Ep 22. Mastering the Short Game: Golf Drills & Games with Nick Zaher

Golf Mindset Mastery Podcast

Brain Game Performance And Duncan Burgess Present The Golf Mindset Podcast

March 10, 202558 min
Golf

Ep 22. Mastering the Short Game: Golf Drills & Games with Nick Zaher

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Episode Notes

Improving Golf Skills With Training

Nick and Ben discussed the importance of effective training for golfers, particularly as the season is about to start. Nick emphasized the need for quality practice rather than just hitting balls, and shared some exercises and drills to improve iron striking. He also mentioned the concept of the "10,000 hours rule" and the idea of a "constraints-led approach to coaching". Ben agreed to try some of these exercises on the range before moving to the course.

Finding the Optimal Golf Swing Focus

Nick and Ben discuss the importance of having a "one-point swing thought" to focus on during the golf swing. They emphasize that different golfers may need to find their own specific one-point focus that works best for them, such as feeling the clubface or hand position throughout the swing. Nick suggests having an "arsenal" of potential one-point focuses to choose from, as the optimal focus can change from day to day or even during a round. Ben mentions a coach who encourages players to actively switch between 3-4 different one-point focuses during a round to keep the mind engaged.

Improving Golf Skills and Strategies

Nick and Ben discussed various golfing strategies and games to improve their skills. Nick suggested playing with forward tees to practice driving and iron play, and playing with irons only to improve ball striking. He also recommended a pitch test game to sharpen the short game. Ben agreed, emphasizing the importance of practicing the third shot and the need to mix up games to keep golf exciting. They also discussed the importance of setting expectation levels and using PGA tourstats to gauge performance. Nick proposed a game called "When the Iron is Hot" where players commit to hitting their driver on every hole, regardless of the distance. They ended the conversation with a discussion on the benefits of playing alone on the course for meditation and practice.

Improving Skills Through Goal Setting

Nick and Ben discussed the importance of setting goals and creating habits to improve one's skills, particularly in golf. Nick emphasized the need for accountability and consistency, suggesting that writing down one's plans and sticking to them can lead to success. Ben shared his experience of using a journal to track his progress and set daily goals. They also discussed various games and exercises to improve short game skills, such as "walk the dog" and "chipping to the flag". The conversation ended with Nick suggesting that tracking the number of shots taken to complete a task could help identify areas for improvement.

Exploring Golf With Fun Challenges

Ben and Nick discussed the importance of having fun and exploring new experiences in golf. They suggested various games and challenges to spice up the game, such as practicing left-handed, play