Nick Faldo Instruction Golf International Magazine

When it comes to your preparation immediately before a round, the key is not only to get your ‘engine’ running and some feel going in the hands and arms, but also to create a set of positive pictures that will help you to play ‘target-oriented’ golf out on the course. That’s what matters most: finding your target

You learn things as you get older. I know now, for example, that I used to spend way too
much of my time thinking about the construction of my backswing – i.e. what was going on behind the ball – and not enough on what was about to happen through the ball and
towards the target. When I reflect on my career, I realise that I always played my best golf when my thoughts were going that way – i.e. towards the target. In full flow, all I worried about was my follow-through, changing the shape of the through-swing to influence the flight of the ball. ‘Engaging the target’ is now my over-riding priority.

The ultimate feel
Just before you call for the men in white coats, no, I haven’t totally lost the plot. Swinging with your eyes closed – even
blindfold – is one of the best exercises that I know to get yourself fully in tune with your swing. I find that it makes me aware of the first few feet of the backswing and also the moments immediately through the ball – as captured here. If the start is hurried, you know it – you feel it. So, when you try this (and this is something you can do at home in the garden mid-week), start slowly and build up your momentum. And always hold your finish – your body turned through fully to face the target.