Simple swing thoughts that work for the long game (let's say driver-7iron)

[erwintrace08]

I have really been struggling and inconsistent lately. I must have gone through every single swing thought out there. My buddy, who shoots low 80s, told me this:

READ "GOLF IS NOT A GAME OF PERFECT" by Bob Routella

I read it before, but then I realized when I hit bad shots, I'm already thinking about them before I hit. With me, it was a big fear/confidence thing.

Routella's bottom line is: Thing about the ball going to the target, relax and only think about the good shots you've made in your lifetime (never the bad ones.) Freddy Couples was interviewed by him and all Freddy said he does is 1) shrugs his shoulders at the tee to relive the stress 2) think about the best shot he has ever hit with that club.

Weekend golfers think too much about mechanics and it causes you to force the ball and tense up = leading to bad shots.

I swear that after reading the book this morning, I went to the range, stuck to a routine "1) Visualizing the ball going to the target 2) Breathed deep and shrugged my shoulders to relive the tension 3) Hit" I have never hit it so good at the range with a smooth tempo and been so consistent.

To be honest, I did have 3 shanks in a row (my latest problem). But I went back to focus on my routine and positive thoughts, had a relaxed swing and totally solved the problem.

The big reason you hit a hook, slice, top, chunk is that you are trying to force the ball instead of just swinging through it.

Like my buddy said and I say to you, "Read the Book."

50% of it is all mental and having the confidence. Don't talk yourself out of a good shot.

e

[traviswise]

Slightly open the face at address. Waggle nervously.

This made me LOL. Perfect!