The idea of this blog is to help educate golfers bit by bit about the learning process. Like playing golf, this website is a process not an event. There’s no quick fix and I try hard not to promise miracle cures – perhaps this is a golf blog for realistic golfers. Each week I offer little bits of information – some of it may help you and others may not. The important thing is that you open your mind, learn new things and experience better golf.
I get excited when I come up with new ways of explaining the golf learning process. I write my ideas down, think about them for a few days (even weeks and months) and then eventually put them into words. It’s a lot of fun and I am never short of things to write about. Sometimes you guys say stuff that explains what I do better than I could ever do. Grayden left a message on the previous post. I’ve included it below because it’s important.
I’m a tad excited. Just a tad mind you. It doesn’t pay to get too excited in this game but I think a penny may have dropped……
I’ve been listening to Cam’s Remarkable Golf CD in the car at work today. He mentions the Fred Shoemaker “throw the club” exercise as the simplest way to get the feel of how we should be swinging a club. I’ve heard Cameron talk about this before but never taken it too seriously because it sounded a bit simplistic or “childish” to me. I could see the logic of it mind you, but didn’t think I actually needed to do it.
Anyway, because I”m now laid up with an achilles heel problem and can’t play I’m keen to do ANYTHING that involves actually getting my hands on a club aso when I got home after work I thought, “hey, what the heck” and went out the back yard and tried it.
Sure enough, first go and I flung the club to the left (I’m a right hander). No real surprise there seeing as I hit a fade (which can easily progress to a slice like most of us). I went and picked up the club (I was only throwing it about 10m….bit worried about the neighbour’s windows!) and thought “no probs, I’ll take it seriously now, I’ll just throw the NEXT one straight”. Threw again……..Hmmm……still going left. No worries. I’ll REALLY make sure I throw straight this time. No more mucking about. Throw…..Hmmm…..STILL going left!
By now I was curious and decided I was going to keep going with this “dumb” exercise until I could get the darn thing to go straight. Lets just say it took me quite a few “throws” (they’re really “swings” of course) to learn how to make the thing go straight. When I finally figured it out, here’s how I noticed I was swinging:
(a) with a much quieter body action
(b) with MUCH better balance
(c) with a shorter backswing
(c) with slightly more active hands
(d) with a greater sensation of “lag” (Yay! I’ve always wanted to get that feeling back!)
It was a very controlled, compact feeling. I also noticed that the club head was grazing the grass much more consistently than usual AND that the divots were much straighter than they are with my usual “body” swing.
“Only trouble is I must LOOK ridiculous” I thought. It felt “all arms” to me because I’m so used to the “body swing” feel. I moved over to a window to watch myself. I assumed I was going to see something akin to a tripod fixed to the ground with arms flapping. Thats what it FELT like. Gee whizz, guess what? It didn’t look ridiculous at all! It actually looked like a simple, compact, controlled golf swing. “Hey GP” I thought, ” maybe this is how you’re SUPPOSED to swing a golf club!!! Interestingly I also noticed it put much less pressure on my heel (!)
Anyway, as I say, this is just a tad exciting. Can’t wait to get out there and try it “live” now. So folks, my advice: DON’T do what I did and just MENTALLY do the club throwing exercise. Actually GO AND DO IT. And KEEP doing it until you actually throw straight. Then, when thats finally happening, take note of how it FEELS and start swinging that way. You might be as surprised (delighted!) as I am.
Thanks Cameron. I never doubted you for a minute (:-)) That CD might just be the best $37 I’ve spent for a while!
His kind words made my day. There’s also an important message. You’ve got to DO the stuff. You can’t read about it. You can’t think about it. You’ve got to get out there and DO it. Yesterday, during a Pennant match, I hit a hurdle (or three). I lost three holes in a row. I was getting frustrated. My thumb was sure. I started making up stories and excuses – I didn’t feel like playing. Then I remembered Grayden’s post. It reminded me to stop thinking so much and get back to playing. That little moment, a moment that nobody else would ever pick up on, was enough to get me to swing freely, stop playing scared and to play golf my way.
If your golf is not going well maybe you’ve got to do a reality check. Are you playing with too many swing thoughts? Are you worried about your score, handicap or the rough? If the answer is yes then the solution is to get out there and DO the things I write about. It’s really easy to think about them – but are you actually doing them?
For the record I played well on the last seven holes to win my match. It was pleasing – to play well is always fun but to overcome self-doubt and worry is something different altogether.
