High Performance Golf 5: Use Visualization for More Consistent, Accurate Golf Shots

8 Responses

  1. Jim Merwin says:

    Eric:

    Your brief discussion on how our brains visualize shots clearly demonstrates why it is critical we form a clear picture of our intended target and swing so our athletic brain can understand what we want it to do! In the 50 years I have been studying and playing golf this is the best discussion on this difficult topic I have ever read or seen! We obviously need more instructors who are also PhD’s to help us truly understanding key topics like this.

    Thank you for sharing your insights. You are a great credit to the golf profession!

    Jim

  2. John Feagler says:

    A very good explaination. I can now see this activity with the pros when taking practice swings for difficult lies, etc

  3. Tom P says:

    Eric,
    Hi and you have surprised me once again, first with your great pinpointed instruction, but now after some months have passed, I receive this email of further instruction, when others would have long taken the funds and run, you are still there pitching in.
    Afraid my body’s handicap is raising higher than my game, now gas in my eye from a retinal tear, but still shoot in the 70’s when the eyes are seeing both the same target again…lol I will have no fear. Thanks for Being A Great Instructor but with the added touch of a caring friend..
    Tom

    • Eric Jones, MA, PGA says:

      Hi Tom,
      Thanks for leaving a comment. My goal above all else is to help golfers improve, so I really appreciate hearing from you. Be sure to check out the next newsletter, which will have Part 2 on Visualization. Hang in there!

  4. Dan says:

    Eric, I wasn’t sure how to comment on your latest newsletter article, so I’m using this venue. I just wanted to say that I really appreciated the video on visualization. Your description of the “three brains” and how they work together is easy to understand. I know when I step up to a shot and visualize where I want the ball to go, and if I can clear my mind of all chatter, the ball usually goes to my target. It’s an enjoyable way to play golf. You began your talk referencing Jack Nicholas, and the other day at my golf lesson (from a man you may know… Pat Carroll in Sacramento) my instructor told me about how Jack visualized his shots, especially through the swing and staying in the swing… allowing the ball to stay longer on the clubface and having more control over the direction of the shot. The technique of course is learned, but it’s the rehearsal and visualization that allows you to successfully implement what you have practiced. Thanks again for the instruction on “see it, feel it, do it.” We would all play better golf if we could incorporate this concept into our games.

    • Eric Jones, MA, PGA says:

      Hi Dan,
      Thanks much for your comment. I’m always glad to hear of other teaching pros talking about the importance of visualization, and not just mechanics all the time. Visualization is one of the highest level playing skills. By that I’m not saying that you have to be a better player to benefit from visualization. What I mean is that no matter what level player you are, using visualization will help you play at the highest level of your playing abilities. I encourage you to keep at it!

  5. John Lundsten says:

    This is powerful stuff; I can’t wait to try it on the course. It seems it should work particularly well for putting. I have heard that our performing (athletic) brain does not understand the word “don’t” so when your thinking brain says “don’t hit it in the water” the performing brain understands everything but “don’t” and performs exactly as it thinks it is being directed and hits the ball in the water. This makes some sense to me because any physical movement is a positive action, the body changing from stasis to movement or vice-versa.

    I really appreciate your in depth analysis of the mental aspects of golf. Thank you.

    • Eric Jones, MA, PGA says:

      Hi John,
      Thanks for the comment. You are exactly right on what the Athletic brain “doesn’t hear.” It doesn’t understand language, so “don’t go …” won’t register. Just the image. So one of the keys is to create an image of what you DO want. And yes, the visualization works equally well for putting! See every shot drop into the cup.