The Secret as to Why Golfers Don't Get Better at Golf || EJS Golf

Hi friends and golfers! My name is Coach Erik, as my students call me. I am located in Scottsdale, AZ at my EJS Golf Academy located at McCormick Ranch G. C. Teaching golf has been my passion for over 30 years. I got into teaching because when growing up I was always blown away by the way golfers analyzed what they did in their golf swing. I would hear someone say they did this when they topped it and the next person say something else all the while this was being done without a true understanding of the golf swing. HOW CAN ANY GOLFER GET BETTER IF THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE DOING WRONG AND EVEN WORSE, BELIEVE IN THE FALLACY FROM SOME OLD WIVES TALE, IMPOSSIBLE!

1. The Frustration of Stagnation in Golf

Do you find yourself at the driving range time and time again, yet your golf score doesn't seem to be improving? Are you putting in hours of practice, but your swing stays inconsistent? If these scenarios sound familiar, know that you're not alone. Many golfers experience this frustration of stagnation, where despite their effort and dedication, they don't see the progress they're striving for.

Why is this happening? Well, it could be due to a number of reasons:

• Maybe you're repeating the same ineffective techniques without realizing it.

• Perhaps you're not practicing purposefully or focusing on the right aspects of your game.

• Or it could even be that your equipment isn't optimized for your play style.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear: continuous improvement is essential for success in golf. It's not just about putting in more hours at the driving range or playing more rounds. It's about understanding what's holding back your progress and taking actionable steps towards improvement.

Reasons for Not Improving at Golf In order to overcome the frustration of stagnation in golf, it's important to identify the factors that may be hindering your progress. Here are some common reasons why golfers struggle to improve:

1. Repeating Ineffective Techniques: Many golfers unknowingly continue using techniques that are not effective in improving their game. This could be due to a lack of awareness or guidance on proper form and mechanics.

2. Lack of Purposeful Practice: Simply spending time on the driving range or playing rounds of golf is not enough to see significant improvement. Without a focused plan and specific goals for each practice session, you may end up wasting valuable time without making any real progress.

3. Neglecting Key Areas: Golf is a multifaceted sport, encompassing various skills such as driving, chipping, putting, and course management. If you only focus on one aspect of your game while neglecting others, your overall performance will suffer.

4. Poor Equipment Fit: Your golf clubs and other equipment play a crucial role in your ability to perform well on the course. If your gear is not suited to your physical attributes or playing style, it can negatively impact your swing mechanics and consistency.

Tips for Getting Better at Golf Now that we've explored some possible reasons for your lack of improvement in golf, let's discuss practical steps you can take to enhance your skills and see tangible progress:

1. Seek Professional Instruction: Working with a qualified golf instructor can provide valuable insights and personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs. They can help you identify any flaws in your technique and suggest corrections to optimize your swing.

2. Practice with a Purpose: Instead of mindlessly hitting balls at the driving range, approach each practice session with a clear objective in mind. Whether it's improving your accuracy off the tee or honing your short game skills, having a specific focus will make your practice more productive.

3. Balance Skill Development: While it's important to work on areas where you're struggling, don't neglect the aspects of your game that you're already proficient in. Maintaining a well-rounded skill set will contribute to overall improvement and prevent any weaknesses from holding you back.

4. Get Properly Fitted Equipment: Visit a professional club fitter to ensure that your golf clubs are suitable for your body type, swing characteristics, and playing preferences. Having the right equipment can enhance your performance by maximizing distance, accuracy, and consistency.

Remember, progress in golf takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Stay committed to the process and keep striving for improvement, one step at a time. So what are you waiting for? Implement these tips into your golf routine and start breaking free from the frustration of stagnation. The journey to becoming a better golfer begins now!

Debunking the Myth of Natural Talent Many golfers, when they're not progressing as they'd hoped, fall into the trap of overestimating golf skills and attributing their plateau to a lack of natural talent. This is a common misunderstanding that needs to be addressed. What is "Natural Talent" Really? Sure, some individuals might have an inherent knack for picking up the fundamentals quicker than others. However, this doesn't mean success in golf is solely reliant on some born ability you either have or don't.

