June 2008

I played yesterday (I’ve been playing quite a bit lately ) in extremely windy conditions. I quite enjoy playing under extreme conditions because it allows me to explore my shot making and put my automatic game to the test.

I was joined by a friend and low handicapper. We have a bit of a rivalry thing going so I was keen to play my best golf. Not wanting to “play safe”, I was determined to let go and not worry about my score, my swing or the conditions. I was also wary not to make the same mistakes again, so was focussed to play my game.

The tough conditions made playing normal kind of golf difficult. Into the wind, any shot that wasn’t struck perfectly ended up in the trees or finished miles short. Downwind holes weren’t much easier, it was nearly impossible to stop the ball on the greens. There was no respite on the putting greens either, with the ball getting blown about, it wasn’t easy judging distance or holing those short putts.

Still, I was up for the challenge. It’s rounds like this that take a bit of cunning, playing shots that you wouldn’t normally play and using your imagination to best deal with the conditions.

For example, on the holes into the wind I was teeing the ball very low. My goal was to virtually hit the ball along the ground and let in run up the fairway. On the downwind holes I hit the ball high from the tee, and low into the green. This strategy gave me good distance from the tee while allowing me to control distance with the approach.

My mind wasn’t cluttered with thoughts about how to do this. I simply worked out the best shot for the situation and let my subconscious hit the ball. This is playing naturally and is perfectly situated for tough conditions. Best of all this form of golf is more fun and less tiring.

After the round my mate was complimentary of my play. He was impressed with the array of different shots I played and how I coped with the conditions. His comments were flattering and made me realise that automatic golf gives me a huge advantage, something I wouldn’t change for all of the tea in China.

Speaking to him about my golf and ideas for playing better I also realised that golfers can have a problem with adopting this natural approach. The problem is this;

If you consider to play automatic golf you’re faced with a difficult choice. It’s difficult because it represents giving up a method of play you’re comfortable with, and it’s difficult because it requires an all-or-nothing commitment.

The opportunities for you to improve your play, have more fun and realise your full potential are right in front of you. Some golfers stumble because they can’t make the commitment - they want the best of both worlds, a better game without making a change. The opportunity is significant, perhaps the biggest of your golf career. The choice becomes easier when you can note the difference between what you’re doing now and a powerful new way to play.

But you have to commit. The choice is yours.

I played last week with some different players and was guilty of getting distracted and NOT playing my game.

My game has really improved over the last few years. For the most part I play automatically and only choose shots I know I can hit. This has allowed me to play very consistently and enjoy a level of play that has seen my handicap drop to below zero - considering a lack of practise time, this is something I’m happy with.

This was not always the case.

When I did have time to practise (and I used to practise a lot) I would expect to shoot good scores. This thinking had me playing aggressively, going for every pin (whether or not it was tucked away behind a bunker etc) and attempting to hit every drive as far as possible (to be honest I used to hit the driver too much, I didn’t contemplate laying up).

This mindset never allowed me to play my best golf. I was too erratic! There was no margin for error and I was playing on the edge. As I’ve gotten older (and maybe a bit wiser) I’ve learned to play more within myself. My scores are better and golf has become easier.

Last Sunday I let myself get distracted. Playing with two elite golfers, my thinking changed from playing the shots I know I could hit, to trying to impress them. This only happened on two holes but I was disappointed with myself. The first time, I attempted to hit an approach to an impossible pin. The shot was crying out for a conservative shot to the left. I let ego get the better of me and went for the miracle shot. I paid the penalty, by dropping a shot.

The second time was worse. Instead of playing a three-wood on a short par 4 (the perfect shot for me) , I decided to use my driver and go for the green. This aggressive shot would probably be OK for Tiger Woods, but for this slightly overweight golfer it definitely was not on. The ball failed to clear the trees, got a bad bounce and headed further into trouble. My ego driven mistake was made worse when I couldn’t find the ball. The subsequent penalty derailed my round and ensured I didn’t shoot the best score I was capable of.

Those mistakes kicked my mind into gear and I played the rest of the round playing “my game”. I forgot about impressing playing partners, hitting miracle shots and letting my ego get the better of me. Hopefully I can avoid making the same mistake in future rounds.

If you want to be the best player you can be you need to be honest with yourself. If you don’t think you’re capable of hitting a certain shot with any percentage of success then you shouldn’t go for it. Delusional or wishful thinking is not being honest. This does not mean that you have to always lay up and play conservatively. The excitement of the game shines through when you can pull out a great shot - the difference is knowing your limitations. If you think you can hit an aggressive shot successfully go for it! If you know deep down the shot is “mission impossible” best you reign in your ego and choose another strategy.

I have found the really good golfers are able to play “their game” through all situations. They don’t let an important game or a pressure filled shot change their thinking. They approach all shots with a similar mindset and enjoy a reliable golf game. They don’t get distracted and they definitely don’t let their egos get the better of them.

