Just Think About - Great tips for keeping it simple

ACCELERATE!

Golf can be a very complicated game. Trust me, as an instructor for many, many years, I've seen the game at its most complex levels, especially regarding the golf swing from a mechanical standpoint. But in my study and profession, I've come to learn that learning to swing well and learning to play the game well aren't anywhere near the same. Sure, we can get into the nitty-gritty of your swing on the practice tee, but that's where it should end. As soon as you tee it up, the mind should be free of distractions and complicated information.

To play better, try and think less. That doesn't mean shut your brain off completely. Instead, whittle down the tips and info you get from your teaching pro into simple, easy-to-remember bullet points for when you're out on the course. Here are some of my favorite things that you should think about the next time you play. And, again, leave the heavy stuff for the practice tee!

Acceleration doesn't mean swinging fast from the top of the swing.

At impact, the clubhead should still be gaining speed.

ACCELERATION
Here's a typical scenario that can ruin a decent round for many players. I've missed the green with my approach shot, on the far side of the greenside bunker. I now face a shot from light rough, over a bunker with no green to work with. Like so many situations in a round of golf, my expectations must line up with reality to hit the right shot and avoid a big mistake. The key here is to get the ball on the putting surface as close to the hole as possible without taking any risk of hitting it short into the face of the bunker. That, folks, would be the worst.

There's a laundry list of things you can think about on this shot. Open the face, hinge early, use the bounce, hit the toe, hit down, use your pivot, etc. Playing your best golf only will happen when you simplify the process and focus on one positive, specific thought. On this particular shot, I've found that maintaining a steady acceleration through the strike produces consistent results. Many players struggle from this area because they allow the fear of missing the shot to influence their technique. When there's fear, there's an inability to move, which often leads to deceleration and the inevitable fat shot into the sand. I would recommend you focus on steady acceleration during the practice swings and
repeat the same process when hitting the shot. Remember, one positive thought is all you should think about. In this case, it's to remember to accelerate through the shot.

Reference Resource:  http://www.golftipsmag.com/instruction/faults-and-fixes/lessons/just-think-about.html