....and things went horribly wrong

After a couple of visits to the range this week, I had all the answers. I went to the course Friday and after a first hole par, everything was going according to plan. Then things went horribly wrong. I was twelve over after the next four holes. Two shanks out of bounds, a couple of chunky monkeys and all sorts of bad contact problems. I was shocked! How could this be.

Obviously, I was not executing what I had found at the range. That full shoulder turn I discovered and used there turned into some totally off plane out of sync downswing. So I just reverted to my old routine, practiced three or four controlled on plane swings as preparation for each shot, concentrated only on being on plane and not overswinging and I parred the last four holes of the front nine. I went on to shoot a very respectful 41 on the back. Another false hope dashed at the course. But maybe I at least found out something I was doing right all along.

The difference between the range and course is normally adrenalin. It tightens your grip and muscles, makes you lose tempo and connectivity.

You need to groove a swing that can be repeatable and especially under pressure. This is one reason why relying on complex manipulations of the wrists and swing plane can come adrift when playing competitively.

I have found myself that a swing needing little manipulation with the minimum amount of moving parts is most likely to combat the effects of adrenalin.

I use a rotary, one plane type swing, I don't suggest it is a 'cure for all' only that it works well for me. It does fit well with what '3 skills' teaches regarding the impact zone but needs some conscious swing practice.

These videos from Jeff Ritter explain the principles of swinging around your body and are in tune with my ideas:

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Best Regards
Brian

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Funny o'l game!

... In the long haul you won't regret it...

Yeah, can't wait to get back to the range actually. And I do like me some Jeff Ritter videos. Thanks Brian. Gets your mind right.

Thats the worst ever, having a great session on range and looking forward to your round where it all goes to pot!

I think Brian is on to something, at the range your in your comfy wee booth nobody watching you, full of confidence. A whole different scenario on course, especially a tough course where anything wayward is punished to add to the pain!

I do find the last 3 or 4 holes I always seem to play better, but it can take me that long to find my rythmn if things are going bad.

If you can get any range/practise time right before your round I find this works wonders, just loosens you up and gets your body geared up for your round.

I love Brians video responses I've always found some good stuff in them!