The Role of Mental Attitude What many fail to realize is that mental attitude plays a significant role in any golfer's journey. Consider Erik Schjolberg, the top-rated golf coach in Scottsdale, AZ at EJS Golf Academy. He often cites mental fortitude as a key determinant in whether a player can break through their stagnation phase. "Mental toughness isn't about being aggressive or domineering. It's about resilience, discipline, and maintaining a positive attitude even amidst failure," says Erik.

Anger - Another Reason Why Golfers Don't Get Better at Golf

The Impact of Learning Styles And then there are learning styles. Every golfer has their unique way of learning and improving. For instance:

• Visual learners might benefit from watching swing videos and scrutinizing professional players' techniques.

• Kinesthetic learners, on the other hand, could see more improvement by feeling the motion and getting hands-on experience on the course.

Understanding your personal learning style can significantly impact how effectively you can refine your skills and overcome stagnation. Remember, every golfer's journey is different. It's less about natural talent and more about understanding your unique mental state and learning process. So before you chalk up your lack of progress to being "untalented", consider these factors. You might be surprised at what you uncover about yourself as a golfer.

Effective Practice Strategies to Enhance Your Golf Game Golf is a game of finesse and precision, and becoming a master requires more than just spending countless hours on the course. It requires effective practice. One of the main reasons why many golfers fail to improve is because they don't have a clear plan or goals in their practice sessions. So, how can we fix this?

Setting Clear Goals for Targeted Improvement Before you swing, it's important to have a specific goal in mind for each shot. This could be as simple as hitting the ball straight or as challenging as executing a fade around an obstacle. The key is that your goal should be measurable and precise. For example, let's say you're practicing your putting stroke. Instead of mindlessly hitting the ball towards the hole, set a goal. Maybe you want to make sure the ball rolls on your intended line, or perhaps you want to ensure that your speed control is such that the ball ends up no more than a foot past the hole if it misses. This approach to practice helps you stay focused and gets your mind into a state of deep concentration - often referred to as being 'in the zone'. As a result, every swing becomes purposeful and contributes directly to improving your game.

The Power of Defined Shot Outcomes: Steve's Story Let me share with you the story of Steve, one of Coach Erik's students at EJS Golf Academy. Steve was struggling with his iron shots - they were inconsistent and often fell short of his target. After analyzing his swing, Erik noticed that Steve didn't have a clear idea of what he wanted each shot to achieve. Coach Erik then introduced Steve to a new practice routine where he had to define a specific outcome before every shot - like hitting the green from 150 yards out with a 7-iron. This change in approach had a profound impact on Steve's game. His iron shots became more reliable, and he started hitting his targets more frequently. 3.3 How to Implement Effective Practice Strategies Now that you understand the importance of setting clear shot outcomes, let's go over some steps to help you incorporate this strategy into your practice sessions:

1. Identify Your Weak Areas: Review your past rounds and determine which aspects of your game are causing you to lose strokes.

2. Set Clear Goals: Based on your weak areas, establish what a successful shot would look like.

3. Practice with Purpose: Each time you swing, strive to achieve the shot outcome you have defined.

4. Evaluate and Adjust: Monitor your progress and make any necessary changes to your shot outcomes.

By following these steps, you can ensure that every practice session is focused and productive. Remember, improvement in golf doesn't just come from practice alone but from practicing smart. Defining clear shot outcomes is a crucial first step in this direction. Once you start implementing this strategy into your practice routines, you'll begin to see significant improvements in your game. If you're interested in learning more about why golfers struggle and how to overcome it, check out this blog post. It goes into further detail on some of the concepts we've discussed here and offers practical tips on how to get better. Additionally, Coach Erik Schjolberg has shared some valuable insights about golf swing mechanics at EJS Golf Academy. If you want to delve deeper into the science behind a perfect swing, I highly recommend reading this article. Remember, success in golf isn't just about the amount of time you put into practicing - it's about practicing effectively. Defining clear shot outcomes is a crucial aspect of this. Give it a try and see how it transforms your game!

