The Programmer and the Robot!

If there is one club I am constantly questioned about, it has to be the driver. Golf companies spend millions advertising the latest technology to help you the golfer hit the ball longer and straighter, and still the ball does not follow orders.
For me there is a simple series of steps that if you follow them will allow you to understand why the driver can be such a problem club.

It all begins with the set-up! I see many golfers standing in a position that feels powerful and strong. Their feet are far apart and their arms are extended away from their body.

This position unfortunately will produce inconsistent shots, left, right, high and low; with the occasional “good shot” to tease you into thinking you have a chance. Please do not be fooled, let us look at how you can improve what you do.
Imagine a robot. The robot will only ever do what the programmer tells it to do and nothing more. The challenge when you play golf is that you are both the robot and the programmer.

Many of the golfers I coach are happy with the consistency of their iron shots from Sand Iron to 6 or 7 iron. Their set-up is very comfortable and relaxed. Arms hanging down from their shoulders and feet shoulder width apart. This position sends the correct message to your brain that you are ready to play the shot. The programmer has programmed the robot and the robot is ready to play.

As this set-up is used for all iron shots, then it is easy to see why iron shots can become very consistent. The program is always the same and the robot follows the instructions. Then the golfer makes it more difficult. The Driver is out! The stance is very wide, the arms are further away from the body, the muscles are tense and distance is needed.

The programmer has set the robot a new task. The robot knows perfectly well how to swing from the relaxed set-up, now it has to create a brand new program for just this club. WHY?

Consistency is created by doing the same or similar things, time and time again. Now imagine there is no club and the golfer is in the same position for each club. The robot has access to the same program and although success is not guaranteed, there is more chance that what you want will happen. And the more you practice the better you will become.

So, when you practice, focus on setting up to the ball with your body in the sane posture, your arms relaxed and hanging down from your shoulders, your stance wide enough for balance and not too wide to restrict the movement of your body.
This is the key to you having access to the information you have in your head about your golf swing. If you change the set-up, you change the swing.

Remember. Practice does not make perfect.

PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

Until next time enjoy your golf, whatever happens.