Break-Free From the Trap: Moving Beyond Linear Thinking in Golf
Break-Free From the Trap: Moving Beyond Linear Thinking in Golf
Hi. I am Coach Erik Schjolberg, a professional golf coach at EJS Golf in Scottsdale, Arizona at McCormick Ranch G C. My mission is straightforward: to transform golfers into ball striking machines using physics and biomechanics. This means that golfers should be getting better from day one, not falling for the fallacy that you need to get worse to get better. If you're caught in the trap of repetitive, linear swings thoughts that fail to translate during play, this article is your guide to unlocking dynamic, impactful swings under real conditions. Say goodbye to ineffective practice swings and hello to practical skills that deliver results.
Many golfers develop a routine of linear thinking: step one, step two, step three, in an orderly fashion. On the course, however, this rigid mindset often leads to lackluster performance. When you rely solely on linear methods, you may find yourself overly focused on executing a perfect swing rather than engaging dynamically with the ball, or preferably the turf in front of the golf ball. This results in weak, uncommitted shots where impact feels flat rather than crisp and defined. I frequently witness players, overly concerned with the minute mechanical checklist, ultimately missing the essence of impactful play.
A truly effective swing involves marrying mechanics with instinct. While practice swings are about ironing out your technique, the real game demands adaptability and instinctive execution. The notion that practice swings should focus on "this, then that" misses the larger picture. Dynamic swings require pressure shifts and club head control to execute a powerful impact. As the club approaches, pressure must shift fluidly—ensuring the club face meets the ball before the turf, producing solid contact. The biomechanics of swinging a static target demand the adaptation and reaction of your body, ensuring the transfer of energy for an optimal strike.
Shift your focus from sterile, mechanical moves to a vibrant interaction with the target. First, aim to feel the rhythm and flow as pressure transitions into your lead foot. Allow your movements to mirror the organic habits of seasoned athletes—like a baseball player reacting to a pitch. Mentally engage with the target, spend time looking at it and seeing your ball flight. Encourage yourself to visualize the outcome, using imagination to shape practical adjustments in your grip, wrist conditions, and body rotation. When done correctly, this approach manifests in a balanced, confident stride.
I am ok with the golfer thinking technically during their practice swing as long as they are able to move off of that when it is time to execute the golf shot. For some golfers, they are not able to separate their practice swing thoughts from their real golf swing. For this golfer the practice swing needs to match the thoughts of the real golf swing, exactly. For those that can change their mindset between practice swing and real swing the advantage lies in that we get to rehearse and tell our body what we would like it to do and then give it a shot to repeat that on the regular shot.
Dynamic Pressure Drill
Dynamic Pressure Drill to engage instinctive impact:
Position a visible target, such as a flagstick, and mentally establish it as your focus.
Practice swinging without a predetermined checklist; instead, imagine reacting to the moving target by maintaining a smooth shift of pressure onto your lead foot.
Film your swing, focusing on how your body naturally adjusts to the target. Watch for fluid movement rather than mechanical stalls.
Evaluate the video. Look for a centered impact with the ball, testing the consistency of your dynamic pressure shift.
One common error is excessive rigidity. Many golfers become too entwined with executing every “right” move, leading to a stiff, uninspired swing. Golf is not about perfect drills but integrated reactions. The second mistake is a lack of evaluation—some neglect to record and subsequently review their swings, thereby missing the opportunity to connect intended movements with actual outcomes. Finally, impatience often undermines progress; golfers too quickly revert to old habits without allowing new adjustments to embed. A professional eye offers the necessary feedback to engrain effective changes.
Closing Thoughts and Next Step
Moving beyond the linear constraints of your thoughts is crucial for real-world golf success. By embracing and adopting mechanisms that prioritize the target and its responses, golfers can experience immediate improvement. At EJS Golf, I build these fundamentals from day one, helping golfers transition into more responsive, adaptable players.
Whether you're in Scottsdale or seeking remote guidance, contact me through EJS Golf or The Science of Better Golf to further sharpen your ball striking skills. You can explore more about my approach at ejsgolf.com/about or get started with my practice guide designed to hone some of these elements effectively. Golf is physics responding to your intentions—let’s make them count.
