• Learn More

    How To Play Your Best Golf

    Stop the frustration and confusion right now. Become part of The Golf Tribe and discover how you can unlock your true potential and start playing better golf by the weekend.
    It's FREE! and there's no obligation to buy anything. Free videos, lessons, case studies + more. Join now!

 

Posts tagged as:

automatic learning

Too Many Minds

1 comment
Topics: Golf Instruction

by Cameron

I received the below email from Ben over the weekend. I like it and highlights my thoughts on automatic learning for golf.

Too many minds:

A while back when on a plane I was watching a Tom Cruise movie called ‘The Last Samurai’, (and yes I know what you’re thinking but the truth is there wasn’t much else on).
It’s about an American soldier in the 1800’s who ends up in Japan and is captured by the Samurai. Over time of course he becomes one of them.

In the particular scene I want to discuss, our hero, Tom, is trying to learn to sword fight as a Samurai and is consistently getting bashed and beaten by the main Samurai warrior. During this you can see in his eyes the thought process taking place, how he’s analyzing the situation and evaluating his next move – all to no avail – he still keeps getting whacked.

Then another Samurai, a young one, says to him ‘too many minds’. Tom thinks about this and from that point on you can see the thoughts and clutter begin leave his mind. He stops analyzing and plotting, stops thinking about all the detail, past and future moves and simply starts doing. Of course this works and he succeeds in winning a bout. All because he let his intuitive side work and, figuratively, stopped getting in his own way.

Being creative is like that.

Too often we get so caught up in the thinking part that we get in the way of the creative flow. We tend to over analyze, over evaluate and over compensate, we try too hard when what we really need to do is purge our ‘too many minds’ and simply trust the creative process to do it’s thing.

Whether you’re participating in martial arts or golf it’s vitally important to learn to get out of your own way and trust your subconscious to do what it does best. Perform!

Critical Golf Swing Component That Almost Always Gets Overlooked

2 comments
Topics: Articles,Golf Instruction

by Cameron

What’s the most important part of any golf swing?

Grip? Stance? Backswing?

Nope. At least not if you ask me.

I believe the critical aspect of any golf shot you play is the walk to the ball. Sound a bit strange? Let me explain myself.

The walk to the ball is critical because it is the time you need to get your head in the right place and automate your swing. If you’re walking to the ball thinking about your swing, the target or your score then you’re in big trouble. This has to be done behind the ball.

You need to have a clear head space by the time you reach the ball. You mind needs to be in the present – allowing you to feel relaxed and confident.

I’m aware that walking to the ball is not all that sexy – that most golfers would rather work on swing mechanics or hitting the ball a long way. It’s for this reason that it gets ignored by most golf instruction outlets. If you want to ensure your golf swing becomes automatic and more importantly stays automatic for the duration of the stroke, then you need to pay attention to the few steps you take before getting to the ball. Here’s some key points for your consideration;

  • Do all your thinking behind the golf ball. This includes picking a target and choosing a club.
  • Focus your gaze on the golf ball, not the target when you’re ready to go. This helps keep your mind in the correct place.
  • Play quickly. Although it’s not necessary to play quickly, I have found that golfers can benefit from speeding up their play. You can take your time behind the ball, but once you’ve decided on the shot get on with it. The less you fluff about the better you’ll play.
  • If you find your mind getting too distracted you should stop and start over.
  • By the time you get to the ball your focus and concentration should be pointed. You should feel relaxed and in your own little bubble. This is the perfect mindset to play remarkable golf.

I can’t expect golfers to get too excited about working on this part of their game but it’s well worth the effort. When you can walk up to the ball with a consistent thought pattern and step into the ball automatically the game almost magically becomes easier. Something worth exploring.

I’ll talk to you soon.

Good golfing,

Cameron

3 reasons why automatic playing is not working for you

2 comments
Topics: Articles,Golf Instruction,Uncategorized

by Cameron

So you’ve given automatic playing a go but you’re not getting the results you were looking for. Below I’ve listed the three most common mistakes that will likely be holding you back.

