Mirror Neurons

I just finished an interesting article in this months Golf Digest that talked about mirror neurons.  The article hinted at mirror neurons are the reason why you play better if you are playing with better golfers and you play worse when you're playing with lower skilled golfers.

Do you guys feel the skill of the people you are playing affects your game?  I posted my best round of 18 over the weekend and I was playing with competent golfers.  I feel that sometimes the quality of my game does correlate with the quality of my playing partners game.

One of the suggestions the article made was to create a highlight reel of your good shots.  I keep a video of my good swings on my phone.  Occasionally if i'm waiting in line or passing time on the train ride home i'll watch my good swings.  Anyone else do this?

Yes. If I'm playing with better players I can shoot about 10 strokes better than my average.

And if i'm playing with 30+ HC ers it's one blow up hole after another.

Definitely.  I've never heard of "mirror neurons" before (interesting theory), but I do usually score better if I'm playing with better golfers.

When playing with better golfers, usually pace, getting into a rhythm are usually easier as opposed to golfing with guys who constantly looking for wayward shots, drinking, constant conversation and "watching a bad swing", but doesn't necessary mean it's a bad time.

I enjoy playing with both high handicappers and low handicappers and when situations of observing other players swing, I tend to not watch.

If I watch, it does affect my next swing. Guess it's the "mirror neurons" kicking in.

Skills of others in the group, some can influence better play, while others can make the day difficult to stay on track.

But hey, that's golf......

Club Rat

I've always heard coaches (in all sports) talk about playing down to the level of competition, and that only the truly great players and teams play the same all the time. I've had to work hard on not playing poorly when playing with poorer players, so I totally buy into this idea.

I also have a library of swings on my phone, not just mine, and when I'm truly desperate I might pull it out and watch someone hit a ball, just to try to play better by osmosis, lol

I have heard people say that when they are golfing with me but have never experienced it myself. I did have my best round ever (at the time) playing with a friend who shot about double my score.

Primarily the company you keep affects your attention mindset more than anything else. Good players tend to be a little bit more measured and meticulous in their endeavors. That can rub off on one and of course vice versa.

I guess you could think it related to the neural system.