Opinion & Analysis

Attention – The missing link to golf performance

Published

3 weeks ago

Jan 1, 2021

08We spend so much time in golf looking at and thinking about WHAT we put our attention on like the latest swing theories. Yet so little focus is given to WHERE you as a unique individual need to place your attention to release more of your true capabilities.

Where you put your attention in your golf swing can drastically influence your performance. Attention is defined as the act or power of fixing the mind on something. In golf, we have several options where we put our attention. These options can mostly be categorized as external, internal or neutral.

External awareness can be defined as putting your attention to something outside your body. For example, focusing on the target during the swing. Research suggests this is the best awareness for peak performance. Internal awareness is focusing on your body while swinging. Example, focusing on your right arm during the swing. Neutral awareness is simply non-related to the task. This can consist of counting while you swing or playing your favorite song in your head.

Figure out which attention is best suited for you. Also, understand awarenesses can change, even throughout a round. Research suggests external is the best focus of attention for peak performance. Players often recall this attention when being “In the zone” or when the game feels effortless.

All players strive for that effortless state of mind. However, what if your ball is going sideways that day and nothing is easy? This is where you may need to switch to an internal focus or have the ability to adapt to another awareness. A player must also understand their swing tendencies to change their desired ball flight given that day.

For the best chance of success on the golf course, I have found players should work on the most controllable area of the golf swing, the Set-up. When in an efficient set-up, a player can then change their feel that day to achieve their intended ball flight.

Remember, you can have consistent outcomes with inconsistent movements. Our golf swing is not the same day-to-day. Putting your body in the best position to succeed and understanding the concept of attention will improve performance on the golf course.

Corresponding author: Karl Morris (Performance Coach Karl Morris has worked with and achieved success with six Major winners and over a 100 PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA and Ladies European Tour golfers. The Mind Factor)

Twitter: @KKelley_golf

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On Spec

On Spec: Rickie Fowler Rev33 irons and more signature golf clubs

Published

3 hours ago

Jan 25, 2021

GolfWRX Staff

This week’s show is all about signature golf clubs, brought on by the release of the Cobra RF Proto Rev33 irons. From big-name players to historical releases there is a lot to cover from the world of modern equipment.

But before that host, Ryan Barath has something to get off his chest about pro-am golf and TV coverage.

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Opinion & Analysis

“Golfers pay way too much attention to iron lofts” – On Spec podcast

Published

23 hours ago

Jan 24, 2021

Ryan Barath

On this week’s episode of the “On Spec” podcast on the GolfWRX radio network hosted by Ryan Barath, the main focus of the show was on the misconception around fitting irons based on handicap and the focus on iron lofts – AKA “loft jacking”

The goal of the episode was to explain how irons are designed to help optimize the target golfer using a number of factors including lofts, and why it’s more important to focus on final results rather than stock specs.

“The goal should be for your clubs to go the right distance with the right trajectory… golfers focus too much on loft and not dynamics”

You can listen to the full show below, the above quote starts at 22:42

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Opinion & Analysis

Keep your golf body moving at home

Published

3 days ago

Jan 22, 2021

Nick Randall

Over the past few months, I’m willing to bet that a lack of golf, limited access to gyms and spending more time at home in sitting positions will likely be having a negative effect on our posture.

This means certain muscles (pecs, abs, hip flexors) getting tight and short, thereby hunching us over, rounding our shoulders forward and tightening our hips. This combination can wreak havoc on our golf swings, particularly our ability to rotate efficiently.

This simple sequence of exercises, performed daily, will help maintain posture and mobility in the key areas that facilitate rotation in our golf swings. You can find these exercises and much more on the Golf Fit Pro app for iOS.

1 – Mid Back Massage – 1 x 90 seconds

Using a foam roller or tightly rolled up towel, aim to apply firm pressure through the mid and upper back whilst gently pushing out the rib cage and arching back. Move up and down the roller or towel to target different areas of your spine.

2 – Upper Back Extension – 1 x 30 seconds

Using a bench, box or chair, push the chest down toward the floor whilst keeping your abs / core engaged. You should feel this in your mid and upper back.

3 – Straight Arm Chest Stretch – 1 x 30 seconds each side

Find a wall, post or doorway, place your hand flat with elbow pointing to the floor and arm straight. Gently turn away from your hand until your feel a stretch in your chest and front of your shoulder.

4 – Step Up and Turn – 1 x 5 reps each side

In a push up position, move your foot to the outside of your hand (or as close as possible) then rotate your upper torso with arm straight, aiming to point your hand straight up to the ceiling.

5 – Back Swing and Follow Through – 1 x 10 reps

Using a piece of rubber tubing or as pictured, the GravityFit TPro, get into your golf set up position pushing out against the tubing. From there turn into your backswing and then into your follow through. Aim to do the majority of the rotation with your torso, keeping your hands in front of your body.