I have four main thoughts when I’m practising. And I say practising
deliberately, because I don’t want any technical thoughts when I’m playing.

The courses that we tend to play on tour are set up in such a way that it’s tough enough getting around them without having to think about the
swing as well. So I often feel I’m oneup on those pro’s who like to have several swing thoughts for different shots, practising as they play.
Very few can do that successfully.

Nick Faldo is one,Bernhard Langer another who can actually think about what it is they are doing as they do it. But that’s not me. I just want to get out there and play. So, taking advantage of the rather unique setting here at Turnberry – and with a little artistic licence – let me demonstrate some of the simple swing thoughts that I rely on to play consistent golf.

I hope they help you. ‘soft’ on the grip, leaving the arms relaxed,ready to getthe swing,flowing.

Here’s the first – and possibly most important – piece of advice I can give you: to get the clubhead truly swinging, you need a light grip pressure, one that leaves the arms relaxed, and one that allows you to feel the weight
of the clubhead on the end of the shaft.

It’s no secret that most amateurs grip the club too tightly, a basic error that leads to a muscular grid-lock running up through the arms and into the shoulders. No chance from there.

A noticeable part of my pre-shot routine is the way in which I grip and re-grip as I set up to the ball.

All the time I am reinforcing this sense of feel in the hands and arms, ready to create swing – a simple reminder that works.
Why you need to have ‘soft hands’