Ok, this actually helped me shave major shots from my handicap...

Golf is not just a game of swings; it's a complex dance of mental and physical coordination. In this episode, we dive deep into the interplay of structured practice and performance, exploring how golfers can enhance their game by focusing inward during practice and outward while playing. I share insights from my experiences with exceptional coaches, emphasising that improvement often requires a shift in mindset.

Our discussion includes practical tips on how to approach practice sessions with intention, breaking down our swings into manageable parts, and gradually building up to full speed. We discuss the significance of visualisation and feel, drawing parallels between golf and other skills like playing guitar.

By the end of the episode, you can walk away with actionable strategies to incorporate into your practice routines

Takeaways:

1. Structured practice is essential for improvement; just hitting balls won’t lead to progress.
2. Inwardly focused practice helps retrain motor patterns, crucial for long-term golf skill enhancement.
3. Focus on exaggerating feelings during practice to better translate them into full swings.
4. Changing neural pathways takes time; slow practice is necessary to develop new habits.

If you enjoyed the episode, tell a friend please or leave us a review - thank you!

A North of Par Production

https://www.northofpar.co.uk

Golf is a game that often feels like a dance between data and intuition, especially when it comes to perfecting our short game. In this episode of Clubhouse Blues, I’m flying solo, taking you through my journey of balancing hard facts against the instinctual feel that every golfer knows is crucial.

As a self-proclaimed data nerd, I’ve learned through personal experience how leveraging statistics, particularly through my own wedge matrix, can reveal insights that can drastically improve our performance on the greens. However, my journey has also taught me about the perils of overthinking.

When we get too caught up in the numbers, it can lead to paralysis rather than progress. Through relatable anecdotes, I illustrate the importance of recognizing when to let go of data and embrace the feel of the game.

Throughout the episode, I share my story of going from a 22 handicap to my current 12.3, largely due to focusing on my short game and keeping my drives under control. But the heart of the conversation lies in understanding how to effectively use data while not losing sight of the intuitive aspects of our swings.

I delve into the concept of the wedge matrix, explaining how categorizing my shots across various wedges gave me clarity and confidence on the course. Yet, as I recount my struggles with short chips and delicate shots, I emphasise the necessity of trusting ourselves and feeling our way through those tricky moments.

After all, golf should be fun, and it’s about enjoying the experience rather than getting bogged down by the technicalities. As we wrap up, I provide practical strategies for integrating both data and feel into your own game. From choosing the right club for the job to focusing on a specific landing spot, I want listeners to leave with a tangible understanding of how to improve their performance. This episode is more than just golf tips; it’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, navigating the highs and lows of the game.

So, whether you’re a fellow data nerd or someone who plays purely by feel, I encourage you to join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s work together to overcome those clubhouse blues and enjoy every round we play.

If you enjoyed the episode, tell a friend please or leave us a review - thank you!

A North of Par Production

https://www.northofpar.co.uk

Today, we’re diving into a tee box strategy that has completely transformed my game. It’s so straightforward that I felt like a total moron for not thinking of it sooner!

By focusing on where to tee up based on the course conditions and my own abilities, I’ve managed to keep more balls in play and significantly lower my handicap.

We all know golf can be a rollercoaster of emotions, swinging from pure joy to frustration, but implementing this strategy has helped me score better and enjoy the game even more.

So, let’s break down how a little common sense can lead to fewer penalties and more birdies, making our rounds more enjoyable and, dare I say, a bit more successful.

Takeaways:

1. The tee box strategy is crucial for keeping the ball in play and avoiding penalties, which can significantly improve your game.
2. Choosing the right tee position based on hole conditions can help you avoid nightmare shots and set up better second shots.
3. It's not about hitting fairways perfectly; it's about making smart decisions to keep the ball in play and score well.
4. Aiming for specific targets on the course rather than just aiming for the fairway can help mitigate your bad shots and improve your overall strategy.
5. Understanding your own swing tendencies and how to play to your strengths can lead to a more enjoyable and successful round of golf.
6. Taking a moment to plan your shots and think through your options can save you strokes and help you enjoy the game more.

If you enjoyed the episode, tell a friend please or leave us a review - thank you!

A North of Par Production

https://www.northofpar.co.uk

We’re kicking off our inaugural episode of Clubhouse Blues with a deep dive into the world of golf simulators and how they can really impact our game. We’re both on a journey to lower our handicaps—I'm aiming for that elusive single digit, while Kieran is hoping to break into the teens. It’s all about finding that balance between practice and fun, right? We share our experiences with simulators, discuss the importance of structured practice, and how using data can help us improve our swings and overall performance on the course. So grab your clubs and join us for a laugh as we navigate the ups and downs of this frustrating yet rewarding game we love.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. northofpar.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. North of Par
2. Foresight Sports
3. Bushnell
4. Top Tracer
5. Trackman
6. Rapsodo
7. Zen Golf

If you enjoyed the episode, tell a friend please or leave us a review - thank you!

A North of Par Production

https://www.northofpar.co.uk

Get ready to dive into the world of golf with us on Clubhouse Blues, where we tackle the hilarious and sometimes absurd journey of getting better at this game we’re all addicted to. Our mission?

To serve up anecdotes, tips, and our very own screw-ups along the way, making your golf experience a little richer and a lot more entertaining. We’ll share our passion for golf, highlight some incredible interviews, and maybe even take you along on our adventures—whether that’s in the studio or out on the course.

So, whether you’re driving, doing housework, or practicing at the range, we promise to keep you company with engaging content.

Join us as we embrace our golf obsessions and help you avoid those inevitable Clubhouse Blues!

A North of Par Production

https://www.northofpar.co.uk