2013 is the year that all golfers in Australia witnessed history in the making as Australia’s own, Adam Scott, defied the odds and won the 2013 US Masters.
The question that most people ask is, how did he do it?
There are many answers to this question, but here is my version that I feel will also benefit your game.
First of all, Adam has found a putter that suits his game. I am definitely not saying that everyone should go and buy a broomstick putter, but I am saying that you need to find a putter that suits your stroke. Everyone has a different setup and stroke, therefore, find the putter you like and get fitted to improve your game!
Adam, like many successful golfers, uses the ball that suits their swing speed and game strategy. Are you using the ball that will benefit your game? Many golfers are using a ball that does not suit their game. Find out what ball speed you create and find a ball that suits you. My Trackman program is a great way to find what ball speed you create, which will then tell you what ball will maximize your distance and control on your shots.
Golf clubs seems to be seen as products that people buy as a hobby rather than a tool to help their game. Adam Scott has been fitted correctly by finding out which shafts he needs in his clubs to get the best control and distance which will improve his game. As we have seen this year with certain players, having the wrong clubs can hurt your game. Most golfers make the comment that clubs do not matter, but it is amazing to see when fitting golfers for clubs on Trackman, how much of a difference a club can make when fitted correctly, just like Adam Scott.
Adam works hard on his short game. How good is your bunker play, pitching, and chipping? Getting the correct information on how to approach each of these shots will make the difference to your game. Just remember, having soft hands and a nice wrist hinge on your backswing is a good foundation to a good short game.
Finally, Adam worked on his confidence and trust in his swing to help him overcome tough moments under pressure. Trusting your swing and not trying to manipulate and interrupt your swing will help you play some great shots. It is amazing how easy the golf swing can be when you swing freely rather than tensing up. If you look at Jason Day on the 71st hole, he was sitting in the middle of the fairway with a shot iron in his hands. He hit it short simply because of pressure, which resulted in a poor decision and a swing which was not desirable.
The mental game is clearly the part of the game that was the difference between Adam Scott winning the Masters and Jason Day faltering at the end. Having clarity and trust in your game will always help you under pressure. How does someone achieve this clarity and trust? Simply, play each shot on its own merit. Do not add any more value to each shot. It does not matter if it is to win the Masters or to win the Club Championship, each shot counts as 1 shot. The champion can clear their mind, become aware of their emotions and play each shot like they would on the practice range…with no fear!
