Inner Game Workshop

Want to remove Frustration and Confusion, Improve Concentration, Have More Fun, and Shoot Lower Scores?
Allow me to help.


Ok, a while ago I posted about a workshop that I was creating that would give golfers a new perspective on learning and improvement with an in depth look at what I call the Inner Game. With some awesome input and help from my colleague who is a Sports Psycologist, I am ready to launch this thing and will be having the first workshop on Monday October 17 @ 7:00 pm.

For a while now I have been coaching my students using the Inner Game principles that make up the workshop and have had some amazing results. Most of my students say that they now understand why improvement was very slow, and often nonexistant, and say that they are having a lot more fun while playing, practicing and improving their game.

I am certain that without a real understanding of these principles, a golfer can never reach their full potential.

This workshop will be great for you if you:
-are playing regulairly or semi regulairly
-are frustrated or confused
-want to enjoy the game more
-want to be more consistent
-want to take that next step
-have tried every swing tip imaginable
-don't have the time or the money to comitt to a lesson package with a coach
-want to to know how to reach your potential

Already have a coach? Don't worry, this workshop has nothing to do with swing technique and will not interfere with what you are already working on with your coach.

You are a coach? My coaching has improved dramatically with these principles and I have no doubt that some of these ideas can help you too.

Location: Heartland Golf School @ Jurong Country Club
Group Size: 10-15 golfers per session
Cost: $75
Schedule: Monday Nights
October 17, 24 7:00 - 9:00 pm
(I will be in Phoenix Arizona on Monday, October 31 and November 7 attending a coaching program with Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson)
November 14, 21, 28 7:00 - 9:00 pm

I am starting with Monday evenings but am open to suggestions and will be happy to schedule alternate dates depending on feedback.

I can't wait to share more!

If you are intrested in taking part or have any questions, pease send me PM or SMS at 8111 8975.


Have a great day!

Interesting! Can you share one of your teaching philosophy?

Dstruc wrote:

Interesting! Can you share one of your teaching philosophy?

Ok, there are 4 main area's where a golfer can look for improvement.

1. Technology - Properly fitted equipment that are suited for your game and your ability are important. No doubt about it. Since we all have unique swings, the same club head and shaft combo that works for me might not necessarily work for you.

2. Technique- Correct fundamentals and a repeatable swing are important are important no doubt. Every golfer needs to have a swing that they can rely on.

3. Fitness- A golfer with poor flexibility or little strength and stamina would certainly be able to preform better with improved strength and flexibility.

4. Thinking- During a round or a practice session, most golfers experience a roller coaster ride of thoughts, ideas, emotions, highs and lows, good and bad decisions and what seems to be a chaotic battle going on inside their brains and bodies. When we take a close look at the details of exactly what is going on on the inside, we can start to understand how consistency and preformance can be difficult if not impossible to achieve without first getting control of what is going on inside.


I have been active on this forum for long enough to understand the tendencies of the majority of the golfers here, and it's no surprise to me that the mentality is very consistent with the culture of golfers everywhere. They look only at Technology and Technique as ways to improve and pay very little if any attention to the Fitness or Thinking.

"That magic shaft / club / putter is out there somwhere and when I find it, look out. Havn't found it yet but if I keep switching and try everything, I'm bound to find it. Then Look out"
Anyone found the magic club yet? How long did the magic stay with it?

or,

"I've got it, that last swing tip really works, now I've got it, this is awesome, I finally found the key to my swing, I've never hit it like this before, wow, finally I've figured it out."
Anyone found that magic technique or swing tip? How long did it last before you moved on to the next tip, and the next tip and the next tip.

I mean no disrespect if this is a discription of your approach to golf. I am simply here to say that while there is no doubt that Technology and Technique are important, without an understanding of the Inner Game and the correct mental skills, most golfers will spend their lives relying on swing tips, magic clubs, and continue to ride the rollercoaster, never reaching their full potential.

While I am a huge advocate of the benifits that fitness, strength and flexibility, can have, that is really not what this is about.

The workshop is about giving golfers a good look at the details of why swing tips and magic clubs don't work, and how improved thinking and understanding of the Inner Game can be the one thing that brings your Technology, Technique, Physical abilities together and allow you to access your potential.

That's my philosophy!

