Golf
is a relatively simple game made difficult by thinking. The more
thinking involved, the harder golf is. These tips are meant to take
the thinking out of the swing. Swinging a golf club is an action
that the body will do quite nicely if we let it. Once we let our
minds interfere, the swing gets quite difficult and complicated.
Where
to start? These tips will assume that you know nothing about swinging
a golf club. This approach will also work if you know way too much
about the swing. Either way, the object is the same. Keep it simple.
Stance
and posture are major components to the successful swing. The object
of stance and posture is to create balance. Not every swing at the
ball is on flat, level ground. The object of every swing is to do
it with grace and balance. Good posture will help make this possible.
For
now, find a flat, level place to stand and practice these tips.
Stand
erect with your feet together. Get the feel of doing this simple
thing. It will amaze you how little you actually do this. Close
your eyes to help the feeling sink in to your consciousness. While
your eyes are closed, notice that you are relaxed, but balanced.
As you focus on the balance, you will see that it is an active thing.
You are constantly rebalancing many times a minute. It is not possible
to stay totally still and be balanced. Balance is a conscious activity.
With
your eyes still closed, spread your feet a little at a time until
you feel more stable in your balancing. Find a comfortable width
and stop. Open your eyes and look at your feet. They will probably
be about 1 foot apart. Most likely, they will not be outside your
shoulders but comfortably under your chest somewhere. If you listen
to it, your body will tell you where it is comfortable. Just let
it tell you.
I
am sure you know all about this but have not paid attention to it
in quite this way. Now that you have found out where your body is
comfortable being balanced, let’s put it to work for golf.
Get
a putter and a ball and return to your practice spot. Put the ball
down, grip your club and get “balanced”. With the ball
in the middle of your “stance” (between your feet),
simply flex your knees in a kind of squatting motion like you are
going to rest your tail on a stool. Lean forward a little to make
the putter head hover right behind the waiting ball. Your arms should
be hanging straight down now, the putter comfortably hanging below
your hands.
If
you still feel balanced, congratulations, you have achieved a “stance”.
Repeat this exercise 5 times. Stand clear of the ball, walk up to
it and take your stance 5 more times.
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