How Data Can Help You Improve Your Golf Game In the world of golf, data plays a significant role in refining your game. Just as you wouldn't drive to an unknown destination without a GPS, you shouldn't aim to improve your golf skills without taking advantage of the wealth of data available. One common pitfall many golfers face is ineffective golf practice and a reason why golfers don't get better at golf. You may be spending hours at the driving range, but without clear goals and measurable outcomes, it's tough to gauge if you're truly improving or just spinning your wheels. This is where tracking golf stats comes into play. Keeping a record of key statistics can help identify areas where you're excelling and areas that need a bit more work. Here are some examples of important stats you should track:

• Greens in Regulation (GIR): The number of times you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes.

• Putts per Round: The average number of putts it takes you to complete a round.

• Driving Distance and Accuracy: How far and how accurately you hit the ball off the tee.

How Tracking Golf Stats Can Help You Improve By analyzing these stats, you can gain valuable insights into your game and make informed decisions on how to improve. For example:

• If you notice that your GIR percentage is low, this could indicate that your approach shots need improvement.

• On the other hand, a high number of putts per round might suggest you should spend more time on your putting technique.

The Tools You Need to Track Golf Stats But data is only as good as the tools used to collect it. Luckily, there are numerous stat tracking tools available today that make this task easy and efficient. From mobile apps to wearable tech, these tools offer invaluable insights into your performance on the course. However, remember that it's not about having the fanciest tool but rather how effectively you use it. Here are some practical tips for leveraging these tools:

1. Start simple: Begin by tracking basic stats like fairways hit and total putts before diving into more advanced metrics.

2. Be consistent: Make sure to record your stats for every round to ensure accuracy over time.

3. Analyze and adjust: Regularly review your data to see which areas need improvement and adjust your practice sessions accordingly.

Learn from the Pros: The 70 Percent Rule To further demystify the use of data in improving your golf skills, consider the 70 Percent Rule on the PGA Tour. This concept highlights how leading professionals score and can provide a valuable benchmark for your own game. When you understand how the best of the best score the way they do, following that formula is a smart idea.

In the end, practice correctly by implementing deliberate and measurable techniques to ensure productive improvement. The power of data in golf should not be underestimated, and by harnessing this power, you can make significant strides in your journey towards golfing excellence.

Striking the Right Balance: Challenge Level and Timely Feedback in Practice Sessions It's no secret that practicing golf can be frustrating, especially if you're not seeing the improvement you want. But not all practice is the same. Some types of practice can help you get better, while others might not make much of a difference. In this section, we'll discuss two important factors that can make your practice sessions more effective: finding the right level of difficulty and getting feedback on your performance.

Finding the Right Level of Difficulty One key to effective practice is finding the right balance between challenge and ability. If your practice drills are too easy, you won't improve much because you're not pushing yourself. On the other hand, if they're too difficult, you might get frustrated and give up. So how do you find the sweet spot where you're challenged but still able to improve? Here are some tips:

1. Gradually increase the difficulty: Start with drills that are slightly challenging but still within your skill level. As you get better, gradually make them more difficult.

2. Add variations: Instead of doing the same drill over and over again, try changing things up. For example, if you're practicing your putting, you could vary the distance or angle of each shot.

3. Set specific goals: Have a clear target in mind for each practice session. It could be something like making a certain number of putts from a particular distance.

By following these strategies, you can ensure that your practice sessions are challenging enough to stimulate improvement without being overwhelming.

Getting Feedback on Your Performance Another crucial aspect of effective practice is getting feedback on how you're doing. Without feedback, it's hard to know what you need to work on or if you're making any progress. Here are some ways to incorporate feedback into your practice routine:

1. Have a coach: If possible, work with a golf coach who can observe your technique and provide guidance. They can point out any flaws in your form and suggest ways to correct them. This is a huge part of my coaching.

2. Film yourself: Use your smartphone or a camera to record your swings or putts. Then, review the footage to see if there are any areas for improvement. It's often easier to spot mistakes when you're watching yourself from a different angle.

3. Pay attention to shot outcome: The result of each shot can also be a valuable source of feedback. Did the ball go where you wanted it to? If not, what might have caused the miss? Analyzing the outcome can give you insights into what adjustments you need to make.

Remember, the goal is to make your practice sessions more productive by challenging yourself appropriately and getting timely feedback on your performance. By implementing these principles, you'll be on the right track to improving your golf skills.

