ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 focusses on coaching the high handicap golfer. We aim to reframe the thinking behind the ubiquitous search of players and coaches for consistency by constantly attempting to achieve the impossible – repeating identical golf swing movements. Playing good golf is about solving problems on the golf course and adapting to specific conditions and this requires a different frame of mind towards practice. Consequently, we will demonstrate that to improve consistency, high handicappers need to embrace several key concepts. First, accepting that variability in performance and scoring is normal, whatever be the level of the performer. Second, we discuss how variability in the golf swing can be good or bad and the goal of coaching is to enhance the ability to produce good variability and minimise the bad. We will then describe how coaches can use a range of strategies to help high handicappers develop more awareness of their golf swing and develop their functional variability to be more consistent in their ball striking. Essential to this goal, is developing greater adaptability through applying the principles of a CLA in practice. We conclude the chapter with two case studies demonstrating how Peter works with high handicappers in his coaching.
