Putting theory into practice instinctively.

Uncle Ben

I have been going for some lessons for the past number weeks in an attempt to get more distance into my irons and drives. Initially, I was put on the monitor and the main changes I had to make was to my grip, my stance, and the take-away and shoulder turn. Since then, my work on the range has been spot on, and the results on both the monitor and in practice has been very good and the pro is very happy with my progress to date.

My problem however is that when I'm on the course in competition, I know myself that I am spending far too much time going through the routine in my mind and the good work done does appear to fall apart. There was an occasion last Sunday however, when I had to 'rush' a shot as a 4 ball was approaching, and without time to think, I just got down, hit the ball and hey presto, ball down the middle, lovely follow through and best shot of the day!!

The pro is saying that its just a matter of confidence and that I can do it, and that one shot proved to me that I could, however, is there anyone on here that could give me some advice on how to just get on with it without going through all the mental checkpoints and just being less apprehensive. Thanks.

plumber77

from my experience I find it nearly impossible to play competition golf when I'm getting lessons. I would prefer to get the lessons at the end of the season and work on them during the winter months, this way they become almost automatic when the golf starts up again. If i try to start thinking about things on the golf course regarding my swing, I'll struggle to make contact sometimes. Everyone is different though. I'd imagine more practice time less competitive golf at the moment to ingrain the new changes.

Uncle Ben

Agree totally, however I enjoy the Sunday game and not really worried about the scores, your right however in relation to the contact, totally off with all the thoughts going through my mind. Thanks.

Rippeditup

Uncle Ben wrote: »

Agree totally, however I enjoy the Sunday game and not really worried about the scores, your right however in relation to the contact, totally off with all the thoughts going through my mind. Thanks.

The issue with playing while working on something is you have too many swing thoughts and only a finite amount of space in the brain to concentrate over a short space of time.. Let the changes happen without worrying too much about the scores and it will all turnaround and click and you won't need to think about the changes and go back too focusing on the shot at hand

Ben1977

First thing I'd say is don't go through the check point on the course. Practice them at the range. Free your mind, your body will remember the practice routines and will kick into gear.
It can be hard not to go through the check list. If you find your over the ball for a long time, chances are your not going to hit a good shot. Keep practicing the setup and it will become second nature to you.

ShivasIrons

Four steps to Mastery

1. Gain an understanding of cause and effect
2. Supervised Practice
3. Transfer Training
4. Play

These steps take time, they can't be skipped. Tiger has taken 18 months each time he has made a swing change to get comfortable, why would a weekend warrior be able to do it in a few weeks?

EvanCornwallis

I normally go through my mental check points, then take a couple practice swings. First practice swing , slow , ticking off the points and getting a feel as i swing. Then a full practice swing. I'm after showing myself im doing the right things, so I put trust into what I'm doing and go hit the shot.

If I find myself stalled over a shot getting a bit stiff and a million things going through my head I take a step back. Leave those thoughts for the range. On the course you need feel and have a little bit of cocky swagger about your game. Know you're going to hit the shot you want.

Pick your shot , trust and commit.

Golfgraffix

OP, I was there a few years ago, was playing off 16 at the time and with lessons, grip and stance changes was doing quite well on the range but not on the course.

Not sure where I got the advice but I stopped all thoughts of technique when on the course and my only thought was visualising the shot I wanted, really trying to see it in my minds eye.

It worked for me and when I am playing bad I still fall back on it

WillyWonka

OP, going through the same thing myself.
Only got a lesson a few weeks ago to correct a fade with my irons. Tried to play a comp a week later and score 10 points. Definitely the worst round I ever played.

Been hitting the range since but I couldn't do or undo the changes. Went last night and the pro was onsite. He told me to line up 3 balls and hit them a quick as I could. Do this over and over and eventually you loosen up and the correct side if your brain starts to work. (Can't remember if it right or left...similar to the Padraig Harrington's hat story!)

Mix this up with regular practice shots and you'll be much more relaxed.

Seems to work so far, however it is an expensive was to practice!

EvanCornwallis

WillyWonka wrote: »

OP, going through the same thing myself.
Only got a lesson a few weeks ago to correct a fade with my irons. Tried to play a comp a week later and score 10 points. Definitely the worst round I ever played.

Been hitting the range since but I couldn't do or undo the changes. Went last night and the pro was onsite. He told me to line up 3 balls and hit them a quick as I could. Do this over and over and eventually you loosen up and the correct side if your brain starts to work. (Can't remember if it right or left...similar to the Padraig Harrington's hat story!)

Mix this up with regular practice shots and you'll be much more relaxed.

Seems to work so far, however it is an expensive was to practice!

Hmmm

Interesting.

Uncle Ben

Thanks for all the advice.