BenjaminButtonz Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 (edited) When it comes to “swing-thoughts”, I personally have tried my fair share over the years. Some of which have yielded consistent and positive results, a few which work depending on the day, and many that have crashed and burned undeserving score cards. Trying to keep things simple, I limit myself to one thought while swingIng. Depending on what Shot I’m playing or what my miss is for that day, I will have 2-3 different “thoughts” to stay focused on for that day/round. It’s a beautiful thing when keeping things simple, with a handful of these Mantras in your pocket pays off on the course. On that note, I would be very interested to hear what others “Swing-Thoughts” are that have worked well, saved someone from disaster, kept a round on course, etc. This can be for any/all shots whether be off the tee, from particular lies, particular thoughts for different clubs, shot -types, trajectories, etc. I figure with enough combined years of golfing wisdom here, there has to be something I can absorb/try in the course. A different perspective is always refreshing, and in a worse case it doesn’t work and you try something else. One of your simple “swing-thoughts” could be something that changes my gold game forever. (With the understanding that what works for one person doesn’t always work for another.) Edited August 12, 2021 by BenjaminButtonz B_R_A_D_Y and Shapotomous 2 Quote Papa-Bear was Here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bens197 Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 I am not a very technical player so my moves are more thought / imagery. Last year I began to tell myself "Smooth-Smooth" during my backswing and forward stroke. This was done primarily on putts and as I began to really love it, I would use it for chips and pitches. I don't necessarily say it for longer irons and woods but I will say it during my practice swings. Smooth-Smooth helps me stay loose and in tempo. Shapotomous, cnosil, tony@CIC and 1 other 3 1 Quote Titleist TSi3 Fujikura Speeder NX Blue 60X TaylorMade SIM2 3 wood Fujilkura Ventus Blue 7-X Titleist U505 2 Tensei 1K Black 85 X Titleist T100 4-P Nippon Modus 3 120X PING S159 50-S 55-H 59-T DG X100 Vokey SM8 50, SM9 54 & 60 Nippon Modus 3 120s L.A.B. MEZZ Max Broom Accra 47" 79.5* Srixon Z-Star XV Currently testing the 2024 PING S159 wedges… https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/63483-testers-announced-ping-s159-wedges/ Was testing, still loving the 2023 Titleist T100 Irons 4-P https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/60456-titleist-t-series-irons-2023-forum-review/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickyBobby_PR Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 Mine is stop having swing thoughts and create swing feels. If setup is correct then I am free to pick a target and shot I want to hit. Rehearse the feeling in need for the swing. Movaltl, BenjaminButtonz, cnosil and 2 others 4 1 Quote Driver: PXG 0811 X+ Proto w/UST Helium 5F4 Wood: TaylorMade M5 5W w/Accra TZ5 +1/2”, TaylorMade Sim 3W w/Aldila rogue white Hybrid: PXG Gen2 22* w/AD hybrid Irons: PXG Gen3 0311T w/Nippon modus 120 Wedges: TaylorMade MG2 50*, Tiger grind 56/60 Putter: Scotty Caemeron Super Rat1 Ball: Titleist Prov1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russtopherb Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 16 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said: Mine is stop having swing thoughts and create swing feels. If setup is correct then I am free to pick a target and shot I want to hit. Rehearse the feeling in need for the swing. So much this. I always think about my target and ballflight in the swing. With my irons, if I've done everything correct in setup and takeaway, when I get to the top of the swing I get a feeling like I want to swing through the ball, smashing it with my right palm on the way through. It's not something I consciously think about, it's something my body feels in reaction to doing everything before the downswing correctly. BenjaminButtonz, RickyBobby_PR and tony@CIC 2 1 Quote In my carry bag: ST-X 10.5* Kai'li Blue R Flex ST-Z 15* Kai/li Blue R Flex ST-Z 4h Linq Blue R Flex Launcher 5h Launcher CBX 6i-PW CBX 54* & 58* Huntington Beach #10 e12 Contact CURRENTLY TESTING - Mizuno Long