Almost every golfer I know swings with some kind of “swing thought,” such as “turn this” or “shift that.” While they swing, their heads are full of mental chatter. You cannot think your way through a golf swing. It’s a recipe for bad golf.
“The quality of your golf—and your life—is determined by the quality of your attention.” I’m not sure who I first heard utter this nugget of wisdom, but I have heard myself saying it a lot lately to my coaching clients.
Many golfers struggle because they are constantly seeking tips to fix their problems. UK coach Karl Morris laments that golf is in the midst of a “social media circus.”
Natasha has been the Canadian All-Abilities Champion for the last four years. But life hasn’t been easy. This is a story of resilience, tenacity, support and love.
In the third and final instalment of my “origin story” about what influenced me to write my new book, I note that becoming aware of my self-defeating behaviours allowed me to move forward, both as a player and a coach.
My face went hot. It was like I was stunned, paralyzed. I realized that this was a moment. I eked out, “Ouch. Thank you … I think.” I muttered something about having to go somewhere. I fled.
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I lived and died—mostly died—with the quality of my golf. I sulked and dragged my carcass around the course like I was headed to the gallows.
After a 2014 accident, the firefighter was told golf was out of the question – he’d be lucky to walk again without something to lean on.
Golf professionals are chronically frustrated that many players play the wrong tees for their age and ability, depriving themselves of fun and slowing the pace of play.
