Are You A Golf Score Addict?

Are You A Golf Score Addict?

Many Golfers believe it's a good thing to be thinking about score during their round, before a particular shot or during their swing. But unfortunately, it’s the worst thing you could be thinking about on the golf course. It would actually be better for you to be focused on what you’re going to have for dinner later that evening – than it would focusing on your score! Yet most Golfers don’t think it’s really a problem to be focused on score. They don't realize thinking about score can actually be causing problems in your golf swing. They feel their problem is – “If I could just hit the golf ball consistently – I’d be able to score better.” Score Addict!

Have you ever thought that the reason you might not be hitting the golf ball as well as you could, could be because you’re spending too much time on the golf course worried about your score? Score Addict!

Do you know why it’s detrimental to your golf game to think about score? Has this ever happened to you?

You just finished the 9th hole not knowing what your score was – all you know is that you’re having fun on the golf course with friends. And then, as you’re getting ready to tee off on the 10th hole, your playing partner say’s “Hey Bob, you shot a 40 on the front!”, and you think to yourself “Wow, I had no idea I played that well! I was just having fun. If I can just follow that up with a 39 - I’ll have my best score ever and break 80 for the first time!”

This scenario could be modified for someone wanting to break 100 and scoring 50 on the Front 9 or someone wanting to break 90 and scoring 45 on the Front 9.

All of a sudden, the stakes are higher, the mood has changed and there’s a different feel in the air. Now you’re focused on making Pars and Birdies – which invariably leads to a double bogey on the 10th hole.

You try to stay positive and say “All is not lost; if I could just make a few Pars and a Birdie on the next holes, I’ll be back on track.” So, on the 11th hole you hit a good drive and are 195 yards to the green. This particular green is surrounded by a lot of trouble, yet you think to yourself “I need to make Birdie after that last Double Bogey.”

You do make a good golf swing, yet the shot drifts a little to the right, takes a bad bounce just short of the green and ends up in the right bunker. You then get in the bunker only to find your golf ball has a terrible lie (because someone didn’t rake very well before you and all of a sudden it seems like the whole world is against you shooting your best score). It takes you 2 shots to get out of the sand and you follow that up with 2 putts - Double Bogey.

And all you can think about is how you’ve messed up a good round. Score Addict!

But you try to stay positive and say to yourself: “If I finish really strong and make a Birdie or two I can still have my best round.” So you try really hard to make some Birdies, although all you’re doing is putting pressure on yourself to perform. And I’m sure you can guess what happens from this point. The scorecard looks like this 40 and 55 = 95. 15 shots higher on the back 9 ... I wonder why? Score Addict!

This is just one of the many scenarios we could paint for you. If you play golf, I’m sure you’ve personally experienced worse “Blow-ups” than the one described above!

And someone may say “I often have the opposite happen to me. I usually play poorly on the front 9 and play well on the back 9.” Believe it or not, it’s for the same reason. Most of the time Golfers play poorly the first few holes is because they start with very high expectations of shooting their best score. And just like the scenario above – every hole is based on score. As opposed to playing one shot at a time based on your Strengths and Weaknesses – the Score Addict plays golf based on Pars and Birdies.

The Score Addict rarely plays well. Just think about your best 9 holes ever – most Golfers had no idea that they shot their best score. That is until they added up the scorecard or someone else told you your score. On the other hand – everyone knows their score when they’re playing bad.

After the bad front 9 caused by thinking about shooting a good score, the Golfer thinks - “That’s the worst I’ve ever played!” And then goes to the back 9 with no expectations and just plays one shot at a time because score isn’t a factor since they screwed up their round on the front 9.

And guess what happens? After the 18th hole, your playing partner asks you – “Do you know what you shot on the back 9” “No, I don’t really care. I played terrible today. This round was a disaster!” “Well, on the back 9 you shot 3 over Par for a 39.” “No I didn’t.” “Yes you did!” “If only I had played that well on the front 9!”

Let’s cut to the chase – thinking about your score on the golf course leads to bad results:

You probably won’t improve your scores by “thinking” about scoring well

You probably won’t hit better golf shots by “thinking” about making a birdie

You probably will have more blow-up holes by saying – “I’ve got to get this one close so I can make Par!”

Thinking about your score on the golf course is not going to help you to score better.

Why can some Golfers hit the golf ball well on the practice range, but can’t take that golf swing to the golf course? One reason is that on the practice range … you’re not focused on score – you’re just focused on “feeling” your golf swing – one shot at a time.

