T-Time Podcast // Ep. 52: Best of Quick-9 Series: Every Shot Must Have a Purpose
Today, Tori sits down with Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson, the internationally recognized co-founders of VISION54 and the highest-ranked female instructors in America. Together, they have authored several bestselling books, including Every Shot Must Have a Purpose which will be the focal point of the discussion. Join Tori as she delves into the philosophy behind VISION54 with Lynn and Marriott, who will then explore four powerful principles for improving golf performance: Although the book has around 16 or 17 principles in total, Tori found these four principles to resonate most strongly with her and she is excited to share them directly from the VISION54 co-founders with the listeners.
The Desert Classic 2024 Update
The upcoming 2024 Desert Classic Women's Golf Tournament will begin registration on August 8th. This exciting event will take place in Phoenix at Papago from March 3rd to 6th. The first 200 teams to register will secure their spots, so don't miss out. By opening registration earlier, participants will have a better chance of finding affordable lodging options. Join us for a memorable golfing experience, surrounded by a community of 200 passionate female golfers who share your love for the game.
Four Powerful Principles for Playing Better Golf
Mastering golf requires precision, strategy, and a strong mindset. Lynn and Pia provide practical tips and insights to help you reach your potential. Focus on the basics, practice consistently, and take a well-rounded approach to improve your skills and enjoy the game even more.
1. Think Small, Play Big
“Those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
In golf, playing big starts with having a compelling vision and believing in its possibilities. Despite doubts, daring to dream and visualize can propel you further. However, to make progress, break down the vision into small, controllable steps. Setting actionable goals is more effective than focusing solely on specific outcomes. By combining audacious dreams with accountable actions, you can achieve remarkable results.
2. Controllable and Uncontrollable Factors in Golf Course Performance
In golf, it's essential to focus on what you can control. Many golfers fixate on outcomes like scores and results, but success comes from actions within your control. Visualizing shots, maintaining a good finish, and making committed decisions are crucial. Recognizing what you can't control and redirecting energy toward controllable factors improves your game. Setting playing promises before each round helps you stay committed to actions that positively impact your performance. By prioritizing controllable factors, you take ownership and find fulfillment in your golf game.
3. Anger Makes Us Stupid
Anger impairs our thinking, as neuroscience reveals. When negative emotions escalate, our prefrontal cortex is inhibited, affecting perspective, coordination, and decision-making. This can lead to irrational behavior and hinder performance in golf. Recognizing and managing these emotions is vital. By staying unvarnished, following a structured process, and avoiding negative emotional imprints, golfers can optimize their performance and decision-making on the course.
4. Recovering from a Rough Patch
Recovering from a rough patch in golf involves switching your state of mind and finding relief through physical or emotional methods. Whether it's deep breathing or imagining a peaceful scene, getting present and returning to a better state sets the stage for improvement. Additionally, celebrating and associating with good shots helps build positive momentum and emotionalizing outcomes. By accepting that perfection is elusive. Committing to small tasks, like holding your finish or practicing a slow-tempo swing, golfers can navigate the game with a healthier mindset, moving towards an upward spiral of improvement.
5. Make Practice Real
To improve in golf, it's important to practice in a way that reflects the game itself. Many golfers spend time at the driving range hitting balls repetitively at the same target with the same club. This approach doesn't match the variability of actual gameplay. To bridge this gap, it's crucial to decide whether you want to excel at range practice or play golf. When practicing on the range, imagine each ball on the course, change clubs, and aim for different targets. Additionally, for those with limited practice time, incorporating exercises can be a more feasible option. By aligning practice with the realities of the game, golfers can make meaningful progress toward improvement.
6. Differences Between Maintenance, Performance, and Future Practice in Golf
Maintenance in golf is like regular maintenance for a car. It involves checking and correcting tendencies or habits that can affect your game, such as posture or tempo. Performance practice, on the other hand, focuses on practicing the way the game is played on the course, simulating different scenarios and routines. It can also involve addressing specific challenges, like learning to focus while others are talking. Practice involves learning new skills or making changes that may not immediately show results. It's important to balance these practice approaches and time them appropriately, prioritizing performance practice and maintenance for important tournaments.
7. Make Pressure Your Friend
Pressure is a normal part of golf for every player. It causes changes in behavior and mindset. To handle pressure, be curious about how it affects you and take action to manage it. Pretending it's not there doesn't work. Recognize that pressure is common and even top players experience it. Rather than seeking comfort, embrace the heightened state of arousal. Understand your tendencies under pressure and take appropriate actions to perform your best.
8. Gender and Pressure in Golf: Embracing the Challenge
Gender impacts in golf and pressure vary. Men may overlook internal disparities, while women are more aware of them. Evolutionary bonding patterns shape male competition and female relationships. Women excel through teamwork and strive for excellence, not solely defeating others. Adapting the male-influenced tournament system requires creativity to embrace diverse motivations and experiences.
Connect with Our Guests
Lynn Marriott:
Pia Nilsson:
VISION54 Website | Every Shot Must Have a Purpose Book
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