Effective Instruction

by Anonymous
(Living Somewhere on the Planet Earth)

Enlightenment

There are many in the world of golf who firmly believe that traditional golf instruction is worthless. "Paralysis by analysis" has become an all too common phrase.

When viewed in terms educational effectiveness traditional golf instruction is a nonsensical, ineffective approach to learning.

This word "nonsensical" seems entirely accurate because most golf instruction simply makes no sense to the student.

The overwhelming majority of golf instructors, while well-intentioned, actually transfer very little in the way of useful information to the overwhelming majority of golf students.

There must be a better way.

Perhaps what the student is instructed to focus on is wrong.

Many of us out here are in search of golf instruction that works. Most instructors focus on getting the student to make an endless series of physical adjustments.

The student's focus becomes shifted to individual parts of the swing. Cock the wrists, shift the weight, don't move your head and so on. Not many instructors focus on getting their students to become mentally aware of themselves.

Some of us have found some success through the teachings of Count Yogi. Count Yogi's book Five Simple Steps to Perfect Golf clearly outlines what is referred to as an "infallible mental routine."

This routine provides the user with a sensible way to grip (touch) the club, as well as a method of systematically approaching the ball while aligning one's body to the target.

With a little practice, the Count's method becomes natural. When it comes time to describe how to swing the club, the Count emphasizes swinging the club "mentally".

The Count gently insists on relaxation during the swing and, above all other things, being graceful; however, leaves the student on his/her own to figure out how to swing the club effectively.

I am hoping that the information discussed on your website will explain, or give clues towards understanding mental awareness while swinging the club.

Finally, children seem to be much better learners of the golf swing. Why is this so? Do children learn more effectively than adults? Or is that they learn differently?

Why was is easy for Leela to become so proficient? Are some people genetically gifted and others genetically cursed?

Or does good golf have more to do with a mental process than most people realize?