These softer shots go against my natural instincts. After reflection I have decided to add them to my arsenal, hoping they will add a new dimension to my game. First things first,

I have learned to automate my “aggressive game”. I can tee my ball up anywhere, hit the autopilot button and play reasonably well. This step is what the vast majority of golfers don’t do. My advice? Learn to automate!

Prydie, I’m pretty sure that you have missed this point - you are always in thinking mode. Automatic is vitally important because:

• It allows you to find your natural swing
• You can play your best golf with what you’ve got
• You have a solid foundation to work from

If you miss this step I believe you’ll never be able to play your best golf. You’ll get a mixed bag of results with most of it being ordinary. The first step? Learn to automate (sorry for repeating myself - but it is really important).

Once automatic has become comfortable you’ll know with certainty what your natural tendencies are. This now makes it easier to improve your game. This is like reverse engineering the problem but is highly effective.

In my case I know that I’m not as good as I can be with the finesse shots. So I’ve got to learn a new shot. Please keep in mind that I’m not rebuilding my swing or getting confused with an array of technical thoughts - I’m simply learning to hit the ball with a slower and more controlled swing - I’m changing gears so to speak. My objective is to use my normal swing but swing with more finesse. A simple objective and one I know I can handle. I’m not rebuilding my swing.

This process does require some thought. I’m not automatic at this stage. Yesterday’s round went like this:

I was automatic on all the tee shots - I just did what I always do - swing my driver freely at the ball.
On all shorter iron shots I geared back and played a softer shot. I was thinking about this - I even had a practice swing or two (I don’t normally do this). Because I was thinking about what I was doing I didn’t perform that well. I didn’t feel comfortable and I played some awful shots. Unfortunately this is part of the process.

But (and this is important Prydie)

I will eventually make the finesse shots automatic. I will not think about what I’m doing and analyse forever - I will follow the same process that I use for my long game and putting. How long will this take? I’m not sure. When I can make 8 out of 10 successful shots in practice I know I’ll be getting close. In the meantime I get to play golf and work on ONE part of my game. I’m not trying to rebuild the lot.

Prydie, for what it’s worth here’s my opinion on your game.

You do not have major technical flaw in your game. Yes, you hit the odd bad shot but so does everyone. You are good at making stories up about your game and these are what are holding you back. You must learn to let go and play. Doing so will unlock your true genius and give you an insight into your natural game. Automatic will always be the first step - improvement comes after automatic - not before.

Leave your thoughts below - I’d like to hear them.

Today I took a look at the Port Fairy golf course. It’s well worth a visit. It’s a true links course that will test any golfer - especially with a strong wind. Best of all it offers all level of golfers the opportunity for a great day.

I took this solo game to try some new things. In particular I’m keen to improve my finesse game. I’ve got plenty of power - but my game gets a bit ordinary from inside 120 metres. Mike Clayton laughs at me when I can smash a drive 320 metres but then leave myself a long birdie putt. It’s not uncommon for me to out drive him by 70 metres but watch him nestle a 5 iron inside my wedge. Funny game really.

My motivation to keep improving got an injection when I read an article about Tiger Woods. It basically went on to say that his biggest strength is finessing shots closer to the hole than everyone else. His power game is not what makes him so good. Although I sort of knew this already, it was a “kick in the bum” to get me going in the right direction.

But this is going cause some problems.

I’m going to get worse before I get better. On the ninth hole (a fantastic 129 metre par three) I knew I could smash my sand iron somewhere onto the green. It might not end up close to the hole but I’d be pretty confident I’d be able to make three. So this is the dilemma I face. Do I hit the shot that I know I can secure par, or do I attempt to finesse a shot close to the pin and make more birdies? My mind is made up that I’m going to learn more of a controlled and accurate game. I want to keep getting better and add another gear to my game.

The big problem is that a smooth and controlled swing is not automatic for me - I’ve got to think about it and the results can be fairly ordinary. On this occasion I took my pitching wedge and tried to make a smooth swing. The ball came off straight left and missed the green. This new swing feels terrible and can make me look like a hacker.

The hard part for me will be committing to these softer shots during practice and then using them during play. It will take some time for them to become automatic and the chances are I’ll get worse before I get better.

This is exactly what newbies experience when they first try and play automatic golf. It feels awful and uncomfortable. You’re unlikely to get the results you want and quite possibly, your current play can be better than what automatic golf will give. So it’s easier not to commit and keep doing what you’ve always done.

