Even the best in the world struggle ⛳️

Scottie Scheffler at The Players ⛳️

Even the best player in the world fights and gets frustrated with his golf game. Hitting fairways at TPC Sawgrass this week has been proven necessary to contend. As I’m writing this I just saw Highsmith advance the ball only 10 feet from the rough on the 5th hole, nasty rough! His next shot finished 10ft from the hole, which is a testament to his focus and commitment.

Scottie is playing well today because he’s in a better position off the tee, which has to feel great to him. He worked for hours in the rain after playing to find something to build on. He’s a master at controlling distance and great at grinding out scores when his ball striking isn’t his best.

The goal is to be committed to what you’re doing, but confidence precedes commitment. You only build confidence with ball striking in practice. Reps and more Reps! Deliberate, quality practice makes a difference because if you’re tracking something intentionally, it’s easier to pivot when necessary. Blindly hitting balls leaves no room for evaluation so you leave your practice feeling exhausted and unsure what to take from it.

Scottie is battling his driver swing. When your swing sequence is off and the ball flight isn’t doing what you expect, you get lost. Being lost opens up a two-way miss which isn’t playable because you have to miss in one direction to be consistent. Being lost is temporary unless you quit.

Figuring out the cause of a problem is like searching for something in the dark. Professional golfers have a team to help them navigate their game, but sometimes you’re on your own. You have to be willing to search for your swing. It’s never as far off as it seems.

The recreational player that wants to improve, but has limited time should focus on playing 9 Hole rounds instead of 18, and learn how to practice with intention. A swing change cannot be paired with scoring. You have to drill the change, prove to yourself you can replicate the shots without a drill, prove to yourself you can execute the shots on the golf course, and then get back to scoring.

Swing changes are great for the offseason. Scoring focus and getting the most out of your game during the golf season is how you learn to play the game. I wouldn’t sacrifice a limited golf season for a swing change. I would focus my practice on learning how to maintain solid contact, figure out my distances and shot shape, do putting and chipping drills, work on my mental game, and keep my body moving. Creating a new motor pattern that you trust is a 6 month process at least. Just listen to Professionals.

Scottie isn’t going to change his swing, he’s going to find a shot that’s playable and find a way to score. He won’t entertain a swing change until the seasons over, if ever. Tiger went through swing changes and his body changed a lot over his career.

You find a way to play and commit to it. Otherwise you’re in the dark.

Come into the light ⛳️

- Coach Zach