Not giving automatic a fair go. My strong recommendation is to attempt to play automatically and naturally for at least three rounds. My belief is that you’ll experience something “remarkable” in this time. Hopefully this will be enough to convince you that you possess enough talent to play golf your way, rather than relying on golf industry methods and standards.

The big but is that you’ve got to step up to the plate and give it a go. If you’re going to quit after one bad shot or not prepared to stick it out for three rounds you’re unlikely to see “remarkable”. The three round challenge takes discipline, courage and a level of trust. Ultimately it takes a serious commitment so your system can adjust and then revel in the freedom that automation allows.

Expecting miracles. Automatic playing is not a miracle cure. It will maximise your chances of playing your best golf but it cannot give you a game that you don’t already own. For example, if you’ve always played with a big slice and you’ve never hit a draw shot (even in practice) you will not start hitting the ball with a draw. It’s just not going to happen.

If you can hit the ball well on the practice tee but you choke and stuff up under pressure, then automation is your salvation. It will give you a strategy for dealing with the nerves, pressure and fear. It’s this strategy that can make the game fun again. After all, learning to play well when it really matters is what separates winners from everyone else.

But you’ll need a healthy dose of self-honesty to see the full benefits of automatic learning. If you keep attempting shots that Tiger wouldn’t try or ignore your physical limitations then you’ll always be disappointed. Trying to fool your subconscious is a long road to nowhere. It can’t be done, no matter how long you persist.

Holding on to what’s comfortable. Automatic playing can feel uncomfortable. To make significant improvement you need to change your attitude and your belief of what’s possible. This can feel weired and the temptation is to stay safe. But you can’t keep playing the same way over and over and expect a different result. To do so is madness. The ultimate goal of natural and automatic learning is to get golfers to remove the straight jacket and explore what lies beyond conscious control.

The common place I see golfers “play safe” is on the first tee. They swing carefully and steer the ball down the fairway. They repeat this process for the entire eighteen holes and wonder why the game is so difficult. To me this is not playing golf. A real golfer, a golfer that is prepared for remarkable, will pull out all stops and swing without fear from the first attempt. Thoughts of missing fairways or losing golf balls is replaced with an enthusiasm for what’s possible.

The possible lies outside of conscious thought. You also won’t find it in golf magazines or on the practice tee. Your real potential can only be discovered when you decide to stop thinking and play golf from the first tee shot.

Playing your best golf doesn’t happen because of long drives, holes-in-one and sinking long putts. You’ll discover your best golf when you can get the ball in play from the tee, hit your iron shots somewhere near the green and learning not to three putt. Your own “remarkable” level of golf is a lot easier than you’d ever expect. The remarkable part of it happens when you can do it repeatedly. You don’t need a skill transplant, new clubs or a different swing. Your best bet is to give automatic a go for a minimum of three rounds, understand your limitations and open your mind to a different possibility.

Good golfing,

Cameron

Update on Playing Golf like Tiger

4 comments
Topics: Articles,Golf Instruction

by Cameron

After Tiger won this year’s US Open I wrote about why I think he’s so dominant. Briefly, I believe that he is the most automated and natural athlete in the world. It seems he never plays safe. He lets go, and hits every shot like it’s his last. There appears to be little self-doubt, confusion or worry. He decides what he wants to do and then executes the shot to his best ability.

This process sounds easy to do but it is deceptively difficult. This is one reason I believe that Tiger his head and shoulders above the rest, and why you may not be playing your best golf. I challenged you to take this approach for three rounds of golf. I believe this exercise will teach you more about your golf then any other lesson will. Below are my results of taking the challenge…

Round #1: I made an effort to trust my swing and let go. I realised early on that I had a tendency to think too much about the score and the results. My process for staying automatic helped the cause. I had two putts on 17 to get to five under (my best score in a while). I did everything correctly (I think) and hit the best putt I could. It narrowly missed the hole and traveled 1.5 metres past the hole. Again, I cleared my mind as best as I could and let the putt go. It missed but I felt that I didn’t flinch or steer the putt in any way.

