Gear Shift

A few words with a sports psychologist and then with myself helped me shift gears. In my mind. A little bit more patience for sure.

It was a low scoring tournament for many of us on the Can Tour in Saskatoon. Beats being on the plus side. Good feeling to get out there and do it!

Messing Around With My Swing to Get More Feel

When I was a young amateur, I just did it. Stepped up to the tee and got the job done. As a pro, I have started to think too much.

My first coach since I was thirteen and friend Steve Chapman had some good advice. Start “messing around” when I am practicing. Whack the ball off the tee every which way without worrying about where it is going.

It makes sense. Too much thinking is a left brain thing. “Messing around” is more right brain. If I can balance my practice habits more (both left and right), I might not have to think as much in competition.

Feel is about trust in the now. That comes from practicing letting go. Something like improv in comedy acts. It’s a bit weird to me. Still worth it though to quiet my mind.

Feeling More Natural

Until recently, spraying shots off into the bushes on a regular basis has made me long for the “good old days”. When I was an amateur, things seemed more natural, smooth and predictable. Now, I am back to that.

Part of the problem was that I just plain started to think too much. I realize now that it had a lot to do with not being in a coaching environment where I could get a lot of feedback----when I needed it and often.

My amateur days at Kent State and during the summers with RCGA were filled with lots of “tough love”. I lapped it up. But left on my own since---long gaps in seeing my coaches---I have tried to patch things up in my golf game. It’s been me talking to me too much!

Anyway, I am getting more frequent feedback now. It’s exactly what I need. I’m thinking less and feeling things more.