Tip From the Archives

Muscle Memory

Problem

You play poorly on the first few holes.

Cure

This can be caused by anxiety about starting the round or due to a lack of practice. Create the muscle memory of a a good swing by hitting a bucket of balls before you go to the course to play your round. This way, you warm up your muscles and have a chance to relax before you play.

Therapy

Be certain to practice at least one long wood, long iron, short iron, and wedge. With each of these shots, work on achieving a nice and smooth swing with a consistent tempo. This will set in your muscle memory what a good swing feels like before you begin to feel the pressure of the round. Set up with your driver and take a half swing just to work on getting a nice, even tempo. Once you have a smooth swing at this swing length, slowly work your way up to making full swings.

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5 votes

 
Michael Henry | 3 months ago

After hitting a quarter of a bucket of balls just loosening up.Play the first five holes on the card on the range.For example if the first is a Par 4 with a narrow fairway,Use a 3wood.Then use what you would normally use on the hole,followed by a chip or a pitch or a long putt.Repeat the process (minus the putts of course)for every hole.This will give you the added confidence of having played the shot already and muscle memory should stand you in good stead.As an addition, Play (on the range)16,17and the 18th hole the same way.This is usually the time when muscles are tired and we tend to drop shots. Having played the last three holes already on the range, will focus you more on the shots you have already played.Waking up the tired mind. Try it. From Dalian,China

K Mathis | 3 months ago

I second Mr. Henry's suggestions - also, warm up with the heaviest club in your bag for the first few shots, swinging at less than full speed.... if your back and legs are warm when you begin your "practice round" from the range, you are more likely to take the same approach on the first tee.



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