They say it’s bad if you have more than 100 thoughts going through your mind while you’re making a golf swing, so I try to think about only 20 or 30 things – which is why I’ll record lots of 6s and 7s on my score card instead of 4s and 5s.
I’ve only had a caddy two or three times in my golfing career, but if I had good sense, I’d serve as my own caddy with these few, simple instructions.
First, Jim, don’t think so much, especially while you’re swinging. Instead, do all your thinking on your practice swing and set up, then let her rip.
On the set up, get it right before you swing. Put the ball in the front of your stance, just inside the front foot and spread out. This gives me a better anchor point and keeps me from wobbling. Wobbling is not good during a golf swing, I’m pretty sure about that. Besides, Michelle Wie suggests a wide stance and she can bomb it. Also, tilt your head back slightly. That keeps me from slicing, for some fool reason, so do it!
Second, you dummy, take a slow, smooth back swing all the way to the top, and now the important part: Hesitate slightly at the top to allow your hips – not your arms – to begin the downward stroke. And remember, use speed and power as you’re coming through the ball, not at the top of your back swing.
Finally, no matter what else you may do, keep your eyes on the golf ball. If you do, your head will remain relatively still and your shot will be decent, at the very worst. If you don’t, you might whiff it and that’s embarrassing in a foursome of regular golfing cronies.
Think about and do all these things in your practice swing, then step up and hit the ball. It works!
Why can’t I remember what I just told myself?