Short Par 4 The Magazine Issue #2 October 2020 | Page 24

Don ’ t be a hero ; we both know you ’ re not Phil . Don ’ t go for the low percentage superhero shot . Learn your strengths and weaknesses . Know what you ’ re truly capable of and gradually start implementing them on the golf course . If you ’ re not confident hitting a flop shot , don ’ t hit it yet . Hit the easier lower shot that may not end up very close to the pin , but it advances you and won ’ t get you in a worse position than you were in . Slowly practice and implement shots from the practice area to the course . Similar to how basketball players will practice a specific difficult spin move during practice or baseball pitchers working on adding a new pitch to their arsenal , they won ’ t implement it during a game until they ’ re reasonably confident and ready to hit the shot when it matters on the course . Rely on what works until you ’ re comfortable that you can pull it off .

It may surprise you that I often teach the same exact things to my amateur students as my top level PGA Tour players . We are all humans wired similarly , facing the same obstacles of anxiety and frustration . The fundamentals don ’ t change whether you ’ re a 20 handicapper or professional . We all need to be more aware and our fundamentals often need to be reminded as it is the foundation for success . Hopefully my tips help you become more self sufficient around the greens . If you ever have any questions shoot me a DM on Instagram at @ jamesohgolf