Slow Down

Greetings Golfers,

When I’m out Rangering … people like to tell me how they’re playing … especially if it’s bad or good. If it’s normal round, they usually don’t talk about it. And if they’re playing poorly … they like to ask me for advice. Without seeing their swing … I always say the same thing “Grip it softer … and slow down your backswing”.

The other day I was watching a guy practice his putting with all of the training aids. His stroke was pretty good … but he never made a thing. His rhythm wasn’t great. His backswing was too quick … and then he decelerated on the forward swing.

He wasn’t nervous … he was just practicing. When people get nervous - they get quick … not just in golf but in everything.

I think the secret to fear/nerves/anxiety … is to slow down. I don’t mean get lazy … I mean to just slow down.

And not to go into passive mode like football teams do when they have a lead and then do a “prevent defense”. Or like when the Gopher hockey team lost in this year’s final after they took a nice lead and went into a non-aggressive style of play. Ugh.

But the worst is a fast backswing and then a slow-weak downswing.

The best is a slow back swing and an aggressive downswing. Obviously it has to be in rhythm … otherwise it’s a mess.

But a slow backswing lets you build up momentum and gives you time to sequence your swing and make a well-timed downswing … even on a putt.

However, someone with a naturally fast swing should not try to be a slow swinger. I mean … a slow backswing for them. Jon Rahm’s a fast swinger … but he shouldn’t try  to swing like Freddie Couples. Yet, Rahm has to keep from rushing too.

I even think this is vital in everyday life. When life heats-up … it’s important to slow down and not speed-up. Too often we over react … whether it’s driving a car or dealing with a tough situation.

I’ve been thinking about this aggressive thing. We all need to live with energy and confidence … but being aggressive in sports is not the same as going around being aggressive towards other people. That’s crazy behavior. Disrespectful and unacceptable. However, defending yourself with aggression is a good thing - like making an aggressive swing at the ball.

I feel our society has gotten confused on this. We seem to value rude, crazy aggressive behavior … yet have no tolerance for defending oneself against such behavior.

That’s like an out-of-control fast backswing and a slow, weak forward-swing.

So … if you’re having a bad round or feeling nerves on the course … slow down your backswing. And if a jerk is getting too aggressive with you … give him a good, strong forward-swing.

Cheers!
 

Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com