Golfers Tube Forum

What’s the best way to develop a golfer? As this is my favorite subject, I am going to thoroughly enjoy expanding on it. The process has three important factors:

1) Mentally. Be capable of controlling the interference that comes from the conscious mind. 2) Physically. Although most sports require fairly uniform physical attributes, I can quite positively say for golf there are no ideals. 3) Gross motor skills. This is certainly the most important factor to develop a golfer, which is without doubt what moves them to a totally different level.

As I will be discussing the first two factors periodically on other posts, I am going to devote all my efforts on this post to gross motor skills development. Be warned, you’ve now got me started on my passion and I hope this spills over to you, the reader.

When ‘Leela’, (my daughter), started learning golf four years ago, my understanding of how to use these developed skills were transported to an entirely new level. From the day she was born, long before she could talk, Leela and all other babies, are busy developing these skills.

By the age of two, they have more or less learned the mechanics of walking, jumping, climbing, throwing, pushing, pulling and many more. From this age until their sixth year they smooth out these skills and the speed of development has long since reached its peak. A child learns these skills by example and imitates his peers.

It is very important to consider the importance of this learning curve and its significance to develop a golfer. Leela started at eight, at a perfect age where the natural learning process is still achieved through example. If you compare this to an adult’s learning process which is unfortunately hampered through an array of oral instruction and endless questions and answers.

I always feel quite frustrated when an adult comes to me and hits the ball pretty good with his natural feel for the swing and when adjusted to the ‘model swing’ cannot hit it any more. I see it time and time again. They ask me, “What am I doing wrong?” Quite simply, nothing is wrong other than the fact that they are trying to control their motor skills with verbal commands.

Now take Leela, who I’ll use as a substitute for all young children, rarely feels as if she is doing anything wrong. Why? Easy, because she is still young enough to learn by example and has the patience to make mistakes. Just like when she started to walk but spent more time picking herself up. Did she get frustrated to the point of asking what she was doing wrong? Or does every fall lead to an improvement in her motor skills. Here lies the secret of how to best develop a golfer.

Thanks for listening.

All the best,

Sandy MacDuff

Go read the blog on this site and it talks about how tiger Woods works out.

Yes, I have already read about his fitness regime. Quite impressive.

I am addressing the more important side of developing a golfer and that is bringing out inborn reflexive motor skills. Without them Tiger, muscles and all, probably couldn’t hit the ball any further than my grandmother.

I do however agree that with his talent, his particular fitness program only enhances his ability.

I totally agree. Im trying to get my muscle memory down but its taking me alot of time.

It’s easier to improve your muscle memory if you switch off your conscious involvement in the golf swing mechanics.

Conscious awareness of what your body is doing during the swing is what is missing.

If you can’t feel it then you can’t improve it.

Leela has reached handicap 7 with no knowledge of swing mechanics.

She can however improve her muscle memory at will using advanced awareness and concentration skills.

I have only touched the tip of the iceberg with her and expect even more improvement next season.

Don’t forget she is only 12.

Hello again Pohldaddy,

I took a look at your swing in the hall of fame.

I could get your muscle memory moving a lot faster.

I must send my swing in at some stage.

Too modest you see.

Can’t believe the voting though with Leela getting just a 5 point something.

All the best

Sandy

P.S. If I can change the swing name for Leela’s swing I’ll send mine in.

Send in your swing so you could help me out a little.

OK I have sent it in. Be kind.

Somehow it didn’t get downloaded on your site so I’ve used your big brother.

View it on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9sC1_qgLOc&eurl…

catch you soon

Sandy

It should be up by the end of next week. We are installing new editing software. Thanks

Sorry for the delay. Your swing has been uploaded.