Two golfing buddies play every week. They are the same age, work in similar jobs and have three children. They’re both ambitious and have a strong competitive streak.

Twelve months ago Steve was playing off 20. Without working on his swing or changing his technique, he has manged to drop his handicap to 12. His only significant change has been playing more regularly, once or twice a week, compared to a monthly game.

His mate Dave is a different story. He plays off ten, and has so for years now. But he’s stuck there - despite weekly lessons, new clubs and 3 rounds per week. He works constantly on his game, tries hard but can’t seem to improve.

Steve walks off the golf course feeling energised and alive. Dave usually walks off feeling frustrated, tired and angry. Steve feels he is getter better while Dave hasn’t played to his handicap in the last 10 rounds and is talking about giving up.

Worse for Dave is that he hasn’t beaten Steve in three months. This is not easy for him to take. He hadn’t lost to Steve since they were juniors and was considered the “golfing guy” amongst their friends - now Steve has taken over while everyone is wondering what has happened to Dave.

What’s the main difference here?

Steve has learned to play golf. He is able to swing the club naturally and powerfully. He’s not overly concerned about mechanics, positions or style. He simply swings the club freely and without self-doubt. Dave on the other hand is a student of the game. He reads the golf magazines and is constantly tinkering with his swing and equipment. His mind is full of technical thoughts and he is striving for the perfect golf swing. Dave used to play golf, but now he is more worried about his style and doing things correctly.

Dave has lost the magic. While Dave spends most of the day searching for that elusive “perfect” swing, Steve keeps hitting better shots and having a good time. When Dave hits a poor shot (which is happening more of the time) he needs to have five practise swings and explain the fault to anyone that will listen. When Steve hits a bad shot (occasionally) he shrugs his shoulders and gets the ball back into play. He realises that golf can be difficult and indifferent shots are part of the game.

Their most recent game highlighted the difference perfectly.

Dave played the first hole well, making birdie. Steve three putted for a bogey.

On the second, Dave tried to replicate his opening drive from the first and made an unnatural and over-controlled swing. The ball barely stayed in bounds, coming to rest in deep rough. Steve stepped up to his ball and made his usual swing, an aggressive one without care or concern. Although Steve plays with a fade, he hits the ball deceptively long. His ball found the right side of the fairway.

Dave’s ball was in thick rough. Instead of playing a conservative shot, he went for the green with his hybrid wood. With his mind still concerned about the previous shot, he made another bad swing. The ball went straight left, over the fence and into a neighbour’s swimming pool. After taking his penalty drop, he hacked the ball onto the fairway and then watched Steve make a “fuss free” swing that ended on the front of the green.

Dave managed to eventually get his ball onto the green and made seven. Steve, his mind free of concern from the previous three-putt, safely two-putted for par. He felt good about his game and looked forward to the rest of the round. Dave was not doing so well. Despite making a birdie on the first hole, he was worried about his swing and not sure what to do about it.

Steve was having the round of his life. He parred most holes, had two birdies with the odd bogey on the tougher holes. Poor Dave was having a nightmare game. After losing another ball on the ninth he gave up. He stopped trying and thought about walking in. Steve convinced him to continue and consoled him with the thought that even bad golf was better than going to work …

When they putted out on the 18th Steve has broken 80 for the first time. He had scored a career best 76.

Despite having a horrible front nine Dave had managed to play better for the remainder. With a more relaxed attitude his swing became more powerful and accurate. He hit the par five 16th in two shots for the first time and discovered the elusive “perfect swing” he had been searching for. His last drive travelled over 300 metres, leaving him a short approach shot to the green. He left the green feeling good about his game.

Over a beer at the 19th hole Dave quizzed Steve about his fine form. Dave was certain that Steve had been having lessons or had found the a magic formula. Steve laughed, and told Dave that there were no such things as magical formulas and he hadn’t been seeing a golf pro.

Steve explained that Dave had the necessary talent to play great golf. But by trying so hard and attempting to play perfect shots he made the game more difficult that it needs to be. He went on to say that Dave had inadvertently discovered the perfect mindset for golf over the back nine. He had let go, and stopped trying and was rewarded with the golf shots he had long been searching for.

A light went off in Dave’s head. He realised instantly that he didn’t perform any other activity like he had been playing golf. He drove his car, rode a bike and played tennis instinctively and naturally. Those tasks didn’t cause him any grief or frustration.

Those last nine holes had given him an insight into how good he could be and a chance to rediscover his best form. He had tried everything to improve his play and nothing had worked consistently. It was now time to put trust in himself and forget all those other rules and regulations that had been holding him back.

It was now time to play golf.

OK, so Tiger has done it again. It was an enthralling US Open that was action and drama packed right to the end. Who would have thought it would take 91 holes for Tiger to beat Rocco Mediate, the 157th ranked player in the world?

