What do you think about before you swing?

[tm22721]

There is a lot to think of as I am setting up. But once address is complete, it is just 'turn, turn'.

[Mr Eagle]

Wether Mrs Eagle has untied herself yet

[flap]

Does Mrs.Eagle have a sister?

[bogeyhitter25]

I think about making a great shot. If a bad shot even comes to my mind I'll usually hit a bad shot. So all I do is stay as positive as possible.

[SubPar]

My very last thought is "why am I doing this again?"

Actually, I go through a brief check list feeling the swing plane going back, turn and release. All this has to be considered and then "forgotten" before the shot. Once you are set up, you have to let it happen with "no mind". Sounds silly, but when you get there you'll know what I mean.

from Garland Sutra 20 (slightly modified)

In the mind is no golfing,
In golfing there is no mind;
Yet not apart from mind
Is any golfing to be found.

Or as Sartre put it: Being is what it is.

Get it, grasshopper?
SubPar

[Chas]

Lately it's the question that Tiger recommends that you ask yourself, namely "how far can I get my right hand away from my head?" (in the backswing of course, i.e. maximize extension of the left arm for a right-hander).

It seems to work for me, yet I keep forgetting to do it properly and get "smaller" again with the backswing. Why is that?

Prolly coz I'm lazy I suppose.

[PEZGolf]

I stand behind the ball, pick out the target line, get into proper alignment, stay in continuous motion, and think "1,2, 3" in order to make a smooth, rhythmic swing with the image of either Sam Snead or Payne Stewart in my mind. I used to watch the SyberVision tape showing Al Geiberger swinging slowly with music in the background. It is a GREAT image to have.

[JonnyGolf]

I think of tempo - relax and don't rush it.