Building Consistency In Your Golf Game
Golf is many things to many people: a genteel game; a time to mix business with pleasure; a social venue for family and friends; a playground where age and ability don’t really matter; a place to exercise; or a test of mental and physical abilities.
By Jelana Duncan BED, BPE, Class A CPGA
When a round of golf can last anywhere up to six hours, not including travel time and warm up, one needs to develop and understand some strategies to maintain consistency for desired competence. It’s in your best interest and that of the game and fellow participants.
Here are some tips and strategies to make the most out of your journey to building consistency and enjoyment in your golf game.
Appreciate the game for what it provides
There are many beautiful golf courses in the GTA of varying degrees of difficulty. Striking golf balls on the range is always a good thing, but one must also “test the training” on the playing field. Whether you are indoors or outside, take the time to be target focused to make sure you are marrying yourself to the target line.
Change targets and incorporate some sort of simulation training on the range. This can be helpful for prepping yourself for the real thing. In an indoor situation, drive, and then strike an iron, then to go to the pitching/chipping area and finally putt. The convenience in an indoor location is that the various practice areas are centralized. Outside, there are often many targets for which to choose from and you’re able to watch the ball’s flight. The more you experience golf, on the course or range, the more likely your game is to improve. Also, when the opportunity is available, try playing with two golf balls. It doubles the effectiveness of any changes you make to your stance, swing or game.
Beginners can gain a lot by playing with advanced players. In fact, there’s a huge variety of possible learning opportunities that incorporate the game of golf. The golf channel and other forms of media such as video, DVD, radio and magazines offer teachable moments whereby students from all levels can become more comfortable at tackling the links and the practice tee.
But, being able to “own” information or to incorporate the information on the course/range is critical. In other words, we have to be able to transfer what we see, learn and hear about to every swing motion or stance. Owning information is being able to use that information on a consistent basis.
You can test expert advice by matching it with pictures or replays of more efficient swings. Try swinging at the same time as a colleague with the use of video or a mirror. Look for similarities and differences. How you picture yourself versus the real movement should always be in question. If you don’t feel “in sync” try eliminating extraneous words and thoughts. Straight forward language quiets the mind and frees the body to be able to swing consistently.
Use the time spent on the course to reinforce positive swing motions. Talk to yourself and verify with friends how you are playing. Use the sun by positioning your back to it so you can see the shadow of your swing motion on the ground. Confirm how much “noise” or extra movement there is with colleagues.
Leading psychomotor learning specialist, Dr. Tim Lee from McMaster University confirms that learning is retained for a longer period of time when students are allowed to discuss progress and self-analyze, which leads to self-discovery. This claim reinforces the findings of the effectiveness of cooperative learning.
Fitness and wellness
More and more fitness trainers are specializing in golf conditioning programs. The golf motion puts a lot of stress on the body because one side stretches and the other side stabilizes. Following a fitness program can eliminate imbalances in the body and prevent injuries that might arise on the golf course. Exercise builds body awareness, which can speed up the learning process.
Take one step at a time
Beginners as well as advanced players have to remember that there are many games within the game of golf. Golf is often referred to as a “game for life”, but in order to avoid the verse “the golf gods got you”, take the time to set realistic goals.
There are many strategies to track improvement on a scorecard such as tracking the number of putts or fairway hits per round. Developing a personal par for each hole by playing the course a few times and then averaging the score for each hole will set a standard, which you could work to attain or beat on the next round. Setting goals and continually evaluating them will ultimately help you appreciate your journey to golf improvement. Take simple, clear steps and you will achieve consistency and lower your scores. Golf is a unique sport with a lot to offer. It teaches you about yourself and others and about life.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
