Dave Mahoney Golf

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Swing, Fitness and Mental Performance

Play Your Best!

Swing Tip:  Proper Alignment

If you show up to a tour event you will see the professionals practicing with alignment aids while they are on the range.  This method of preparation is very helpful for a couple of reasons.  First of all, it is important to understand that many of the swing flaws that golfer’s have are caused by a compensation for a mistake made earlier in their swing or setup.  If a golfer is not aligned correctly, they will oftentimes compensate for the misalignment by changing their swing in an effort to get the ball to fly where they want it to.  This makes it very difficult to be consistent.  Alignment is one of the few things a golfer can control.  So when you go to the driving range next time, use a golf club or an alignment rod to help you to align your feet, waist, shoulders and eyes parallel left (for right handed players) of your ball to target line.  Aim parallel right of your ball to target line for left handed players.  This simple practice technique will create a foundation for you to grove a more consistent swing, and also train your eye as to how you want to line up.

Notice Adam Scott using an Alignment Rod to help him aim “parallel left” of his target.

For more on my Golf Instruction please visit:

https://www.davemahoneygolf.com/instruction/swing-philosophy

Fitness Tip:  Create A Warm Up Routine

Would you like to prevent injury, decrease stiffness, increase speed and range of motion before you play golf?  Begin your pre-round routine with a brief cardio warm up.  Most of today’s touring professionals show up at the range prior to their round already in a sweat.  If you don’t have time to go to a gym or fitness studio before arriving at the range, then jumping jacks or running in place will do the job.  Follow this short cardio warm up with some golf specific exercise, and then end with stretching.  Stretching done after the body is already warmed up is most beneficial.  Following this routine will help to increase blood flow and body temperature, leaving your muscles more relaxed and elastic.  If you give yourself at least 5-10 minutes to get warm and loose, your golf swing will be much more fluid and powerful by the time you reach the first tee.

For more on how I can help you with your Golf Fitness please visit:

https://www.davemahoneygolf.com/instruction/fitness

Mind Game Tip:  Power Of The Breath

Developing breath awareness is something that can greatly improve anyone’s golf game.  For every state of mind there is a state of breath.  A smooth and relaxed abdominal breathing pattern has many benefits.  Although a golfer cannot consciously will the mind to slow down, focusing on deep diaphragmatic breathing will bring the mind to a relaxed state.  A relaxed mind is much more able to focus on the task at hand and provides any golfer the ability to be fully immersed in the present moment.  In addition, research has confirmed that deep breathing helps to lower the risk of golf injury, by alleviating muscle tension.

For more information concerning how I can help you to enhance your Mental Performance please visit:

https://www.davemahoneygolf.com/instruction/mind