One of the most intriguing things about golf is the importance of its mental aspect.
Every player approaches the game in a slightly different way, according to that player’s mind and body. Today, I want to share with you some of what I’ve heard from and about the golfing legends around me.
1. Arnold Palmer suggested changing both shoes and socks after nine holes.
Why? When your shoes get wet, they get heavier, changing the calculations in your balance. Wet feet can also chill the entire body, which tightens everything and can result in a sluggish swing. Warm, dry feet help the body keep a smooth and effortless swing.
2. Nick Faldo loved routine on and off the course.
He recommended that players trim their fingernails every Monday evening. Since our hands form our connection to the club, this makes perfect sense, and explains why pro golfers are no stranger to the manicure!
3. Mark McGwire had 70 home runs in one season of Major League Baseball, and he was pretty darn good at golf, too.
He liked to say that hitting a home run and hitting a good drive weren’t all that different. “Just try to hit it solid. When you try to hit a homerun you strike out. When you try to hit a long drive, you get into trouble.”
4. Tiger Woods’ father Earl Woods posited that the most important distance in golf is between the ears.
He understood golf as a mental game, and began nurturing mental techniques with a 3-year-old Tiger.
5. Andrew Magee would say that playing golf is like driving a car looking forward down the road.
He meant avoid thinking too much about the pedals, steering wheel or speedometer. “Golfers that think about their backswing eat hotdogs,” he said. “Golfers that think about the forward swing eat steak.”
There is so much to learn from the pros, from great golf instructors, and about yourself in golf. That’s part of what makes it so fascinating! Come see me anytime and we’ll get to work on getting the most out of your own game.
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
Carolina’s PGA Teacher of the Year, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. He conducts “Where Does the Power Come From?” a free interactive clinic and demonstration every Monday from 4-5 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Volunteer for a free lesson and some will win prizes! Call 866-455-6890 or go to www.palmettodunes.com for more information.