Overthinking golf II - Paralysis by analysis
I received a comment from Tom today regarding my post a few days discussing my challenges with “paralysis by analysis.” Tom asked these questions referring to a friend…
Do you have any suggestions as how one might be able to get him to speed up his game so that the day on the golf course is enjoyable to all? I don’t want to lose him as a friend, but….. Has anyone commented on your playing speed? How did you react?
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I have long struggled with the speed of my game. To Tom’s first question, I do have some additional thoughts on how to minimize the zen factor. It all goes back to the old adage that you play like you practice.
While I work on alignment and many other key points of my swing on the range, I didn’t spend time on developing a more efficient pre-shot routine. I think most average players miss out on this key point in part because they are trying to correct what they perceive as larger weaknesses in their game, i.e. slices or hooks. And we work on these problems by spending more time thinking about the fix while hovering over the ball.
As I look back on my practice habits of the past, I was only reinforcing my “zenness” by taking the same amount of time on the range to hit balls. Today, I add an extra step to my practice sessions which end with focus on my pre-shot routine. I now use a cadence before each swing which in essence is simply counting to five before I swing. Your might find that 3 seconds works for you; it comes down to personal preference.
To Tom’s second question, I have had more than one playing partner comment on my pace of play. Most comments are made in good humor although I have been on the receiving end of some not so pleasant comments from players I have been paired up with.
As I mentioned earlier, practice your pre-shot routine on the range not the course. Finding an efficient pre-shot routine that you can repeat on a consistant basis not only helps pace of play but will also help correct some of your other inconsistancies in your swing. I hope this helps.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Thanks for the feedback. Good luck on revising your pre-shot routine to minimize the time spent over the ball at the tee.
I agree that the time spent at the range should be on correcting your problems. I try to work on only one thing when I’m at the driving range. I try different approaches to solving the problem. Once I “think” that I have cleared up the problem, I continue using the “cure” until it becomes almost second nature. It’s very difficult to change old habits.
I would like to modify the old adage that “Practice Makes Perfect” to “Perfect Practice makes Perfect”.
I am wondering what your thoughts are on practice procedures/routines at the driving range.