The Address Routine 

The living legend, Mr. Jack Nicklaus, once said, "Golf is 90% mental." Whether you are a tournament player, a weekend golfer, or a beginner, the ability to think properly is what helps us to obtain our goals on the golf course. The six inches between the ears can either be an asset or a liability every time you step on to the golf course. So that begs the question, how do you train the mind to prepare the body?

As a golf instructor, I direct golf schools for a living  and  conduct hundreds of private and playing lessons each year. It is not too often that I hear from a student, "Coach, I did not think too well today on the golf course." More often than not I hear something like, "I did not hit it well," or "My short game was lousy," or even, "I stink." It seems like the constant blame for poor golf is placed on physical mechanics, and even though that is job security for me, this month I would like to discuss the critical thirty-second address routine before you swing the golf club, and how the mind can truly help the body hit a quality golf shot.

If you are a believer, like I am, that words trigger pictures and pictures trigger actions, then you understand that thoughts influence your behavior. Self talk is absolutely a powerful tool. Accept it or not, your mind controls your body! For most golfers, the mental preparation during that quiet thirty seconds prior to each shot is often overlooked. Self talk, visualization, and calm breathing are the essential ingredients needed before every successful shot from putt to drive.

Next month, we will focus on self talk, and in October, visualization techniques. This month, be aware of your breathing. Tension is a huge enemy in golf. Key in on quality breathing, using it to help put your body into a relaxed state  before you even walk up to the ball. If you are not calm behind the ball, don't expect to be at peace while standing over it. Breathing enables relaxation so breathe well before every shot!! 

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