Learning to Learn Golf
By Marilyn Wilson, MA
Co-Founder, Business Manager
Let’s face it, golf is a challenge. Week after week we see the best in the world compete and we share in their joy and agony. From the self-satisfying fist pump to the breaking of clubs, the emotionalism and utter dominance this game has on us is unmatched in sports. So what can we, as devoted lovers of the game, do to gain success in our personal golf games?
This has worked for me:
Sound simple?
Not really. But the point is that we can actively contribute to our learning process to influence performance. How much time do you spend watching golf? How many “tips” have you read and attempted to incorporate into your swing/game? How much time have you spent on the range “perfecting” your swing only to have it fall apart on the course? How’s this worked out for you?
There are alternatives. What do you know about your own game and propensity for learning? Do you know your personal learning style(s)? Have you shared not only your goals and desires, but your successes and failures on the course with your teaching pro?
That’s worth repeating: Have you shared your successes and failures on the course with your teaching pro? How successful have you been transitioning from the range to the course? To date, the benefits of sharing these “action” experiences has been lost in our learning process with the possible exception of playing lessons.
Having started golf in my 40's and investing a minimal amount of time practicing or playing, I'm a mediocre golfer with a 21 handicap. That figure does, however, put me way above (or below?) the average 18-hole score for women of 114. I can break 100, and consider "bogey golf" my PAR score. Where's there's HOPE, there's GOLF!
So I recently took my own advice...
...and took an active role in my learning process. I scheduled a lesson with partner Ken Martin. During our initial interview I shared with Ken my personal frustrations with my game, and how I thought I best learned (visual and auditory). I've known Ken for many years, have played golf with him, and shared many a conversation regarding golf. I have an associate degree in golf management, so have a pretty solid knowledge base, but I haven't been able to turn that knowledge into performance.
Our interview uncovered a myriad of swing thoughts - some of which made no sense to me. My mind was so consumed with minutia, I couldn't see the proverbial forest for the trees. I had a swing, alright, I was literally batting at the ball just hoping to make contact. This was NOT golf - and certainly not the beauty, simplicity, and harmony of professional "swings." I want that!
To make a long story short, we discovered and coined the GOLF MOVE™ during this session, and my enthusiasm and understanding of golf increased - not to mention the pure joy of creating ball flight! While I still have a long way to go, this enthusiasm accompanies me on every round of golf and has put the poor shots in perspective. I now know that I am able to play and enjoy the game as it was meant to be experienced.
It is my fervent hope that everyone who has any passion for the game of golf has the opportunity to experience this same oh-so-positive "AHA" Moment! There is a rainbow on every fairway....
Co-Founder, Business Manager
Let’s face it, golf is a challenge. Week after week we see the best in the world compete and we share in their joy and agony. From the self-satisfying fist pump to the breaking of clubs, the emotionalism and utter dominance this game has on us is unmatched in sports. So what can we, as devoted lovers of the game, do to gain success in our personal golf games?
This has worked for me:
- First, we must understand that not every shot will be perfect. Whether we miss-time the swing or experience a bad bounce, what we envision and deliver will not always produce a desired result. There is a golf god that I give credit for demonstrating the definition of the word fickle every time I pick up a club.
- Second, understanding our individual strengths and weaknesses, both physical and mental, will aid in our development. What do we bring to the game in our natural prowess and what needs improvement?
- Third, we must set realistic goals when we tee it up. This is not to say we sacrifice the idea of the perfect outcome, rather we learn to accept the outcome and move onto the next.
Sound simple?
Not really. But the point is that we can actively contribute to our learning process to influence performance. How much time do you spend watching golf? How many “tips” have you read and attempted to incorporate into your swing/game? How much time have you spent on the range “perfecting” your swing only to have it fall apart on the course? How’s this worked out for you?
There are alternatives. What do you know about your own game and propensity for learning? Do you know your personal learning style(s)? Have you shared not only your goals and desires, but your successes and failures on the course with your teaching pro?
That’s worth repeating: Have you shared your successes and failures on the course with your teaching pro? How successful have you been transitioning from the range to the course? To date, the benefits of sharing these “action” experiences has been lost in our learning process with the possible exception of playing lessons.
Having started golf in my 40's and investing a minimal amount of time practicing or playing, I'm a mediocre golfer with a 21 handicap. That figure does, however, put me way above (or below?) the average 18-hole score for women of 114. I can break 100, and consider "bogey golf" my PAR score. Where's there's HOPE, there's GOLF!
So I recently took my own advice...
...and took an active role in my learning process. I scheduled a lesson with partner Ken Martin. During our initial interview I shared with Ken my personal frustrations with my game, and how I thought I best learned (visual and auditory). I've known Ken for many years, have played golf with him, and shared many a conversation regarding golf. I have an associate degree in golf management, so have a pretty solid knowledge base, but I haven't been able to turn that knowledge into performance.
Our interview uncovered a myriad of swing thoughts - some of which made no sense to me. My mind was so consumed with minutia, I couldn't see the proverbial forest for the trees. I had a swing, alright, I was literally batting at the ball just hoping to make contact. This was NOT golf - and certainly not the beauty, simplicity, and harmony of professional "swings." I want that!
To make a long story short, we discovered and coined the GOLF MOVE™ during this session, and my enthusiasm and understanding of golf increased - not to mention the pure joy of creating ball flight! While I still have a long way to go, this enthusiasm accompanies me on every round of golf and has put the poor shots in perspective. I now know that I am able to play and enjoy the game as it was meant to be experienced.
It is my fervent hope that everyone who has any passion for the game of golf has the opportunity to experience this same oh-so-positive "AHA" Moment! There is a rainbow on every fairway....