But if you can climb the small mountain something magic happens.

It begins to feel normal and bit by bit you see positive results.  Most never persevere and give up long before real improvement happens. This is why improvement can be so difficult. We want it both ways - to play good golf and to have it feel comfortable. But it’s not possible to have both.

After stuffing up half a dozen shots the sixteenth hole gave me some encouragement. After a long drive I had 125 metres to a front left pin. The temptation was to hit something hard. Sticking to my guns I took the eight iron and made the softest swing I could. The ball came out low and straight for the pin. It felt easy, like a big chip shot. It landed next to the hole and stopped quickly. For me this was the best shot I’ve played in a long time. I got a little rush and was able to bomb some long drives on the remaining two downwind holes.

I enjoyed today. The self-reflection has fired me up to keep improving my game. I didn’t play that great - how can you when wedge shots keep missing greens? But I know that if I keep practising and then learn to automate these finesse shots that my game will improve a notch or two.

Ultimately, I’m prepared to get worse before I get better. It might get ugly but I’m sure it will be worth the effort. Are you prepared to do the same with your golf game? I’d like to hear your thoughts.

There have been some passionate “Tribers” who have contributed on an almost daily basis. They’ve provided some great content and kept The Tribe moving along.

I hope they’ll stick with me. I’ve migrated that website with this blog. It is just easier to have everything in the one place. I’ve put a link to the right, The Golf Tribe so you can keep going. All other posts and comments should now be located on this blog.

Maybe some of The Tribers would like their own login to start their own posts? It’s very easy. Let me know.

Sorry for the interupption and any confusion. Your help and support are appreciated.

Cheers,

Cameron

I’m pleased about this achievement but I’m not going to get carried away with it. Why? Because a handicap is just a stupid number. It’s only a representation of your golfing skill - it’s not actually your golfing ability. In other words, your handicap can’t hit the ball for you.

Many golfers become obsessed with their handicap to the detriment to their game. Last Saturday a playing partner spent so much time worrying about the course, his state of play and what it would do to his handicap that he stuffed up what could have been potentially a good score. He got in his own way when he needed a clear head and a simplistic approach.

Golf is a paradox. The less you think about your handicap the better (and lower) it will become.

Your handicap is a number - it’s not your golf game. Play first, worry about the small stuff later.

First hole, par 3, 200 metres: I was unsure of the wind. At first I selected a three-iron but then went back to the four. I made a free flowing swing and hit a good shot to about 4 metres. My 3 was good enough to win the hole.

Second hole, par 4, 350 metres: I hit the three-iron from the tee (laying up from the cross bunkers) and had 138 metres to the pin. I was a little doubtful of the wind and had trouble committing to the shot. I selected a nine iron and ever so slightly missed it to the left. It blew further left and found a bunker. From there I made a five. My opponent made an up and down from a bunker to win hole. Looking back I should have taken more time to assess the wind and played safely to the right.

Third hole, par 3, 146 metres: This hole was back into the wind. I selected an 8 iron and played my favourite shot - a back foot and strong draw. The ball finished a fraction short and the resulting putt just missed. Hole halved in 3.

Fourth hole, par 4, 324 metres: I opted for a conservative strategy to avoid the fairway bunkers. My three iron and wedge found the middle of the green. My opponent was in trouble from the tee. He hacked the ball back onto the fairway and then got up and down for a four. My birdie putt just missed. Hole halved.

Fifth hole, par 4, 392 metres: After a good drive I was left with 97 metres to the pin. With my opponent again in trouble I played for the middle of the green (the pin was towards the front right). I watched him struggle with some chips but incredibly sunk a long putt for a five. Looking at a 5 metre downhill putt I was tempted to steer it towards the hole. I calmed my mind and made the most automatic stroke I could. The ball trickled down the slope and found the hole! It was pleasing to make the putt and avoid three-putting. Often these situations put the most pressure on us - so we have to learn to play our natural game and not get distracted. 1 up.

Sixth hole, par 5, 495 metres: I smashed my driver down the right side of fairway. I needed a low hooking 6 iron to find the green. I overcooked it and the ball was held up by the rough. Faced with a tricky shot I avoided analysing too much and played a good shot (I like playing quickly - it helps me avoid self-doubt and over complicating matters). I made the putt for birdie as did my opponent. Still 1 up.

