Adding Consistency to Your Game

We often hear this during coaching sessions: "I want to be more consistent." Indeed, there are swing improvements that can aid in achieving consistency, but it's important to remember that we're all human and prone to errors. Another crucial aspect is mental preparation before a shot. Do you have a consistent routine, or does your mind drift to potential outcomes like making par or clearing water hazards? How frequently does the outcome fall short of your expectations? In my experience, it happens quite often. Let's explore this further.

The pre-shot routine is key to getting the most out of your game and shooting your best scores. The purpose of it is to get in the present when outcome creeps into your mind so all you are thinking about is the process of executing the task. So how do we do that?

Step 1/Think Box: Ask yourself the question: What will it take to get the ball in the hole? Calculations and Commitment - wind, slope, yardage (pin, front and back of green) and trouble to avoid.

• Which club?

• Play to your strength first

• Implement a practice swing to be loose and in good tempo or a feel that makes you swing to your potential.

Step 2: Visualization/create an image

• Clearly visualize the desired ball flight or a very clear mental picture of the flight and landing to a specific target (small target get you small misses, big targets big misses - Jordon Spieth)- pick an intermediate alignment.

• Deep breathe to relax
  

Step 3: Feel

• Focus on your target – this keeps the mind externally focused to avoid thinking about outcome

• Feel the swing:  waggle or bounce the club to stay loose - relax!

• Swing thought - is there a swing trigger that helps you deliver the club better?

Step 4: Confident Swing

• When there is openness and commitment in your mind, take dead aim!

MAKE THE ROUTINE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE RESULT OF YOUR SHOT

• Stay positive with yourself - be your own caddie

• You need to settle the issue in your mind that you are making a choice with pre-acceptance of all the possible results both good and bad - there is no place for frustration or anger.

• Reset when the “anyway” shot is coming - if negative thoughts or second guessing interfere, repeat the pre-shot process until they disappear otherwise you'll say to yourself after the poor shot "I wasn't ready but I hit it anyways"

• Practice your pre-shot routine on the range so that is automatic on the course

• The brain ignores the word "don't." Telling yourself don't hit the ball into the woods or water often results in just that. Instead, focusing on positive outcomes and targets, such as aiming for the middle of the fairway or the center of the green over water, is more beneficial for your brain.

My daily mantra is to have clear goals: precise targets, a solid visualization of my shots, and a good tempo in my swing. The score does not dictate my enjoyment of the day. I aim to keep my mind clear and relaxed between shots. Remaining present by observing and listening to my surroundings and being attuned to my body. Above all, remember to have fun!

As part of our coaching playing sessions, we will help you develop your pre-shot routine.

Golf is 4 Life: let's enjoy it along the way!