Format: Stableford (30th) & Medal (31st)
Venue: [Home course]
Score: 27pts & 90
Handicap mark: 3.5
Themes in reply: Some ego balm; “Do not fiddle”
Hi Colin,
I hope the back is ok.
I’ve had a busy weekend on and off the golf course.
My form at present is CRAP!
I played on Sat and had 27 points and in the medal yesterday I had a gross 90. The ball will not go where it’s supposed to resulting in shots being frittered away.
I’m not going through all the round but here are a couple of examples. We started on the 9th (as a 3 ball you can’t start on the 1st before 10am). I hit a decent enough 3 wood just to the left of the fairway leaving an 8 iron into the green. I hit a very poor 8 iron into the bunker on the right. Took 2 to get out and 2 putted for a 6.
I hit a good 3 wood down the middle of the fairway on the 10th and then pulled my wedge into the bunker on the left. Took 2 to get out and 2 putted for a 6.
There is something not right and I don’t think it’s my mental side. This weekend I am playing in Denham (Nr London) in foursomes medal comp. – 2 rounds – which I am not now looking forward to. Luckily my partner is easy going!
Any thoughts?
Regards,
John
30th August 2011
Dear John,
Thanks for the call and for listening!
It is fascinating that your putting is good. 30 putts under the pressure of poor approach play is some going. Imagine if you could combine your recent good form from tee to green with a 30 putt round!
Okay, at the risk of nagging, back to first principles.
“Timing” is a sub-conscious process that you can enhance consciously by forcing yourself to visualise and then feel the rhythm of the shot, and then consciously “getting out of the way”.
The rhythm is the most important part of the swing by a distance because it is the rhythm that allows the two pendulums to synchronise which is what produces “timing”. The rhythm is the rhythm of a pendulum. That is: a decelerating movement away from the ball; a momentary pause at the top of the backswing; a gravity driven acceleration back towards the ball.
To re-acquaint yourself with the feel of the rhythm, sit on a child’s swing and close your eyes as you swing back and forth. Or, because your putting is obviously working, then go through the putting routine and take that rhythm to your drives and irons. But, don’t worry too much because you are a natural timer and merely by relaxing it will come straight back.
Also, on the range, swing to the top of the backswing, stop, and consciously release the tension across your shoulders and upper arms.
Also, on the range, at the top of the backswing, do the “stretching out of the circle” exercise (ring me if you need reminding). This will force a slight delay at the top of the backswing, which will greatly help you regain your rhythm.
From what you’ve said, I think you’ve just got a bit quick. It hasn’t affected your putting because you stick more rigidly to the routine with your putting. Calm down, relax and get the whole time length of the swing to feel as if it takes longer to complete. On the range you can really play with this: get a good strong “wanting to come back” feeling at the top of the backswing, stretch and then ease into the ball, take as long as you like, and then on the next shot, take even longer.
It’ll come back, don’t worry, and DO NOT FIDDLE !!!!!!!
Regards,
Colin
