Written by Richard Robinson, Eastern Shore Golf Magazine
What will be the key to your success in 2013? There is a great value in creating specific goals. It is also useful to have comprehensive goals. Physical fitness is a foundation for improved technique and mental focus. Focus and technique determine the consistency and quality of shot making. Shot making skills enable a strategic approach to the game and better scores. There are multiple factors to consider in a game improvement plan. However, when you tee up to play, having one key and only one, is the best way to unlock your potential. An important distinction to note is the key may be a thought, but is even better as a feeling or visualization of what you intend to do.
Defending Master’s champion, Bubba Watson, provides a good example. Bubba is an intuitive player who hits the ball prodigious distances. He obviously does the key things correctly, but these fundamentals are disguised in an unorthodox style. Watson’s approach is reminiscent of Palmer and Ballesteros; hit the ball far and recover from wherever it lands. In contrast, runner up Louis Oosthuizen is a classic player with technique akin to Hogan and Snead. His performance was near perfection, surpassed only by Watson’s incredible recover shot on the first playoff hole. Bubba’s ability to execute this shot was due in part, to the fact that there was no “standard technique” to apply. It was a unique circumstance that required a creative feel and single minded focus.
The other aspect of Watson’s success is his ability to hit shots great distances. When asked how he does it, he says “Make a long swing”. This is a great key because it is one phrase, easily visualized, with multiple meanings and benefits. The obvious “long swing” is to maximize swing arc. However, the more subtle clue is to control your temp. A powerful swing takes time to execute and is unhurried. Bubba’s swing speed travels fast at impact, but he feels like it takes a “long” time from start to finish.
Patience and focus brought Bubba Watson a Masters championship. A clear vision of what you want to accomplish and a deliberate approach is the basis for developing your best game. Find your master key this season. Join us at the Original Golf School.