So the next question is - if you shouldn’t be focused on score while on the golf course - what should you be thinking about?

The Monkey is thinking about their 9-hole score on the 2nd tee

The Player understands that they should – ‘Play for their PLAN, not plan for their score’
Go ahead, be a Player!

Regards,

Marc Solomon - Your Instructor For Life

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Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

Our 3-Day Program IncludeS:
•    3-days of 4+ hours of Golf Instruction each day
•    9-holes of On-Course Instruction each day
•    Your Class Limited to only 4-Golfers
•    A PLAN to take home for continuous On-Course Improvement
•    Instructor for Life Program
•    The GMS Player Page on the Golf Made Simple Website
•    3-nights Accommodations
•    9-holes of Golf after class each day
•    Lunch in the clubhouse each day
•    And most importantly you'll be hitting the ball really well!

Remember - All Golf instruction Is Not Equal
Click here to see a comparison of 3 popular programs

GMS has locations in:

Florida:  St. Augustine -- Boca Raton -- Tampa -- Amelia Island
California:  Palm Springs/La Quinta -- Lake Tahoe
Arizona:  Phoenix
Europe:  Sotogrande, Spain
Colorado:  Denver
Virginia:  Washington DC area

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GMS Photo of the Week

This is a photo sent to us from one of our favorite Golfers - Ron Gansfuss. Ron attended our Phoenix location in January 2008 with his son Chris, along with good friend Steve Sarno and his son, Tyler.

This photo - with our Instructor Jeff Seigler seated in the middle and Ron standing - was taken on the back porch of the Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia's clubhouse after a great day with GMS!

Ron, be on the lookout for a small gift from GMS for sharing your photo. And if you have a photo from your GMS Experience, send it to MyPlayerPhoto@GolfMadeSimple.com and we'll send you a small thank you gift.

"Golf - Believe It Or Not!"

Excerpted from GIW Issue 187 - February 6th, 2007

I recently observed a situation you might be surprised to hear. In fact, many of you may not believe this story at all.

On the golf course the other day, I was watching a mid 90's to mid 100's Golfer play a few holes. On the 1st hole (a Par 4), this Golfer was on the green in 3 shots and then 3 putted for a 6. On the 2nd hole (a Par 4), was on in 2 shots and 3 putted for a 5. On the 3rd hole (a Par 3), was on in 1 shot and 3 putted for a 4.

So after 3 holes, this Golfer looked at no one in particular and said – “I’m playing so bad. I can’t believe how bad I’m hitting the golf ball today!” To which someone in the group looked at this Golfer and said – “You’ve hit 2 out of the first 3 Greens in Regulation. Why do you feel that you’re ....

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Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

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"50 Yards Farther!”

Alex,

The GMS program was a HUGE Success. I am more than pleased!!!

I was wondering if there was anywhere I can get a couple dozen of the GMS tees. This way I can use them as business cards when people see me hit my driver in the fairway 50 yards farther than last week.

Tim R – Murrieta, California - Sent January 12th, 2010

Attended La Quinta location on January 8th to 10th, 2010

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"We Have Come Away With A PLAN”

Hi Alex,

Hazel and I had a fantastic time and Jeff was excellent. We really enjoyed the three days we spent with Jeff and have come away with our "plan" for this coming golf season.

We have both said that we would like to do this on a yearly basis and hopefully bring a group of friends with us as the programme was excellent and made sense and the drills and practise routines have given us something to concentrate on when we do get out to practise. I have done some of the drills indoors and will keep going as I really want to see improvements this year.

Regards and all the best for the following year,

Sharon S – Berkshire, England - Sent January 5th, 2010

Attended Spain location on December 14th to 16th, 2009

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Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

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The PGA Tour Visits GMS!

Are you looking forward to the new PGA Tour season that just started for 2010? Well, the first event in the lower 48 states (the continental US) will be played at our La Quinta, California location next week. So be sure to watch on television as much of the tournament next week will be at our newest location, SilverRock Resort.

Yes, when you sign-up for a GMS Program in La Quinta - you'll be experiencing GMS at SilverRock Resort - home of the Bob Hope Classic PGA Tour Event. Is this a great facility? Well, watch it on television next week and you'll see how beautiful it is.

And that's not our only location that hosts a PGA Tour event! Our Tampa location at Innisbrook Resort hosts the PGA Tour's Transitions Championship each March. So that's two GMS locations - two PGA Tour events! And we could also remind you that our Boca Raton location used to host the PGA Tour's Honda Classic from 1997 to 2002.