My hat goes off to Mediate. If my memory serves me correctly the last time I heard from him (before this week) was when he was commentating on the PGA Tour last year. I think he was injured and provided some special comments to assist those regular commentators who have long ago forgotten anything useful and interesting to say.

Anyway, bad luck to Rocco, he certainly provided some entertainment and I hope it’s not the last time we hear from him. If this week’s form is anything to go by the old boy has plenty to offer.

I’ve been asked many times why Tiger is so good and what separates him from the rest. Before I do that I would like to give you my opinion on the areas I think are myths as to why he is the best player in the world.

He is the hardest worker: This one annoys me. I don’t believe Tiger is the hardest worker on tour. Sure, he practices hard but so do most of the tour players. Vijay Singh is renowned for spending hours beating balls. I’m sure there are others too that would give Tiger a run for his money in terms of hours spent practicing. I don’t think Tiger’s work ethic hurts him, but I don’t think it’s the primary reason why he is at number one.

If practicing long hours was the only requirement for achieving success the world be full of people hitting golf balls all day.

He is the fittest (strongest) athlete: Again, Tiger is fit and strong but is he really the fittest? And if so is that the reason he keeps winning? I don’t think so.

This fittest tag gets thrown around by the media from time to time when they run out of things to say. It’s a bit of a cop out if you ask me. The PGA Tour is full of extremely fit and strong athletes. John Daly is definitely the exception. The fitness trailer get far more action than the 19th hole!

Things certainly have changed from a few years ago. I know amateur golfers here in Melbourne that workout each day and have the build of elite football players.

Again, being fit and strong can’t hurt Tiger’s game, but I don’t think it’s the reason why he’s number one. Also it seems Tiger can know win on one leg. I’d bet that Tiger could beat these guys if he was twice the size, with a sizable beer gut.

He wants “it”more than any other player: This line is a complete cop out. You can’t tell me that Rocco Mediate wanted the US Open any less than Tiger. Every player that’s competing out there wants to win and win badly. Tiger likes to win, but his competitive nature is not the reason why he is able to win so often.

So why is Tiger so good?

My strong opinion is that he is the most automatic and natural sportsman in the world.

Tiger plays every round the same way. He has grooved his thought process so that every shot is treated like the one before it. The more pressure he is put under the more instinctively he plays.

Tiger never plays safe! Never.

My definition of playing safe is being careful, using too much conscious control and letting the pressure of any situation change your natural style. It can seem like the right thing to do, but playing safe almost always leads to failure.

Through years of experience Tiger plays each shot like it was his last. Sounds easy to do but it isn’t. I think it’s human nature to be careful and play safe when put under pressure. Tiger has the ability to play without fear or results of the consequences. This I believe is what makes him so special. The average golfer has trouble letting go and trusting himself to hit his opening tee shot - much easier to tighten up and steer the ball down the fairway. This is something that I’ve never seen Tiger do. Every swing, chip and putt is a flowing action that is free of self-doubt or worry.
The ability to do this cannot be underestimated. Not only does it help him play those incredible shots, it allows him to grind out those rounds where things aren’t going so well. To keep swinging freely when you’re not feeling great and the ball keeps missing the target takes more courage than anything golf can throw at you.

If you want to learn from Tiger Woods then take this three round challenge:

Hit every shot with a free flowing swing. Hit the ball (including putts) without fear or concern of where it’s going. Sure, plan the shot and choose the appropriate club, but once you’re over the ball you can’t worry yourself with self-doubt and fear. Let go and enjoy the experience.

This means that if you have a testing three footer for par you have to walk up and stroke it with confidence. Or, if there’s a difficult tee shot with out of bounds down the left you can’t aim at the right trees and play safe. You must aim for the fairway and pull the trigger. It also means that if you hit your first three tee shots into the trees you can’t analyse and start changing your swing and try and get the ball on the fairway. That’s cheating and isn’t in the rules. You have to hit the fourth tee shot with you most natural swing you can muster.

This sounds easy to do but I can tell you it takes some work. It takes courage, trust and a strong will. Make the decision to take the three round challenge and you won’t be disappointed. I’m willing to bet that you’ll learn more about your game (and character) than any lesson you’ve had in the past. And quite possibly you’ll experience your own version of remarkable golf. Surely you don’t think you can play exactly like Tiger Woods do you?

If you lean to adopt this “free from fear” method of playing you can then take better advantage of any fitness gains and competitive spirit that you may possess. You can only get an advantage from these “one percenters” if you can swing (play) without fear.

And finally, I’ve just heard that Tiger is taking the rest of the year off to recover from injury. I’m sure this won’t stop him and he’ll be back next year in the same way that he finished this one. I can’t wait!

Good golfing and good luck. Let me know if you decide to give the challenge a shot.

Cameron