EJS GOLF BLOG

Learn about the golf swing and what you can do to improve your score on the golf course. Fill out the form below if you have any questions or want to set up a time to talk.

Mastering the Art of Golf with Coach Erik Schjolberg

I’m Coach Erik Schjolberg, and welcome to the EJS Golf blog—Scottsdale’s authority on science-driven ball-striking. Here you’ll find in-depth analyses of swing mechanics, data-backed breakdowns of impact and launch dynamics, and actionable practice routines designed to rewire your muscle memory from day one. Each post peels back the curtain on cause-and-effect in your swing, whether you’re chasing Tour-level precision, collegiate consistency, or lower weekend scores. Dive into our deep-dive articles, master the drills that drive real improvement, and transform your game with proven science and strategy.


But let’s be clear: golf isn’t only about perfecting swing mechanics. The mental battle you fight on each tee is often the one that determines whether you stay in the game or walk off the course. Here, we’ll tackle the psychological hurdles—the pressure of a tight leaderboard, the frustration when a swing fails under stress, the self-doubt that creeps in after a bad hole. You’ll learn evidence-based mental strategies—visualization routines, pre-shot rituals, stress-management techniques—that fortify your focus and resilience. Mastering these mind-set tools is just as critical as dialing in your impact position, and I’ll show you exactly how to integrate mental training into your practice for lasting confidence on every shot.

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Conscious vs Subconscious split in two

Conscious vs Subconscious: Mental Keys to Consistent Ball-Striking | SBG

July 14, 20252 min read

Who Do You Put IN Charge? - Conscious vs Subconscious

When I stand on the lesson tee, I remind myself—and the player in front of me—that the swing they’re about to make is the product of thousands of motor commands already stitched together in long-term memory. Those commands live below the conscious waterline. The instant you, your partner, etc., ask the golfer to seize control of each microscopic movement with the analytical mind, we interrupt the very system that makes coordinated motion possible.

Hi friends and golfers.  My name is coach Erik Schjolberg, founder and owner of EJS Golf and the  Science of Better Golf community.  You can find me teaching live at McCormick Ranch golf course located in Scottsdale, AZ.  Having coached thousands of lessons over the past 25 years plus, I have learned that the more golfers focus on data and what is real vs. feels or imagined, the better they get. 

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Motor-learning research is unambiguous on this point. Fitts and Posner’s classic three-stage model shows that once a skill has migrated from the cognitive into the autonomous stage, re-routing it back through conscious monitoring slows processing speed and introduces variability. Gabriele Wulf’s attentional-focus studies echo the same principle: internal, mechanics-oriented cues inflate muscular co-contraction, robbing the swing of tempo and fluidity, whereas external cues allow the subconscious to run its well-grooved program. And Sian Beilock’s work on “explicit monitoring” explains why elite athletes crumble under pressure when they start overthinking limbs and positions that normally run on autopilot.

As coaches, it is seductive to prescribe ever-more detailed motion commands—especially when we have 3-D data at our fingertips—but past a certain bandwidth those instructions create cognitive overload. My rule: use conscious thought to set the stage (pre-shot routine, external focus, ball-flight intention), then relinquish the reins. That doesn’t mean we abandon technique work; it means we build technique in practice, package it into robust motor patterns, and trust the subconscious to deploy it on command.

If you truly want to strike the ball better under the gun, we must learn to think less about elbows and more about targets. Train consciously, perform subconsciously—that is the science of better golf. Check out my YouTube page for drill videos and read more of my blogs.

What do you think about before you swing? Please comment below with your take.

Checkout my golf community, The Science of Better Golf.

Coach Erik Schjolberg

The Science of Better Golf

EJS Golf

Scottsdale Golf Lessons

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(480) 861-9370

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Coach Erik Schjolberg

Are you lost at times on the golf course or the driving range and just don’t know how to correct your slice, hitting it fat, topping the ball, etc.? What if you had a plan, maybe even on a notecard in your golf bag as many of my student do, that is your simple blueprint towards your desired shot? This isn’t a pie in the sky dream. These are the tools I want to give you so that your athletic ability, mobility, strength, etc. are working as one for you! I will liberate you from those thoughts of where your body parts should be during the golf swing. In turn, you will give yourself the chance to self organize and focus on either some external cue I will develop with you or just being in the flow state. In my system you will no longer be subject to golf myths, swing tips of the day, guessing, etc. ​

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What You Can Expect from Our Blog

1. Expert Insights on Swing Mechanics:

With over 25 years of experience as a PGA Professional Golf Instructor, I delve deep into the nuances of golf swing mechanics. My articles break down complex theories into understandable concepts, focusing on ground reaction forces (GRFs), biomechanics, and efficient energy transfer.