So does GMS offer our program at some excellent locations? I believe so. Sign-up for a GMS program at either of these locations just before or just after the tournament ... and you'll see these courses first-hand at their absolute finest!

Regards,

Alex - Director

Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

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Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

10 Important Aspects Your 3-Day Program Includes:

1. 3 DAYS WITH 4+ HOURS OF INSTRUCTION EACH DAY - Improve your golf swing with the GMS Drills that have helped 1,000's
   
   
   
2. 9-HOLES OF ON-COURSE INSTRUCTION EACH DAY - A critical part of the day!
   
   
   
3. YOUR CLASS LIMITED TO ONLY 4 GOLFERS
   
   
   
4. A PLAN FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - Learn how to practice effectively, as opposed to just hitting golf balls
   
   
   
5. THE INSTRUCTOR FOR LIFE PROGRAM - Your follow-up program to further insure continued improvement
   
   
   
6. THE GMS ONLINE PLAYER PAGE - Have online access to all GMS Drills used during your program
   
   
   
7. 3-NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS - If you have your own accommodations, we also offer commuter pricing
   
   
   
8. 9 ADDITIONAL HOLES OF GOLF EACH DAY
   
   
   
9. LUNCH IN THE CLUBHOUSE EACH DAY - Rest, eat, refresh, get ready for the afternoon session
   
   
   
10. HIT THE GOLF BALL MORE SOLID THAN EVER! - Read about the improvement of other Golfers!
    

Remember - All Golf instruction Is Not Equal
Click here to see a comparison of 3 popular programs

GMS has locations in:

Florida:  St. Augustine -- Boca Raton -- Tampa -- Amelia Island

California:  Palm Springs/La Quinta -- Lake Tahoe

Arizona:  Phoenix

Europe:  Sotogrande, Spain

Colorado:  Denver

Virginia:  Washington DC area

Improving Your Golf Game In 2010

Will 2010 Be Your Best Golf Year Ever?

Or will it be 'the same old, same old'?

Will you allow 2010 to be your best golf year ever?  If this is your goal – then I have some suggestions for you:

1. First work on making solid impact with the golf ball before you start working on fixing your direction issues.

Solid impact supersedes everything else in the golf swing since it determines how the golf ball will fly. Often times Golfers are more focused on the direction they hit the golf ball. Which is understandable … however, that’s not the solution as far as becoming more consistent.

Too often Golfers are overly concerned with fixing their golf swing to eliminate slices and hooks. And yes, if you do have slices and hooks - you should gain better control of your ball flight. However, when trying to fix your golf swing for the sole purpose of stopping a slice – you will usually just end up making even more compensations in your golf swing and causing even more inconsistency.

Have you ever went to a golf lesson to fix a slice or hook? Afterwards most Golfers are even more inconsistent or worse than before their lesson! Because trying to soley fix a slice or hook is usually based on new compensations trying to fix your old compensations.  Which just means you're throwing even more compensations into your golf swing!

Trying to fix the direction you hit the golf ball before you start improving your impact will just keep you on the same merry-go-round you have been riding for the last ____ (fill in the blank) years.

However, once you’re focused on learning to hit the golf ball more solid – it’s so much easier to fix direction and gain distance. Golf Instructors often debate whether the most important part of the golf swing is swing path, swing plane or clubface. And during most golf lessons ... what you most likely will be working on, will be that Instructors preference. Yet, you should be working on all 3, along with your angle of approach into the golf ball ... at the same time if you want to improve.

Now some people might say that that is too much to think about at one time. Yet, I would passionately disagree with anyone that brings that up. Because you can work on all 4 of those points (without thinking of all those 4 points) if you're working on improving your impact with the golf ball.

How do we do it?

By helping you to control your Center of Gravity. Once you understand how important your Center of Gravity is and how it can guide all 4 of those points without you having to think about each one - you will start hitting the golf ball more solid ... which will allow you to start controlling your direction with much more ease.

The unfortunate thing is that most Golfers are not trained to do it that way.  They're trained to think about each point individually. That’s one reason why the majority of Golfers do not ever improve their golf swing from year to year.

2. Make it a point to ‘See it, Feel it, Do it’ before each shot.

The typical Golfer walks up to their golf ball, takes a couple of Ornamental Practice Swings, glances down the middle of the fairway and then swings.

That is poor, poor, poor!

