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Over my years as a golf coach, I’ve gathered insights that I’ve found crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of the game—not just for my students, but for myself as well. Below, I’ve expanded on key reflections that have shaped my approach to coaching and learning.
A lot of golfers are in a swing identity crisis.
Many golfers are unsure of their swing identity. They chase tips, emulate pros, or constantly change techniques without fully understanding their natural movement patterns. Helping golfers discover their authentic swing—one that suits their body, strengths, and goals—is a pivotal step in their development.
Your emotional state and attention have more influence on your movement than you think.
The connection between emotions, focus, and movement is profound. Anxiety, frustration, or even over-excitement can alter how your body functions, often without you realizing it. For example, a golfer distracted by frustration might unconsciously tighten their grip or rush their tempo. Conversely, a calm, focused mind creates the conditions for smoother, more intentional movement. Learning to manage your emotional state and direct your focus effectively is as essential as mastering any technical skill.
Your physical orientation in space, or posture, directly influences how you move.
Posture isn’t just about standing up straight; it’s about how your body is positioned in relation to your intended movement. A well-aligned posture sets the stage for efficient motion, while poor orientation can restrict movement and create compensations. For golfers, posture at address influences the entire swing sequence—affecting stability, rotation, and power generation. Awareness and practice of dynamic posture, rather than static, can yield significant improvements. We call this “Pattern” work at CCG.
To move with greater quality, you have to learn to move more safely. Stability > Mobility.
Mobility is often prioritized in golf, but stability is the foundation for quality movement. Without stability, increased mobility can lead to inconsistency and injury. Stability provides the control and support needed for fluid, powerful motion. Think of it as creating a solid base before building the structure. Exercises that promote balance, core strength, and controlled movement should be staples in any golfer’s training routine.
“Completing the turn” is a subjective experience.
When golfers are told to "complete their turn," the interpretation varies greatly. For one player, it might mean achieving a full shoulder rotation; for another, it’s about feeling coiled and ready to release power. The concept of the “turn” is unique to each golfer’s body, flexibility, and perception. Effective coaching requires exploring what “completing the turn” feels like for the individual and guiding them toward their optimal motion.
Rotation and spinning are not the same.
While both involve turning, rotation is a controlled, purposeful movement, while spinning often lacks precision and stability. In golf, true rotation involves engaging the core/big muscles and maintaining balance, allowing for power transfer and consistency. Spinning, on the other hand, can lead to loss of control and inefficient energy use. Developing rotational movement requires focused drills and body awareness.
Coordination has more influence than technique.
Technique is important, but without coordination, it’s incomplete. Coordination allows for timing, rhythm, and a natural flow of movement. It’s the glue that holds technique together. A golfer with poor coordination might struggle to sync their swing sequence, regardless of technical knowledge. To enhance coordination, practice should include drills that challenge timing, rhythm, and adaptability.
To acquire greater coordination or quality of movement, mindful practice and exploration are essential.
Mindless repetition rarely leads to improvement. Instead, mindful practice—where you actively engage with your movements, sensations, and outcomes—is key to developing coordination and movement quality. Exploration, such as experimenting with different tempos, grips, or visualizations, helps golfers understand their bodies and discover what works best for them.
Physical sensations and feelings are the nervous system’s language.
Our nervous system communicates through sensations, not words. Recognizing and interpreting these sensations is critical for learning and adapting. For example, the feeling of balance, the stretch in a specific muscle, or the ‘snap’ of a good release can tell you more about your swing than verbal cues alone. Encourage players to tune into these sensations and use them as feedback.
The nervous system is a calibrating machine—there is no one magical drill.
Golfers often look for the one drill that will “fix” their swing, but the nervous system thrives on variety and adaptability. Providing a range of drills and scenarios allows the nervous system to calibrate and refine movement. The more parameters a golfer experiences—different speeds, lies, and constraints—the better equipped they are to adapt on the course.
The condition (environment, intention, stimulus) in which you learn has drastic implications.
The environment you train in matters. Practicing on a driving range versus simulating on-course conditions creates vastly different learning outcomes. The intention behind your practice—whether you’re focusing on precision, power, or creativity—also shapes what you retain. Stimuli, such as time pressure or competition, add layers of complexity that deepen learning.
Training or learning time is not where change takes place.
The time you spend practicing is not when change happens; it’s when the conditions for change are created. True adaptation occurs during rest and reflection, as your nervous system processes the inputs. Prioritize quality practice over quantity and allow time for the learning to settle and manifest in your performance.
Final Thoughts
These reflections highlight the depth and complexity of learning and improving in golf. By embracing these principles, golfers can shift their perspective, fostering more meaningful progress and enjoyment in their game. What insights resonate with you? Let’s continue the conversation.
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