The County Zone Golf Magazine Issue 3 | Page 35

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