The PAR approach – Preparation, Action, and Response to results.

The keys to Preparation are clarity, commitment, and composure.

Clarity is having a vivid image of the shot you intend, both the target and the path the ball will take to get there.  Commitment is being free from second-guessing, doubt, or hesitation.  Composure is being calm and focused, poised and at ease.

The ideal state of mind for Action is feeling confident, focused, and in the flow, with the body and mind synchronized in the present moment.

The best Response to results is one that enhances future performance.  Accept the outcome of every swing and use each shot as a learning experience.

Golf is a reaction game.  We react to misses, and we also react to our address position.  Many bad shots are directly related to mistakes made in the setup, especially in putting.  A lot of players think putting alignment is just getting their feet parallel to the target line.  That’s a good start, but it’s not enough.  Your feet, hips, shoulders, eyes and arms all should be aligned with the target line.  The most common mistake players make is squaring their feet but leaving their arms and shoulders open.  This causes you to have to hold the putterface open through impact to compensate for pulling across the ball from an open position.  At minimum, it’s a really inconsistent way to putt.  Get your alignment squared away, and a smoother stroke will soon follow.  You’ll be knocking in more putts from every distance.