Anyone care to learn more?

punkrockpga wrote:

...
I have been active on this forum for long enough to understand the tendencies of the majority of the golfers here, and it's no surprise to me that the mentality is very consistent with the culture of golfers everywhere. They look only at Technology and Technique as ways to improve and pay very little if any attention to the Fitness or Thinking.

"That magic shaft / club / putter is out there somwhere and when I find it, look out. Havn't found it yet but if I keep switching and try everything, I'm bound to find it. Then Look out"
Anyone found the magic club yet? How long did the magic stay with it?

So funny. Especially the "Look out!" part. And also so true.

punkrockpga wrote:

or,

"I've got it, that last swing tip really works, now I've got it, this is awesome, I finally found the key to my swing, I've never hit it like this before, wow, finally I've figured it out."
Anyone found that magic technique or swing tip? How long did it last before you moved on to the next tip, and the next tip and the next tip.

Again, so so true. Like getting some tips online, works well for a while, and then it stops working. Why? Tips don't work long term because the muscle memory and therefore the swing are both dynamic. They adapt to, and are influenced by, many different internal and external factors. Need to build an entire foundation of the pivot, select whichever style that suits and stick with it, carefully adding compatible core elements that last, to get something that performs under pressure, instead of short term fixes, setup changes, etc. Or worse, a bandaid to fix a bandaid to fix a bandaid... Very little chance of getting multiple layers of bandaids timed correctly to produce the desired result.

So most of us are both club ho'ing and tip ho'ing.

punkrockpga wrote:

I mean no disrespect if this is a discription of your approach to golf. I am simply here to say that while there is no doubt that Technology and Technique are important, without an understanding of the Inner Game and the correct mental skills, most golfers will spend their lives relying on swing tips, magic clubs, and continue to ride the rollercoaster, never reaching their full potential.
...

You make compelling points; too bad I am in Malaysia, I'd be interested to see what I can learn otherwise.

very interesting. Any taker ?

Although it's not mentioned here because it's mostly boring and not really interesting for many to discuss, I do believe fitness is important, not only in golf but also in overall life health. And that's why I go to gym 3 times a week on 5x5 program.

Cheers,

dmateo wrote:

very interesting. Any taker ?

Although it's not mentioned here because it's mostly boring and not really interesting for many to discuss, I do believe fitness is important, not only in golf but also in overall life health. And that's why I go to gym 3 times a week on 5x5 program.

Cheers,

At the peak of my gastronomic corporate wining and dining lifestyle, I weighed 92 kg.

Since taking up golf, I dropped to 85 kg over a few months.

Since taking up a specific diet, I dropped to 81 kg in little over a month.

I agree with you bro, fitness (and also diet, related) is very important, not just for golf but for life.

I wonder how much this talk will focus on fitness?

On the fitness part, I cannot agree more. Though golf may be seen by some as an old man's game, it is not entirely true nowadays. Especially a course where buggy is not allowed on the fairway and your shot is less than the desired accuracy, being fit is therefore required.

I cannot run due to my AF so I brisk walk regularly, which I like.

well, wait till you play mountain course on high land with thin oxygen. Most of the course I went to in China are buggy on track and some of them are damn hilly. I prefer to walk on the course though and feast my eyes on the scenery..

1 year a go I'm at 99kg. Changed job and get my diet and exercise straight, I'm now at 82Kg. Iwas weak (barely run and lift), now I can run decent km at decent speed and pull up my body weight.

I think average Singaporean are pretty healthy since there is the yearly IPPT test for NS. Which is partly why I started exercising and putting the standard as my own personal bar.

Thanks Brad for the insight... Totally agree. Been working on my techniques(forever learning), my fitness ( probably not hard enough) and I love my clubs...but just this mental thingy I have to fight all the time...

Just to share, 2months ago, I took a week leave - and have a 'golf week'!
1st game (Monday) - I shot my best (86). Was really happy about it.
2nd game (wed) - i was hoping to maintain the previous score or 80s.. But I shot 93.
3rd game (Fri) - I went into the game hoping to have that 'Monday's' form. I shot 95.
4th game (Sat) - throughout the game, I kept think " how did I do it"/ "how did that swing feels". I shot a 99!
And till now, I'm still searching for that form/ feel of the great swings I did. And this somehow, created Fear before my shots- was afraid of an "imperfect" shot. ( I'm not referring to a hook / shank/ slice... ) I was seeking the right feel /impact / swing... And this thoughts have been affecting my games, and resulting into inconsistency. I know it's a mentally knot, but how do you overcome these thoughts from seeping in once a while during game?

