How Watching the PGA Tour Can Elevate Your Golf Game

For the average golfer, improving their game can often feel like a daunting task. Between juggling work, family, and other commitments, finding time for practice and lessons can be challenging. However, an often-overlooked resource for improvement is right in front of them: watching the PGA Tour. This week, it is the US Open at Pinehurst, it will be a difficult task for all the players and caddies. Here’s how tuning in to professional golf tournaments can help you elevate your game.

1. Learning from the Best

When you watch the PGA Tour, you’re seeing the best golfers in the world in action. Observing their techniques, swings, and strategies can be incredibly educational. Pay attention to how pros handle different situations on the course. Notice their setup, grip, stance, and alignment. These fundamentals are crucial for any golfer, and watching professionals can help reinforce proper techniques.

For instance, notice how Rory McIlroy sets up his drives or how Jordan Spieth approaches his putts. Notice their eyes, notice their mannerisms, and see what common traits pros seem to have, usually those are ones to model your own game after. Take those mental notes and try to incorporate similar methods into your practice routine. Even subtle changes can make a significant difference in your game.

2. Course Management and Strategy

One of the most critical aspects of golf is course management—knowing when to play aggressively and when to play it safe. The PGA Tour (and LIV?) provides a masterclass in strategic thinking. Watch how pros and their caddies navigate the course, especially during challenging conditions. They often opt for less risky shots to avoid trouble and save strokes, rather than always going for the pin.

Learning to think strategically about your own game can lead to better decision-making on the course. For example, if you often find yourself in trouble by trying to hit long, risky shots, watching how pros manage their game can teach you the value of playing smart.

3. Mental Toughness

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The pressure of performing in front of large crowds and under intense competition can be immense. Watching how PGA Tour players maintain their composure and focus can be inspiring and educational. Notice how they handle setbacks, stay calm under pressure, and recover from bad shots.

This mental toughness is something that average golfers can develop. Learning to stay positive or neutral in your thoughts and focused, regardless of how your round is going, can lead to better performance. Try to adopt the same mental strategies you observe in the pros, such as deep breathing techniques or visualization, Jason Day is a good one for this.

4. Understanding the Rules and Etiquette

Watching the PGA Tour also provides a great opportunity to learn more about the rules and etiquette of golf. Professional golfers adhere to strict rules and demonstrate excellent sportsmanship. Understanding these aspects of the game can enhance your own experience and make you a more knowledgeable and respectful player.

For example, notice how pros handle rules infractions or how they conduct themselves when waiting for their turn. This awareness can help you become a more considerate and informed golfer.

5. Inspiration and Motivation

Finally, watching the PGA Tour can be incredibly motivating. Seeing the dedication, skill, and perseverance of professional golfers can inspire you to put more effort into your own game. It can remind you why you love golf and reignite your passion for improvement.

Set small, achievable goals based on what you observe. Whether it’s improving your short game, increasing driving accuracy, or simply having a better attitude on the course, use the pros as motivation to keep pushing forward.

 

– Coach Dan

/by

Raising a Young Golfer: A Guide for Parents

Parenting young athletes, especially golfers, involves a delicate balance of support and guidance. Unlike other sports, golf tournaments rarely remind parents to keep their cool. Growing up playing hockey, I often saw rinks filled with signs like “It’s just a game” or “Let them play.” Although such reminders aren’t posted at golf tournaments, it’s crucial for parents, often acting as their child’s caddy, to foster a positive and effective environment for their budding golfer.

One common mistake is over-coaching. Many parents fall into the trap of giving too much technical advice during the game. If your child is already receiving professional lessons, they have specific techniques and mindsets they’re working on. Bombarding them with additional instructions can overwhelm them and disrupt their focus. Think about Tiger Woods in 2005: if his caddy had overloaded him with advice before his crucial putt, he likely wouldn’t have made it. The key is to keep things simple and focused, aligning with the practices of respected coaches.

Negative criticism is another pitfall. Scolding a child for a poor shot, like telling them they left the club face open, only adds pressure. Instead, parents should aim to alleviate stress by focusing on the next shot. Maintaining a neutral mindset, as described in Trevor Moawad’s book “It Takes What It Takes,” can be very effective. This approach involves staying present and objective, avoiding dwelling on past mistakes or unrealistically positive thinking. For example, after a challenging putt, a parent might say, “We have a long putt ahead on fast greens. What’s your read?” This keeps the child focused and prepared. Although it’s easier said than done, we can at least try.