2. Advanced Technological Guidance:

Our academy is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like the Trackman 4 Launch Monitor, 3D Pressure Plates, and Hackmotion, among others. On the blog, I share how to leverage these technologies to gain precise feedback on your swing, helping you make informed adjustments and see measurable improvements.

3. Tailored Practice Routines:

My philosophy is built on the belief that improvement should be evident from the first lesson. I advocate a '15 minutes per day' practice model, designed to fit into your busy schedule while ensuring consistent progress. Each blog post aims to offer practice drills and routines that are easy to implement and effective in refining your skills.

4. Real Success Stories:

Read about the experiences of those who have trained at EJS Golf Academy. These testimonials not only inspire but also illustrate the practical application of our teaching methodologies and the real results achieved.

5. Interactive Learning:

We occasionally feature video tutorials and interactive content that allows you to visually grasp techniques and corrections. This blended approach helps reinforce learning and allows you to engage with the content actively.

How Our Blog Helps Golfers Get Better

Every post is crafted with the intent to educate. We cover everything from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques, ensuring there's something valuable for every skill level. By presenting data and evidence-backed strategies, our blog demystifies the 'why' and 'how' behind effective golf training. This analytical approach empowers you to make smarter decisions about your practice and play. We understand that generic advice does not suit everyone. Our blog posts are designed to help you identify your own needs and adapt our techniques accordingly. Whether it’s adjusting your grip, stance, or swing path, you’ll find personalized tips that resonate with your specific challenges. Beyond just reading, our blog serves as a community hub where you can interact with fellow golfers and share your experiences. This supportive environment encourages learning and improvement through collective wisdom.

Join Us on Your Path to Mastery

Whether you’re looking to refine your swing, understand the biomechanics of your body, or simply get more enjoyment out of the game, our blog at EJS Golf Academy is your go-to resource. Bookmark our page, subscribe to updates, and start transforming your game today.

Remember, at EJS Golf, we don’t just teach golf; we craft master golfers. Let’s begin this journey together. Visit us atEJSGolf.com to learn more about our programs and start your training online or at our Scottsdale location. Let’s make every swing count!

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Address

7505 E McCormick Pkwy

Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Phone Number

480.861.9370

phone: 480.861.9370 email: [email protected]

Apostrophe

I've taken multiple private lessons with Erik and he's been by far the best swing coach I have ever worked with. He has the ability to dissect your swing and make small changes for big improvements. What I love most about his lessons is they go far beyond the 1 or 2 hours you're with him. He follows up with videos of how you can improve at home and on the range. The value he provides is absolutely worth the cost of his sessions. I would recommend any golfer at any level who truly wants to get better to go see Erik.”

- Reanol H.

Apostrophe

Erik is the best! and that is not an exaggeration. There has not been a single lesson where I haven't walked out and felt like a far better golfer than before. What can't be praised enough is the effort and dedication that Eric puts into each of his students, as his approach to fixing and improving my golf swing was specific to me. While teaching, Erik takes the extra time to truly dive into what he is trying to convey rather than just telling you, allowing for a better understanding. Beyond the instruction at the course, Erik sends specific drills to you from an app that allows for slow motion replays, letting you break down everything and work on your game at any time. I genuinely mean it when I say that I would recommend Erik to anyone wanting to improve their golf game, as he is not only a top not instructor but also a top notch person who cares about his students.

- Brennan K.

Apostrophe

Erik is flat out a great coach and mentor! I highly recommend him! Working from the ground up, my swing is healthier and smooth! I wanted a coach that shared the same main principles as the late Tony Manzoni and Erik hits the mark! Found Erik by listening to the Golf Smarter podcast by Fred Greene and connected with EJS Golf through the Perfect Motion app. Erik is motivated and incredibly gifted at his craft!

- Bryan B., Indiana, USA

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