Care to use this scenario and give some advice, Brad?

Thanks in advance!

Dstruc wrote:

Thanks Brad for the insight... Totally agree. Been working on my techniques(forever learning), my fitness ( probably not hard enough) and I love my clubs...but just this mental thingy I have to fight all the time...

Just to share, 2months ago, I took a week leave - and have a 'golf week'!
1st game (Monday) - I shot my best (86). Was really happy about it.
2nd game (wed) - i was hoping to maintain the previous score or 80s.. But I shot 93.
3rd game (Fri) - I went into the game hoping to have that 'Monday's' form. I shot 95.
4th game (Sat) - throughout the game, I kept think " how did I do it"/ "how did that swing feels". I shot a 99!
And till now, I'm still searching for that form/ feel of the great swings I did. And this somehow, created Fear before my shots- was afraid of an "imperfect" shot. ( I'm not referring to a hook / shank/ slice... ) I was seeking the right feel /impact / swing... And this thoughts have been affecting my games, and resulting into inconsistency. I know it's a mentally knot, but how do you overcome these thoughts from seeping in once a while during game?

Care to use this scenario and give some advice, Brad?

Thanks in advance!

That's interesting; thanks for sharing.

Sounds like exactly the type of scenario the workshop is designed for.

Dstruc, I think it is better for you to come and attend the session.

Brad is my coach and I believe he can help you with it. The biggest difference he has made to me is on the mental side of this game. He has not changed my swing and advise against my thought of equipment change. But he did impart me a lot of short game technique, though.

My biggest misunderstanding about the mental game is that it requires no practice. I realized practicing your inner game takes effort and can even take longer than physical aspect of the game. But it creates stability in my game and eventually improve scores. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Sandkie...

I'm definitely interested to get guidance on the mental side of the game... Just hoping to hear Brad out for a bit more... And hopefully get more GR'ians interested with these insights since most of our post are on equipments and swings...

Dstruc wrote:

Thanks Brad for the insight... Totally agree. Been working on my techniques(forever learning), my fitness ( probably not hard enough) and I love my clubs...but just this mental thingy I have to fight all the time...

Just to share, 2months ago, I took a week leave - and have a 'golf week'!
1st game (Monday) - I shot my best (86). Was really happy about it.
2nd game (wed) - i was hoping to maintain the previous score or 80s.. But I shot 93.
3rd game (Fri) - I went into the game hoping to have that 'Monday's' form. I shot 95.
4th game (Sat) - throughout the game, I kept think " how did I do it"/ "how did that swing feels". I shot a 99!
And till now, I'm still searching for that form/ feel of the great swings I did. And this somehow, created Fear before my shots- was afraid of an "imperfect" shot. ( I'm not referring to a hook / shank/ slice... ) I was seeking the right feel /impact / swing... And this thoughts have been affecting my games, and resulting into inconsistency. I know it's a mentally knot, but how do you overcome these thoughts from seeping in once a while during game?

Care to use this scenario and give some advice, Brad?

Thanks in advance!

The workshop is designed for golfers exactly like you. Come and check it out and I am certain that you will find all the answers and understanding that you are seeking.

dmateo wrote:

very interesting. Any taker ?

Although it's not mentioned here because it's mostly boring and not really interesting for many to discuss, I do believe fitness is important, not only in golf but also in overall life health. And that's why I go to gym 3 times a week on 5x5 program.

Cheers,

Hi Bro,

I am interested in this, but can only make it for 24th Nov. Can discuss more at SSN later.

When I first got my new driver, it was awesome, however, after the honeymoon period, it is back to the familiar pattern of consistency at the range (or golf simulator) and inconsistency on the course.

Obviously something wrong with my mind ...

you just need me to distract you by coughing!!!

shamusan wrote:

you just need me to distract you by coughing!!!

yah man ... I forgot about that ... will imagine you coughing on my downswing next time I am on the course ...

Brad,five of us will be attending the workshop on 17th OCT ,see you there!

Rick

Thats great Rick!

So far I have 8 for Monday 17, and have room for 4 more.

Same for the following week, 8 confirmed and have room for 4 more.

See you soon!

