Page 73 - Las Vegas Golf & Leisure Fall 2018

After the shot, golfers can only control their response to the shot. as people believe it to be. Golf is a game of variability. Swing robots like
Notice that I used the word response instead of reaction. One equation Iron Byron are great on perfectly flat surfaces, but not so much on the
that is useful both on and off the course is E + R = O. E stands for the course. Why? Because every shot is different. The ability to hit a variety
Event, R represents the of shots also means that we are going to have some variance in our
Practicing self-control Response, and O is the swing. Golf would be even more difficult if we couldn’t have variability
Outcome. Most people in the swing.
facilitates body control, tend to equate the event
with the outcome, e.g. Let’s be honest—golf can be a frustrating game. If looking at the
which leads to skill control. my ball landed in a divot, game logically and rationally is no longer working, it’s important to
therefore it’s a bad shot, return to the present moment. The 5-4-3-2-1 method is one way to do
but it’s truly the response that determines the outcome. Rather than that. When you find your temperature rising, identify five things that
allowing a bad break to generate an emotional, irrational reaction, re- you can see, four that you can hear, three that you can feel, two that
spond in a way that is measured, calculated, and rational. Embrace the you smell, and one that you taste. Using your senses to tune into your
challenge, or simply say to yourself, “That’s golf.” Practicing self-control surroundings will help you move on from the previous shot.
facilitates body control, which leads to skill control.
The next time you’re on the course, try using one of these approach-
Accepting variability as a part of golf is another important step. es. You’ll find that reframing your perspective and responding rather
There is a widespread pursuit of consistency in the golf swing. Even the than reacting enhances your enjoyment and might even save your
swing of a PGA TOUR player, however, is not as consistent or robotic round.

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