Golf is never “easy.” It’s intense. We are constantly faced with three options: Give up. Keep going. Make a new way. Every golfer has been frustrated enough to scream, “I quit this game!” In the golf world, there is a half-truth jestif you haven’t quit at least ten times, then you’re not a real golfer. However, if we are […]
Missing fairways? Check these driver fundamentals before rebuilding your entire swing: Monitor ball position. Position the ball off the left/front heal. Manage grip pressure. Extra tension (and testosterone) do not create more distance. “Pause for applause.” Make sure the transition from backswing to downswing is not rushed. Feel a subtle “pause” before initiating the downswing with the legs. […]
Putting, putting, and more putting! Out-practice the competition after dark with extra putting practice on a putting mat, carpet, ruler, or your favorite putting gizmo. Find a creative way to get the putter in your hands for more hours. Play games, keep score, and challenge yourself to make more putts in a row every day. Dynamic […]
“We probably shall not like what we see and hear, but we must be very patient and objective.” -Swami Prabhavananada The winter daylight is less (boo!), however, we don’t stop working on our game and ourselves after the sunsets. For those after-work dark hours, try this mental training exercise for a winter game-improvement project. It will influence […]
The infamous #3 at Delaveaga? Or how about #10? Or #15? We all encounter holes that carry negative scars. In yoga philosophy, samskāras(Sanskrit), are the habits, patterns, and ruts we’ve created from the past that have become strong enough to influence our current circumstances. The samskāra of getting pre-annoyed and tense does not help the situation. When unhelpful memories and negative samskāras creep into a challenging hole, stop […]
“Through the cultivation of positive qualities, the mind becomes untroubled, serene, and capable of one-pointed concentration” -Dyanand Diffenbaugh When the ego is out of control on the links, the mind’s inclination is toward negativity. We start to look for excuses, blaming other golfers and external factors for our bad shots. The ego proclaims, “It’s too windy, the course conditions […]
Tension is the number one killer of golf swings. Tightening the jaw before and/or during the swing spreads tension to the shoulders and other parts of the body. This sabotages both swing mechanics and tempo. Explore relaxing the jaw before and during your swing. Place a thin potato chip between your front teeth and swing. […]
“With an ungrounded awareness, we can become skillful at the ways we are unskillful.” -Rev. Daijaku Kinst (Co-founder of Ocean Gate Zendo, Capitola, CA.) Awareness Alert: Every moment on the golf course, and in life, is an opportunity to pay attention. Here are a few inquiring questions to illuminate potentially sabotaging mental golf habits: How is the quality […]