And this is why I do this blog. It helps me more than it probably helps you guys. It really does. I learn from all the comments, emails and questions I receive. And along the way if you learn to break free and play golf to your full potential then that’s great. If you share your experiences then we all win. And that’s something special.
Where to from here?
I’ve spilled the beans on everything I’ve learned about playing better golf. This blog contains over 320 golf lessons that are all free. I’ve also compiled some premium content. There’s video, case studies and personal attention from me. If you’d like to view the premium content then here’s the link for that. Then there’s my golf audio. This is my first golf audio product and it contains some great advice, it’s especially useful for those that are struggling with their game and looking to dig their way from the golfing rut.
And there’s something else I don’t talk about very often. And that’s spreading the word. If you find this golf instruction useful, insightful or even different please feel free to share it with other golfers. I’d really appreciate it.
I’ll be back in a few days with a golf lesson I’ve been working on for quite some time. It’s a beauty.
Dear Timbo,
If you want to be the best player you can be then you’ve got to play. There’s no point in hiding on the practice fairway or playing the same course over and over.
So get out there and play. Play as many different courses and events that you can. This will take you out of your comfort zone for a little while and increase anxiety levels – but there is a way to combat that.
Here’s how a Pioneer prepares for a round of golf:
In an ideal world you’ll treat every round as the same. This works in theory but it’s much harder in reality. Important rounds will always increase our desire to do well. This is a good thing because if you know how to control the nerves you can play even better.
The first step is to relax and avoid panicking. Lots of golfers (including me before I worked it out) will change their routine completely before the big game. They’ll practice more, they’ll get to the course too early and worry and stress about certain holes and upcoming shots. The short answer is don’t.
Stick to what you normally do and you’ll be in good shape.
Practice rounds: If you get the chance to see a new course then you’ve obviously got to take it. But don’t fall for the trap of trying to shoot record scores or even worrying about your score during practice. These rounds have one purpose. And that is to learn the course. Study the course, learn the bounces and how the ball rolls. Never get suckered into playing matches during practice rounds – they are for learning the course.
Another fantastic tip is to walk the course backwards. Start on the 18th green and make your way through the course back to the first tee. This gives you the best view of the course. You can learn about the best landing zones and see all potential trouble. I often think this exercise is better than playing the course.
Game plan: Your practice rounds will give you an idea how to play the course. I’d like you to stick to the shots you like best. Sometimes this means that you’ll hit irons when others are smashing the driver – don’t let this worry you – your plan is for YOU only.
Your game plan needs to be flexible. But don’t fall for the mistake of getting too aggressive. In most cases a flexible plan will mean you gear back. Taking less club and aiming away from the trouble will mean you’ll swing with more confidence.
Most of all you have to listen to your gut. The game plan is not set in stone – you’ve got to trust your instincts and learn to live with that.
Pre round: This is the time to warm up. You are not making swing changes or trying to find your swing. If you don’t panic your natural swing will present itself. It can be a good idea to avoid the practice fairway altogether – there’s too much distraction there. All the others tweaking, searching and disrupting you is not a good thing.
If the golf course has a practice net use that. Start slowly and gradually get your body moving. Remember, you are hitting balls to warm up. There is no need to tweak and alter your swing. An automatic golfer doesn’t judge and rate his practice performance – he is simply getting ready to play.
The same goes for the short game. Unless you think the greens have changed dramatically there’s probably not much need to speed time on the putting and chipping green. Automatic golfers don’t lose their skill – it’s there waiting for you. So use the short game areas if you feel the need – but don’t waste time and energy attempting every conceivable shot.
Opening tee shot: This is important Timbo. My advice here is to take the longest club you feel confident hitting. Then you’ve got to do your best to let go, relax and let the shot happen. If you can get good at this you’ll maximise your chances of hitting a great one.
Too often I see golfers get scared. They swing carefully and simply attempt to guide the ball. Don’t be shy. Learn to hit the ball with authority and without fear.
Here’s another point: Your opening tee shot is the best one to stuff up because you have the rest of the round to recover. So let rip – you don’t have anything to lose.
Random thoughts: Here’s a few more things that popped into my head.
- Think about playing the course not about your swing.
- You’ve got to like the golf course. Some holes won’t suit you but plenty will, so don’t let the course distract you.
- You don’t need motivation or to be pumped. Keep your mind calm and focus on what you want to achieve and you’ll be better off than most.
