having defined targets can
help us make all the minor,
but collectively important,
decisions along the way. It
gives clarity of thought and
helps us to recognise issues
that will ultimately help us
reach, or hinder us from
reaching, our goal. These
three golfers displayed
all those qualities in this
fabulous tournament on a
fantastic golf course.
The ability to finish in a
balanced, calm and poised
position is available to all
golfers. Take care, however,
not to fall into the trap of
trying to copy the young
guns (most of us don’t
have the flexibility and
athleticism to even try for
that) but simply regularly
find your own ideal and
comfortable finish. It will
help you get through the
ball and will produce more
consistently well-struck and
accurate shots. You will not
achieve this finish if you fall
into the temptation of overhitting.
I was fascinated to watch
Tiger at this Open. He was
just coming back from a
4-month lay off due to
surgery and had only played
two competitive rounds
since March. One would
have thought that these
circumstances should be
taken into account when
deciding on a strategy for
the event. Managing a
return from injury is a vital
aspect of a professional
sportsman’s life and it is
widely recognised that
some caution is required so
that confidence can be built
in a carefully planned and
progressive manner.
When interviewed after his
first round 69, Tiger amazed
me when he said that he
was very happy with his
game because he felt strong
enough to begin to increase
his swing speed. Well, as
every golfer knows, when
we try to over-hit things
tend to go wrong as they
did for him in spectacular
fashion when he hit his
driver twice off the 17th tee
in the second round, the
first going out of bounds to
the right and the second a
raging hook to the left. The
2 balls were about 60 yards
apart and he only passed
the cut by birdying the last
hole.
I am not alone when I say
that I have long believed
that Woods is guilty of
hitting the ball too hard and
has, especially in the last few
major-less years, often been
all over the place at the end
of the swing. Surely, one of
the best golfers of all time
should be able to keep in
balance and should be able
to hit consistently accurate
tee shots with a driver. I
think he should take a leaf
out of the top three and get
some control back in his
swing along with a better
attitude on the golf course
if he is ever to threaten
Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18
majors.
Wishing you a great finish
to your golf swing and your
2014 summer!
Best wishes,
Brian
For more details on liberating your golfing potential by simplifying your
game get yourself a copy of the unique “Positive Impact Golf” book or visit
our website for more information about our coaching at Manston Golf Centre,
Manston Road, Manston, Nr Ramsgate, Kent CT12 5FG
“I won’t try to turn you into a Rory or Tiger but I will help you to enjoy your golf more!”
Individual lessons, 1Day & 3 Day Courses with Brian Sparks at Manston Golf Centre
Call 01843 590005 or visit www.positiveimpactgolf.co.uk for more inforrmation
ISSUE 3
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
35