Game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 Swing thoughts are the main reason why it's hard to take your swing from the range to the course. When on the range working out issues, swing thoughts are important as long as you don't have too many. Engrain the thought so you don't have to think about it on the course. When you do, it takes away your feel for the shot and where you want to hit the ball. The thought I have on the course after picking a target is Make a good shot. Anything negative is not understood by your brain, so don't think... Don't do this; don't do that; don't go there!!! Trust me; you will do this, do that , and go there! BenjaminButtonz, cnosil, russtopherb and 2 others 4 1 Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDel90 Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 3 hours ago, RickyBobby_PR said: Mine is stop having swing thoughts and create swing feels. Like Ricky, I've settled in to a feel thought which also helps me with tempo. The feel portion is to guide the feeling of dropping the hands down into the slot to keep swing inside. "Pull the.....chain" like pulling a ceiling fan light chain straight down to the ground. Tempo wise "Pull...the..." on backswing (it's also a little shorter to remind not to over extend backswing) with brief pause at transition, and "chain" on downswing as hands drive down with butt end of club pointing towards the ball. tony@CIC and BenjaminButtonz 1 1 Quote Bag: Sub 70 Cart Series bag Driver: Ping G425 LST 9 deg (set to 7.5 deg/"big minus") Mitsubishi C6 Blue Stiff 55g Grip JumboMax Ultralite (=std grip Jumbo size) 3W: Ping G410 14.5 deg (Set to 13.5 deg) Mitsubishi C6 Blue Stiff 65g Grip JumboMax (=std grip Jumbo size) Hybrid: 19 deg (Set to 18) deg Ping G410 hybrid Mitsubishi C6 Black Stiff 80g Grip JumboMax Ultralite (=std grip Jumbo size) Irons: 5-GW Irons Cobra Forged Tec X KBS Tour Lite Regular -0.25" Grip JumboMax (=std grip Jumbo size) Wedges: 50-07 S-grind, 54-08 D-grind and 58-12 deg D-grind Mizuno T22 Denim Copper Grip Golf Pride Z-Grip Putter: Cobra King 3D Printed Agera Armlock Putter 41" Game Ball: Maxfli TourX CG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDGolfHacker Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 When I'm on the course I try not to have a swing thought. Clear mind = pure swing/contact. Some of the best driver/iron/wedge/putter swings I've had I don't even remember what I did for that swing. Now, if my swing is off, then all kinds of swing thoughts go through my head which usually results in worse swings, lol. MDGolfHacker tony@CIC, Bubbly Pop, BenjaminButtonz and 1 other 3 1 Quote TSssWhat's In This Lefty's Bag? Driver: TSR2 11° Project X HZRDUS Black 4G 60g 5.5 Flex Fairway Woods: F8 3W Project X Even Flow Blue 75g shaft Fairway Woods: Hybrid: TSR2 18° Graphite Design Tour AD DI-85 Shaft Irons: 2021 T200's 4-GW AMT RED shafts Regular Flex Wedge: Tour Satin RTX 4 Wedges in 52° and 56° 2 Dot Putter: Gray Matter TDP 2.2 32.75" Bag: Three 5 Ball: PRO V1 / Z*Star RangeFinder: In search of new range finder Social Media: Facebook: MD Golfhacker Twitter: @mdgolfhacker Instagram: mdgolfhacker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNUte Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 After watching a bunch of Golf Sidekick videos where professionals were talking about rhythm and tempo, that's the only thing I try to focus on once I pick my line. As long as I don't try to kill it and have a smooth rhythm, the shots seem to go pretty well. tony@CIC and BenjaminButtonz 1 1 Quote Rag tag bag, but it does the job. Taylormade R1 driver. Ping G400 3 wood. Cleveland Halo Launcher 3 hybrid. Cleveland CBX launcher irons (5-PW). Assorted wedges (48, 52, 58). Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 putter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjaminButtonz Posted August 13, 2021 Author Share Posted August 13, 2021 On 8/6/2021 at 2:33 PM, John W Sutch said: Was fitted by a Callaway rep for the Fusion when introduced. 9 deg with Recoil ES 450/F3 shaft. Loved the driver at the time. Excellent dispersion and good distance for a guy 70 yrs of age. 210-220 yds. Played the driver for a couple of yrs with satisfaction. Then Cobra introduced the Speedzone. Heard great reviews about the driver and decided to try it. Needless to say I was impressed. Was hitting the ball 20 to 40 yds further than with the Callaway. Dispersion was about equal. So I ordered one. 9 deg with UST Helium shaft SF3. Is my gamer but still play the Calloway from time to time. Have enjoyed both clubs. 