Despite the advances in equipment, the improvements in knowledge of bio mechanics and increases in leisure time, it is a sad fact that the average handicap of golfers in the UK is pretty much the same as it was 30 years ago. Equally as sad is that the number of active golfers in the UK is actually falling for the first time in decades. The reasons for this are no doubt complex, but one thing is very clear and that is that the way we learn golf isn't working particularly well.
People are not improving and enjoying the game of golf as much as they should. Most golfers reach a certain level and then do not improve for the rest of their golfing life. This is different from pretty much every other pastime. Can you imagine taking up karate, for example, training regularly, attaining a yellow belt, continuing to train and practice, and then staying at that level for the next twenty years? It just doesn't seem to happen in other sports, so why does it happen with golf ?
I think much of the problem lies in the way the game of golf is taught. There is a preoccupation with tips and quick fixes. An obsession with positions and swing thoughts, and 'conceptual' learning has overwhelmed our natural innate ability to feel a movement and respond to it. Unless you can feel a movement and recognise it, you cannot repeat it.
This isn't to say that all the blame lies with modern golf instruction. As golfers we must take responsibility for our own learning. If we weren't as hungry for the short cuts and quick fixes offered by the golf instruction industry, but instead had the self discipline to pay attention to the basic fundamentals of the game and to embrace a long term strategy of steady improvement, then things might be different.
It is with these issues in mind that I am launching my Game Improvement Strategy Programme. It will offer golfers both short term improvement, to help you enjoy the game more now, and a mid to long term strategy to help you become the golfer you want to be. Good golf is a combination of physical ability, good technique and efficient mental processing.
I can offer these as a complete package, rather than as separate disciplines, as seems to be current common practice. Unfortunately they cannot be removed from each other. Golf is a game that fully engages both mind and body and needs to be learned as such. The good news is you already have the pieces to the jigsaw, I can give you the lid.
We will put together a complete strategy to get from where you are now to where you want to be as a golfer. This will include helping you understand your golf swing, helping you understand your body, a fitness and conditioning programme, a solid and reliable mental approach, a complete short game and scoring strategy, and a full understanding of what you need to be a great putter.
We will map this out with a time frame, set goals so you can measure your progress, and most of all make sure that the learning process is fun and enjoyable. You will have drills to help you practice the skills you need, and performance tests to help you perform under pressure and to monitor your progress.
All of us want to play better. We spend time and money on equipment, practice, range balls and lessons, but often our improvement is haphazard and inconsistent. What we really need is a strategy, a plan to close the gap between the golfers we are today and the golfers we want to be. Many of us set goals, but don't really have a well defined plan how to achieve those goals. This programme addresses these problems.
