I played yesterday (I’ve been playing quite a bit lately 🙂 ) in extremely windy conditions. I quite enjoy playing under extreme conditions because it allows me to explore my shot making and put my automatic game to the test.
I was joined by a friend and low handicapper. We have a bit of a rivalry thing going so I was keen to play my best golf. Not wanting to “play safe”, I was determined to let go and not worry about my score, my swing or the conditions. I was also wary not to make the same mistakes again, so was focussed to play my game.
The tough conditions made playing normal kind of golf difficult. Into the wind, any shot that wasn’t struck perfectly ended up in the trees or finished miles short. Downwind holes weren’t much easier, it was nearly impossible to stop the ball on the greens. There was no respite on the putting greens either, with the ball getting blown about, it wasn’t easy judging distance or holing those short putts.
Still, I was up for the challenge. It’s rounds like this that take a bit of cunning, playing shots that you wouldn’t normally play and using your imagination to best deal with the conditions.
For example, on the holes into the wind I was teeing the ball very low. My goal was to virtually hit the ball along the ground and let in run up the fairway. On the downwind holes I hit the ball high from the tee, and low into the green. This strategy gave me good distance from the tee while allowing me to control distance with the approach.
My mind wasn’t cluttered with thoughts about how to do this. I simply worked out the best shot for the situation and let my subconscious hit the ball. This is playing naturally and is perfectly situated for tough conditions. Best of all this form of golf is more fun and less tiring.
After the round my mate was complimentary of my play. He was impressed with the array of different shots I played and how I coped with the conditions. His comments were flattering and made me realise that automatic golf gives me a huge advantage, something I wouldn’t change for all of the tea in China.
Speaking to him about my golf and ideas for playing better I also realised that golfers can have a problem with adopting this natural approach. The problem is this;
If you consider to play automatic golf you’re faced with a difficult choice. It’s difficult because it represents giving up a method of play you’re comfortable with, and it’s difficult because it requires an all-or-nothing commitment.
The opportunities for you to improve your play, have more fun and realise your full potential are right in front of you. Some golfers stumble because they can’t make the commitment – they want the best of both worlds, a better game without making a change. The opportunity is significant, perhaps the biggest of your golf career. The choice becomes easier when you can note the difference between what you’re doing now and a powerful new way to play.
But you have to commit. The choice is yours.