Hole in One Series - Part Four, Mental Game

Last week, we continued our hole in one series, by Mancil Davis, our very own King of Aces. If you missed any of the previous articles in the series, feel free to go back and revist the concepts that we covered by clicking below.

Hole in One Series - Part One, The Basics

Hole in One Series - Part Two, Dominant Hand

Hole in One Series - Part Three, Pacing Your Swing

I'd be remiss if i did not acknowledge the mental aspect of the golf swing. I truly believe that my mind is as much of - if not more - responsible for my aces than a decent golf swing.

For many years, I knew that I felt "different" when hitting a tee shot on a par-3 hole. In fact I felt much different than when I was faced with a 200 yard approach on a par-4. The "difference" I refer to is that on a par-3 shot, I always felt that I was able to visualize in vivid color the ball going into the bottom of the cup.

On other shots, the color wasn't as vivid, although I still see the ball going into the hole. I don't have an explanation for this, but years ago, Sports Illustrated performed a study on my brain wave activity during my swing. The results showed that my brain waves were in fact unique on par-3 tee shots (at least I proved I had a brain). What I found interesting was that my par-3 brain waves were consistent with those produced by other golfers when they faced 30 or 40 foot putt. Putting puts a golfer in a situation where the hole itself is the definite target.

Takeaway: Visualization is a powerful tool. I implore you to use it. Combined with a mastery of the three swing factors discussed previously, I'm sure you'll find yourself with more accurate approaches.

Hit 'em Straight!

Hole in One Series - Part Three, Swing Pacing

Happy Fourth of July!

Last week, we continued our hole in one series, by Mancil Davis, our very own King of Aces. If you missed Part One or Two of the series, feel free to go back and revist the concepts that we covered by clicking below.
Hole in One Series - Part One, The Basics
Hole in One Series - Part Two, Dominant Hand

The third crucial component to accuracy in your golf game is swing pace, which tends to vary from golfer to golfer. Just compare Nick Price and Lanny Wadkins to Ernie Els or Loren Roberts. A dramatic difference exists between them, yet each is an outstanding ball striker.

My take on this is that for most golfers, a smoother, slower swing lends itself to much more consistent and solid contact. A deliberate takeaway will actually encourage your hands to work into a more solid and cocked wrist position at the top of the swing. From there, the front hand pulling motion will allow you to maintain the cocked position throughout the downswing and release the club head at impact. Because the body follows the hands, the smoother pace better allows the body, hands and club to work together to create a smoother club head speed. Furthermore, a controlled swing facilitates better balance from start to finish and leads to more consistency.

Takeaway: Slow down your swing for better balance and a more accurate shot!

Be on the lookout for our last article in this series from Mancil! Coming up next week:
Mental Notes