Every player has thoughts going through their mind when they are swinging a club, and when first starting out it is normally ” keep your head still” of ” turn your back to the target on your backswing “. These swing thoughts that we use with such confidence on the practice range are great to make you work on a particular part of your swing. But are they a good idea when you are out on the course trying to achieve the perfect golf swing?
I truly believe that when you are playing in a golf competition you really should not be thinking about the workings of your swing technique. What you want is rhythm and that will be impossible if you are thinking about one area of your swing. A good idea on the course when you are about to swing a club is to visualise the ball soaring through the air and see it landing right where you planned it. Keep this mental picture in your mind during your swing.
For a lot of golfers it is very difficult not to have a swing thought whilst they are playing, and if that is you, you must keep it simple.
It should definitely not be linked to a particular part of your swing – if you start thinking about your stance or your down swing, you are really setting yourself up for a poor shot. Think about the feel of your swing or the tempo and rhythm. Ernie Els swing thought is ‘low and slow’.
Professional golfers will always take several practice swings before hitting a shot. This is a very good routine for amateurs as it gives you a good feel for the shot. Then when you make the shot you can focus attention on this feeling.
It does not take a very long time to complete your swing, but during this time it is amazing how many ideas you can have going through your mind. Get into a routine of having either a visualisation of the shot or a simple swing feeling when taking your shot and you will find your game improves.
Everybody wants a consistent swing that we can rely on and if you get this type of thought into your head you will find your shots a lot more consistent. Save your mechanical thoughts for the golf swing drills you practice at the driving range when you only need to focus on a one area of your swing.
