Golfers of all levels are always on the lookout for ways to get better. However, it’s important not to overcomplicate what is already a complicated game. That’s why Katie Dawkins has put together five quick and simple tips that won’t send you down a technical rabbit hole in pursuit of lower scores…
1. Conquer the first tee shot
Finding those first tee nerves are getting your knees a knocking? Firstly, I hate to say it, but not many people apart from you and possibly your playing partner care where your ball goes. They’re all worrying about their own golf. So chill. Putting our attention on something that isn’t the result of the shot will help.
Focus on making contact with what’s under the ball not where the ball is going. Click the tee and finish the swing and that white dimply thing will soon just be getting in the way. Practice this in the garden at home, either on dewy grass or by literally knocking tees out of the ground and holding your finish.
2. Nail your pre-shot routine
We’ve all hit those shots where we say out loud, “I wasn’t thinking about golf at all there”. There shouldn’t be any confusion as to where your focus is over every ball. It should be on the shot in hand. Not what you’re having for tea. Have a defined area you visualise and rehearse your shot and a different ‘zone’ where all you do is send that ball at your target. So a ‘prepare’ and a ‘play’ zone. Find an anchor that will trigger the start and finish of your routine, so you can switch your focus on and off during the round.
Do pick the club, visualise the shot and do a a practice swing in the ‘think’ zone. This is your chance to rehearse your swing. Without a practice swing it’s literally hit or miss as to whether you make a convincing attempt at the shot in hand. In fact, a really confident practice swing with a brush of the grass is key to you really believing you are going to hit a good shot. So, add this into your routine. Then and only then walk over the line into the ‘play’ zone and get the job done.
(Image credit: Tom Miles)
By defining these two areas within your pre-shot routine you won’t have any fuzzy moments over the ball, or half-hearted practice swings that lead to a shrivelled follow-through. You won’t be told off for slow play or be wasting good swings. Just reinforcing positive feelings and self belief. Practise your pre-shot routine and you’ll soon feel far more prepared and able to hit great shots consistently.
3. Practise…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly RSS Feed…