Changing concepts can solve

In my experience, problems that occur in the golf swing can often be solved by changing our concepts as opposed to completely overhauling our swings.

As a PGA professional, I teach beginner golfers of all ages, races, backgrounds and sporting ability. I can assure you that the majority of these people have something in common; their instincts encourage them to try the same things when it comes to hitting the ball.

As we know, these instincts (such as leaning backwards and trying to smash the ball upwards) do not work and produce disastrously inconsistent results.

Throughout my time as a coach, I have worked with beginner golfers who are doctors, lawyers, teachers and other very intelligent people.

I’d imagine that in most circumstances (sporting or otherwise), their instincts likely serve them very well. So, if the majority of these intelligent people instinctively come to the same conclusion when it comes to hitting a ball (and it doesn’t work!), it suggests to me that ‘golf’ as a concept, is somewhat strange.

For example, why would you ever think of hitting down on a ball to make it go up into the air? Why would you ever try to use your lower body to make your hands move fast? 

These concepts, which are so integral to successful ball striking, are more or less the opposite of what our brain encourages us to do. Therefore, unless you are educated on the concepts correctly, why would you try them?

If we subscribe to the idea that we have to somewhat manipulate our instincts to encourage better results, why not consider the following.

The object of the swing should NOT be an attempt to hit the ball. Impact should occur as a result of completing your swing properly. All too often, I watch people set up to the ball well, complete a decent backswing only to follow it with an ugly, violent swipe at the ball producing an equally unattractive result and an unbalanced finishing position.

Next time you practice, instead of trying to hit the ball in any way, trick your brain to view completing your swing properly as the primary goal and worrying about the result as secondary.
 
If you can do this, you should notice your finishing position become more balanced and your ball striking become more solid. If you ensure that you complete your ‘process’ properly (with the correct starting and finishing positions), the swing as a whole has potential to evolve positively and consistently over time.
 
For more information on this topic or to find out about the golf coaching services offered at Awali Golf Club, please contact me on 39761873.

Good luck and happy golfing!