The last hole was a similar story. I three putted after playing two good shots into the green. If I’m honest, I hit the wrong club into the green and let the previous miss (on 17) distract me. The end result was my second putt on 18 was a poor one. I was disappointed but manged to shoot 69 (3 under). It was a good score but it could have been better.

Round #2: This game was played under appalling conditions. It was tough going but I refused to change my approach. I didn’t worry about the wind, my swing or the score. This potentially was one of the best rounds I’ve played. My ball striking was good and I was able to negotiate the tough holes quite well. The last two holes were straight into the wind – I hit two low boring approach shots that finished on the green and was able to make par. It was fantastic to finish the round off so well. Score: 70

Round #3: This game was also the second and final round of my Club’s Winter Trophy. I hadn’t won this event before, and after my first good round (69 – see above) I was in contention and keen to do well. The temptation was to think about my score and worry about what everyone else was doing. I resisted the urge and focussed on playing golf.

The round started well but I couldn’t find a birdie over the first four holes . On the 5th (a par 5) I played a nice second shot and had two putts for birdie. I made a tricky two metre putt for birdie on the 6th and when I birdied the 7th my round was alight!

For some reason I started feeling tight on the 10th tee. I backed off the tee shot and recommitted to the job at hand. I completely let go and had no thought of concern. My three wood found the middle of the fairway and the approach was a good one. By this time the nerves had settled and I was feeling good. The putt for birdie was struck without a worry in the world and found the middle of the hole.

The 10th hole was a revelation for me. I realised that previously I had played too cautiously and safe when having a good round- that I would play to protect my score rather than continuing to shoot the best score possible.

I birdied the 15th hole to get to five under and when I hit my second into the 17th (a par 5) to three metres (my best shot of the day) I was on track for my best score in a long time. Determined to keep the process going I refused to play safe on the last. A good tee shot left me a six iron to a back pin position. The easy shot was to aim for the front tier and leave a difficult putt. I opted for the harder shot and play for the back tier and give myself a shot at a closing birdie. Playing on autopilot I hit a low iron shot that had eyes for the flag. The ball landed past the pin, leaving a quick downhill putt. The putt for a sixty-five narrowly missed and I tapped in for a six under score.

I was thrilled with the round and pleased how I was able to play the last few holes. I didn’t choke or play safe. I had chances to shoot a better score and it was fun to play great shots under pressure.

The three-round challenge was the best thing I’ve done in golf for some time and I’m glad I gave it another go. Here’s what I learned;

  • I’m prone to playing too carefully when on track for a good score
  • I think too much of the outcome – worried about score and the consequences of hitting a poor shot
  • If I let go and not think too much I play better. At first this was uncomfortable but it became easier to do
  • Good rounds become great rounds and the possibility for remarkable play is increased
  • Much more fun
  • Golf is such a silly game and we ALL worry too much
  • The difference from average golf to great golf is a fine line. The difference is in attitude rather than skill level

Despite having a good understanding of the learning process and automatic golf I still have plenty to learn. Playing without fear and approaching each shot automatically is easy to talk about but not easy to do. It takes a level of courage and discipline that can’t be bought or borrowed – and one reason why technology will never be the determining factor in golf.

If you want to have a breakthrough in your golf game then I strongly urge you to take the three-round challenge. It is a small commitment but can completely revolutionise your golf game and open your eyes to what’s possible. If you have given it a go I would love to hear about it.

Good golfing,

Cameron

P.S. I managed to win the Winter Trophy which was a nice bonus ;)

What You Can Learn From Tiger

5 comments
Topics: Articles,Golf Instruction

by Cameron

OK, so Tiger has done it again. It was an enthralling US Open that was action and drama packed right to the end. Who would have thought it would take 91 holes for Tiger to beat Rocco Mediate, the 157th ranked player in the world?

