Mastering The Golf Swing

Written by Stephen Outram

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I often get asked questions about the golf concepts and ideas in my book, There’s No Sex In Golf! Here’s one from golfer Ian Attard.

“I find it interesting that you mention giving up practice in order to improve. What makes golf so different from any other physical sport requiring at least 10,000 hours of practice to master?”

I acknowledge there is a point-of-view that it takes some 10,000 hours to achieve mastery. My question to you is, “Is that true for you?”

I’ve observed over three-generations of my family that Mum and Dad still struggle to use a computer, while it was much easier for me and my sister’s two boys were using one by about age five. Just because 10,000 hours is considered normal, doesn’t mean you have to be normal. If you were willing to be extraordinary, could you master golf in less time? I have also heard it said that only when you have mastered the violin can you truly play the music and there is some truth in that. Initially the focus is to try and perfect technique – the mechanics of using the instrument – and hopefully this becomes so easy and effortless that the musician can then begin to play music. While the instrument is a vehicle to playing, the idea of mastering it can sometimes get in the way.

Mastering the golf-swing over 10,000 hours requires hard work, dedication and persistence. It can result in you have a great swing and … would you be willing to consider something else? Something called … contribution.

You see, the golf-swing already exists. It was around long before you came along and will be here long after you’re gone. All golfers simply borrow the swing, customise it and use it to create the game they play. Hackers contribute force, frustration and often anger. Champion golfers contribute to the swing by giving it elegance, grace and power; they allow it to be a beautiful thing that is a joy to watch.

Check out this clip of Tiger Woods in action. It’s called “Tiger Woods Swing Portrait.” His swing is a work of art.

Here’s a question you may like to ask, often.

“What can I contribute to the golf-swing that would allow it to master me?”

In the book I mention giving up practise in favour of playing. I didn’t say you would not be down at the driving range, chipping or putting green. What if the time you spent hitting balls came from the energy of curiosity, change and fun?

At the golf-club I play, I often see a group of young boys hitting balls at the driving range; except they’re not just hitting balls. They are having a great time as they laugh and chat and smack another one off the tee. For them golf is a game; it’s exciting and they play with it. It’s fun just to watch them and enjoy the energy they function from. Sometimes they swing to top-the-ball … just to see if they can. And other times they will peel-off a gorgeous drive that gently draws, runs and bumps into the back fence. Is that practising or simply playing with golf?

Thanks for the question Ian.

Chapter Ref: What’s Your Approach?/Practice. Page 118 of There’s No Sex In Golf!