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Lessons You Can Learn From Watching Golf On TV
By Jonathan Yarwood
It is easy to get blasé to golf on TV each week. But if you make a conscious effort to pay closer attention to the events unfolding, there are some great lessons to learn from what can be seen.
Pre and post shot routine:
All great players have a consistent pre shot routine. It is a bubble that allows them to go into auto-pilot when the pressure comes. It can help you in making your game more routine and automatic. Watch some of the things that they do, like the practice swing behind the ball. The pause and visualization as they stand behind the ball before they hit. Above all, their post shot routine is one of acceptance of the outcome of the shot and to move on to the next one. Try it, it can help at all levels. Create a routine that works for you, make it consistent and it is sure to help.
[2]Course management:
All the great players on TV manage the course well and according to their games. There is no reason why you cannot do the same at whatever level of the game you play at. Watch how they plan the hole, they really make a plan for each hole and a really “present” to that hole and game plan. They work around how they are playing. For example, if they are driving it poorly they will hit the 3 wood more as Tiger does. So work around how you are playing and plan each hole better. It is the easiest way to shave your score!
Short game:
[3]Watch how good they are from 100 yards and in. Why not work on your wedges, chipping and putting rather than your swing? Not many people do, but the pros do. Watch their creativity and imagination, there is no reason why you cannot do the same.
So watch the golf on Sunday afternoon with a couple less beers and more focus on what is going on, it can only help your game. Plus it is free!
Jonathan Yarwood was originally from the United Kingdom, but relocated to the United States in 1996. After a few years as one of David Leadbetter’s senior teachers, Jonathan branched out on his own and has enjoyed an extensive career with a track record that speaks for itself: He has coached, 2 US Amateur Champions including this years champion Ben An, 2 US Girls Champions and 1 US Open Champion in Michael Campbell in 2005. That is 5 USGA champs in 10 years, which is a record in itself. Add to that the four number one juniors, 3 AJGA players of the year, a collegiate number one, a male and female nationally ranked number one as well as a winner on every major professional tour, you have a record to rival the best. Jonathan was voted a Top 20 teacher under 40 years old by Golf Digest in 2006, after 5 straight years of being in the best teacher in state rankings for Florida.
Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine
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