My hat goes off to Mediate. If my memory serves me correctly the last time I heard from him (before this week) was when he was commentating on the PGA Tour last year. I think he was injured and provided some special comments to assist those regular commentators who have long ago forgotten anything useful and interesting to say.

Anyway, bad luck to Rocco, he certainly provided some entertainment and I hope it’s not the last time we hear from him. If this week’s form is anything to go by the old boy has plenty to offer.

I’ve been asked many times why Tiger is so good and what separates him from the rest. Before I do that I would like to give you my opinion on the areas I think are myths as to why he is the best player in the world.

He is the hardest worker: This one annoys me. I don’t believe Tiger is the hardest worker on tour. Sure, he practices hard but so do most of the tour players. Vijay Singh is renowned for spending hours beating balls. I’m sure there are others too that would give Tiger a run for his money in terms of hours spent practicing. I don’t think Tiger’s work ethic hurts him, but I don’t think it’s the primary reason why he is at number one.

If practicing long hours was the only requirement for achieving success the world be full of people hitting golf balls all day.

He is the fittest (strongest) athlete: Again, Tiger is fit and strong but is he really the fittest? And if so is that the reason he keeps winning? I don’t think so.

This fittest tag gets thrown around by the media from time to time when they run out of things to say. It’s a bit of a cop out if you ask me. The PGA Tour is full of extremely fit and strong athletes. John Daly is definitely the exception. The fitness trailer get far more action than the 19th hole!

Things certainly have changed from a few years ago. I know amateur golfers here in Melbourne that workout each day and have the build of elite football players.

Again, being fit and strong can’t hurt Tiger’s game, but I don’t think it’s the reason why he’s number one. Also it seems Tiger can know win on one leg. I’d bet that Tiger could beat these guys if he was twice the size, with a sizable beer gut.

He wants “it”more than any other player: This line is a complete cop out. You can’t tell me that Rocco Mediate wanted the US Open any less than Tiger. Every player that’s competing out there wants to win and win badly. Tiger likes to win, but his competitive nature is not the reason why he is able to win so often.

So why is Tiger so good?

My strong opinion is that he is the most automatic and natural sportsman in the world.

Tiger plays every round the same way. He has grooved his thought process so that every shot is treated like the one before it. The more pressure he is put under the more instinctively he plays.

Tiger never plays safe! Never.

My definition of playing safe is being careful, using too much conscious control and letting the pressure of any situation change your natural style. It can seem like the right thing to do, but playing safe almost always leads to failure.

Through years of experience Tiger plays each shot like it was his last. Sounds easy to do but it isn’t. I think it’s human nature to be careful and play safe when put under pressure. Tiger has the ability to play without fear or results of the consequences. This I believe is what makes him so special. The average golfer has trouble letting go and trusting himself to hit his opening tee shot – much easier to tighten up and steer the ball down the fairway. This is something that I’ve never seen Tiger do. Every swing, chip and putt is a flowing action that is free of self-doubt or worry.
The ability to do this cannot be underestimated. Not only does it help him play those incredible shots, it allows him to grind out those rounds where things aren’t going so well. To keep swinging freely when you’re not feeling great and the ball keeps missing the target takes more courage than anything golf can throw at you.

If you want to learn from Tiger Woods then take this three round challenge:

Hit every shot with a free flowing swing. Hit the ball (including putts) without fear or concern of where it’s going. Sure, plan the shot and choose the appropriate club, but once you’re over the ball you can’t worry yourself with self-doubt and fear. Let go and enjoy the experience.

