Golf is a much simpler game than most people think.

Why?  There is really only one thing to focus on – the target.  Good golfers focus their eyes and minds on their target, and then swing the club to reach it. 

Young children seem to "get" this more naturally than we adults do.  Unfortunately, most golfers step up to the ball with so many conflicting thoughts and images they can’t even see a target, much less focus on it.

Sound familiar?  Well, you’re not alone.  Many unhappy golfers come to me so confused it’s no wonder they don’t enjoy the game.  Fear, tension, “do’s” and “don’ts” cloud their minds so badly they’re paralyzed before they ever swing the club.  Instead of having a single focus, they have a mind full of competing distractions.

What’s my philosophy?  I believe playing golf successfully requires two things:  Intention and awareness. 

What is your intent?  A lot of golfers will say, “I don’t want to whiff the ball” “I don’t want to embarrass myself” “I don’t want to land in the water.”  These are negative intentions.  They are playing golf by fear of the outcome.

A more positive approach would be, “I’d like to land my ball to the right of the tree, 100 yards from the green.” 

Are you fully aware of the golf shot in front of you or are you distracted by doubts and fears?  Think of it this way:  When you get in your car to drive to the store, do you focus on how to work the pedals?  Are you consumed with all the terrible outcomes you might have in traffic?  Or do you concentrate on where you are going and what route you must take to get there?  It’s the same in golf.

Of course, good technique is crucial.  I teach my students how to properly execute every golf shot, taking into consideration their individual physical attributes.  Since most of the game is played from 100 yards in, I pay a great deal of attention to the short game.  Learning skills on a smaller scale makes it easier to transfer them to the full swing and driver.   

When I teach specific golf skills, I break concepts into small chunks.  I use short, clear instructions, and tailor my lessons to each student’s abilities.  I use analogies and images that are easy to understand.  My students bring a small notebook to their lessons so they can write down what they’ve learned.  Putting ideas into their own words gives them ownership and makes it more likely they will remember them. 

Above all, I know that I, too, am always learning.  I’m fascinated by the study of human potential and how people achieve, and I work constantly to convey this knowledge to my students.