The secret of driving

When we jump in the car we don’t start working out where we’re going to go. We’ve already done the planning – we pretty much jump in and drive to the desired destination.

Our golf game is not always so well planned. We get over the ball, and then try and figure out where it is we want the ball to go. Compounding this, we also worry about HOW we are going to achieve this objective.

– gotta keep my head down and swing slowly
– must swing back on plane
– need to cock my wrists
– must grip lightly and rotate forearms

The list could go on and on. Imagine getting into the car and worrying about the mechanics of changing gear or how to tackle the freeway as well as having no clear destination? We’d probably never figure out how to get in reverse, let alone negotiate peak hour traffic. Can you see how crazy this is?

A skill is a skill and you should try and match what works in everyday life.

In golf you need to plan your shot before getting to the ball (this is like checking the street directory before takeoff) and then walk in and go WHACK! Most of us drive our cars with the radio on – the automatic process in golf is just like turning the radio on – it keeps your conscious mind busy while your subconscious works out all the intricate details. It’s simple, but also ignored by most because they like to over-think and don’t like giving up control.

Think first. Then play. Results then become automatic and much closer to your full potential. This is where consistency lives and that elusive A-game.

Notes: Replace “driving” with almost any other task and you’ll see how complicated most of us make this crazy game.