This means that if you have a testing three footer for par you have to walk up and stroke it with confidence. Or, if there’s a difficult tee shot with out of bounds down the left you can’t aim at the right trees and play safe. You must aim for the fairway and pull the trigger. It also means that if you hit your first three tee shots into the trees you can’t analyse and start changing your swing and try and get the ball on the fairway. That’s cheating and isn’t in the rules. You have to hit the fourth tee shot with you most natural swing you can muster.

This sounds easy to do but I can tell you it takes some work. It takes courage, trust and a strong will. Make the decision to take the three round challenge and you won’t be disappointed. I’m willing to bet that you’ll learn more about your game (and character) than any lesson you’ve had in the past. And quite possibly you’ll experience your own version of remarkable golf. Surely you don’t think you can play exactly like Tiger Woods do you? :)

If you lean to adopt this “free from fear” method of playing you can then take better advantage of any fitness gains and competitive spirit that you may possess. You can only get an advantage from these “one percenters” if you can swing (play) without fear.

And finally, I’ve just heard that Tiger is taking the rest of the year off to recover from injury. I’m sure this won’t stop him and he’ll be back next year in the same way that he finished this one. I can’t wait!

Good golfing and good luck. Let me know if you decide to give the challenge a shot.

Cameron

Best golf

0 Comments
Topics: Articles,Golf Instruction

by Cameron

Playing your best golf doesn’t depend on how expensive your golf clubs, what course you play or how lucky you get. These are “one percenters” that have little or no effect on your score…

You will play your best golf if you learn to manage your nerves and anxiety and play without fear or consequences. The best golfers hit the ball first and worry about the result second.

This is not a quick fix or magic tip. It’s a long term commitment that leads to what I call “remarkable golf”. Remarkable golf is worth talking about. The latest quick fix tip in Golf Digest is not.

Think less and play more. You won’t be disappointed.

It's not magic but it's the next best thing…

0 Comments
Topics: Articles,Golf Instruction

by Cameron

I’ve been receiving emails this week asking if natural and automatic learning can work for the respective senders.

Here’s my short answer;

YES!

A more detailed response is;

If you struggle to play consistently then natural learning can help you.

If you yip and stuff up those easy putts and chips then automatic playing can restore your confidence.

If you feel you have more talent and ability but can’t yet show it out on the course (when it really matters) then this is for you.

If you’ve had more lessons then you care to remember but still lack confidence or don’t now what you’re doing then you should take a look.

If you get so nervous on the first tee that you choke and hit terrible shots that destroy your confidence and ruin your round then you MUST learn to automate your game.

If you are continually let down by self-doubt, anxiety and fear then this is for you!

If you want to play better and don’t know how to go about it then this is definitely for you.

If the thought of playing poorly in front of your boss (or someone else) scares you to death then I’ll show you a strategy for overcoming the fear and playing better than you’d think possible.

If you want to naturally and easily hit the ball YOUR maximum distance then you’ll learn to do that too. There’s no gimmicks or special tricks.

If you suffer from aches and pains and what to minimise the stress and strain then automatic learning can assist here too.

If you’re thinking of quitting golf then take a look at automatic learning – it might just get you back on track before the real rot sets in.

If learning to transform your practice swing into your real swing is something you think would help then don’t be shy.

If you play 15 good holes but almost always blow up on the last three holes then the automatic strategy will help you remain confident, relaxed and masterful right to the end.

If you’re sick of quick-tips, miracle cures and all the other BS then I can show you something much more reliable and solid. It really does work!

If you’d like to beat your golfing mate just once! You know? The guy you know you can beat but for some reason you can’t get over the line.

If you’d like to experience something new. If your golf is boring and stagnant then natural learning might give you a spark.

If the thought of playing remarkable shots and golf excites you then you should take a look. Remarkable golf is so much better than good golf. To discover the difference you’ll have to take a peek :)

If you simply want to start playing better and leave your inconsistent, confusing and frustrating game behind then you really should start learning how to playing naturally and automatically – you won’t be disappointed.

