BREAKING 70
Time for Renewal is a Time to Remember Your Basics
The New Year always seems to bring a time of renewal. You should do the same with your golf game. There’s a good reason why Jack Nicklaus won 18 major championships. Each winter, with his Coach Jack Grout, Nicklaus renewed the commitment to successful basics. Whether set-up, swing, or strategic, basic foundational principles is what placed Jack on top.
Breaking 70 consistently relies heavily upon fundamentals and your ability to repeat those basics without second thought. Now is a great time for you to copy Nicklaus’ lead and ensure the basics of your game are sound, ready for the new season around the corner.
Suggestions –
- Using a full-length mirror indoors or out, visualize the balance in your set up position for all types of shots. Is there balance between your toes and heels? Balance between your left and right side that is appropriate for the shot you are mirroring? How’s the ball position? And from down the line, is the distance between you and the ball appropriate for the shot you are examining?
- Use limited outdoor time to your advantage by focusing on a basic you believe can become stronger, more consistent, and if possible employ a measuring device such as FlightScope (photo above). Use practice swings at less than full effort to feel the differences you are attempting to ingrain.
- Test the basics needed for unusual conditions and lies. Is your decision-making strategy sound related to the order in which you consider each variable? Is your pre-shot routine replicating the decision-making process in the same order?
- The same suggestions relate to putting, chipping, and other parts of your game. Take an inventory of your basics with each part of your game and determine what strengths you can build from to improve the other basics of your game.
John Hughes is a PGA Master Professional, 2009 Northern Florida PGA Teacher of the Year and founder of John Hughes Golf in Orlando, Florida. Reach him at www.johnhughesgolf.com