Seventh hole, par 5, 478 metres: This hole requires a precise drive. In this situation it is tempting to steer the ball. I relaxed my mind and swung as freely as possible. I nailed the drive in the perfect spot (this was pleasing - learning to let go and then hit a great shot gives a surge of confidence). Left with 183 metres to the middle I selected a 6 iron. I knew a five iron was probably the right club to get to the pin but a 6 iron would leave me below the hole and also give me the biggest part of the green to hit. The ball found the front of the green and I was able to two-putt for birdie. Sometimes it’s better to make a great swing with the wrong club than make a poor swing with the right one. Always choose the club you believe will leave you in the best position - not the one that will get you next to the pin.

Eighth hole, par 4, 356 metres: After some good driving I was confident I could drive this downhill and downwind hole. I relaxed and made another free flowing swing. I pulled the drive slightly to the right - even though I made the distance I was left with a difficult pitch shot. I couldn’t get the ball close and my opponent did. His three beat my four. 1 up.

Ninth hole, par 4, 312 metres: I played this hole badly. I hooked my tee shot behind a tree and then chipped into a bunker (I think this was just a poor shot) I couldn’t do better than 5. Opponent made 4. All square.

Tenth hole, par 4, 267 metres: This is a really short hole that I could reach in one comfortably. The problem is that it is surrounded by water and sand. I selected a 7 iron and thought I made a good swing. I watched unbelievably as the ball trickled into a bunker that I thought was out of range. Left with a poor lie I went into another bunker and then narrowly missed a par putt. I was frustrated by this hole - I was playing well but made a couple of bad mistakes that had the potential to ruin my score. I went to 1 down.

Eleventh hole, par 4, 350 metres: I calmed my mind an promised myself to swing freely and not worry about the score. I nailed the drive. The 87 metre shot spun off the green into a fluffy lie. I chipped past the hole and was left with a very fast 2 metre putt. This is the type of putt that can cause serious problems - golfers get tentative and make poor strokes. I reminded myself not to worry and keep playing automatically. I surveyed the hole, had a quick look, stepped up to the ball and stroked the putt like it didn’t matter. The ball went in dead centre. All square.

Twelfth hole, par 4, 281 metres: I realised at this point I had to keep swinging automatically - the tricky putt on 12 had helped erase the poor 9th and 10th holes and I was keen to play my way. I selected a driver and had planned a soft slice to negotiate the dogleg and the two green side traps. I hit the shot perfectly - from the tee it looked like the ball was on the green. My opponent played the hole more traditionally and hit a fantastic wedge to one-metre. When I got to the green I found my ball in a bunker. I had to calm my mind and focus on the present. This is key - it’s important not to get too far ahead of yourself and make stories. The long bunker shot finished two-metres from the pin. My memory here is a little hazy (I was playing automatically and in the zone) but I believe I played really quickly and stroked the ball into the hole. All square.

Thirteenth hole, par 5, 519 metres: At this point I knew I was playing well. I wanted to keep things going so it was important to not get in my own way. I teed the ball a fraction higher and made another free swing. I nailed the drive over fairway bunkers and was left with 201 metres to the middle of the green. I didn’t fluff about. I chose the 6 iron and came up a bit short (If I’m really honest I probably needed the 5. I knew the 6 iron wouldn’t get in any trouble as the front of the green was clear). I watched my opponent wedge in from 100 metres (after finding the trees) to about 2 metres. When he made the putt for birdie I calmed my mind and went automatic. I matched his birdie. All square.

Fourteenth hole, par 3, 147 metres: I made a good decision here. The wind had picked up and I was pumped.  I chose the 9 iron to compenate for this and hit a good shot to 2 metres. My opponent found the front of the green and then made a long putt. Once again I ignored any temptation to analyse and over think the situation. I went through my routine and pulled the trigger. The ball went into the hole for another birdie. All square.

Fifteenth hole, par 5, 567 metres: We played from a super back tee - it is a really long hole! After a good drive I layed up with a seven iron. My opponent found the trees with his second. I was tempted to hit a three-wood but thought otherwise. I had 103 metres for my third and hit a wedge to 4 metres (it wasn’t the best shot but I was in good shape). After coming out of a bunker I watched in disbelief as the opponent again holed a long putt, this time for a par. I narrowly missed my birdie - all square.

