition chip with a three iron but he is gonna think his way through what he is doing.
On the visualisation stuff I'm also finding that useful.
I'm starting to sink putts but just seeing them hit the cup without actually looking up.

Burgerman55

Seve v Phil

now that would be some matchplay..

Burgerman55

Phil's win should be good for my game
a serious knock-on effect expected

soundsham

lol,
do you feel like making a speech now?