Have you ever watched your playing partners have a wide stance for a chip shot….or do they have a narrow stance for a shot using the driver? Check out the setups of the people you play with. What’s going on in their brain usually shows up in their setup and in their swing. I can tell what a student is thinking by the way they setup to the ball and how they swing. Let’s get your thoughts and actions to match the “need.”

Confusion is the quickest route to misery on the golf course. If you are confused about what shot you need, try categorizing your swings into a simple decision-making routine. Ask yourself, “is this a small, medium, large, or supersized shot?” Make that decision and then setup accordingly. Commit to the choice and commit to the swing for that setup!

In your practice, (OK…this means you should be practicing as well as playing!) do “decision-making” shots. For example, you have a 60-yard approach shot to a green where the pin is in the middle of the green. “Is this a small, medium, large or supersized shot??” “Do I want the ball to fly high and stop quickly, or do I want it to run most of the way?” “Which club shall I use to make the shot?” Once you’ve committed to a decision, go ahead and setup accordingly and make the shot.

The width of your stance determines what your upper body is about to do…small rotation, medium rotation, large…? The first decision is “seeing” the shot that you want to produce in your mind’s eye. Now make your “bottom” (width of stance) match the “top” (amount of rotation). Now your confusion is gone and what you’re doing is matching your image! Commit to it….let it happen before you change your mind!!! Too much time after the decision is made will leave too much room for doubt. And guess what…the “misery” is back! Be thoughtful, committed and rehearsed.

Try practicing your decision making process and you will be a much better golfer. Oh, and if you’re confused about all this….go to your LPGA or PGA instructor for help in your decision-making process!

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