Part 2: A smarter approach to improving your golf swing
In Part 1, I discussed how improving areas such as your short game, course management and mental skills could be a quick and realistic way to lower your scores. I wanted to give these areas prominence because they’re often overlooked amidst the widespread obsession with swing mechanics.
So,improving your game may have nothing to do with improving your swing!
That’s not to say, however, that a better long game isn’t achievable in a short space of time, or potentially very beneficial to your scores. It’s all about taking a smart and realistic approach.
10 ways to improve your golf swing:
1. Be realistic
For most of us, therefore, forget trying to emulate Dustin Johnson or another tour pro, just focus on making what you do better.
2. Get straight to work on the shot that gets you into trouble
A slice or a hook, or mis-hitting irons? whatever it is, prioritise improving it. That needs to be your focus; in lessons and in practice.
3. Improve the big flaw that leads to your bad shot
Get to the root cause of your bad shot. I always start with looking at my pupils' set-ups because the big flaw will nearly always be found there.
4. Understand why the ball flies the way it does
It is vital to me that my pupils understand why the ball flies the way it does. Understanding club face angle and swing path at impact and how they interact to determine where the ball goes is core knowledge that every golfer should have. Remember, the ball always goes where you hit it to.
5. Improving your impact is the goal-that's all the ball cares about
Anytime I work on improving a pupil's swing, the end goal is to help them to achieve a better impact position. Nothing is done to win style points.
6. Develop an effective swing, not a perfect swing
Many tour pros’ swings have quirks and your swing doesn’t have to be perfect either-it just needs to be effective.
7. Take small steps first
When making a change it can initially be tricky, so make it easier by hitting mostly with a short iron, from good lies (or off a tee), and often making ½ to ¾ swings too. Creating a “practice station”, using alignment sticks, intermediate targets, visual reminders etc. can also speed up learning.
8. Use external focus and avoid "body-part" thinking whenever possible
Scientific evidence suggests that an external focus (i.e. a focus outside your body) leads to faster skill development than an internal focus (i.e. a focus on moving the body, or a body part, in a certain way). Intermediate targets and visual reminders in your practice station can provide an external focus.
9. You need to be able to take your swing onto the course
Whatever you’re working on at the practice area and in your lessons, you should be able to take out onto the course and play with. Therefore, having one big simple focus or feel is good, but having a whole series of complicated swing thoughts isn’t.
10. Aim to make the game simpler
With lessons and your practice work, the game should become simpler, not more complicated, allowing you to play with greater clarity and less confusion.
