Great to see your input–love it!
Yes–many golfers feel as you describe–surrender is somehow “wrong” or “weak” yet when looked at from a different perspective we see that this is what so many top performers do–they just might call it “letting go”. Surrender is really a GOOD THING. You stop fighting, overthinking, over worrying and you allow reality to be what it is (which it is anyway, isn’t it?).
Hi Dave,
Really liked the tip today! Have had this happen to me quite a few times on the course but did not look too deeply into cause and effect. Since viewing your tips and words for the day, I am now realizing that the mental aspect is one that I have overlooked. Probably because of the clutter I put the with swing thought and such.
Thanks,Mike
Yes–so many overlook it. One of my “missions” is to “wake up” the golf community to see that the mental game–as I teach it–is actually 100% of your game–and of course I can prove this (as I do everything.
Get this straightened out and your game can change!
I talk about this a lot with Paul–swing thoughts are great but not at the expense of a free golf swing on the course. One of the reasons I like Paul’s teaching style so much is that he’s not caught up in mechanics like so many are. He “gets” it!
Keep growing your game Mike! You’ll see a difference!
Greetings coach A great tip because the very thing happened to me today / I started out great hitting the ball just the way i wanted /four holes in things fell apart/ i tried to adjust but nothing worked/i said something like “ok its not my day and just gave in/ i didnt improve a lot but i felt better just because i gave in to the situation / Thanks coach you have helped greatly to improve my game
In my experience “surrender” is Precisely as you describe it. It is NOT giving up, it is in fact, letting go. Letting go of what? Letting go old thoughts, experiences and beliefs.
It has been often said “the victory is in the surrender.
Surrender, letting go, is really acceptance. Acceptance of the moment.
The pain is in the struggle. I cannot get to a solution (to the present situation)while I am struggling. I am actually denying the moment! I accept the moment and I am FREE to deploy a solution. Which is usually, for me, slooowwwiing down and letting the swing happen vs. making it happen.
Thank you again for bring up “surrender.
Respectfully,
Michael McKone
2 – time National Blind Open Champion
Canadian Blind Open Champion
I am not sure about this is about “Surrender” , but I have experienced that I can do the first 2-3 holes very well with relaxed arms and rhytm in my swing. But after a while it feels that the body take over and automatic ‘hit the ball hard’ again.
I guess this is about focusing. Do you have any tips of how to prevent this ‘body take automatic control’ and swing in a relaxed rhytmic way through the swing ?
The second thing is that I find it often hard to relax the arms and shoulders at the same time the hips and legs should be really driving the shot. Is it only training the body which can ‘automatize’ this or are there a kind of ‘mind-training drills ‘ too in order to achieve this feeling ?
I would suggest that it’s not the “body taking over” to hit the ball hard as much as it is your mind ‘taking over”. Your body is reacting to your thoughts.
You are the thinker—not your body so if you want to experience loose arms—it begins with the mental command to produce that experience. Left to its own “devices” your mind will go to “swing hard now” out of habit—that is all. It’s just a habitual thought.
For “proof”—notice that on the first 3 holes you DO have loose arms. Why? Because you probably focus on it!
To your question 2…
Once again—it begins “upstairs” in the mind.Why can’t your hips and legs be relaxed as well? Power comes through relaxation—not tension. The drill would be one in which you focus on seeing your lower body ad a force of water (like a waterfall)—powerful and without tension—a force on its own quite naturally (or some other image that triggers power and flow). Remember–power results from open flow…NOT from tension and over trying. Look at ANY other discipline (martial arts, yoga, tai chi, boxing, etc.) and you’ll see this is true!
Harold “Harry” here. Two years ago when I was 55 I said I started golfing. I tried before but it was simply ” put a couple six pack” in the bag and let’ s play. I didn’t ever understand handicapping and thought stable ford was the wives club. Now that I am trying to learn and do better I am trying to find an appropriate goal. My handicap for playing is 26, but really who cares? I enjoy the outdoors, the challenge and accept that I don’t rely on golf for sustenance. I just have fun. Am I in the right place at 57? Happy to keep doing the best I can.
Age means nothing. My father was 62 when he first started working with my. In the course of a summer he went from a 14hndcp to shooting 72 and winning the senior even at his club. I worked with him doing practice swings for about 2 months and he came to see me for 3 lessons.
All you have to do is work on the swing positions (as I keep telling everyone) and build a great swing. A great swing will hit great shot. Most people want great shots without a great swing. This will never work.
To do this, you work on grip, setup and follow through positions ONLY until you have them mastered. Mastering these positions alone should get you to about a 14 hdcp or better (no joke) rather quickly.
If I were you I would do a Skype or video lesson with Pete to make sure you are on the right track. This way you are not guessing. At a 26 hdcp, I would think you have not been around golf long enough to know exactly what you should be working on. A small price to pay to save a lot of time and confusion.
Also, make sure you are doing these positions nightly at home in practice swings. It takes a little effort but the payoff is huge. When you go to the course you hit a few balls then back up and do more practice swings than balls you hit. This way you are learning and working on the positions.
I thank my lucky stars every day that I have you as my coach. I enjoy playing and practicing.
