Home > Articles > Current Article
Golf Swing Series: More on The Mental Game
Author: Bill Maitland
It is a very true fact that the first idea about what shot to play, which club to use is invariably the correct one.
This was seen when Aaron Baddeley won his first US PGA championship.
Especially during the last few holes of the final day.
Baddeley was leading by one shot from Jim Furyk. The approaches of the two men were very different.
Baddeley fussed about, and made sure everything was correct and in order before he hit his ball. Especially his putting. Once he had made up his mind he walked up and hit his shot. No doubt, no hesitation.
Furyk on the other hand was a picture of indecision with his iron shots and his putting.
This is brought home with emphasis on the last green of the match.
Baddeley prepared and then hit his put with no hesitation, and the ball fell into the hole and he won the championship.
Furyk however, prepared, stood over his put, walked away, had another look, stood over his put again, only to walk away once more before standing over his ball. He stook for an eternity, and then missed his put.
The lesson here is to commit to the shot, say "I can..." and hit the ball. Most times, your calculations will be correct, and the outcome will be good.
The point is that the first idea is usually correct. The line you choose to hit the put along is usually correct the first time.
Furyk changed his mind three times, probably, and the third idea was incorrect and he missed.
Baddeley made up his mind with care, and then without hesitation walked up and sank his put.
The same goes for the choice of clubs. The first club you think of to reach a green is invariably the correct one.
You will often regret it if you put the first club back in the bag, choose another and then make your golf swing.
About the Author
Bill Maitland is a thinking, inventive golf guru. He thought out and developed simple techniques and tips which enabled him to lower his handicap from 25 to 18, then from 18 to 15, and finally from 15 to 12. He is a passionate golfer, and delights in helping others with their game should they want his help. To learn about his tips and simple techniques, visit Online Golfers Handbook