Enjoy this great letter John Geiberger, OnCore’s Head of Player Development, and Golf Coach penned to his team. Many great insights to follow.
I hope everyone is safe, healthy and sound, while we adapt to our new routines and schedules. This uncharted territory, with no road map, is challenging for all of us. We are all learning new concepts on the fly. As you are “clearing a new course” for learning in school, we need to take this same approach to growing and enhancing our golf game. It is important that we stay “in touch” with the game daily, similarly how we study and prepare for school.
The “in touch” part, in the new learning curve for all. As we know the game is 80-90 percent mental. Let’s make our mental game as good or better then our physical game. Their are many aspects to the mental side, none more powerful then VISUALIZATION. Take 30 minutes in a quiet place close your eyes and visualize a FULL round of golf. Be as specific as you can, (for example) picture the sound off the club face, follow the flight of the ball to the ground, visualize the bounce and roll. See the smartest shot (one you would be happy with under pressure) into the green. See the line, pick the speed and feel the execution of the putt, go near or in (you don’t want to shoot better then 59..be realistic). Play the entire round, pick a course you know so you can be specific with details. Visualize the setting and environment (ie a match or state tournament) It takes patience and can be tough to do in the beginning. The late great SEVE BALLESTEROES used t this method prior to every major round. Five major wins in a short career!!
Two BOOKS that I recommend in this area to strengthen the mind and prepare the body for success. 1) MIND GYM-by Gary Mack & David Massastevens -this will you help you prepare and learn to gain that competitive edge. It has been read by all top athletics in all various sports. 2) ZEN PUTTING by DR Joe Parent-this will help synchronize both the body and mind. Dr Parent has worked with the #1 player on all tours at various times in his career.
Physically, I hope you can make the best of your outdoor space by either chipping or pitching if you have any grass area, or making 10-20 focused swings outside (use two wedges together for enhanced weight to help build speed in the swing). Feel the specific body movements for each as you would on the course in competition. You can always putt on carpet to a quarter. Ten- fifteen minutes a day of a focused putting routine ,keeps the body and mind working together. I know some of you are continuing your workouts from school, I will also pass on some workouts you can do at home with no equipment needed. It is important to keep those golf specific muscles active so when we do hit the links again, the body and mind will be sharp, the environment will only differ. The scores will be better!!
I realize the days do pass slowly, many of them feel the same, while learning and practicing new aspects of our game, we will all be better for it in the long run. Short sacrifices equal long term returns!
My thoughts and prayers are frequently with you.
Stay strong and healthy.
GO LIONS
Coach,
John Geiberger
