China has recently banned golf for its 88 million Communist Party members (yes, 88 million!), labeling it bourgeois, decadent, and too representative of Western values. But we democrats know it to be a game that can etch good character and perseverance, especially in the face of injury. Though not quite as brutal as rugby, it can also wear […]
golf and the mind
How to KO a Slump
The anatomy of a slump is not difficult to describe. Actually, I teeter on one now so I will attempt to pinpoint what it is that characterizes a slump and make some attempt to extricate oneself from a slump and into the green pastures of pride and accomplishment. The slump started several months ago after a particular […]
Deep Stillness
There’s an interesting book that just came out called The Art of Stillness by Pico Ayer, the renown travel writer, describing the inner journey. I can think of no better book for the golfing aficionado, even though there is not one mention of the most interesting game in the world. But to approach golf, you must experience […]
The Key Backswing Move
Watching Rory McIlroy smash 340 yard drives down the middle time after time on his way to winning the 2014 WGC Bridgestone, got me wondering how he does it. He’s not a big guy. On the contrary. He’s not a macho muscular guy. Far from it. He’s not a super athletic guy. What Rory does, […]
Boxing for Better Golf
Lately, I’ve taken up boxing training in my gym. It’s a great way to practice timing and rhythm, and is actually a good aerobic workout. Of course, after a long work day, I can put any number of adversaries on that punching bag and let loose. But punching that stand-up bag has led to some […]
The Key Downswing Move
At the transition between the back and downswings there is a point in time and space that sets the tone for the coup de grace of the golf swing, namely impact–that vital moment when the hands lead the clubhead down and into the ball, compressing the ball, which leaps to an elliptical surge, tracing a […]