Pete’s Pointers – For maximum learning (and enjoyment!): Activate your Inner Child

Who are the fastest learners? Kids. From riding a bike, iPhones, to picking up a language, they learn though their experience’s, and quickly.

As adults, our life experience, perceived knowledge of golf, and improved ability to solve problems rationally, SHOULD give us the edge in getting our golf games in shape.

However, the further away from childhood we get, the more we try and solve golf like a problem, and end up overthinking the swing.  Poor performance usually follows.

We frequently forget about the natural learning process, or putting trust in our bodies to work out what to do.

We grip tight, muscle the ball, or look stiff and stilted trying to be ‘in control’.  As Tim Gallway -who wrote one of the iconic golf psychology books, The Inner Game of Golf- once said ‘Trying fails’. 

Instead, we need to let ourselves learn, by getting maximum feedback from each of the swings we make without either judging or forcing the issue.   

We need to activate our Inner Child.

Guided Learning

With a couple of set up keys, and swinging freely and without delay, we can help to get our conscious brain occupied to allow the natural swing to occur. We get out of our own way.

Pro Tips

These will help your conscious brain be ‘useful’ without interfering/controlling

Set up – Very light grip (but tight), Arms hanging comfortably long, club perfectly centred behind ball.

As soon as you’re set up perfectly, just swing. No hesitation. No thinking time

Swing – make a really smooth full swing, with head still till impact. Let that club swing.

Simply notice your swing sensations – that’s all. And repeat as soon as you can.

It’s Playtime!

After you have got into the ‘just play’ mindset, start experimenting!

One handed wedge shot? Try it (Really helps with feeling the natural rhythm of club)

Big 5 iron banana hook through the rugby posts? Feel it.

7 iron flop shot? Do it!

Try working out how to hit it low and high, big hooks and slices, with a variety of clubs, from wedges to driver. Always without delay.

The Coaches Role

Whilst it’s great to work towards playing golf with a quiet, focussed mind, better technique will increase your maximum potential for both distance and accuracy. A good set up will encourage a sound, repeatable and efficient swing. 

It’s the skill of the coach to upgrade the golfer’s technique a step at a time – to both learn about the swing whilst allowing the body to learn through practice. 

Whether it’s the casual Roll Up classes, or 1 to 1 lessons, we’re here to inform and personalise your tips to help you get the most pleasure out of your golf. Ready for an upgrade? Book here now: https://windmillsportingltd.setmore.com

Happy golfing!

Pete

Pete Langford PGA 

Windmill Leisure