Commitment

One of the phrases you will often hear a top caddie say to his pro is 'Commit to the shot'  It's a good reminder for the club golfer in particular as whatever shot you face, whether it's using the driver or the putter or any of the 12 clubs in-between, it is important to hit it as if you mean it.

How many times have you hesitated between two clubs, not sure whether a cut down 6 iron is better than a full blooded 7 for example. Too often you carry that uncertainty with you into the process of the shot.  If you are uncertain about the outcome, that often translates into a less than rhythmical swing, perhaps a deceleration of the club, a poor contact and the ball missing it's target.

Whichever club you choose, take a couple of seconds to visualise the shot you are going to play, and make part of your pre-shot routine a full committed stroke.  Be confident in the club that you have selected and let it go. Don't, whatever you do, practice a half swing.

Now is the time to believe in your ability.  Having practiced the shot, now believe in your ability to hit the target.  Set up to the ball, swing and really commit to the shot.  A good key to this is imagining your belt buckle pointing straight down the fairway after the shot is finished, meaning that you have made a full turn.

When you do this you are much more likely to see the ball fly to the intended target and to see it finish on the green with a chance of a birdie putt.