Jeff Coston Blog

I've played tournament golf forever. This afternoon after teaching out of my academy building in the snow I was in the golf shop telling U.S. Open stories; Tiger Woods stories and many more. I've played every tour but the LPGA Tour so I've been around. Funny thing is I'm still learning or to often re-learning lessons to success in tournament play. I've won a lot of professional events (over 100) but I've messed up more than I can remember.

I would like to share a few thoughts that help players play and get of of their own way.

I played a golf tournament in southern Oregon last week. I happened to win the event last year. I like the golf course and I know the weather can get dicey at times. I am ready mentally for the weather. I am also physically ready for wind, rain, cold and even snow. When the elements show up I will not get weak with my mind, my plan for each hole and my equipment. Tom Watson taught me how to do this. He gets excited under difficult conditions because he is prepared and others get weak. Just listen to what people say.

The weather did get tough the first round, hail suspended play for an hour. I stayed patient took advantage of chipping, pitching, good speed on the greens and very committed to my reads and routine from 5' and in. I took advantage of par 5's and wedge holes. Longer irons I hit more toward the middle of the greens and never short sided myself. I posted 68. I never thought about where I stood score wise all day. I just played one clear committed shot one hole at a time. I was very target focused. I knew what I wanted to do in my swing technique and I could feel my swing because my body was relaxed and free of tension. The day was easy and even fun. It wasn't fun because of my score or how I hit it; rather I played solid because of my approach to the round in my mind. The mindset produces the outcome.

Believe me, I still believe in technique.

The second round the weather was great. The sun was shining, no wind, good stuff. This became a re-learning day for me. I seemed more attatched to where I wanted the ball to go; or even where I didn't want it to go. Perhaps you can relate. I was not as free. I call it NATO. NOT ATTACHED TO OUTCOME. I have trained myself to be good at that. Not attached is a commitment. Something to master.

Day two the harder I tried the worst I did. I was not as target focused and free. I cared to much about my score. To much how my game looked. I unfortunately got in my way and was to careful. I wanted to "make sure" on various shots and green reading. Shot 76. Finished 3rd. Felt bad.

BUT, I re-learned something to make me better. Stronger! I want to learn the lesson. I will not let this bump in the road go to waist.

The next week a one rounder. Committed to target, freedom, NATO, 70. Won by two!

I encourage you to pick through this article at some things you can do to enhance you golf game. Check me out at jeffcoston.com