I Want to Play Like Dustin, Rory and Brooke

By Assistant Professional Ethan Danish

We often hear our Academy students say they would like to swing a driver like Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Brooke Henderson or other famous touring professionals or they would like to emulate the way they play the game.
Dreams are dreams, but getting it done takes talent, time and effort. The players we watch on TV have worked at perfecting their golf swings and games over long periods of time. With coaching, they have made many little changes along the path to becoming consistent ball strikers.
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From an instructors perspective the average golfer ought to be aware of the many good things a professional does in in all aspects of the game.

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What to learn from the best of the best

1. On-course composure. Tour players may show emotion for a short time but their personal shot routine gets them back into their concentration mode quickly. Not too high and not too low.
2. Playing in the present tense. The most important task is the one right now not what might happen in two or three holes or what occurred in the past.
3. Approaching each shot with a specific routine. Play with intention and attention to details. Remember that golf is an accumulation of little things in your habits and decisions.
4. Having a game plan. Always play to your strengths. To accomplish this means hours of practise in order to hone what you do best and understand your personal game.
5. In other words, knowing you have certain limitations. Think of Zach Johnson. He plays a golf course a specific way and knows what he can and can’t do. You should too.
6. Having a brilliant short game. Make your putter and wedge your favourite clubs. Your scores will improve when you play your best within 50 yards of the hole.

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Here’s what you can do to improve

• Find a golf coach to help you understand your swing
• Practice the homework you receive from a lesson for 5 minutes every day, repetition is the best way to learn a new pattern
• Quality and purposeful practice on a regular basis
• Be aware of your physical conditioning, being able to play 18 holes comfortably, in warm weather, is a good start
• For a long enjoyable love affair with golf, understand the importance of stretching and flexibility and follow a quality nutritional program (these will help your life not just your golf)
• Create a round by round review form to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses

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Golf is a great game

There are different ways to swing the golf club but the tour professionals understand their personal patterns and are always working to improving their abilities and consistency. As amateurs, we have a tremendous amount of information available from golf instructors and the time to start is now! Playing a little better creates a more enjoyment and after all, golf is supposed to be fun! Talk to us about our one on one and group coaching sessions.