Carmel Magazine

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT B Y D A N PA S Q U A R I E L L O A N D L A I R D S M A L L o matter their skill level or experience, all golfers ask questions like, "How do I become a better player?" or "How can I be more consistent?" One of the fun parts of the golf game is that there is always the ability to improve, thereby max- imizing the enjoyment to be had on the golf course. Before you get into any specific drill or practice plans, remember that there is no miracle-diet pill in golf. If you are struggling to break 90, you're not going to shoot in the 80s overnight. Golfers improve incrementally, by winning the little bat- tles on the course that might seem small in the big picture but eventually add up and make the difference in the long run. If you follow sports, you are certainly familiar with Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. When Carroll was hired by USC in December 2000, he took over a declining program that was coming off three disap- pointing seasons. The Trojans' turnover ratio was one of the worst in the coun- try, so Carroll made it a point to address the team's ball security woes from the outset. His mantra during his first season was, "Everything is about the ball." The goal was relatively simple: don't turn the ball over—and after a slow 2- 5 start, his team went 67–7 over the next 74 games, winning 34 consecu- tive games at one point on the way to two NCAA national championships. The key: accomplishing the small goals leads to the larger goal: winning. It all started with one win for Carroll and USC: that win being the turnover battle each and every game. In contrast, most golfers think of "winning" in terms of the number they shoot on the scorecard, which can impede their progress. They may play a good round of golf and accomplish several firsts, but if they don't break 80 or shoot their target score, they consider their round a failure. These failures add up over time, not only in making the game less enjoyable, but creating a negative and stressful envi- ronment that is not conducive to learning and improving. Every golfer must define the meaning of a win. It might be as simple as getting past your nerves and hitting your first tee shot at Pebble Beach Golf Links in play, getting out of a bunker in one shot, or following up one good shot with another for several holes. Maybe it's hitting a draw around the corner on a dogleg-left par 4. These are all little wins, but by accumulating these victories over time, you'll stay motivated and want to continue to practice and improve. Like USC, achieving the smaller goal leads to accomplishing the ultimate goal! Here are some of our top suggestions on how to approach becom- ing a better player and achieving the smaller goals: 1. Take inventory of your game: Determine where you are wasting most of your shots. Once these weak spots have been identified, you can work to fix them with the help of your PGA or LPGA teaching professional, improving your game as a result. 2. Take a playing lesson with your golf professional: A playing lesson will add a little stress to your game, and you will be able to see where you fall down under pressure. With the help of your golf coach, you can create a plan to improve the execution of your shots when the heat is on. 3. Practice your short game: More than half of all shots occur inside 50 yards of the green. When you practice, hit pitch shots to a specific target on the green to learn how far a certain swing hits the ball and pay atten- tion to the trajectory and run out. Record this information to track your short game discoveries over time. 4. Stretch your body: Your body's physical limitations can often prevent improvement. A good stretching regimen will help prepare your muscles for top performance on the course. 5. Survey your equipment: Ensure that your bag is stocked with the right tools for success. Consider a custom fitting on your golf club set makeup, grips, type of golf balls, and more. All of these items can be tai- lored to your game. 6. Fuel your body: Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods on the course are essential to performing at your peak for a full 18 holes. Keep a water bottle and a good snack with you while you play to sustain endurance. Give these ideas a try and visit us at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy for more game improvement tips. Golf is a game we play for a lifetime, and we encourage you to be a lifelong learner. Make golf fitness a priority for the 2015 golf season. If you would like to schedule your own TPI fitness evaluation and AMM bio-mechanic session, and learn how to maximize efficiency and achieve peak performance for your best game yet, contact the Pebble Beach Golf Academy & Practice Facility at 831/622-8650. 122 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5 Small Steps Lead Up to Big Gains N

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