Having managed operations for over 21 years in the automotive manufacturing sector, my brain has become wired to look at everything as a collection of processes and to maximize results by systematically leaning out these processes. This basically involves removing the waste, such as unnecessary steps or motion, that prevents the product from moving rapidly and easily through the plant to the customer. So, it should be of no surprise to anyone that I would apply lean thinking techniques to the game of golf.
When stripped down, golf is simply about hitting a ball with a stick. Of course, one must understand the physics and fundamentals involved and apply them in a consistent manner to match the genetic limitations of their physical abilities. Regardless, since the only objective of the golf swing is to present the club correctly to the ball, it should be done with the simplest most streamlined process possible. In this way, the likelihood of the casual golfer reaching their potential is maximized. This is the basis for my decision to change to the single axis method, specifically Moe Norman's variant, as the model for further developing my golf swing.
Unfortunately, once we develop a properly fitting golf swing, the mental aspect of the game shows up to interfere. Sort of like the daughter and grandkids just as you slip upstairs for some one on one time with the missis. Thoughts creep in to erode our confidence or cause us to make bad decisions. The end result is a breakdown in our golf swing process and score.
So, with the game of golf so heavily influenced by one's mental state, why not avoid all potential distractions? Why not simplify by removing unnecessary steps or actions to prevent those thoughts from showing up? Such as:
- Putting alignment line - You know you are going to wonder if it is pointing correctly once you are over the ball.
- Looking for items - Not being able to find things takes you out of your rythm. Reduce what is in your bag and have a "place for everything and everything in it's place".
- Keeping stats - Concentrating on recording the past versus focusing on your next shot? I'll pick the latter. You are there! At the end of the round you will be able to easily reflect on where you lost strokes for practice prioritization.
- Lengthy pre-shot routine - This is a no brainer. The longer you take between teeing the ball up and hitting, the more opportunity for mental gremlins to appear.
- Using expensive balls - The fear of losing the ball can simply overtake the strongest of people.
I am sure you can think of many more to add. The bottom line is, don't negatively influence the relatively simple process of a golf swing by adding complexity. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. It helped me to cut my handicap in half.