Natural Consequence

Posted under Natural Consequence

In this respect, you can fool a lot of people, but you can’t fool yourself. The only way confidence can be acquired is through thought, study and practice.
Once confidence is developed, relaxation is a natural consequence of it.

Relaxation is a prime requisite in any physical endeavor, but it comes only through confidence. In a game such as golf, where judgment, direction, a delicacy of swing on short shots, and a speed of motion on power shots are necessary, the successful performer must always be at ease and relaxed. There are two types of relaxation in golf.

One is the strictly muscular type, the kind that depends upon the mechanics of the physical movements that constitute the swing. The other is mental relaxation, the proper frame of mind, and it develops from the confidence we have been discussing.

Of course, if the physical mechanics are incorrect, no amount of urging, no amount of practice, is going to do any good. But when one knows what to do and how to do it, and when the physical aspects of the swing are correct, then progress can be made.

In all physical performances, there are certain levels of learning, just as there are grades in school. It is the same in golf. Each phase is a natural, orderly sequence of development. Confidence and relaxation are two things all good golfers must acquire.

Teaching to two
Whenever it is possible or practical, I prefer to teach two people at the same time, with one pupil sitting on the bench and listening to what is being said. This gives each pupil a chance to work the pattern out thoroughly in his mind before trying to execute something he does not understand clearly.

That is one of the problems encountered in teaching golf. People are out trying to do something before they know thoroughly what they are supposed to do. It is no wonder that they get all fouled up in their movements and develop so many bad habits that the game becomes difficult or unnatural.

Practice is of no value unless the player understands what he is to do. A little guidance from a professional can be very helpful in this respect.

The mental side of learning
The author is reminded of a certain lady who, because she was left-handed, felt that golf lessons would not do her any good and that she just had to work it out for herself. She practiced for hours at a time, and one day after a lengthy practice session, the lady returned to the clubhouse completely exhausted.

From her appearance it was evident she was having difficulties. Hoping to give her some encouragement, I asked how her practice had developed.

“Well, Joe,” she replied, “I accomplished one thing today for sure. I’ve reached a definite conclusion. I’m convinced that my clubs have rubber handles and I’m playing with an iron ball.”

Here we have one mental aspect that can be developed in golf. This left-handed lady golfer is not alone with the idea that it is the clubs and the ball that are wrong, not the player.

Another peculiar quirk was related by a national golf champion when he, among many others, was asked to submit a series of questions and answers on the game. A national newspaper service used the results in a syndicated column.

It was second nature for him to move the club to the position which would give him the desired result each time. For this golfer, the game really was entirely mental. He played by habit pattern, and did not try to explain how he positioned the club to get a slice or a hook. With no lessons or instructions, he acquired a golf game entirely through imitation, and executed his good golf shots completely by instinct.

This method of learning golf is not available to everyone. It is possible to acquire the knack of a golf swing through imitation, but this ability to imitate generally is restricted to youngsters, for it takes a long time to learn the game this way. In addition, if the knack gained through imitation is lost, it is quite easy to become confused and never regain proficiency.