Yes a little discouraging to thin, blade , top and slice once in awhile, but I know how to fix it thanks to you. People are astonished when I am happy to hook or fat the shot. At least my club face squared or my arms are fully extended and I didn’t look up too early and waited for the sound or the blur of the club face. Moreover, I’ve even hit some really good draws as a lefty. I even know how accurate Earnie Ells comment was about great shots. He said “it feels like I didn’t do anything”. So I know when my arms are powerless or at least pretty close, the ball goes far and straight and I feel like I didn’t try at all. I practice pitching chipping and putting allot. Hinge and hold and I like long putts and I cannot lie. I went to the local pro (Paul Lorimer) for some help with putting and all we changed was my grip to a reverse interlock. A bit awkward at first but seems to be working. I practice the swing positions as much as I can and this is good to do without ball. Most of the parks over here don’t permit hitting a ball so swinging a club is okay without ball.
So as for feedback to you: “you brought me the joy of the game”. Your crew and you also remind me not to be too hard on myself.
I like your thinking about these bad shots. You are seeing the good in them not the bad.
Obviously, you cannot do these bad shots forever but recognizing what is happening is a good thing.
I like the fact that you are doing practice swings. Just keep trying to master each of the positions:
1. Grip
2. Setup
3. Touch Legs
4. Touch Head Parallel
5. Coil
6. Hinge
Do them in that exact order. Focus on the feedback in each position and realize that you are trying to develop a great looking golf swing (I think you get this). Just keep doing it and mastering it. Once you get these then you can work on takeaway and more of the subtleties of the swing.
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15 Responses to “The Art Of Surrender”
July 11, 2012
ERIABBERASurrender? It used to sound like a dirty word!
Having watched your video, it sounds sweet. Thank you.
July 11, 2012
David BreslowHi,
Great to see your input–love it!
Yes–many golfers feel as you describe–surrender is somehow “wrong” or “weak” yet when looked at from a different perspective we see that this is what so many top performers do–they just might call it “letting go”. Surrender is really a GOOD THING. You stop fighting, overthinking, over worrying and you allow reality to be what it is (which it is anyway, isn’t it?).
July 11, 2012
mikeplummerHi Dave,
Really liked the tip today! Have had this happen to me quite a few times on the course but did not look too deeply into cause and effect. Since viewing your tips and words for the day, I am now realizing that the mental aspect is one that I have overlooked. Probably because of the clutter I put the with swing thought and such.
Thanks,Mike
July 11, 2012
David BreslowHi Mike!
Yes–so many overlook it. One of my “missions” is to “wake up” the golf community to see that the mental game–as I teach it–is actually 100% of your game–and of course I can prove this (as I do everything.
Get this straightened out and your game can change!
Check out: http://www.mentalgolfcoaching.com
and you’ll see what I mean!
I talk about this a lot with Paul–swing thoughts are great but not at the expense of a free golf swing on the course. One of the reasons I like Paul’s teaching style so much is that he’s not caught up in mechanics like so many are. He “gets” it!
Keep growing your game Mike! You’ll see a difference!
September 9, 2014
johnhoyleGreetings coach A great tip because the very thing happened to me today / I started out great hitting the ball just the way i wanted /four holes in things fell apart/ i tried to adjust but nothing worked/i said something like “ok its not my day and just gave in/ i didnt improve a lot but i felt better just because i gave in to the situation / Thanks coach you have helped greatly to improve my game
September 9, 2014
FrancisJordanWhat you say here is right one . Now if I can just get myself to do it consistently(like my golf swing )
September 10, 2014
Paul WilsonFrancis,
This is a reply from David:
Hi Francis,
Consistency is a CHOICE believe it or not!
You certainly can do it more consistently.
September 9, 2014
JohnMcKoneHi Dave,
Great piece on surrender.
In my experience “surrender” is Precisely as you describe it. It is NOT giving up, it is in fact, letting go. Letting go of what? Letting go old thoughts, experiences and beliefs.
It has been often said “the victory is in the surrender.
Surrender, letting go, is really acceptance. Acceptance of the moment.
The pain is in the struggle. I cannot get to a solution (to the present situation)while I am struggling. I am actually denying the moment! I accept the moment and I am FREE to deploy a solution. Which is usually, for me, slooowwwiing down and letting the swing happen vs. making it happen.
Thank you again for bring up “surrender.
Respectfully,
Michael McKone
2 – time National Blind Open Champion
Canadian Blind Open Champion
September 9, 2014
Paul WilsonJohn,
Glad you liked David’s tip. We are having an issue with him replying to people. I’m sure he will see the comment and will appreciate it. Thanks.
September 10, 2014
JohnSteenHi Dave,
I am not sure about this is about “Surrender” , but I have experienced that I can do the first 2-3 holes very well with relaxed arms and rhytm in my swing. But after a while it feels that the body take over and automatic ‘hit the ball hard’ again.
I guess this is about focusing. Do you have any tips of how to prevent this ‘body take automatic control’ and swing in a relaxed rhytmic way through the swing ?
