How would you describe a perfect shot? All golfers can relate to the indescribable feeling of hitting the “sweet spot”.
For the devoted golfer, the essence of the game is discovering the recipe to constantly recreate that effortless feeling. The biggest mistake for the average golfer is to believe that the evanescent sensation is a byproduct of proper technique.
Golf is often referred to as the ultimate feel game, but most instruction focuses on technical perfection. Do you think bad shots are the result of sloppy fundamentals; raise your head or bend your left elbow or slump your shoulder or…
Your innate sense of touch is not based on how much you can remember, but on your ability to forget all the technical imperatives for a second and a half and just hit the damn ball!
If you’ve ever hit a perfect shot, then you’ve got the skill. The key to recreating those shots is to develop a physical trigger that bypasses the analytical process and allows you to swing freely.
Sounds complicated right?
Regardless of skill level, any golfer can develop a unique trigger that allows them to consistently play to the best of their ability.
The routine can be as simple as touching the ground once (Brandt Snedeker) or swinging the club (Phil Mickelson) or buttoning your pants (Jim Furyk). Any action that a player constantly repeats is their unique power move or shifts from thought to feeling.
While every player is unique, there are three common elements to every effective trigger: (1) the player’s stance becomes upright. In other words, the trigger reminds them to stay upright. (2) The player continues to move until he feels ready. Movement is the path to feeling. (3) A trigger typically lasts between three and five seconds. For most golfers, this is the optimal time frame to start the swing.
How do you discover your trigger?
Close your eyes and remember your last perfect shot. Can you see the target? Rewind your memory and see yourself selecting the club and preparing to hit the shot. Focus on the feel as you tackle the ball. Did you know the shot was going to be good? Repeat the memory until you can consciously recreate the optimal sensation.
Every round has at least one perfect shot. It could be a 250-yard drive or a four-foot putt. Whenever you hit a perfect shot, hold on to the feeling as long as possible. Have you ever seen a Tour professional hold his finishing position? Have you ever wondered what they are waiting for?
Now you know.
I look forward to helping you discover the innate ability that every golfer has when learning to go beyond the mechanics of the swing.
Thank you for reading!