Before you hit, choose where to aim

"The ball you choose is more important than the ball you hit"

Golf is already half over before you even take a swing.
I feel that every time I go out on the course.

The moment when "I don't want to hit it into the pond" takes over your mind

The second hole of the course, at the second shot location with 170 yards remaining.

The group ahead is still on the green. While checking the distance to the pin, I unconsciously pulled out my 5-iron.

"I can reach it from here. But I'm worried about the pond in front."

The wind hits my cheeks.
A slight headwind.
The ground slopes down to the right.
The pin is at the back of the green.

In reality, there should be many things to check, but before I knew it, my head was full of "I don't want to hit it into the pond."

When you go out on the course, these feelings naturally arise, don't they?

I was able to hit calmly at the driving range, but for some reason, when I stand on the course, thoughts of making a mistake creep in.
"I don't want to go to the right"
"I want to clear the pond"

That feeling itself is not a bad thing.
In fact, I think it's proof that you are enjoying golf.

But if you pause for just a moment before gripping the club, golf becomes a little easier.

Before you grip the club, half of it is already decided

It has been over 15 years since I started coaching, and those with stable scores have one thing in common.

That is, they are careful about choosing their club.

Wind direction.
The slope of the ground.
How deep the ball is sitting.
The position of the pin.
A place where you can carry it safely.

They look at those things casually before hitting.

You might think, "Is that all?"
But whether or not you do this check makes a big difference in the content of your shot.

Before thinking about how to hit,
"What to hit, and where to hit it"
If that isn't decided, both your body and mind will easily become confused.

Something I realized in a conversation with Mr. H

A while ago, I went out on the course with H, who has been taking lessons for a year.

After the round, H said, "Coach, my driver went to the right every single time today... something felt off."

Looking back on it together, it turned out that H had been worried about the OB on the right before every tee shot.

I asked, "Did you decide where you wanted to hit it?"

H thought for a moment and replied, "...The left side of the fairway, I guess. But I was worried about the right side."

I know that feeling all too well.

"I don't want to hit it to the right."
"I don't want to put it in the pond."
"I just don't want to end up in the bunker."

The more you think that way, the larger that image becomes in your mind.

You think you're looking at where you want to avoid, but before you know it, you're focusing intensely on it.
And sometimes, your body reacts to where your focus is strongest.

This is what "choosing" really means

That is exactly why I want you to choose before you hit.

Not "where you don't want to go," but "where you want to carry the ball."

You don't need to overthink it.

If you want to try it starting today, these three things are enough.

First, look at your feet.
Is the ground flat, or is it sloped?

Next, feel the wind.
Is it a headwind or a tailwind?

Finally, pick one spot to aim for.
It doesn't have to be the pin. It can be the left side of the fairway or just short of the green.

The important thing is to choose for yourself before you hit.

It doesn't have to be a nice shot.
It doesn't have to be hit perfectly.

"I decided to carry it here this time."
That shot will give you a quiet sense of satisfaction that leads to the next one, even if you make a mistake.

One thing I want you to try starting today

On the course, please just check this one thing.

Where do you want to aim?

Those who feel they have a bad score or make many mistakes often do not have a strong awareness of where they want to aim, even though they have decided where they do not want to go.

You might think, "Does that really make a difference?"
But you might not realize that you are choosing the direction you are most conscious of.

In other words, it could be said that you are unconsciously choosing the direction of mistakes or where you do not want to go.

The quiet sense of accomplishment of a chosen shot

The atmosphere on the course is different from the driving range.

The wind blows, there are slopes, there is shade from trees, and the color of the grass varies slightly from place to place.
Sunlight shines onto the fairway, and the distant pin sways slightly.

All of that is material for choosing today's shot.
That is why the result is not the same every time.

However, if you think carefully and choose, you will feel a strong sense of accomplishment when you get close to your intention or hit your target.

That step will make golf even more interesting.⛳

What have you been checking lately before choosing your club?