That kind of focus on a target greatly improves the prospect that the ball will go to it. The more you're consumed with your target, the more your instincts and subconscious will help you find it. It's as if you have an automatic guidance system, like a heat-seeking missile."
The above is from a Golf Digest article written by Dr. Bob Rotella author of Golf is Not a Game of Perfect and he's describing Davis' reaction to the outcome of a perfectly hit 6-iron out of the trees to the 16th green, where he made a putt for eagle. One of the many great shots Davis hit that day at the 2003 Players Championship held at TPC Sawgrass.
I guess that after decades of playing golf and reading dozens of golf books I can be excused for thinking, "Yeah right! Just another golf book." And yet this article stirred me into thinking I might just buy the book.
We've all read about the benefits of being in the zone, or as Tony Jacklin described it as akin too being in a cocoon. And most of us have on the very rare occasion experienced a millisecond of such an experience and the memory sticks in our mind.
The year was 1965, the course Tulliallan, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, the hole the 17th, a plateau green with a very prominent pin position and I just knew a strong 8-iron was the perfect club for my second shot and it came as no surprise to see my ball go straight into the hole.
It was if I'd triggered my "automatic guidance system" and the memory is still there after all these years but alas my internal software has not been able to replicate that feeling of being so consumed by viewing the target that it seemed impossible not to sink the shot.
"Be the ball," is one of these mantra many turn to but maybe, "Be the target," is a better idea.
Here's the Golf Digest link
Quote of the Day
"Love your wedge and your putter." - Dr Bob Rotella