I'm not saying you don't have to do something different, but do you have to hit lots of golf balls to get improve your game?
Let's start with course management, who do you think has the best course management? low or high handicappers? low handicap golfers don't have many shots to play with, they have to become smart on the course, do you think they would attempt a shot if they thought it would result in a triple bogey?
Attempting the miracle shot may come off now and again but it's much more likely to go wrong.
BEN HOGAN had a brilliant saying " NEVER ATTEMPT A SHOT YOU HAVENT PRACTISED A THOUSAND TIMES" this one statement has stood me in good sted over my playing career and I never attempt the miracle shot.
When faced with a difficult shot is it not best to stand back and think of at least 2 options? do I play a low shot or do I use lots of loft ? Thinking about where to play your next shot from would be so much more powerful that hitting the shot with little to no thought at all !! leaveing yourself in the same situation will lead to frustration , frustration will lead to anger and anger results in mistakes. Do you remember " JEAN VAN DE VELDE" in the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP in 1999 ? on his last hole he took a triple bogey 7 and lost in a Play off to PAUL LAWRIE. ( still painful to watch ) poor course management was to blame, he can clearly hit the ball well but when your brain goes to mush anything can happen.
How about learning some new rules? The R & A app is fantastic, it's free to download and has a brilliant quiz section, instead of reading posts on Facebook or Twitter why not test your knowledge, you may be surprised at the things you know and the things you don't know, even better, test your playing partners over a drink after the round, this can be fun and will definitely raise some awareness, rules change and you may know the OLD one, but may not be up to speed with the replacement one.
Do golfers play their best golf in a relaxed state?
What happens to your game when you get angry?
I've watched a lot of winners of the years and one thing they all have in common is the ability to look calm and relaxed under extreme pressure, they have an ability to think clear and make the right decisions when it comes to the wire, JACK NICKLAUS was a master at this, along with TIGER and a whole host of other leading professionals. Be mindful about your attitude and stay relaxed when things go wrong, remember how lucky you are being in such beautiful surroundings.
Playing golf is so much nicer with a smile on your face
So here are 3 simple things you can do to enhance your enjoyment of this beautiful game, learn some new rules, play smart and remember to smile
I hope these make you think about your game a little more and If you have any other suggestions feel free to share them with me and I'll use them in my next blog
Happy Golfing
Julian Mellor
PGA Professional
Positive Impact Golf Coach
Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club
www.julianmellorgolfschool.co.uk
Julianmellorpga@icloud.com
07595. 157452
