That is so true. The favoured topic at the bar after a few hours of club wielding would be ‘distance’, with most clamouring to stake claim on membership of the ‘300 Club’. It is another matter that a golfer may have breasted the tape at that mark once in 300 rounds! A genuine member would be one who gets there on a regular basis and the only way to do that is golf lessons backed by practice. An average golfer plays with his mistakes, says Llewellyn. He just doesn’t take lessons. Very often Llewellyn meets golfers at social gatherings and they come around to admitting that they could do with some guidance. He never hears from them again.
India may not have golf teaching professionals pouring out of the woodwork but there are teachers readily available. Yes, your father, uncle or friend can get you to the golf course and fix you up with some golf clubs but if you want to maximise your potential, then get yourself some professional help. You’ll be doing yourself a favour. Imagine coming back home so much happier after those weekend rounds. The wife may even let you buy the new driver.
Tip i tried: If you’ve watched professional golfers on TV or followed them on the golf course, you would have noticed that every one of them follows a pre-shot routine. What they are doing is basically taking aim. It is amazing how many golfers just stand over the golf ball and hit it. That is like getting into your car and then deciding where to go. Focussing on a target (a tree or a bush, for example) is a good start towards getting the job done. It not only helps you align your club and body, it also takes your mind away from irritants like sand and water.