- Play your shot not the one the course designer wants you to play. This is something that took me a long time to figure out. You’ve gotta play your game.
- Short game is still important.
- You’ll beat most by staying in the moment, playing your shot and not worrying about the course or your swing.
- Let go and relax. Don’t think about golf golf golf all of the time. Give yourself time to enjoy other stuff. It’s a big bad world out there and it’s good to see it. You don’t lose your skill or your game.
- Have fun – this is a cliche’ but learn to enjoy playing. This is your chance to shine and experience the magic of playing golf.
That’s it for today Timbo. Next lesson we’ll talk about some on course strategies.
Timbo Letter #1
Timbo Letter #2
Badds.com has been doing it tough. He has slipped off the radar and it seems a long time ago that he impressed everyone with a win in The Australian Open in 1999. Only last week someone asked me about Aaron Baddeley and I said I wasn’t sure if he could make it back.
But that was before I saw a recent news article. This gives him hope and maybe he can make it back to the big time. I would go as far as saying that Baddeley will come back better than ever before.
The following quotes come from the man himself. If you’ve ever doubted the automatic process is for you or if top professionals don’t need it, then check these out. I’ll include my own comments below each quote.
The first Aussie Open was my best, ball-striking wise
Ok this one is interesting. He has said this nearly eleven years after he won the Aussie Open as an amateur. Despite lessons with all the gurus and thousands of hours of practise, he has never been able to better that ball striking performance. Interesting, isn’t it?
I hit it really long, straight and I hit every shot down the stretch perfect.
All this crap about needing experience is blown out of the water. He actually took on Montgomery and Norman on Sunday afternoon. He prevailed because he played naturally and automatically. He maximised his chances of performing well by playing golf and getting out of his own way. And he certainly hit the ball well – he was unbelievable!
I felt like I was working too hard (in recent years and) wasn’t seeing enough results
Working hard seems like the right thing to do but it rarely is. Working too much on your swing is a sure game wrecker. If a super talented golfer like Badds can’t do it, what chance do you have?
I’d got away from playing the game. It was too much about the process of the swing, thinking too much about how to do it, rather than just hitting it.
I’ve played my best (not thinking too much). If I have to hit a cut, aim left and hit a cut and your body responds to the shot you want to hit. That’s what I want to get back to.
Did you read that? He has realised that all of the technical BS has not helped him. He is saying that automatic golf works. If you’ve ever doubted the automatic way I hope this will sway you.
If there’s a tree in the way, hook it around the tree. Now I can do that quite comfortably again. I hit a shot last week that was an 80-yard hook. Two years ago I didn’t have that shot.
This is playing golf. It can never be an exact science. You’ve got to let your system work out the minor details. Trying to control every part of your swing is a recipe for disaster – it just doesn’t work.
As you may know I helped Aaron learn his phenomenal putting game. It is purely automatic and helped him become recognised as one of the best in the world. With such a pure putting talent he only needs to hit the ball reasonably well to be successful. When he forgets all the crap the swing gurus have been teaching him and gets back to what’s normal, I have no doubt he’ll have a chance to reach his lofty goals.
Like a lot of super talented people they think they can control the golf swing. It’s not possible. The good thing that’s come out of this is that he has realised it early enough. He is still young enough and has the motivation to get back to where he should be. I rarely make predictions – but if Baddeley can stay on track and keeps following his gut then I think he will win again soon. He certainly has the ability.
Go automatic!
Let me know your thoughts.
Read the full article here
For some time now I’ve said that “the walk to the golf ball” is the most important part of the swing.
There’s good reason for this. If you can’t walk properly, then you’ll never be able to make good use of your skills. You’ll never be able to automate your golf swing and you’ll find consistent, reliable and predictable results impossible.
A key part of the approach to the ball is where your eyes look. It’s such a small part of the routine that it doesn’t get a run in any other golf instruction. But it’s important. Actually, where your eyes focus is a key fundamental of the routine.
Here’s why.
You don’t want to be visualising when you’re walking to the ball. Visualising is taking your mind into the future. Going into the future is no better than thinking about the past. If you don’t get this you’ll always struggle with your game. Automatic golf is all about getting your system in the present. You want to be in the moment – your thoughts in the “now”.
And one of the easiest ways to do this is to focus your eyes on the ball. When you’re walking to the ball your gaze is set on the ball or somewhere around it. You’re not looking at the target and therefore you’re not tempted to get ahead of yourself and start thinking about the future.