Optimizing Your Equipment for Better Performance In the world of golf, your equipment plays an important role in how well you play. It's not just about having the most expensive clubs; it's about making sure your golf equipment is right for you based on your own style and abilities as a player. The right gear can make a big difference in how you perform on the course.

Why Equipment Matters Let's talk about golf clubs, for instance. They're not all the same. There are different factors that determine what makes a club a good fit for you. Two important things to consider are how fast you swing and how you play.

Swing Speed Your swing speed is how fast you swing the club when you hit the ball. It affects how far you can hit the ball. If you have a high swing speed, you might find that stiffer shafts (the long part of the club) give you more control and accuracy.

Playing Style Playing style is all about how you approach the game - do you like to take risks and go for long shots, or do you prefer to play it safe and focus on accuracy? Players who like to take risks might find that clubs with lower lofts (the angle of the clubface) help them hit longer shots, while those who prioritize accuracy might prefer clubs with higher lofts that help them be more precise.

Making the Right Choices Remember, even small changes can have a big impact in golf. So it's worth taking some time to figure out how different types of equipment can affect how well you play. Here are a few tips to help you optimize your gear:

1. Get fitted: Visit a professional club fitter who can analyze your swing and recommend clubs that are suited to your unique needs.

2. Try before you buy: Whenever possible, test out different clubs before making a purchase. See how they feel and perform for you.

3. Stay informed: Keep up with the latest developments in golf equipment technology. New innovations could offer advantages that align with your playing style.

Learning from Others One person who understands the importance of optimizing both technique and equipment is Coach Erik Schjolberg, a renowned golf coach. In his Master Your Takeaway article, he shares valuable insights on how making small adjustments to your golf swing can make a huge difference in your game. Just like mastering your takeaway, understanding and optimizing your equipment can have a significant impact on your golf performance.

Embracing the Journey Becoming a better golfer is not just about improving your skills or having the right mindset; it's also about making the most of the tools available to you - including your gear. So the next time you're out on the course, remember: your clubs are more than just objects; they're strategic assets that can help you play your best game.

Tapping into Knowledge Resources and Learning from Others' Experiences Ever heard of the phrases knowledge of results and knowledge of performance? These two concepts are crucial in the world of golf. They refer to how well you understand the outcome of your actions (results) and your understanding of how you achieve those outcomes (performance). So, how can one gain insights to improve their game? There are abundant resources out there waiting for you to explore. This is where the role of effective information utilization comes into play.

Sign Up for Online Golf Courses With the advent of technology, learning is no longer confined within four walls. You can now learn from top-rated golf coaches like Erik Schjolberg through platforms such as EJS Golf Academy. These platforms offer unrivaled golf instruction that provides a wealth of knowledge about golf techniques and strategies. It's like having a personal coach at your fingertips!

Study Successful Golfers Don't shy away from studying successful golfers. How they approach their game, their routines, their mindset - all these aspects can serve as guiding principles in shaping your own unique style. For instance, studying a golfer who excels in long drives may inspire you to discover new techniques for your own game.

Justing Rose - Successful PGA Tour Golfer

Dive Deep into Case Studies Another method is to dive deep into case studies. These aren't just stories; they're experiences transformed into lessons. Case studies present real-world situations where you can see how different strategies and approaches play out on the course. Whether it's overcoming a high-pressure situation or mastering a complex swing technique, these stories can offer valuable insights.

Remember, every golfer has a unique journey with different challenges and triumphs. Each experience holds potential lessons that can contribute to your growth as a player. In essence, learning is not always about reinventing the wheel; sometimes, it's about understanding how the wheel works and applying this knowledge to propel your performance. As you navigate through these resources, remember to keep an open mind, absorb what resonates with you, and keep refining your game for continuous improvement.

The Underrated Impact of Walking in Golf Improvement When it comes to improving your golf game, one thing that many people overlook is the role that walking can play. Instead of hopping in a golf cart and cruising around the course, taking the time to walk can actually have a big impact on your performance. The Physical Benefits of Walking in Golf From a physical standpoint, walking is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying a round of golf. Did you know that during an average game, you can end up walking about 5 miles? That's a pretty decent workout! Here are some ways that walking can benefit your body:

• Cardiovascular Health: Walking gets your heart pumping and increases blood flow throughout your body. Over time, this can lead to improved cardiovascular health.