If you think that automatic learning can help your golf game then please take a look at my book, Play Golf Your Way It will set you on a path of discovery, fulfillment and enjoyment.

One final word. This process is not magic and a quick fix. It’s far from it. It’s based on real world experience and learning strategies that have been shown to work time after time. It’s not magic but it might just be the next best thing for playing your best golf.

Good golfing,

Cameron

How finding the love of your life can help your golf game

0 Comments
Topics: Articles

by Cameron

Do you want to play better golf? Most golfers that write to me do but the vast majority don’t know how to do it.

First of all let’s define what better golf is.

My simple version is being able to play good golf out on the golf course. For most golfers this will be hitting shots and scoring as well as you do in practice and in non competitive rounds. If you hit the ball well on the practice tee but lose the plot once you step onto the first tee, you haven’t learned how to play the game yet.

If this sounds like you the game will become frustrating (if it isn’t already) and you will feel like you’re not maximising your potential.

What’s the best way to start playing better golf?

Traditional instruction likes to focus solely on the golf swing and in particular golf swing mechanics. Thinking about your swing (especially while you play) is one of the worst things that you can do. Here’s why;

You become attached to your golf swing. You can’t hit a shot without analysing what went right or wrong. Hit a good shot and you’ll try and replicate it. Hit a bad shot and you’ll try and find a remedy. I call this emotional attachment and it doesn’t allow you to play your best golf. It’s also hard and tiring work!

When I ask golfers to describe to me the best shot or round they’ve played invariably they can’t remember HOW they did it. These situations are like magic and only result when you can let go of your attachment to to golf swing. Letting go enables your instinctive learning machine to take over and perform the skill the way nature intended.

Consciously controlling your swing, worrying about what others think, playing safe and thinking too much about mechanics is a form of emotional attachment.

A friend of mine helps men meet and attract women. It’s not as seedy as it sounds. It’s a reputable business that teaches non confident men how to find a partner in a natural and real way. He is a real world version of Hitch and in a silly kind of way golfers face similar problems.

My friend went on to tell me that guys that struggle with dating think too much and over analyse. They will walk up to a lady worried about what everyone is thinking and usually try a cheesy pick up line, thinking that is the right thing to do. It isn’t.

The golf equivalent is thinking that you’re no good and relying on some quick fix tip to help execute the shot. This rarely works either.

Over thinking and emotional attachment seems like the right thing to do but it is holding you back – no matter what you’re trying to achieve.

The solution? I’m not going to offer you dating advice here, but if you want to improve your golf game then I suggest you take my three round challenge.

For the next three games you play allow yourself to swing with freedom and enthusiasm. Hit the ball in a way that feels good to you. Clear you head of technical thoughts and worry. Let go and stop thinking “how do I do it?”. Tee the ball up and hit the stupid ball!

You’ll have to put thoughts of score and results out of your mind. It’s the only way to make a breakthrough but is well worth the effort. I have found that keeping track of your “free” swings is better than keeping score. See if you can make a natural and free swing at least 75% of the time. This is a good aiming point.

Learning to let go of emotional attachment is not a comfortable thing to do. It will feel weired and even a little scary. But it is something that you have to do if you want to experience better golf. Better golf is just the beginning – after ‘better’ comes remarkable and this is something worth aiming for.

Good golfing,

Cameron

The best things about playing automatically…

April 24, 2008

Here’s a list of things that make playing golf more automatically and natural worthwhile; Driving to the course knowing you’re going to play well Focusing on playing golf rather than on golf tips or other gimmicks Playing to your handicap (or better) more of the time Having a strategy to successfully negotiate first tee nerves ... Read More

Read the full article →

Why your routine is more important than your golf swing

April 18, 2008

Many golfers spend so much time worrying about their golf swing technique that they have little or no chance of playing their best golf. Traditional instruction focuses almost exclusively on golf mechanics so it really is not surprising that golfers place a high amount of emotional energy on their golf swing. They don’t know what ... Read More

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries