Thought processes

[G_Mulligan]

Ok so you are 40-50 yards from the front of the green taking your second shot on a Par 4. Just how much is going through your head at one time? pin position, slope, elevation, hardness, wind, hazards, shot, club, position of match, shot hole, PLEASE GOD DON'T LET ME DUFF IT?

So do we have any over thinkers? Any under thinkers? Anyone that does not overthink until the pressure is on?

Is golf really the most complicated sport in the world or have we made it more difficult than it actually should be?

 

[Oddsocks]

Simple process now

Short backswing
Follow through
Short backswing
Follow through

 

[granters]

I just keep it simple from here. Decide where i want to land it and whether it's a high, one bounce an biter, or a low runner.

I think the main thing is to decide before you get the club out and not to automatically reach for the lob wedge.

IF it's straight forward my 1st option will always be land near the pin with a crisp strike and let it bite.

Oh, and don't get too technical about it.

 

[fundy]

First thought for me is why did I hit too much club off the tee and leave a yardage I hate, once ive got over that my only thought process is to let the right hip drive the downswing

 

[G_Mulligan]

First thought for me is why did I hit too much club off the tee and leave a yardage I hate, once ive got over that my only thought process is to let the right hip drive the downswing

but how do get to the club in hand and the shot in mind? I am not just talking swing thoughts but the whole process of shot selection and execution.

 

[fundy]

Currently have little faith in this area of my game (i had none 2 mths ago so it is improving slowly!) especially using the sw and with our course running very hot I prefer to go in low if possible.

So I will assess whats in front of me and whether i can hit a bump and run in. If not I will then look at whether I can pitch it front edge to release, or whether ideally i need to try and fly it all the way to the flag. Having assessed this I try and get a visual picture of the shot in my mind.

From this point I will choose which ever club I feel best fits and take anything between 2 and 5/6 practise swings. I will then go behind the ball, visualise the shot once more, one more practise swing and then hit the shot.

Having said all of that I do get lazy, especially towards the end of the round and sometimes the process gets missed out, and this usually leads to a bad shot.

The key to anything inside 80 yards for me currently is clearing my mind completely of all the junk it wants to think, especially the negative thoughts and memories of previous bad attempts at the shot. Not easy but something Im trying to improve, I have the shots if i could just switch the brain off!

 

[quinn]

youve definately got all the shots mate, very impressed. agree with you on the short game i try and clear the head and try not to over think the shot,i need to spend a bit more time on the short game and less up the driving range, although was up there tonight trying out your titleist driver, i think you might have converted another one

 

[goldenbare]

relax below the elbows, commit to the shot.

It doesn't matter if your 5yds past or 5yds short.

Definitely don't look up too early (yes, lob/sand wedge can go a long way when hit only a yard of the ground)

 

[HomerJSimpson]

In the bad old days there probably would have been a lot of thoughts going on about length of swing, landing point high or low etc. These days I'm a much simpler man. Decide on which club I want, couple of practice swings to get the feel and go for it.

 

[Region3]

If the flag is middle or back I'll pitch it short and let it release.

If the flag is front I'll still pitch it short and let it release and be happy with a 15-20' putt.

I hate trusting bounces on the fairway.

 

[EZprophet]

Ok so you are 40-50 yards from the front of the green taking your second shot on a Par 4. Just how much is going through your head at one time? pin position, slope, elevation, hardness, wind, hazards, shot, club, position of match, shot hole, PLEASE GOD DON'T LET ME DUFF IT?

I think about every thing you've listed there plus many other things but the key is that I think of them as I'm walking to the ball and before I get set for my shot.

Once I step to the ball I am only thinking of 1 or two things maximum.

For putting I am only thinking putting to the target.
For chipping I am only thinking of the landing spot and keeping my left wrist firm.
For sand shots I am only thinking of the landing spot and keeping my lower body stable.
For iron shots I am only thinking of 1 swing key (2/3 that I change between)
For driving I am only thinking of hitting the ball on the center of the clubface. etc etc

I think that as long as you can stop all the "overthinking" once you step up to the ball (or start your routine or whatever) then you can think about as many (or as few) things as you like.

 

[USER1999]

I'm thinking DON'T SHANK IT!

 

[19thagain]

I remember playing with the then club champion one night, for a few twilight holes and we both happened to be side by side this sort of distance from the flag.

I aked him what was his thought process as I fancied landing on this greener patch using my 9 iron, with the ball running the rest of the way to the flag.

He replied that he had no idea he 'just tried to get the ball in the hole!'

Maybe we worry too much!

 

[Evesdad]

Ok so you are 40-50 yards from the front of the green taking your second shot on a Par 4. Just how much is going through your head at one time? pin position, slope, elevation, hardness, wind, hazards, shot, club, position of match, shot hole, PLEASE GOD DON'T LET ME DUFF IT

The don't duff it bit is usually my first thought!!

 

[Tiger]

I play off 27 so I'm thinking result If there is a hazard in front I go airborne and aim to land it on the front portion of the middle of the green if not I bump n run with an 8 iron.