During a tee shot, the thoughts you convey to your child should center on the start line and visualizing the ball flight. Professional caddies provide factual, non-opinionated information, allowing the player to make the best decision. This includes details like yardages, wind, and possible landing spots. Bob Rotella, a renowned sports psychologist, praises the idea of a blank mind. As hard as it may seem, a clear mind allows golfers to focus on where they want the ball to go and hit the shot.

In summary, the role of a parent in their child’s golf journey is to offer support, maintain simplicity in guidance, and encourage a neutral, forward-thinking mindset. This creates a positive environment that nurtures the child’s development and love for the game. In my lessons, I aim to educate parents of juniors if they need it or if they ask. It truly doesn’t matter what the lesson contents are if they are contradicted or overshadowed by external pressure. If you kill their love for the game, they are less likely to put their best foot forward and make an effort to improve.

 

-Coach Dan

/by

The Long Term Game

Golf isn’t just about the perfect swing or a low score; it’s a journey that demands more from young golfers aspiring to play at collegiate or professional levels. To excel, it’s important to look beyond immediate results and focus on building character and adopting a mindset that embraces growth and long-term thinking. Insights from Dr. Carol Dweck’s “Mindset” and Simon Sinek’s “The Infinite Game” offer invaluable guidance on this journey.

Dr. Carol Dweck’s “Mindset” explores the powerful impact of adopting a growth mindset. This mindset, which is all about believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, is crucial for young golfers. It fosters resilience and a love for learning—two qualities essential for navigating the ups and downs of a golfing career. Take Michael Jordan, for instance. He wasn’t initially the best player on his high school basketball team, but his growth mindset propelled him to continually improve, embrace challenges, and persist through setbacks. For young golfers, the lesson here is clear: rather than obsessing over current skill levels or scores, consistent improvement and learning from every round, every swing, is key.

Simon Sinek’s “The Infinite Game” introduces the idea of playing with an infinite mindset—seeing success as a continuous journey rather than a finite goal. This perspective is particularly relevant in golf, a sport that demands mental fortitude and embraces unpredictability. Key elements from Sinek’s philosophy can be game-changers for young golfers. Having a “Just Cause” can be a powerful motivator. Whether it’s representing their communities, inspiring others, or simply pursuing the pure joy of the game, having a higher purpose can drive them through tough times.

But let’s not forget the importance of character in this mix. Traits such as patience, self-confidence, discipline, and many others are not just the hallmarks of a good golfer but of a well-rounded individual. Golf teaches patience like few other sports can. It’s about maintaining composure during a bad round and thoughtfully planning what to do next. Self-confidence is built through a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to grow rather than threats to self-worth. Discipline, which is all about consistent practice and adherence to technique, translates to other areas of life, fostering a well-rounded individual. Additionally, traits like perseverance, humility, and integrity are equally important. Perseverance helps golfers push through difficult times, humility keeps them grounded, and integrity ensures they play the game with honor.

The foundation for becoming a great golfer often starts at home. How young golfers are fostered in their daily lives plays a crucial role in their development. Are they making their bed every morning, showing discipline? Are they saying thank you and demonstrating gratitude? Are they being praised for their effort rather than just the outcome? These small acts of character at home build the traits that help them thrive on the course. Respect, kindness, and responsibility are also cultivated in the family environment. Respect for others and the game, kindness in interactions, and a sense of responsibility in their actions contribute significantly to their growth as complete individuals.

Being a better player develops from being a better human being in everyday life. This infinite mindset approach ensures that young golfers are not only technically proficient but also mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges ahead. Excelling at a collegiate or professional level isn’t just about perfecting their swing. By embracing a growth mindset, as highlighted by Dr. Carol Dweck, and adopting an infinite mindset, as advocated by Simon Sinek, young golfers can cultivate resilience, patience, self-confidence, discipline, and other crucial traits. Ultimately, these qualities will make them not only better golfers but also complete individuals, ready to face life’s challenges both on and off the course.

-Coach Mai

/by