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.
Most golfers go through a round of golf without a clue what their minds are doing. It’s like we’re in a trance, carried unconsciously this way and that by our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours. This is no way to play golf or live your life.
This strategy of working hard to do things the right way had worked in many other areas of my life, but not in golf. What the hell?
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.”
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.
