On Saturday last, it was cold. Not like Siberia cold, but cold for Hawkes Bay. An eerie layer of ice blanketed the course. Mist had formed. Hawkes Bay Golf Club was a busy little haven with the mid-winter Christmas tournament on. The players would be off at 10:30 sharp.
I watched as many belted balls on the range, searching for the perfect swing. I watched as the chipping/pitching green remained largely empty. I wondered, “what will save more shots?”
It occurred to me in that moment that golfers, as a group, aren’t aware how to play golf. That may seem like the dumbest fucking thing anyone has ever said, but…
Golfers tend to think a swing – a perfect swing – will arrest poor scores. “If I could just hit a draw!” “My short game is good, I just need more distance.”
What followed were my greatest three lessons I have ever given. And, I have been at this for two decades.
The first two had no technical babble at all. Like, none. At all. The third had a little but only because it was absolutely necessary.
What made these lessons so great from my point of view?
The players all proclaimed, “wow” or words to that effect. Ball flight, contact, direction all helped greatly by providing a simple formula to each shot, including short game.
Anyway, I was very pleased with myself and for the golfers too. However, what’s even greater is that all of us can get better. That’s exciting. I can give better lessons and the golfers can play better shots and better golf.
Oh, you want to know what the formula was? Soon my good people, soon.
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