21 hours ago, MDGolfHacker said: When I'm on the course I try not to have a swing thought. Clear mind = pure swing/contact. Some of the best driver/iron/wedge/putter swings I've had I don't even remember what I did for that swing. Now, if my swing is off, then all kinds of swing thoughts go through my head which usually results in worse swings, lol. MDGolfHacker This is the purest form of the truth. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve over-thought a drive on the tee box and sent my ball into the woods. Only to follow it up with the “f&$@ this….. time to grip it and rip it I’m over this hole…” only to lookup after hitting the ball and watch it ride a rope all the way to the fairway. MDGolfHacker and tony@CIC 2 Quote Papa-Bear was Here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjaminButtonz Posted August 13, 2021 Author Share Posted August 13, 2021 All of these replies are awesome, thanks everyone! It’s interesting to see a mix of things I’ve tried or used I. The course before, and a few outlooks that are new to me as well. RDel90 and tony@CIC 2 Quote Papa-Bear was Here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RocasRocosas Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 For years I fought a slice until I started using this swing thought for the downswing; “backhand the first baseman. “ This help promote an in to out path and releasing the club. BenjaminButtonz, tony@CIC and RDel90 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shankdog Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 For the last week or so, I’ve tried to not have any swing thoughts during an actual round and it seems to have helped. I’ll picture my shot from behind the ball to line it up, take a practice swing or two to get the bottom point of my swing, and then take the shot with my brain on auto-pilot. I’m restricting swing thoughts to practice only for the remainder of the season. tony@CIC and BenjaminButtonz 1 1 Quote G425 Max driver G425 SFT 3 wood G425 3 and 5 hybrid B21 irons 6-PW CBX Zipcore 48 and CBX2 52/58 Wedges 2 ball Ten Tour lined Tour BX ball Arccos Caddie with Apple Watch Hyperflex shoes Chiller Hybrid Stand Bag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richochet Rick Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 My best rounds coincide with one swing thought “smooth 30%” of course my buddies say Im still swinging full speed but it feels like 30% to me and helps me sync up and find the center of the clubface… well sometimes at least! BenjaminButtonz and tigerpill 2 Quote 10hcp armed with Cobra Dr, Taylormade wds, apex Ir’s and Cleveland wdg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDel90 Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 6 hours ago, BenjaminButtonz said: All of these replies are awesome, thanks everyone! It’s interesting to see a mix of things I’ve tried or used I. The course before, and a few outlooks that are new to me as well. BB, I’d be curious to hear if you try anything mentioned that was new and if you think or feel may have worked for you. Of course it’s not just “I’ll try this one shot….” But after a couple rounds let us know. BenjaminButtonz 1 Quote Bag: Sub 70 Cart Series bag Driver: Ping G425 LST 9 deg (set to 7.5 deg/"big minus") Mitsubishi C6 Blue Stiff 55g Grip JumboMax Ultralite (=std grip Jumbo size) 3W: Ping G410 14.5 deg (Set to 13.5 deg) Mitsubishi C6 Blue Stiff 65g Grip JumboMax (=std grip Jumbo size) Hybrid: 19 deg (Set to 18) deg Ping G410 hybrid Mitsubishi C6 Black Stiff 80g Grip JumboMax Ultralite (=std grip Jumbo size) Irons: 5-GW Irons Cobra Forged Tec X KBS Tour Lite Regular -0.25" Grip JumboMax (=std grip Jumbo size) Wedges: 50-07 S-grind, 54-08 D-grind and 58-12 deg D-grind Mizuno T22 Denim Copper Grip Golf Pride Z-Grip Putter: Cobra King 3D Printed Agera Armlock Putter 41" Game Ball: Maxfli TourX CG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbly Pop Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 To explain my one and only swing thought (be ready, it's weird) you have to understand that it has nothing to do with golf, I only use it to calm my mind when over the ball. I've found that any thinking is counter productive