[Hennybogan]

HB,
I think you have it the nail on the head. I think I have not gotten over my overplane swing issues enough to be comfortable on the course. It seems I always revert back to bad habits. I need to keep grinding and working on what Lynn, Ted, and Jeff taught me at Falcons fire and learn to trust it on the course. I also think I could greatly help myself if I could learn to carry the same mentality on my full swing as I do my putter. When I am on the greens I have no swing thoughts, I am very much a feel putter. I just make the putt in my mind, then let my body execute. Of course, a putting stroke is much easier to execute than a full swing. I need tips on how to play and think on the course like a good feel player does. When I am hitting full shots on the course I am so wrapped up in the mechanics and my own swing thoughts I rarely think much about the target or visualizing the shot.
Bucket and I are going to get together for a day at the course in the next couple of weeks. I think it will be eye-opening to have him evaluate me on the range, and then see what happens on the course.

8cork,

OK. You have had lessons from the A-Team. You talk to Bucket on the phone, so you be gaining in knowledge. You understand the "process" because you use it with your short game and putter. And you are shooting good scores.

We need to find a way to help you transition from playing golfswing to playing golf. It's easy for me to say just think like you do when you putt. It really will end up like that, but it is too big a jump for you right away.

So, for a start, lets cut down on the mechanical thoughts. One swing thought. Pick one. Make it very simple. Like get to your finish. Complete your backswing (might be a good one for you).

Preshot. Again simple. Do your yardage. Go with your first instinct. First thought is seven, hit seven. Do a few practice swings with your swing thought. Do it at your pace, but send that ball away without delay.

Practicing like a pro. They do what we all do in trying to tweak their swings and get that magic feel. Then they work on shutting off the brain and reacting to the target. On the range, get your pattern going and then play a little golf. Picture real shots on the course and try to hit them. Play three or four holes. Hit the tee shot. Change clubs. Hit the iron shot. Don't worry about the chip if you miss. You already have that. Don't drag another ball over if you miss. Go on to the next hole.

For a large part of your practice, you need to behave like you want to behave on the course. It may seem slow and inefficient to practice this way, but the practice will be more valuable.

On game day. When you warm up. Make sure you have plenty of time. Be organized in your mind. Be poised. Get your body loose. Hit some shots with your swing thought. As you get into your pattern, make it more like the course. Lock in on the target. Try to hit the 100 yd. marker. Picture a fairway and hit your driver into it. Pretend there is trouble on one side and room on the other. Hit to the safe side.

Let me know

HB