Visualizing where you’re going to hit the golf ball sets-up your entire shot. Now some people will say – “Well Marc, I’m not good enough to visualize before each shot. My swing isn’t consistent enough at this point and I need to be more focused on that, rather than visualizing. When I do get better, maybe I’ll start to think about visualizing my shot.”

If that’s you – I believe you’re missing the point. Because being able to start to see your shot before you even swing will actually help you to improve your golf swing. By seeing it – you're telling yourself where you want to hit the golf ball. Once you do that – it’s amazing how your mind communicates to your muscles to make the proper golf swing movement. No, it doesn’t guarantee all your shots will be great – however I’d wager a large sum of cash that you’re going to hit more good shots than if you fail to 'See it' first.

Because once you 'See it' – then you'll be able to 'Feel it'. Most Golfers just walk up to the golf ball and take an Ornamental Practice Swing. Why Ornamental? Well, the way most Golfers do it - there's no purpose to it - it’s just for show – because everyone else does it, so you do it. Some might say that they use their practice swing to get loose. Well, if you need to get loose – just stretch, it’ll do more for you than a couple of practice swings.

Some might say - "I take my practice swing to get my rhythm." Well, you'll get more rhythm by whistling a song before you swing than you'll get from your Ornamental Practice Swings.

We’d rather you take a Rehearsal Swing rather than an Ornamental Practice Swing. What’s the difference? Well, with a Rehearsal Swing – you’re actually rehearshing the shot you’re about to play. You’re preparing yourself for your next shot by rehearsing the actual swing you're about to make.

Most Golfers? They’re just swinging at air! Accomplishing nothing … except allowing themselves to ask the recurring question of: “Why do my practice swings feel so good – yet when I go to hit a golf ball it hardly ever feels as good? Why can't I just hit the golf ball with my practice swing?”

To become more consistent - learn to 'Feel it' before you actually swing.

The reason so many Golfers improve with GMS is because we help our Golfers with the total picture. First we work on improving your swing motion using some really excellent drills so that you can better understand your golf swing and improve it. And because of this improved motion - you start to develop a more solid, consistent impact.  And it’s amazing how much easier it is for us to help you improve your direction and distance, once we have helped you with hitting the golf ball more solid!

As opposed to most Golfers/Golf Instructors that first work on direction and wait until they hit it straight before working on hitting it solid.

Then we use 'See it, Feel it, Do it' to work on you visualizing your shots so that you’re actually telling your brain what you want to do before you do it. Which will have your brain telling your muscles what they need to be doing. And your muscles will move the golf club correctly.  Which will have the golf club telling the golf ball where to go.

And by incorporating an excellent swing technique with mental technique - our Golfers improve!

If you want to improve your golf swing – you first need to get away from the style of instruction that hasn’t been working for you. Then you need to understand why having a PLAN of using 'See it, Feel it, Do it' will further improve your golf swing and overall game.

GMS is nothing like anything you have ever tried before. Maybe that’s why so many finally improve!

The Monkey works on their golf swing with the sole purpose of fixing the direction they hit the golf ball

The Player first focuses on learning to hit the golf ball more solid and then is amazed at how that helps them to hit the ball more consistently

Go ahead, be a Player!
Regards,

Marc Solomon - Your Instructor For Life

------------------------------------------------------------------

Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

Our 3-Day Program IncludeS:
•    3-days of 4+ hours of Golf Instruction each day
•    9-holes of On-Course Instruction each day
•    Your Class Limited to only 4-Golfers
•    A PLAN to take home for continuous On-Course Improvement
•    Instructor for Life Program
•    The GMS Player Page on the Golf Made Simple Website
•    3-nights Accommodations
•    9-holes of Golf after class each day
•    Lunch in the clubhouse each day
•    And most importantly you'll be hitting the ball really well!

Remember - All Golf instruction Is Not Equal
Click here to see a comparison of 3 popular programs

GMS has locations in:

Florida:  St. Augustine -- Boca Raton -- Tampa -- Amelia Island
California:  Palm Springs/La Quinta -- Lake Tahoe
Arizona:  Phoenix
Europe:  Sotogrande, Spain
Colorado:  Denver
Virginia:  Washington DC area

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GMS Photo of the Week

(Click here to really enjoy the scenery!)

This is a photo from our Palm Springs/La Quinta, California location at SilverRock Resort with Ellen Class (attended November 23rd to 25th) with our Instructor, Sam Burge.

This photo from November 2009 was taken alongside the 9th hole and just off the porch of the clubhouse. So that backgound is your view each day during lunch with GMS.

