Delayed action

It's been a while since I posted. In that time, I've realised that I am on the right track in thinking less and just playing the shots. Some days I hit the ball well; other days I'm not so good. But I have learned one really important lesson, as mentioned below.

Firstly, I'll just revisit the 'no thinking' strategy. This includes not worrying too much about grip. Just grip and rip it. Your hands will find the natural hold for you - if you let them. Don't try for some artificial position. If your grip is strong, play with a draw. If your grip is weak, find a way to get the clubface square - but don't put up with a big slice - that is a No No.

Of course, it is necessary to set up correctly. That is, basically in a square position with the shoulders square or slightly closed to the target line. Open shoulders mean that the swing plane has to be manipulated - so that it is not too over the top or out and in - and this manipulation is lots of trouble. Much better to set up slightly closed with the shoulders and don't worry too much about the feet and hips; they'll fall into line - so to speak.

The full swing is really a matter of getting the timing or sequencing right. Too much hurry or hit will throw this timing out. Much better to swing as easy as possible to get reasonable distance and reasonable control. If all goes well, the swing speed (effort) can be gradually increased, while maintaining control. Distance is overrated for most players - fairways hit are not overrated.

Short game is an area where most amateurs can improve significantly. In my last round, I can think of three or occasions where I threw away at least one shot because of a poor chip or long putt. In general, however, good contact with the centre of the clubface is the goal and the answer. The brain will calculate distance and hit strength - if we let it.

Putting grips (styles) has been a preoccupation of mine for many months now. Finally, it is clear to me that grip methods don't matter. The key is touch with long putts, along with good imagination and green reading. With short putting, I have simply adopted an elbows in tight approach - to try to minimise the amount of waggle or wavering of the putter's path back and through. So far, so good.

The final realisation of recent months is that you CANNOT take your anger or frustration from a previous mistake, bad shot, bit of bad luck, whatever, to the next shot. The benefits of keeping calm and focussed CANNOT be overemphasised.

All of the above is advice for me. Some of it has taken me a long time to come to and even longer to be implement. But better late than never; a kind of delayed action.