Developing a Consistent Swing on the Golf Course

Golfers are always trying to develop consistency on the golf course. We spend hours at the driving range working on our golf swings. When you are at the driving range your golf swing thoughts are an important part of your routine.

Although golf instructors may differ on which golf swing thoughts are best when playing, they all agree on one thing: Thoughts like “Keep your elbow tucked in,” Finish with your belt buckle facing the target,” or “Keep your head still” only foul up your swing when playing.

It’s not that these thoughts are bad, they are helpful and you will find that when practicing these thoughts will help you develop a more consistent golf swing. Many instructors will design entire sessions around focusing on one of the thoughts above.

The problem is that many golfers will carry these thoughts out to the golf course with them. Many times when we are playing we start to focus on golf swing mechanics. This is definitely something you don’t want to do when you are playing golf.

When you are out playing, focus on your target and don’t worry about your golf swing mechanics. If you have put in the practice, your subconscious will do the rest. Create a mental picture of what you want to have happen with your shot. Visualize the flight and landing of your golf ball and keep that thought in your mind during the swing.

If you are the type of golfer that needs that golf swing thought as a reminder, keep it simple. Many PGA pros focus on a single thought, which eliminates thoughts about swing mechanics.

For example, when Ernie Els is preparing for his next shot, his thoughts are “Low and slow.” That’s it. He doesn’t worry about where his hands are, or where his body is going to end up. Instead, he focuses on taking the golf club back low and slow, eliminating everything else.

On the golf course you should:

Establish a target line for your golf ball flight before you address the golf ball. Keep that thought in mind when you hit and try to copy it with your ball flight. That forces you to keep the target line in mind, not your mechanics.

Take a few practice swings before you address the golf ball. You want the feel of your golf swing before you hit the ball. Remember how it feels. Keep that “feel” in mind when you are taking your swing.

Focus on a smooth takeaway, anything that produces a nice takeaway helps. Remember, the takeaway and back swing do one thing: position you for the downswing.

The downswing begins the chain reaction of feet, knees, thighs, and shoulders. Any thought that triggers this chain reaction helps deliver the blow at impact. Try thoughts like, “Plant your left heel,” or “Slide your left knee toward the target.” Anything that helps you transfer your weight to your left side works well.

Complete the back swing in a relaxed manner. During the swing continue to visualize your shot. This is the time when your mind can wonder. The time it takes to complete the swing is brief, but if your mind drifts so will your golf shot.

Playing consistently is every golfer’s goal. To achieve it, you need a golf swing that is repeatable under pressure every time you play. Developing a good repeatable golf swing is not as hard as it seems, but it does take practice.

Having a thought process that repeats itself time and time again helps you develop that consistent golf swing as well. When the metal side of your golf game is in sync with the physical side, achieving swing consistency gets easier.

More importantly, it cuts strokes from your game, which, in turn, generates a lower handicap.

For more tips on developing a consistent golf swing, I recommend you check out: The Simple Golf Swing