Shot 74!!! - Small change made big difference

[johnclayton1982]

Hi All,

So this past Saturday I shot my best round by four strokes, a 74.  I wanted to share one small change that made a huge difference.  Typically, my preshot routine is to take two practice swings, walk up to the ball, align myself, click through 2-3 swing thoughts, then swing.

This round, for the first time (a hybrid of several mental approach books), I shifted my focus totally from my swing to my target.  That is, I didn't let myself think "what did I do wrong there" or "make sure you don't shift your weight back".  I got over the ball, waggled twice *while looking at my target*, had my mind totally blank, took a final 1...2..." at my target, looked down and swing almost immediately.

As I looked around, I noticed most of the worst players took a really, really long time staring down at their ball.  I think you "forget" what the target looks like, which leads to worrisome, steering, tenantive swings because your subconcious doesn't know what its looking for.

It made a huge difference in the short game and the putter.  Its a little scary picking your shot before getting sideways, then just staring down your target, looking real quick, and swinging.  Its almost like your body knows what to do.

Maybe it was coincidence that I tried this and had a really strong round.  Maybe not.  Watching Bay Hill on Sunday I noticed there are some pros who stare down the ball, but the vast majority look at the target for a long time, look down, and go.  Give it a try.

Anyway, just wanted to share.  It really helped / worked.

PS.  The game continues to be maddening.  I missed a 3 footer on 17 for birdie, then hit the green on 18 in 2 but the way front edge and 3-putted for par.  Putting is the best part of my game, and if I hit them I shoot even par.  Doesn't matter what you shoot, golf leaves you saying "if only..."

[Mr. Desmond]

Congrats.

I've never waggled, but thought I'd try it on the range ... at the end of my session I thought about it because I tend to think too much and strive for perfection. Well, hardly any golf swing is perfect. I thought the waggle would loosen up any athleticism that remained. So I tried the waggle - it worked - better results.

Still trying to shake off 10 years of Haney and swinging the arms too much and not using the lower body -- it's tough but progress is continuing.

Congrats again on your advancements. I will incorporate some of what you've found into my own pre shot routine. Thanks.

[MacGregor9]

I've noticed that when I stare at the ball for too long, I tend to screw up. I've gotten out of the habit of picking a target and focusing on that. Since my irons have been hit and miss lately, I've just been thinking "get it close to the green." I've spent the last two weeks practicing irons, so now I think I'll give your idea shot.

[geast]

I've been trying to change that part of my game too. I spend waaay too much time over the ball, and sure enough hit a bad shot.

[Motley01]

Congrats on the nice score!

That is very good advice. I tend to get to many swing thoughts going while I'm playing. I really just need to focus on where I want the ball to go.

I'm gonna try that today!

[Mr. Desmond]

Have tried the waggle on the course a few times since posting - it works. Gets your my mind to stop where my only thought is the target.