Welcome back for April’s discussion from Hank Vereschzagin, Apprentice Professional, at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento. Hank’s talking about golf, the swing, and some of the problems we may face when approaching this wonderfully difficult game.
This month we are delving into another aspect that some of us are discovering while trying to gain consistency and have fun on the course. Perspective is defined as “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something – a point of view.” Our perspective is two-fold during golf. One, it includes how we see the course and the round we are playing. Second, our perspective includes what happens during the golf swing.
While playing, we should see the golf course akin to a dartboard. Remember the first time you ever launched a dart? Our desire was the bullseye, but we also hoped that we would just hit the board. This same strategy can and should be applied to our perspective when approaching a golf hole.
When approaching the golf course, start by seeing how wide the course is laid out and refer to this as your “Circle of Success.” Don’t merely focus on the cup (or hole) as your only goal. I have had practice sessions with students where I’m amazed in their belief that all shots from within 100 yards should lead to tap-in putts.
PGA Tour players average 74.59% GIR (Greens in Regulation) from 100-125 yards – the best male players only hit 3 of 4 greens from a distance most of us believe is extremely easy. Proximity to the hole is 20 feet. Most of the time, television coverage creates an unrealistic belief that nearly every shot PGA Tour Players take results in greatness.
Our problem with finding enjoyment is putting unrealistic limits on our abilities. Instead, enjoy what we are able to accomplish right now while we continue to stretch ourselves to improve.
Let me know how changing your perspective improves your enjoyment during your next round of golf!
Hank Vereschzagin is a Sacramento native who grew up around sports and is in the beginning stages of earning his PGA membership. He recently returned to Haggin Oaks after spending a year working as the General Manager for the William Land Golf Course. He can be found teaching and working as a clubfitter inside the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop. He believes in teaching the core fundamentals and utilizing a player’s feel over technical jargon to achieve long-lasting results.
For information on scheduling a lesson with Hank Vereschzagin, contact the Northern California Institute of Golf at 916-808-2531.
