There are a number of ways to learn the game. The first step is to choose a model. This involves emulating expert golfers not only in mannerisms and swing motions, but also breaking the golf swing down into manageable parts, finding the perfect model for each and then copying that model perfectly until it becomes ingrained as a habit. By taking lessons, the model can be presented to you piece by piece. Each model must be practiced until a functional swing is built. From there, a golfer learning to manage their swing and themselves on the course becomes the challenge.

​

Modeling

Human beings are experts at modeling. A young child watches closely how its mother reacts in a certain situation and copies that behavior. If the situation occurs often enough, the behavior becomes a habit. Learning is a combination of nature, the potentials we are born with, and nurture, the experiences that shape our lives. We all have the potential to play better golf; that is the nature part. The question is how well do we organize our experiences so that our learning is efficient and rapid. That is the nurture part, the part that is under your control. Few golfers get to be low handicappers without some form of professional help, especially if they start as adults. There is no need for a perfect swing but there are a few fundamental concepts needed for improvement. Without these basic concepts, golf is a difficult game. With good fundamentals, a repeatable swing can be achieved with consistent results and direction towards improvement the reward.

 

Learning Styles

Our learning style is developed over time and is based on many things – who we are, where we are, how we see ourselves, what we pay attention to, what people ask or expect of us.

How people learn is based on how they perceive and process information. Some like to see (VISUAL), some like to hear (VERBAL) and some like to feel (KINESTHETIC).

Not one style is exclusively used, but there is a preference. Left or right brain learning preference influences all of these learning styles. The left side of the brain works with words and numbers, while the right side works with pictures, feels and concepts. Learners will either be left or right brain dominant or have either a preference for words or pictures when they are learning. We need both types of information to make progress, but there is normally a preference that is considered for optimal learning.

Humans sense and feel. We experience, watch, reflect, think and develop theories. We try out the theories, then evaluate and manufacture what we have taken in. Humans apply from experience to experience, then learn and get smarter.

 

Motor Learning

Motor learning is a set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes in the capability for movement.

​

Motor Learning:

• Is a set of processes

• Learning produces a quirked capability for the movement (habit)

• Motor learning is not directly observable

• Motor learning is relatively permanent

 

The golf swing must become a learned habit that is stored in the brain. Once stored, the nervous system transmits the golf swing from the brain to the muscles.

​

In order for a player to learn a golf skill, three stages are reached.

 

Conceptualization Stage

• Golfer is attempting to gain an understanding of newly introduced positions or movements.

 

Acquisition Stage

• The stage where the learner develops skill.

• PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

 

Transfer Stage

• Taking the newly learned skill from the practice tee to the golf course.

 

If you need help with this or any other golfing matter contact me at: rob

 

by Robert Toshack

Director of Golf

Long Shotz Driving Range & Golf Academy

“Practice does not make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect” a wise golfer once said and it could not have been truer. Beating balls with no specific intent is not only wasteful but could be damaging to your game. Following the suggestions below will allow for effectual practice and maximum gratification.    

 

• Stretch and warm up before starting.

 

• Tee all shots.

 

• Always use clubs for alignment and ball position.

 

• Have a plan for each session.

 

• Keep a journal.

 

• Limited each session to 45 minutes, then take a break.

 

• Stay refreshed. Drink lots of water

 

• Do not practice in a crosswind.

 

• Practice short game as much as long game.

 

• Stay focused. Avoid distractions.

 

• If it is not working, go back to square one or leave.

 

• If you cannot do it on your own, ask your instructor for help.

 

• Do not listen to the golfer who is two shots better than you are, and definitely not to the golfer, who is, two shots worse.

 

Remember, when your playing well, you think you will never play badly again, and when you play badly, you are sure you will never play well again. Neither is true but if you practice correctly, you will keep your “good” rounds longer. 

  

If you need help with this or any other golfing matter contact me at: rob@longshotz.ca

 

by Robert Toshack

Director of Golf

Long Shotz Driving Range & Golf Academy

There are a number of ways to learn the game. The first step is to choose a model. This involves emulating expert golfers not only in mannerisms and swing motions, but also breaking the golf swing down into manageable parts, finding the perfect model for each and then copying that model perfectly until it becomes ingrained as a habit. By taking lessons, the model can be presented to you piece by piece. Each model must be practiced until a functional swing is built. From there, a golfer learning to manage their swing and themselves on the course becomes the challenge.

​

Modeling

Human beings are experts at modeling. A young child watches closely how its mother reacts in a certain situation and copies that behavior. If the situation occurs often enough, the behavior becomes a habit. Learning is a combination of nature, the potentials we are born with, and nurture, the experiences that shape our lives. We all have the potential to play better golf; that is the nature part. The question is how well do we organize our experiences so that our learning is efficient and rapid. That is the nurture part, the part that is under your control. Few golfers get to be low handicappers without some form of professional help, especially if they start as adults. There is no need for a perfect swing but there are a few fundamental concepts needed for improvement. Without these basic concepts, golf is a difficult game. With good fundamentals, a repeatable swing can be achieved with consistent results and direction towards improvement the reward.

 

Learning Styles

Our learning style is developed over time and is based on many things – who we are, where we are, how we see ourselves, what we pay attention to, what people ask or expect of us.

How people learn is based on how they perceive and process information. Some like to see (VISUAL), some like to hear (VERBAL) and some like to feel (KINESTHETIC).

Not one style is exclusively used, but there is a preference. Left or right brain learning preference influences all of these learning styles. The left side of the brain works with words and numbers, while the right side works with pictures, feels and concepts. Learners will either be left or right brain dominant or have either a preference for words or pictures when they are learning. We need both types of information to make progress, but there is normally a preference that is considered for optimal learning.

Humans sense and feel. We experience, watch, reflect, think and develop theories. We try out the theories, then evaluate and manufacture what we have taken in. Humans apply from experience to experience, then learn and get smarter.

 

Motor Learning

Motor learning is a set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes in the capability for movement.

Motor Learning:

• Is a set of processes

• Learning produces a quirked capability for the movement (habit)

• Motor learning is not directly observable

• Motor learning is relatively permanent

The golf swing must become a learned habit that is stored in the brain. Once stored,

the nervous system transmits the golf swing from the brain to the muscles.

 

In order for a player to learn a golf skill, three stages are reached.

 

Conceptualization Stage

• Golfer is attempting to gain an understanding of newly introduced positions or movements.

 

Acquisition Stage

• The stage where the learner develops skill.

• PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

 

Transfer Stage

• Taking the newly learned skill from the practice tee to the golf course.

 

If you need help with this or any other golfing matter contact me at: rob@longshotz.ca

 

by Robert Toshack

Director of Golf

Long Shotz Driving Range & Golf Academy