Paul Marchand - Philosophy

Improvement
There are so many parts of the game to enjoy - the fun with friends, the natural beauty of any golf course, the never-ending personal challenge the game presents, and playing well when it counts (like in competition). However, I personally think the best part of the game (as maybe in life) is the joy of improving. How many activities can you name that have such a clear method of finding out if you are improving. The box on the scorecard and a little pencil will tell. What a simple and honest scoring system. No referees or judges. No competitors yelling. No teammates. Hey, it’s just you, that little ball and your club. What was your score on that hole?

The Long Haul
While this honest scoring system can tell you how you are doing at any particular time, it is best to keep an eye to on long term when seeking to improve your skills. The process of gaining information and translating it into a motor skill that is best performed without thought takes time. It takes trial and error and a commitment to good principles. When some real tangible results can be reproduced, you know you’ve earned it. Miracle cures don’t do it in this game. There is something about golf mechanics, though, that suckers us all into looking for that fast and easy fix. Take a deep breath when you are about to make that mistake.

Simplicity
I seem to contradict the Marchand point here, but that is where the subtlety of the game must be appreciated. The best tips on golf (1) involve one’s individual golf game, (2) are easy to understand for that golfer, and (3) can be translated into a feeling and then repeated. Repetition of these conceptually accurate points for the individual golfer is the cornerstone of good instruction. I think this will also be a cornerstone of learning at GolfLink.com because you now can get instantaneous top level personal instruction if you don’t already have access to it.

The Complete Game
Golf is made up of a number of skills including: (1) the swing (with woods and irons), (2) the short game (which has a half dozen parts) (3) the mental part (which is HUGE), and (4) how to compete and course strategy. You get the point. There are a lot of things to cover which makes an instructor's job challenging because even the greatest professional has stuff to work on.

A major part of learning is having the right priority of what to work on, knowing how long and how much time to spend on that part, and understanding how to integrate all of the parts into an overall skill that comprises a GOLFER. In general, I prefer to get the gist of the swing working Paul. I believe that the joy of a good shot is what gets most people going. However, the shortgame holds the key to scoring, and the mental side touches everything about Golf. It is the blend of physical and mental that makes golf an endless fascination.

The Swing
I can’t overemphasize the importance of being able to tailor any advice I give directly to the individual. Rather than trying to figure out a magazine or book, make use of GolfLink.com by scanning the entire library of videotapes and getting some good stuff (as they said about James Bond) for “your eyes only,” and for your game only. That’s what a top instructor can do - tailor the instruction for you and make it something that has fundamental value that will change your game for the better.

The golf swing is a very sophisticated and coordinated blend of small and large “motor movements.” By definition, a good golf swing creates a consistent delivery of clubhead speed, path, and alignment. When performed correctly, it feels simple and efficient.

The Short Game
Pitching, chipping, lob shots, sand play and putting are all separate skills that have some technical similarities and differences from the full swing.

The Mental Game
Executing a golf shot and putting together shots and holes are so very influenced by what sits on the shoulders. Look up Jack Nicklaus’ record. Do you think he hit it, chipped it, and putted it that much better than everyone who ever played?

Playing The Game
Controlling the flight of the ball, having a knack for scoring and handling the pressure of competition are all complex and vital skills. If you can get to the point where you are working on these things, then you can appreciate know how satisfying playing good golf can be.

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