When we are faced with a tight driving hole, our adrenaline levels spike, tension levels explode, and confidence disintegrates. Revisiting the notion of the “second shot syndrome,” we can make every fairway seem as wide as an airport runway. Most amateurs, if given a second try at a particular shot will hit a much better shot on […]
(This is the eighth and final article in an eight-part series inspired by Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras.)Mary H., with a 9 hole index of 27, and a participant in my unlimited monthly program, proclaimed she was on the verge of quitting. After her poor performance the day before, she wanted to abandon the game. We’ve all been there! Low and behold, […]
(This is the eighth of a nine-part series inspired by Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras) Plateauing (Sanskrit: alabdha bhūmikatva): We make great strides to lower our handicap and then suddenly we get stuck at a number and can’t budge. Or we are missing the point of a technical swing change and find ourselves bogged down in swing mechanics and not able […]
Winter is coming and it’s going to get muddy! A few adjustments can be made to help navigate the tough conditions: 1. The feet will be sinking lower than normal, so gripping down on the club slightly will help accommodate for the feet being lower than the ball.2. Play the ball slightly farther back in the stance than normal […]
(This is the 6th of an eight-part series inspired by Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras) Similar to the infamous oak tree that guards the green on #15 at Delaveaga, it is not a matter of if the obstacles will appear, but when. And when they do present themselves, we are instructed that the obstacles are our practice. Delusion (Sanskrit: bhrāntidarshana): We have just […]
The rains are coming and the rough is going to get thick and deep! Although the prolific English Daisies won’t be affecting our club’s impact position too much, we should be mindful of our winter-time conditions. How the ball sits in the grass will determine club selection and shot choice. Assessing the potential amount of […]
(This is the 6th of an eight-part series inspired by Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras) Lust/ Sensory Distraction (Sanskrit: avirati): When we are not able to pull back from the cravings of the senses and worldly lust, our discernment on and off the course can be impacted by this obstacle. This obstacle includes craving for a lower score to […]
Practicing different lengths of backswings to improve distance control with shorter approach shots is valuable. Shots from 100 yards and in require solid contact in order to develop consist carry yardages. Each time the ball is struck solidly, it will create an accurate feedback system for controlling distances. From there, changing the length of the backswing will dial in […]