for me, as it only leads to tension. So, when anything try's to force it's way into my mind prior to swinging I mentally sing a line from a song in the musical Annie, "The sun'll come out tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar, Tomorrow". It's impossible to be fearful or tense when I internally sing that, it's so weird it just makes me smile when I do it, and then I swing. By the way, it's a song my now 25 yr. old daughter used to always sing to me when she was little, whatever works my man. RDel90 and BenjaminButtonz 1 1 Quote G425 Driver - 10.5 degree Callaway EPIC MAX 3W Callaway Heavenwood 7W G425 4 Hybrid - 22 degree Takomo 201's - Nippon MODUS 105 shafts Phantom X 8 Putter - Original "Two Thumb" grip 54 and 58 degree V-Grind SMS wedges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajdegeno Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 I have a very simple swing thought in Practice and on the Course and it is really an over simplification. I pick a target with driver, irons or putter and then I say to myself--Introduce the face of the club to the back of the ball.....no other thoughts, just do the introduction. That simple thought has slowed my swing down, given me patience to finish the back then swing without trying to hit the ball too hard. I am a decent player at 74 years old and shot 75 on a difficult course here in Vegas today--Cascata. Quote Titleist TS 1 Driver Stiff graphite shaft Titleist TS2 16.5 degree 3 wood Stiff graphite shaft Titleist TS2 18 degree 5 Wood Stiff graphite shaft Titliest TS2--21 degree Hybrid stiff light weight graphite shafts Titliest T200 regular multi-material graphite shafts 2 degrees flat 5 thru gap wedge Titliest Volkey wedges 54 and 58 stiff multi-material graphite shafts 2 degrees flat Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Trillium Te3 32" putter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Steel Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 Here's something that has served me well over the years. It's ok to have a swing thought or two, however have them while you're standing behind the ball zoning in on your target and the type of shot you want to play. Once you address the ball don't replay what you just thought about standing behind the ball. Take a slow deep breath, waggle a couple of times, then make a swing. Once you make this a habit you'll be amazed how it will free you up. Don't get paralysis by analysis over the ball. Good luck. Shankdog and BenjaminButtonz 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B_R_A_D_Y Posted August 13, 2021 Share Posted August 13, 2021 As the round progresses I get the dreaded “KILL” swing thought. I tried counting: 1 - 2 - swing on 3. While it slowed my takeaway it did not eliminate the Kill Switch. So like others, I am working on feel. I pic a target image to occupy my mind, and then I go for a swing feel. Unfortunately, I have days when I completely lose my smooth swing feel and struggle to get it back. That is my biggest dragon to slay … keeping a relaxed feel. I guess I get tense. I don’t know what goes wrong. BenjaminButtonz 1 Quote TSi3 #1-3-5 all with Tensi Blue S-flex 2019 Apex Pro black 3 & 4H Catalyst 70 or TSi3 #2-3 depending on how I’m playing. Tensi Blue 2019 Calloway Apex Pro black, 5-PW, Catalyst 100 - 6.0, Super Stroker Jumbo 2020 RadSpeed OL 4H, 5-GW … won’t get to actually use till warmer weather 2019 PM-grind, 56° & 60°, KBS steel, Green Cap Blue Spider EX Pro V1X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RITZ Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 (edited) From Danny Maude on his You Tube videos for swing tempo/say One hundred AND One when you hit the ball. Works for tempo. Edited August 14, 2021 by RITZ BenjaminButtonz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim N Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 Almost anything from a technical standpoint will work for a few holes, then result in overdoing some aspect that takes my swing right out of rhythm. I'm a musician on the side, so the only thing that works at all consistently for me is to count to get rhythm and keep my tempo from revving up: 1 to press forward, 2 to trigger my hip rotation and weight shift back, three to start my downswing. There's other things I do to visualize, set up, release tension, but when it comes to the swing itself I'm better