The second thing is that I find it often hard to relax the arms and shoulders at the same time the hips and legs should be really driving the shot. Is it only training the body which can ‘automatize’ this or are there a kind of ‘mind-training drills ‘ too in order to achieve this feeling ?
Regards John
September 10, 2014
Paul WilsonJohn,
This is a reply from David.
Hi John,
I would suggest that it’s not the “body taking over” to hit the ball hard as much as it is your mind ‘taking over”. Your body is reacting to your thoughts.
You are the thinker—not your body so if you want to experience loose arms—it begins with the mental command to produce that experience. Left to its own “devices” your mind will go to “swing hard now” out of habit—that is all. It’s just a habitual thought.
For “proof”—notice that on the first 3 holes you DO have loose arms. Why? Because you probably focus on it!
To your question 2…
Once again—it begins “upstairs” in the mind.Why can’t your hips and legs be relaxed as well? Power comes through relaxation—not tension. The drill would be one in which you focus on seeing your lower body ad a force of water (like a waterfall)—powerful and without tension—a force on its own quite naturally (or some other image that triggers power and flow). Remember–power results from open flow…NOT from tension and over trying. Look at ANY other discipline (martial arts, yoga, tai chi, boxing, etc.) and you’ll see this is true!
September 13, 2014
HaroldBaldockHi Dave,
Harold “Harry” here. Two years ago when I was 55 I said I started golfing. I tried before but it was simply ” put a couple six pack” in the bag and let’ s play. I didn’t ever understand handicapping and thought stable ford was the wives club. Now that I am trying to learn and do better I am trying to find an appropriate goal. My handicap for playing is 26, but really who cares? I enjoy the outdoors, the challenge and accept that I don’t rely on golf for sustenance. I just have fun. Am I in the right place at 57? Happy to keep doing the best I can.
Kind regards
Harry
September 14, 2014
Paul WilsonHarry,
Age means nothing. My father was 62 when he first started working with my. In the course of a summer he went from a 14hndcp to shooting 72 and winning the senior even at his club. I worked with him doing practice swings for about 2 months and he came to see me for 3 lessons.
All you have to do is work on the swing positions (as I keep telling everyone) and build a great swing. A great swing will hit great shot. Most people want great shots without a great swing. This will never work.
To do this, you work on grip, setup and follow through positions ONLY until you have them mastered. Mastering these positions alone should get you to about a 14 hdcp or better (no joke) rather quickly.
Here they are:
Grip
Left Hand: https://ignitiongolf.com/left-hand-grip
Right Hand: https://ignitiongolf.com/right-hand-grip
Setup
Set Up Steps: https://ignitiongolf.com/setup-position
Follow Through
Legs Touching: https://ignitiongolf.com/touch-knees
One Of The Secrets To The Golf Swing: https://ignitiongolf.com/secrets-to-golf-swing/
Spine Angle Follow Through: https://ignitiongolf.com/follow-through-eyes-tilted
If I were you I would do a Skype or video lesson with Pete to make sure you are on the right track. This way you are not guessing. At a 26 hdcp, I would think you have not been around golf long enough to know exactly what you should be working on. A small price to pay to save a lot of time and confusion.
Also, make sure you are doing these positions nightly at home in practice swings. It takes a little effort but the payoff is huge. When you go to the course you hit a few balls then back up and do more practice swings than balls you hit. This way you are learning and working on the positions.
September 17, 2014
HaroldBaldockPaul,
I thank my lucky stars every day that I have you as my coach. I enjoy playing and practicing.
Yes a little discouraging to thin, blade , top and slice once in awhile, but I know how to fix it thanks to you. People are astonished when I am happy to hook or fat the shot. At least my club face squared or my arms are fully extended and I didn’t look up too early and waited for the sound or the blur of the club face. Moreover, I’ve even hit some really good draws as a lefty. I even know how accurate Earnie Ells comment was about great shots. He said “it feels like I didn’t do anything”. So I know when my arms are powerless or at least pretty close, the ball goes far and straight and I feel like I didn’t try at all. I practice pitching chipping and putting allot. Hinge and hold and I like long putts and I cannot lie. I went to the local pro (Paul Lorimer) for some help with putting and all we changed was my grip to a reverse interlock. A bit awkward at first but seems to be working. I practice the swing positions as much as I can and this is good to do without ball. Most of the parks over here don’t permit hitting a ball so swinging a club is okay without ball.
So as for feedback to you: “you brought me the joy of the game”. Your crew and you also remind me not to be too hard on myself.
Many thanks,
Harry
September 17, 2014
Paul WilsonHarry,
Glad I can help. Thanks.
I like your thinking about these bad shots. You are seeing the good in them not the bad.
Obviously, you cannot do these bad shots forever but recognizing what is happening is a good thing.
I like the fact that you are doing practice swings. Just keep trying to master each of the positions:
1. Grip
2. Setup
3. Touch Legs
4. Touch Head Parallel
5. Coil
6. Hinge
Do them in that exact order. Focus on the feedback in each position and realize that you are trying to develop a great looking golf swing (I think you get this). Just keep doing it and mastering it. Once you get these then you can work on takeaway and more of the subtleties of the swing.
Keep at it.