"Why golf is more art than science"

I feel qualified to make the above statement.

I have been involved in a major scientific study of the golf swing which led to the development of BioSwing. I’ve also been passionate about natural learning and playing golf instinctively.

Two different paths that have helped shaped my golf career.

But what’s the most important?

Science is good. It helps answer questions and sets things straight. But it can’t be everything.

Too much science leads to too much thinking. This, in my opinion, will never allow you to be the best player you can be. A thinker will invariably;

  • play slowly
  • fuss about
  • worry too much about the score
  • think too much about the swing
  • play well below their best
  • get frustrated
  • become boring

The artists have the advantage. They learn to play first and worry later. This is a gift that has to be learned and can’t be bought. Fancy clubs, lessons and new technology will only help so much. More information (science) just gets in the way.

The hard part is not the stance or swing. It’s learning to be an artist. Thinking less and playing more is scary and goes against most instruction. If you want to play your best golf learn to be an artist.

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4 Comments

  • David Pryde

    Reply Reply September 28, 2008

    Robert Allenby’s comments in today’s ( Sunday 28) age sports section
    are most appropriate re your comments above and I am wondering if you right his material!
    He needs your approach for his putting too.
    Cheers,
    David Pryde

  • Cameron Strachan

    Reply Reply September 29, 2008

    Good post David.

    It still amazes me why these guys spend so much time on their golf swing. I don’t think Allenby could hit the ball much better and even if he did he would need to chip and putt well to take advantage.

    The golf swing fix mentality is deeply ingrained but something that I believe holds back many golfers, including Robert Allenby. I’ve been asked a few times what I would do to help someone like RA. Here’s what I do;

    Help him return to that free flowing and carefree game he owned when he first came onto the scene. He was so natural and probably close to the perfect golfer. He was a great putter too.

    He might just win a major one day when he thinks he’s past his best but allows that natural talent to shine through. Let’s hope so.

  • David Pryde

    Reply Reply September 29, 2008

    Cameron,
    Thanks for correcting my approach to the swing and thanks for not correcting my spelling ( ‘write’ not ‘right’ above! ).
    It is clear from watching RA and the others that the short game is vital for scoring as they can all ‘get’ it up to the green with little problem and, of course, Tiger’s short game has saved him many times when his long game has been off.
    Short game practice is ok but taking it to the course is a different story for most of us. I have found that going automatically is so much better when you do it properly and not half-heartedly. The beauty of it is that it removes the fear factor because you are not focussed on the outcome.
    I cannot imagine doing it any other way now that I have been at it for ~4 weeks.
    Also it does not stop me exploring the swing provided it is not when I am playing – mind you it is hard to stop this while hitting so I need to keep at it.
    So thanks for your insight,
    David Pryde

  • Cameron Strachan

    Reply Reply September 30, 2008

    Hey David,

    It’s quite funny that you can’t spell 🙂

    Keep up the good work and keep striving to automate your game.

    I think Tiger’s short game is the best part of his game (maybe behind his ability to play instinctively) and his putting is always superb.

    I’ll talk to you soon.

    Cameron

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