STROKE OF THE DAY |
"Everyone has his own choking level, a level at which he fails to play his normal golf. As you get more experienced, your choking level rises." |
-Johnny Miller |
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![]() Glenn: Name three things you think of before you put the swing in motion. Stuart: Stance, posture and alignment. Once those are set, I then visualize the shot. Glenn: What advice would you give to the amateur to help them improve? Stuart: Learn the basics and stick to the basics. Rhythm is a good key for your game. It is easy to say rhythm, but there is more to it than saying just be smooth. Usually the lack of rhythm comes from tension, which comes from uncertainty. Tension is the enemy of players at all levels. You must practice rhythm and balance each time you go to the range and eventually you’ll see your confidence build. Glenn: You’ve said, “Being good to yourself on the golf course makes the golfing experience more enjoyable.” What do you mean? Stuart: Here’s an example. You picked the wrong club but hit a good shot. Feel good about the shot, knowing that experience will help you to pick the correct club next time. Don’t get down on yourself. Glenn: What is the biggest mistake you see with amateurs? Stuart: Most would benefit from better course management. They need to have an awareness of where they want to put the ball. If it was possible for amateurs to have good caddies, they would play better golf. Now, as far as their swing goes, I would say to most amateurs, just try to swing smoother and gain composure over the shot. Glenn Monday is a Los Angeles-based teaching professional and author of “Know Your Swing.” He can be reached at (310) 322-8924. |
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