It’s Coming. SPRING. Are you Ready?

by Erin Szekely

As I sit here writing this article the rain continues to fall.  Ah, Spring, where are you?  We are hearty souls here in the Northwest, but there is a limit.  I suppose we shouldn’t complain as most of the country has been in a deep freeze all winter.  But about this time of the year we do start getting anxious to get out there to play.

You know, golf really is an amazing game that feeds all of our senses.  It is so great to be out in the sunshine, walking on the green grass, being with our friends and challenging ourselves to do better.  Could it be any more fun?  Well, I suppose if we were improving from year to year, that would be cool too. 

So, are you? Improving, that is?  If not, why not?  Is it your equipment, your attitude or your instruction that is holding you back?  I know a lot of golfers won’t see an instructor because they are afraid they are going to take a step back in their progress. But if that is the case, they are going to the wrong instructor.  Find someone who will teach you what to do with the club, not what to do with the body, and will work with the skills you have.  Sounds easy, but you really do need to do your homework.  It’s worth it. And now, according to a study conducted by Dr. Gabriele Wulf, Department of Kinesiology at the University of Nevada, there is scientific evidence that those who are taught what to do with the body and those who are given no instruction at all, fare about the same, whereas those who are told what to do with the club do 33% better.  This study and others have shown that an “external focus of attention enhances golf shot accuracy in beginners and experts”, as opposed to internal focus on the body. 

So after you have found a great instructor, take a look at your equipment.  Technology has changed dramatically and having the right clubs can make a huge difference.  This is especially true for women who generally inherit their husband’s cast-offs.  Ladies, when you buy your equipment, don’t just purchase “women’s clubs”.  More often than not, they are too light and the shafts have too much flex.  A men’s club with a senior flex might be better for you.  Experiment a bit and don’t feel pressured. 

Next, get fit, flexible and adopt a great attitude for the new season.  There is so much out there to help you with this.  I’ve been doing Pilates, walking and working with my Wii Fit program, which has tons of fun things to do.  So much fun that it doesn’t feel like you are working at all.  Yoga is another great way to stay in shape, gain flexibility, and calm your mind. So find something that works for you and do it.

With all the stress that we have to deal with, take a moment, slow down, and enjoy your time on the links while getting plenty of vitamin D. 

A quick thank you to Ken Kubitz, my instructor, for all his help and encouragement and introducing me to Manuel de la Torre.

Have fun out there and keep swinging. Erin Szekely is an LPGA teaching professional. For more information, please visit www.golfingwitherin.com or call 425-398-0443.