• Muscular Endurance: Walking for long periods helps to build endurance in your leg muscles, making it easier for you to power through those long drives.

• Stamina: By staying active and fit through walking, you'll find that you have more energy and stamina on the course. This means you won't tire out as quickly and can maintain a consistent swing throughout the game.

The Mental Advantage of Walking in Golf But it's not just your body that benefits from walking - your mind does too! Here's how:

• Course Management: When you walk the course instead of riding in a cart, you have more time to think about each hole strategically. You can take into account factors like wind direction, slope of the ground, and other environmental conditions that might affect your shot. This gives you valuable insights that can help with decision-making and improve your accuracy.

• Focus and Rhythm: Walking creates a natural rhythm to your game. It allows for smooth transitions between shots and helps you stay in the zone. It's almost like hitting the reset button between each stroke, allowing you to stay present, calm, and prepared for the next shot.

Embracing the Essence of Golf Incorporating more walking into your golf routine isn't just about getting in better shape or playing smarter. It's about embracing the true spirit of the game itself - where patience meets precision and strategy meets skill.

By choosing to walk instead of ride, you're immersing yourself in the experience of golf. You're taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the course, to connect with nature, and to fully engage with each hole. So, next time you head out for a round of golf, consider leaving the cart behind and giving walking a try. You might be surprised at how much it adds to your overall enjoyment and skill development.

Unleashing Your Power Potential: Mastering the Art of Long Drives Ever wondered why some golfers seem to effortlessly send the ball soaring down the fairway, while others struggle to cover half the distance? Look no further. The secret lies in mastering the art of long drives.

For starters, it isn't just about physical strength. More often than not, it's about technique and timing. Here are a few actionable steps to generate longer drives in golf: It’s essential to maintain balance throughout your swing. This helps optimize your power and control. Increase Swing Speed - The faster your club head speed, the farther your ball will fly as long as your other metrics stay positive. Work on your swing speed with regular practice drills.

Optimize Launch Angle A higher launch angle coupled with lower spin can result in longer drives. Experiment with different teeing heights and ball positions to find what works best for you. Now these are just basics, but there's more to uncover. Coach Erik Schjolberg at the EJS Golf Academy has shared his secrets in a blog post entitled 'Explosive New Golf Swing is Longer and Straighter'. This guide sheds light on techniques that can truly take your game to the next level, leading to better scores on the golf course.

Remember, working on your long drives is about more than achieving impressive distances off the tee. It's an essential part of improving your overall golf game. Lower scores are waiting for you at the end of those long drives!

Embracing a Journey of Continuous Golfing Growth In the pursuit of golf mastery, a collection of strategies can help in breaking through those frustrating plateaus. These strategies include:

1. Debunking the Myth of Natural Talent: Skill development is more about mental attitude and learning styles than innate ability.

2. Effective Practice Strategies: Emphasizing clear shot outcomes, utilizing data, and maintaining balance between challenge and feedback in practice sessions.

3. Optimizing Your Equipment: Selecting gear that aligns with your unique swing speed and playing style.

4. Tapping into Knowledge Resources: Learning from the experiences of other successful golfers and using available information effectively to improve your game.

5. Walking's Underrated Impact: Enriching your golf experience and improving your skills by walking on the course.

6. Mastering Long Drives: Generating distance off the tee through practical techniques.

The key here is to view these tactics not as standalone tips, but as interconnected components of a holistic approach to golf improvement. Now, for some parting thoughts: Perseverance is paramount. There will be days when your swing feels off or your scores are higher than usual. It's crucial to remember that growth often comes after periods of struggle. Maintain a growth mindset, always open to learning and never settling for 'good enough'. Remember that every seasoned golfer has faced their share of setbacks and frustrations - it's an integral part of the journey, not a sign of failure. So keep at it! Each swing, each round, each practice session brings you one step closer to golfing greatness!

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Coach Erik Schjolberg

EJS Golf Academy

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