Sixteenth hole, par 4, 415 metres: I had a decision to make on this hole. I could hit driver but risk finding trees or fairway bunkers or play an iron for saftey. I chose the three-iron. I pulled it too far right but was still in ok position. I was left with 187 metres to a downhill green. I selected an 8 iron and wanted a strong draw shot to run up onto the green. When I made contact it felt perfect. Unfortunately it didn’t bounce that well and found a bunker. My opponent struggled on this hole and made a 5. I couldn’t beat that so the match was  still all square.

Seventeenth hole, par 3, 187 metres: Without mucking about I tried to hit a strong draw with my six-iron. I missed the shot slightly and it caught the front trap. I played a great bunker shot that left me with a downhill 1.5 metre putt. After hitting two poor shots my courageous opponent made another long putt. I didn’t flinch and made the best putt I could. I thought the ball had found the hole but it dove left at the last second. Just when it looked like I would finally win a hole a managed to lose one. 1 down.

Eighteenth hole, par 4, 281 metres: I was looking forward to playing this hole. It’s slightly uphill and was playing into a bit of wind. I thought with a good drive I could reach the green. I think I tried a bit too hard and made a poor swing. The ball came out hard but finished too far right. It left me a difficult chip which ultimately finished 8 metres from the hole. With no option but to make this putt I cleared my head, relaxed my body and went into my routine. When I stroked the putt it didn’t feel that good. I thought for sure it was short - but it kept rolling. It was on a good line and for a second I thought it would go in - but I had no luck, the ball stopped on the edge. Match over, I lost 1 down.

It was a little disappointing to lose the match but I was pleased with how I played. I couldn’t have done much better and all up maybe made 3 bad decisions (on the 2nd, 10th and 18th). I felt I played automatically on all shots and handled the pressure well throughout the day. There isn’t much more I could do.

I also have to congratulate James for playing a great match. He didn’t hit the ball as well but more than made up for that on the putting green. Golf is definitely more than ball striking and requires a sound short game to succeed. Automatic golf will never guarantee you’ll play well and win - it only maximises your chances.

For the record my team didn’t have to best day. We lost a few close matches and ended up losing 6/1. There’s always next year!

Good golfing,

Cameron

Why four? I could list more but think four gives much more clarity.

Here they are:

• Break free and do something different - like burn the club you’ve never been able to hit and improve your putting game.
• Learn to trust - stop worrying, you have all the skill and talent to be a much better golfer.
• Play naturally - forget trying to be like Tiger. Play your natural game and you’ll be just fine.
• Play more and practise less - playing is where the fun is. It is also where it counts most.

Simple. Nothing more than that.

I need some testimonials. If you’ve enjoyed this website or have got anything out of my writings then please let me know. Your help here is greatly appreciated.

If you could post your testimonial in the comment section below that would be fantastic.

Cheers and thanks,

Cameron

If you’re a bloke (that’s Aussie for male) then the chances are your ego is getting in the way.

Your ego is a distraction and you should leave it in the car. Doing so will help you avoid these two common mistakes:

• Ignore good advice because you think you know everything. Most guys don’t know they do this. I’ve been guilty of this many times but I know I’m getting better. My round with Mike Clayton was an awesome learning experience - but I had to be open to his suggestions. This doesn’t mean you take on every bit of advice - listen, evaluate and learn. If the advice is dodgy you can move on.

• Hit the shot your ego wants rather than the correct one. Our ego is good at this one. Rather than playing the conservative shot you get suckered in to going for the career shot. The result? Usually a blow up hole and a big score. You’ve got to take control of this - keep your mind clear and choose the shot you know you can hit successfully.

Egoless play won’t guarantee you’ll play great golf, but it will maximise your chances. You’ll make better decisions and won’t be distracted by others and some poor shots. You’ll also be in a better state to learn and improve.

Once you walk off the golf course go and get your little friend from the car and take it into the bar - this is the place where he does his best work.

