Open your mind…
Golf is a game of both physical and mental ability. During the off season, it is important to keep the mind in golf shape.
You can read a book, you can watch video’s or listen to some great pod-casts. You can also strengthen your mental ability.
Visualization is a component, often overlooked, of every golfers game. The ability to clearly see the shot, prior to even taking a swing is vital. People often comment on my game. Like “how do you play so fast” or “sorry I didn’t mean to talk during your swing” …I don’t take long on the tee, over a shot, or on the green. Why?
Simple. I’ve already determined my shot in about 30 seconds. I don’t waste brain energy thinking too much. That is what most golfers do…think too much! Analysis through Paralysis.
During a round of golf I survey my shot, this is during the time I’m either riding to the ball, or walking to it. I take my time to get the distance, the wind, the position of the flag. I take a look at the lie of the ball….then my brain sees the shot while I’m reaching for the correct club. Will it be a high draw? Low “skipper” to the pin. Do I want to be right or left of the pin? Seriously it takes me 30 seconds. Why? Because I’ve hit thousands of balls, and know what my game can or can’t do. I go with the odds. Do I ever change my mind? Yes, but I don’t waste time. I focus only on the outcome that I can visually see.
How do you build your visual ability?
Simple. At the end of reading this sentence, I want you to look around your surroundings for 10 seconds, then close your eyes and see all the things in your “area” Get ready..GO!
Ok. Your eyes are now reading this so you’ve opened them. The goal of this is to do it one more time, but this time when you close your eyes…visually see everything around you. Get a picture in your mind of what is close to you. What’s next to the keyboard. Do you have pictures on the wall. Where is your mouse in relation to the rest of the stuff on the desk you are at. Good…now close your eyes again and “see” what is there. I’ll wait……….
Did you see your set up? How many things did you notice. Many people can only recall 4-5 things. My task for you is to try it and name as many “things” as you can. The more you can notice…the better your ability to visualize your surroundings. This will greatly enhance your golfing mental condition!
This is a great drill to use while “indoors”. I want you to take a small pillow or cloth and place it about 10 feet away. Next I want you to use a golf ball if you can, and with your eyes closed, I want you to walk the 10 feet and drop the ball (or any other object) on the target. In your minds eye I want you to visually walk that 10 feet and hit the target.
Did it work? Did you hit the target? I had one student that could walk 20 feet and place the ball within a foot of the target. Needless to say he was a great putter, his visualization skills were very high!
PS write this in your journal.