In a couple of weeks be on the lookout for this same background to be on national televison duing the PGA Tour's Bob Hope Classic. As SilverRock is the host course for this excellent event!

And if you have a photo from your GMS Experience, send it to MyPlayerPhoto@GolfMadeSimple.com and we'll send you a small thank you gift.

"Who's Your Caddie?"

Excerpted from GIW Issue 255 - October 29th, 2007

It’s getting to be the time of the year when many Golfers get ‘the itch’. It’s been 2 or 3 months of cold, gray weather that’s not conducive to playing golf – so you get ‘the itch’ for sunshine, warmth and green grass. Your golf group then makes plans for Arizona or Florida to play 36 holes a day for 3 or 4 days in a row.

You make it to your location ‘totally jacked-up’ about playing golf on some beautiful golf courses – if you were born pre-1960, you might not be familiar with the phrase ‘totally jacked-up’ – unless you still have teenagers in the house. You stay up late the night before your first round of golf because your blood is pumping and everyone is excited about playing great golf over the next few days.

That feeling lasts all the way to the driving range the next morning when you don’t just walk up to hit some shots to warm-up – you strut like you’re ...

To continue reading, click here

Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

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From Scoring Over 100 to Now In The Mid 80's!”

Marc and Alex - My wife has only been playing golf for about 3 years and I'd like to take credit for some of her improvement. Although I feel at this time I should probably give GMS some credit for her improvement especially since she now has a lower handicap than mine. And she also got her first HOLE IN ONE this last summer on our annual golf vacation in the mountains.

Nevertheless, y'all have a really good program and I'm sure you'll see us again in the future.

Holly's "Golf Improvements" are significant. I mentioned that she now has a lower handicap than me, but I didn't mention that I was scoring in the low 100's before I came to your program. Now I am consistently scoring in the mid to upper 80's!!! I can also add to her resume that she won our local club championship in her flight and many other accolades.

Regards, 

 
Lynn J – Amarillo, Texas – Sent December 23rd, 2009

Attended La Quinta location on March 24th to 26th, 2008

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From A 17 to a 14!””

Marc & Jeff,

Just wanted to let you know that I have lowered my handicap from 17 to 14 after my visit to GMS.

Love the weekly newsletter and look forward to coming down again in the future.

Gary K – Reading, Pennsylvania – Sent January 1st, 2010

Attended St. Augustine location on April 3rd to 5th, 2009

Share Your Golf Made Simple Testimonials | Click Here

Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

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"Is It Cold Near You?"

Wow, what a deep freeze much of the US and Canada is getting! Looking at the weather maps, there aren’t many warm areas. Except for maybe Palm Springs/La Quinta, California where today it's going to be 76 degrees and sunny, along with Phoenix, Arizona where today is going to be 72 degrees and sunny.

Which for most Golfers easily qualifies these locations to be in the running for the award of having the nicest golf weather in the US and Canada. And ironically – GMS has locations at both of these warm spots.

Which sure beats the prospects for golf in 52 degrees and rain in Seattle – 11 degrees and snow in Calgary – 21 degrees in St. Louis – 23 degrees and snow in Toronto – 11 degrees in Minneapolis – 8 degrees below zero wind chill in Stockholm, Sweden or the 2 degrees below zero wind chill and snow in the wonderfully named Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.

C'mon, get out of the cold. Believe it or not - as you're reading this, there are actually people outside wearing shorts and swinging a golf club in the sunshine!

Regards,

Alex - Director

Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

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Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple, Inc.

www.GolfMadeSimple.com

Contact info:

IWantToBe@GolfMadeSimple.com

1-888-580-3635 (US & Canada)

001.904.460.8355 (International)

Our 3-Day Program IncludeS:

•    3-days of 4+ hours of Golf Instruction each day

•    9-holes of On-Course Instruction each day

•    Your Class Limited to only 4-Golfers

•    A PLAN to take home for continuous On-Course Improvement

•    Instructor for Life Program

•    The GMS Player Page on the Golf Made Simple Website

•    3-nights Accommodations

•    9-holes of Golf after class each day

•    Lunch in the clubhouse each day

•    And most importantly you'll be hitting the ball really well!

Remember - All Golf instruction Is Not Equal
Click here to see a comparison of 3 popular programs

GMS has locations in:

Florida:  St. Augustine -- Boca Raton -- Tampa -- Amelia Island

California:  Palm Springs/La Quinta -- Lake Tahoe

Arizona:  Phoenix

Europe:  Sotogrande, Spain

Colorado:  Denver

Virginia:  Washington DC area