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PGTA Articles
Just Play the Game. by PGA Professional
Patrick J. Livingston.
As a PGA Teaching Professional, I see golfers at our golf schools put
a lot of emphasis on swing purity. Let's make no mistake, there is
nothing in golf like a perfectly struck tee shot that arcs high into the
air and lands far down in the center of the fairway. The problem is
that it doesn't happen every time, and in their search for the perfect
swing, many golfers forget to play the game. So instead of the standard
32 tips on fixing a fault or faults in your swing, I would like to give you
a few tips to help you play better and enjoy your golf more.
Practice at the range and play on the course: The object of golf is
to get the ball into the hole in the least amount of strokes. When
you are on the golf course, try to play with the least amount of
swing thoughts. Free up your mind to play better and enjoy it more.
In a recent conversation with Jack Nicklaus, we talked about how
important it was to "Get the mind out of the way of the golf swing."
We have physically made this golf swing a thousand of times before,
so do not let your mind interfere with the swing.
Play from the correct tee box: The back tee is reserved for low handicap and professional golfers. There is nothing good that can
come from struggling all day to reach the greens. Playing from the
wrong tee box can make you swing too hard, ruin your tempo, and
ultimately play slowly while looking for errant shots. Play the tee
box that is recommended for your handicap. You will thank yourself,
perform better, and enjoy the game more.
Lower your expectations: A major problem with most golfers is that our mind thinks we can perform on a much higher level than
we actually can. When I talk to National Golf School students, I will
ask them what was the best game they ever shot. If they say 90, which
is averaging one over par on every hole, then I recommend they try
to shoot one stroke over par on each hole. This way, it takes away
the pressure of trying to make par on each hole, and often results in
better overall scores.
Perform shots within your capabilities: I see this with many
National Golf School students. Golfers who could hit a 5 iron off
the ground with their eyes closed try to hit a 3 wood off the fairway
230 yards to the green. As the ball heads into the hazard, they are
upset and say, "I really need to get that shot down." What they really
need to do is hit a shot they can perform, keep the ball in play, and
build confidence. Wouldn't you feel better if you hit a beautiful iron
into wedge range, and then hit your wedge 10 feet from the hole?
Have a Red-Hot short game: This is one area that I emphasize with our National Golf School students so they can be as good as a top
professional in a short amount of time. Learn the basic fundamental way
to chip, pitch, putt, and get out of a bunker, then practice it. You can
search a lifetime for a pure swing, but you could be a short game wizard
within a month with some knowledge and practice. Tom Watson in a recent clinic at Reunion Golf Resort of Orlando stated that the "average amateur can be as effective as a touring pro from 75 yards and in to the green because it has nothing to do with strength, but is all about timing, tempo and rhythm." Think of how much more freely you could swing at the ball if you didn't care about slightly missing the green. If you have a great short game, it is like a built in insurance policy.
Be realistic about putting: Here is another scenario I see often in our golf schools. A student hits the green on their third shot and
has a 20 footer for par. It just misses and they are upset with them
self for missing such an easy putt. They are not being realistic, and
here's why. On the PGA and LPGA Tours, where some of the world's
finest putters compete, they make less than 45% of the putts from 8
FEET AWAY. Yet many of the social golfers we see expect to make
34 everything inside of 20 feet and are disappointed if they miss. There
are so many outside influences on a putt (grain, spike marks, debris
on the green) that often a perfectly rolled putt still misses. Be realistic,
do your best, and don't let a missed putt follow you around.
Keep a great attitude, stop and smell the roses, and have fun. As a PGA
Professional, I expect to play well. I also know that if our attitude is
wrong, we can't perform. I love this game and nothing saddens me
more than seeing someone who is not having fun on the golf course.
If you are having a bad day, try to keep your spirits up and still be a
good partner with whom to play. The greatest compliment I can get
is when someone says, "It's fun to play with you, Pat." After all, that's
what it's all about.
So get out there, challenge your self, test your skills, and be kind to
your self. Most of all, never forget the reason we play the game - to
have fun.
Editor's Note: PGA Professional Patrick J. Livingston received the 1998 and 1999 PGA "Standard of "excellence" award. Livingston, the 2003, 2007 North Florida Section "PGA Teacher of the Year," has written many articles for national publications, appeared on ESPN. Patrick is also the author of the critically acclaimed book "Great Golf for Life". Patrick is CEO of National Golf Schools, and can be reached toll free at 1-877-580-1500 or on www.nationalgolfschool.com.
To speak to a PGA Professional about your needs call toll free 1-877-580-1500. To have your questions answered by e-mail, click here. Request a National Golf Schools brochure. Click on the following link to tell a friend about us
"World Class Instruction - Extraordinary results"
National Golf Schools
4284 Fawn Meadow Circle · Clermont, Florida 34711
Toll Free: 1-877-580-1500 or 727-581-1500
Email: info@nationalgolfschool.com
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