By Dave Archer
This past season seemed to produce more scores in the high 50's, low 60's than ever before. What's going on? Are the courses easier? Is technology better? Is the talent and skill level of the player improving?
The score that stood out for me this past season was from Ryo Ishikawa a young golfer on the Japanese tour. He recorded a 58 – in tournament conditions. When asked how he did it he was quoted as saying; "I remained calm for all 58 shots". What the heck is he talking about? Remained calm? That's all yah gotta do to shoot a 58, remain calm? Ahhh yes, YOGA! That's it. That's the secret. Flexibility and Buddha!
Well, perhaps. But no, there is more to it than just remaining Zen calm. You still have to execute the shot. But we're getting close.
Here's a hint. Think to yourself; 'when you hit the most perfect golf shot, what were you thinking?' Short answer; 'nothing'. Your swing was automatic. Regardless of the golf shot, drive, sand shot, approach shot, putting, you were completely calm, just like at the driving range.
So why can't we be as relaxed on the course as we are on the range? My problem was that I took "me" on to the course. I took my behaviour, character traits, my thinking…or what you might call my inner demons.
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Demon #1. I put pressure on myself to perform a certain score. For the most part my desired results are not really achievable any longer. I simply don't play enough to consider shooting par. When I did play daily, I would chase the score rather than chase controlling the only thing I can control and that is my performance, the way I prepare and execute each shot.
Another demon is not staying committed. I often have doubts during my back swing. This is deadly to your score. To date not staying committed to the shot is still my biggest handicap!
What really helps is to find that routine and mental checklist of things that you do at the range and take that with you to the course. Of course for most golfers a real challenge is making the time to practice. If you can figure out what makes you calm and take the effortless routine from the range to the course you will be more likely to make better contact on the course. Next you need an accurate evaluation of the situation. You know your clubs and what you need to hit to get the distance out of the shot, the best angle of attack, consideration of lie, wind direction, temperature, etc.
Don't knock the Yoga thing either. If you have ever participated in yoga exercise you will know that breathing is a big part of the routine and a key element in keeping one calm. Try not to think about your score. If you are playing well and you start to think about score that usually leads to irregular heavy breathing, anxiousness and the thought of "I'm playing better than I normally do. When are the wheels going to fall off?" This is called getting in your own way!
Stay in control, stay calm slow deep breathing will keep you in the zone and into a relaxed state of concentration. The only way you are going to fight off the golf demons is by developing and perfecting your very own individual Pre-Shot Ritual.
When Ryo Ishikawa say's "I remained calm for all 58 shots." This is how I believe he did it!
Here are a few basic tips that will help you develop your very own Pre-Shot Ritual. Three important phases: PREPERATION, EXECUTION and RESULTS these will allow you to focus on the things that you can control and forget about the things you can't. |
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Ryo '58' Ishikawa |
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Annika '59' Sorenstam |
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Stuart '59' Appleby |
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Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy |
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Preparation Phase
1. Get your breathing under control. Take several deep breaths to keep you calm.
2. Assess your situation and make decisions. Assess all of the external factors that might affect your shot – distance to target, wind, lie, stance, obstacles and landing area; and the internal factors – your adrenaline level, status in the match and most important, your levels of stress, anxiety and confidence. Visualize your shot.
3. Executing a series of pre-shot actions such as a practice swing or two, a few waggles and settle into your stance. Get the right feel.
4. The last thing before execution. You should be in your "zone." Physiological and psychological "triggers" in place create a relaxed state of concentration that will allow for greater consistently in striking your golf ball.
Execution Phase
During the take away, you have no thoughts. Remember, it's more important to be decisive than it is correct! There is NO doubt in your mind about what you're doing. None! You slip from that consciously competent state of mind to an unconsciously competent or automatic state of mind.
Results Phase
After striking the ball there is nothing more to do than to watch and enjoy your performance. Whatever happens now, may I suggest that you start with assessing what went right before dealing with what went wrong? Smile; put the club away and move on to the next shot.
Remember, golf has but one objective, "get the ball in the hole in the least amount of strokes". It is us who complicate the game beyond this simple little idea with all kinds of "other stuff".
To learn more about how you can aim towards shooting a "58" or simply enjoying the game a little more visit www.archeredutainment.com and check out the 3 Step Program:
Step 1 – Take the Profile
Step 2 - Take the Workshop
Step 3 – Take Strokes Off Your Golf Game before You Have One!
The 3 Step Program is $49.95 and upon completion you will learn to get calm, play smart, reduce your score and simply enjoy life more.
Dave Archer owns a performance training company called Archer Edutainment.
For Improved Scores in Golf and Business www.archeredutainment.com
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