This little strategy allows you to get into your own cocoon or bubble. It’s like you’re shutting out the rest of the world when you’re ready to get down to business – hitting the ball/playing golf.
I have put some videos that talk about the walk to the ball and getting set in more detail. There’s even a case study or two. Best you check them out because they are really important:
http://www.cameronstrachan.com/members-only/are-you-making-this-mistake-with-your-set-up/
http://www.cameronstrachan.com/members-only/a-case-study-for-automatic-golfers/
http://www.cameronstrachan.com/members-only/a-very-important-automatic-golf-lesson/
Let me know your thoughts.
Most golf coaches don’t have an online profile (their fault not mine) and might be somewhat envious of any exposure I get. They are also probably naive as to what I do and how I coach because they’re stuck in their traditional mindset. This is all OK and I always look forward to the challenge of meeting/playing/socialising with PGA members.
But it annoys me when they pick my brains about my coaching style and ideas and then tell me, “I do that” or “that’s what I do”.
It’s crap. Late last year a golf pro started asking the usual questions about this golf blog and The Golf Tribe.
Each time I told him about my methodologies he repeated, “that’s what I do”. Every time. He kept asking questions and it was obvious he was clueless and was digging deep to learn some more. The frustrating thing was he wasn’t honest (or brave) enough to admit he didn’t know; because I would have been more than happy to share my experiences with him.
He got to me. I tried avoiding him – but he persisted with his questions.
Enough. I was fed up with his bullshit.
So I told him. I said he didn’t understand automatic golf and he didn’t teach what I teach. I felt uncomfortable and relieved at the same time.
He tried to back pedal. He made excuses. He attempted to justify his coaching ideas and concepts are like mine.
I didn’t hold back. I finished off with:
You don’t teach Einsteining
You don’t teach your clients how to walk to the ball
You don’t understand where the eyes need to look when approaching the ball
You don’t know why visualising is the worst thing you can do when trying to play golf
You don’t teach clients to automate their swing
In fact, you don’t understand the automatic process at all because you’ve never learned about it
Things ended quite well. He apologised and we had a great discussion about golf and all things coaching. The day ended how it should have gone from the start. My little outburst was out of character but it certainly broke his stubborn mindset.
This blog post is not about bashing PGA members. Not at all. It’s about opening their minds to different ideas and getting them to admit they don’t know everything about the game (because who does?). Most importantly I’m hoping they can learn not to be intimidated by other coaches who are not PGA members or from those that have ideas that differ from the traditional mindset.
What’s the main point here?
If all coaches can be more understanding and open to new (or different) ideas golf coaching will take a leap forward. This will then allow all golfers to experience the magic of improved performance and just maybe something profound can be created.
Then everyone wins.
Dear Timbo,
I see that you’ve been helping others around the place. This is important and something that I encourage. It’s not something that is widely known but if you really want to learn something to the master level then the best way is to teach and help others.
It might seem a bit airy fairy but I encourage you to keep going with it. By explaining, teaching and thinking of others forces your brain to go deep. You’ve got to think outside the square, you’ve got to experiment and most importantly you get to make mistakes.
All this helps you learn and improve further. Making mistakes might seem like the wrong thing to do – but it actually fast tracks your progress. There’s nothing like working out what doesn’t work and then finding an alternative. The modern world is full of people that are stuck – too scared to move in any direction, fearful they might do something wrong.
So make mistakes and move on quickly. You’ll leapfrog all those statues who think mistakes are bad.
Automatic golf might be the single best discovery I’ve made with my golf game. But learning to share it with others has allowed me to apply it to my game and actually experience the magic of remarkable golf. It’s my little golfing secret that far too few people will ever experience.
If you ever feel you’re stuck and not moving forward, spend a few minutes with someone else. Help them with their chipping, talk to them about automatic golf, demonstrate your routine or write down your thoughts and share it with a golfing buddy. It will unlock the shackles and have you back on track.
Keep up the good work. There’s more to come.
Cameron
This is the second letter in the Timbo series. To gain access to them all you will need to become a member of The Golf Tribe
Timbo Letter #1
There’s always questions about automatic golf. They come in everyday:
Is automatic golf for me?
Is it for beginners?
What makes it different from traditional golf?
How do I apply it to my game?
Will it work?
Can I expect to see improvement quickly?
The list goes on.
The answers to these questions are scattered throughout this golf blog. I’ve also put together a comprehensive golf audio product that has all the information you need in one place.
Check out the full story about automatic golf and playing remarkably here