Here’s my take:

• Phil Mickelson made one mental error (his tee shot on 12) that probably cost him shooting one of the best ever rounds in major golf. It nearly seems unfair but is why golf is such a great test.
• I couldn’t believe the commentators gave Phil that putt on 15. I’m not a big fan of commentary but conceding a tricky 4 footer is a big no no. I wasn’t surprised when he missed.
• Statistics should only be used as a guide. When Perry was playing 17 with a two shot lead the commentators were quick to point out he hadn’t had a bogey for 22 holes. I think they were saying that he was unlikely to make another. Pity he bogeyed 3 of his last 4 holes (including the playoff holes) as I think he deserved to win. Although useful at times, statistics can’t predict the future.
• Chad Campbell played great golf - a bit unlucky and a terrible way to exit the tournament.
• Couldn’t believe Tiger said he had the worst warm up he has ever had. I don’t think this should matter. Warming up before the round is just that - warming up. It isn’t a measure of how one is going to play. This is one of the first times I’ve heard Tiger say something that isn’t positive and bordering on being average.
• Angel Cabrera played a gritty round of golf. He never looked like winning in regulation and was all but out of it on the first playoff hole. His up & down for par on the 19th was one of the best efforts I’ve seen. He also made great putts on 16 and 18 in regulation. His performance was the perfect example of playing golf - he wasn’t playing great golf but still managed to play the last eight holes in 3 under par. Sometimes it is possible to play well, even when things aren’t going to plan.
• No matter how much experience we have golf can still be a difficult game. Despite playing almost perfect golf at the age of 48, Kenny Perry stumbled at the final hurdle. It was painful to watch and something I hope he can recover from. It was mentioned he took three years to get over his PGA collapse in 1996 - this one could take longer. I hope not as his performance should serve as inspiration for all.

Now that an Argentinian has won at Augusta it must be time that an Australian achieves this feat. We’ve managed to get close a few times but haven’t managed to get over the line. Maybe next year…

It seems the automatic approach can be difficult to obtain for some golfers. Here are some more thoughts on the subject.

1. Automatic golf is not a quick fix. If you’re expecting an instant cure you’ll be disappointed. What is required is an understanding that it is the right thing to do and then perseverance to hang in there.

In my own case it took nearly two years to automate and improve my putting. Sometimes I walk onto the green and it feels terrible - I lack confidence and I’m nervous. But by trusting the system I’m able to negotiate those bad times and pull through. When I’m feeling good my putting is awesome!

The same goes for the full swing, chipping and putting - you need to automate and you need to be patient.

2. It requires constant dedication. Training your system to play golf without a lot of conscious control is a continuous battle. It can feel horrible sometimes - but these are the times that you must let go and play without hesitation. There is no other option.

Talking with friends and clients and using my own experience the problem I see consistently is golfers changing their approach when they’re not feeling good. They play safe - steer the ball or don’t commit. The reality is that you’ll never feel super confident all the time. The trick is to play that way - even when everything is feeling bad.

If you want to play your best golf you need to have an “I don’t care attitude”. This is easy to do on the practice fairway or in social rounds. When it does matter it becomes much harder. But are you able to step up and swing freely and confidently when you’re nervous and playing for $1000 dollars?

The best players, and this includes professionals and seasoned club golfers, are able to play the same way all the time. They don’t let the situation get the better of them - they don’t change their approach and they don’t worry about their swing. They play - that is all they do.

My mate Ev is a great player. He really is. He is still learning he doesn’t need to do anything differently under pressure other than trust his subconscious. In the past he has tried too hard, thought too much and over complicated things. He is nearly over the hump - he has experienced the difference between conscious play and subconscious (automatic) play. He has made some huge progress and looks set for a breakthrough.

The hard thing with automatic golf improvement is that it’s not possible to read about it, watch it or even talk about it. You have to experience it. You have to live it and the only way to do this is to get out there and swing naturally - without fear of consequences or result. Yes the result is important - but you can’t allow your swing to be affected by what you want to achieve. Get out of your own way and swing the club in a way that will allow you to soar. Here’s a few tips:

• stop thinking about your score
• stop thinking about your swing
• stop tinkering with your clubs
• stop tinkering with your swing
• stop thinking about your handicap
• stop worrying about results
• stop making stories up about what may or may not happen
• stop analysing

But most of all start playing. Here’s my basic rules for playing golf:

1. Work out what you want to do. This is vitally important

2. Choose a club that will get the job done

3. Distract your conscious mind for the duration of the shot (this is not negotiable)

4. You should be swinging automatically and naturally

5. Repeat until you hole out on 18 and for every round you play in the future.

It’s fun and it does work. Steady Oz has worked it out - it took him some time but he has achieved a level of mastery that most will never know. He continues to improve and is rewarded by shooting the best score possible.

If you have any specific questions please let me know.

Keep striving,

Cameron