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 […]
Bad Rounds
We’ve all had them. I had one yesterday. Frustrating. Demoralizing. Even embarrassing. They hit like a sudden cold that we didn’t see coming. First the sore throat on the warm up range where say 7 of 10 shots are not hit well, but 3 are solid, and we think, “Great. I’m ready. I’ve got it […]
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 […]
On Taking a Lesson
For many golfers, there comes a time when it becomes impossible to figure out this game yourself, and is necessary to have your swing checked by a professional. After a number of years, that time, for me, came a few days ago. I spent quite awhile asking around until I found a pro with whom […]
The Challenge of Concentration
As we see from the playing of the British Open this week, golf requires sustained and all-encompasing concentration on every shot. This is a daunting task that most golfers often back down from. I remember during a three-month meditation retreat at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts years ago, I reached a point […]
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 […]
Zen Putting: Overcoming Age and Doubt
In my informal research as a student of the game, I have observed that the older we get, the less adept we are in reading greens. This, of course, doesn’t always hold true, but witness Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III, John Daly, and other pros in their late 30s and 40s. […]
The Key Move
The key move in the execution of a golf swing turns out to be a simple one indeed. I don’t know why it’s not emphasized more. I’ve taken a number of lessons over my 50 years in the game, and it was never mentioned once. Not even hinted at. People always asked Hogan what was […]