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| By Chuck Evans
Special Contributor |
Noted golf instructor and columnist Chuck Evans offers golf tips and
lessons for WorldGolf.com readers on all aspects of the game.
Golfing is like driving: Some golfers play on manual, others on
automatic.
So that's the difference?
First, only 1 percent of golfers ever play within their "style." When
we hear the broadcasters
say, "So-and-so is really in the zone today," all it means is that the player is
being within his or her style. Tiger
Woods could play in Ernie
Els' style, but it would not be to his advantage.
Playing on manual means that you have dozens of swing thoughts going through
your head every time you hit a shot. Playing automatic means you don't.
It's OK to have swing thoughts before you address the ball. But during
address and swing, these thoughts can kill you!
Golf psychologist Carey Mumford created what he calls "clear keys." Once you
have done your "manual" rehearsal, tell yourself you are going on automatic and
start repeating your clear key until the ball is gone.
The clear key keeps your mind from being flooded by swing thoughts and allows
whatever is your "habit" to take over. If you are working on swing changes, your
dominant habit will show up until it is replaced by another habit. Under
pressure, the dominant habit will always surface.
This is playing golf on automatic.
A lot of golf
"gurus" will tell you to simply "wish" the ball into the hole. I can tell
you this: That has never happened, and it never will. You can have a
great mental game, but unless you have the mechanics to back it up you can
"wish" all you want and nothing will happen.
When you are working on stroke mechanics, integrate the clear key into your
practice and play - you'll really notice the difference.
I suggest you check out Carey's Web site. You can complete and online profile to
find out what type of golf personality you are, and how to play in your
own style.
The four types are Driver, Craftsman, Analyzer and Persuader. Which one are
you?
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