Brad,

Thanks for the excellent workshop this evening. Lots to chew on, but very useful pointers which I'll be sure to put in practice at my next game or range practice. Hopefully it'll help me break my 100 soon!

Cheers!
Ryan

This was some nice feedback from one of the golfers who attended the workshop this week.

"Brad, I thought the workshop was excelent, really clear, and opened up my mind to the idea that there are other aspects besides the technical and physical when it comes to improvement. Your explaination of the xxxxxx and the xxxxxxx and the roles they play was very enlightening and something that I can apply to my game immediately."

Sorry about the xxxxxx's, but I can't really give away the secretes can I?

I had a great time with the workshop this week and after some very positive responses and feedback from those who attended. I am more confident than ever that the content is strong and is of the utmost importance for a golfer who is trying to improve.

It was a greally good crowd! 12 people, a few trying to break 100, a few trying to get into the 80's, one guy who shoots under par regularly, and one guy who has never even tried golf before but is thinking about taking up the game. Everyone said that they learned something unique that could be applied to thier own games.

I still have a few spots available for the next sesson this coming Monday.

PM or SMS 8111 8975 if you are interested in checking it out.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hit em sraight!

Yesterday I had my first lesson with a new student who was looking for a quick fix to straighten out a wicked slice before his game in China this weekend. He said that four or 5 years ago he used to play 3 times a week and could regularly score in the mid 80's, but now he was only playing about once a week and didn't expect that his old game was possible. Happy to play in the mid to high 90's he just wanted to fix his slice and listed of a number of swing faults that his friends had observed and a few swing thoughts that he was using to fix the faults. He even had a brand new set of Taylor Made irons, woods, driver, and Putter, that he admitted he bought with hopes of results that were different than his Callaways. Sound familliar anyone?
I was laughing a little on the inside and told him that he was a poster boy for my Inner Game coaching.


Before we fixed the slice (which I knew would take about 7 minutes and 10-15 swings) we sat in the classroom and I gave him the basics concepts of what I cover in the Inner Game Workshop. As is pretty consistent of all of the golfers who hear it, he said, yup, yup, yup, that's me, that's me, how did you know that? How were you able to summarize my entire golf career and struggles to improve in such detail? Then we talked about how we were going to approach fixing his slice according to the Inner Game concepts, and how the experience of learning was going to be completely different from what he was expecting.

As I expected, fixing the slice was easy and he couldn't believe that it was so simple. He was experiencing a ball flight that he didn't think he was capable of. By the time we finished (1.5 hrs total) he had gone from wanting a quick fix and being content on playing in the mid 90's, to telling me that he now believed that he was going to get back to the mid 80's and that he figured it wouldn't take him long at all.

Now, not all lessons go like this one, but it was a very powerfull experience for both of us. It made me believe in my coaching more than ever, and it made him leave the session with a new feeling of confidence and excitement about playing and improving.

I wish I had the whole thing on film.

Ok, back to work now.

Our classroom holds 10 people comfortablly for the workshop. I still have space for 4 more golfers in tonights workshop and am offering my Golf Republic friends 2 for 1 entry.
2 golfers $75 for tonight only.

It's worth it no doubt. I strongly believe that this could be the most important lesson a golfer might ever take.

Only one way to find out.

PM or SMS 8111 8975

Have a great day / week all!

Another successful Inner Game workshop last night!

Golfers were really excited about playing a different kind of game.

One coach said that both his game and his coaching will never be the same again.

Looking forward to getting back at it in Mid November.

Have a great day all!

Inner Game / Essential Mental Skills Workshop

My next workshops will be next Monday, November 28, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, and then again the following Monday, December 5, 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

In December, I am planing on conducting some weekend workshops to accommodate those who can't make the week day sessions.

Some really great things have been happening for some of the golfers who have been throughout the workshop so far.

A few players have shot their career best rounds and credited their new Mental Skills.

A couple of Coaches have said that both their own games, and their own coaching, have been dramatically effected.

People are saying that they are enjoying the game more than ever.

More than ever, I believe that when we start to look beyond just technique for ways to improve, the possibilities are amazing!

If we want to improve our performance on the golf course, the Essential Mental Skills are just as important as the Technical Skills.

How good are your Mental Skills?



Have a great week everybody!

Please let me know if you want to learn more about the essential Mental Skills.