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.
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.
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.
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.
(480) 861-9370
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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