off putting my conscious mind to sleep. BenjaminButtonz 1 Quote Callaway Epic Flash Driver (9 degree), Callaway Mavrik 3W, Titlelist 910H 3h, Taylormade Speed Blade irons (4i-PW), Kirkland v1 wedges (52-56-60), Odyssey Versa 7 putter. All clubs R-flex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Middler Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 I’ve had various swing thoughts with varying levels of success over the years. But swing thoughts are totally dependent/tailored to each individual- so sharing what works for me (and doesn’t) would be of no use to another player more often than not. BenjaminButtonz 1 Quote Titleist TSR2 11° HZRDUS Red CB 50 6.0 w Lamkin UTx Midsize Titleist TSR2 16.5º HZRDUS Red 60 CB 6.0 & TSR2 21º HZRDUS Black 4G 70 6.0 w Lamkin UTx Midsize Mizuno JPX923 HMP 4-GW, T22 54.12WS, T22 58.04DC w Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Midsize Evnroll EV5.3 Maxfli Tour & ProV1 Ping Pioneer - MGI Zip Navigator AT Payntr X 002 LE, Ecco Biom C4, FJ DryJoys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haro Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Today I had “putting thought” I “locked “ my knees so my knees are extended throughout the stroke This seem to keep my stroke a lot smother and I made more long putts. The con was my back hurted as it seem I locked my lower body and my motion was all upper body Likely torque my back. I m not sure but I think my hips moved during my putting stroke and this “locking” keeps the lower body still BenjaminButtonz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim McCarthy Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 Back to the target... chest to the target. NC Golfer and BenjaminButtonz 1 1 Quote FORE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Golfer Posted August 20, 2021 Share Posted August 20, 2021 On 8/13/2021 at 10:29 AM, BenjaminButtonz said: This is the purest form of the truth. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve over-thought a drive on the tee box and sent my ball into the woods. Only to follow it up with the “f&$@ this….. time to grip it and rip it I’m over this hole…” only to lookup after hitting the ball and watch it ride a rope all the way to the fairway. The (F) %!%# it swing is usually the best one. Maybe we need to do 18 of those off the tee,lol tony@CIC, BenjaminButtonz and RDel90 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Golfer Posted August 20, 2021 Share Posted August 20, 2021 On 8/17/2021 at 10:23 AM, Tim McCarthy said: Back to the target... chest to the target. I like this, it ensures a full turn. Is a hip bump really needed in-between or can one play good golf without a lower body swing key on the downswing? BenjaminButtonz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRW Posted August 21, 2021 Share Posted August 21, 2021 I usually find a thought or feeling on the range a few minutes before my round. 60% of the time, it works every time. BenjaminButtonz and tony@CIC 1 1 Quote Ogio Woode 8 Hybrid Stand Bag PXG 0811 X Gen4 @ 6* - Fujikura Motore X F3 7X PXG 0211 @ 13.5* - Fujikura Motore X F1 8X PXG 0311 XP Gen3 3i-PW - PX LZ 6.5 PXG 0311 Forged 54/60 - PX LZ 6.5 Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjaminButtonz Posted August 23, 2021 Author Share Posted August 23, 2021 On 8/13/2021 at 3:18 PM, RocasRocosas said: For years I fought a slice until I started using this swing thought for the downswing; “backhand the first baseman. “ This help promote an in to out path and releasing the club. This one is Awesome! Love it. Quote Papa-Bear was Here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjaminButtonz Posted August 23, 2021 Author Share Posted August 23, 2021 On 8/17/2021 at 9:23 AM, Tim McCarthy said: Back to the target... chest to the target. Another awesome reply! Quote Papa-Bear was Here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjaminButtonz Posted August 23, 2021 Author Share Posted August 23, 2021 I completely understand that what works for one person, might have adverse or no effect for someone else. With that being said.. Thanks for all of the insight into all of your thoughts! All of it will help me hone my own collection of thoughts, feels, and visuals used on the course/during practice sessions. Prior to this post, some of my successful thoughts and feels were: - Pointing my lead shoulder down at the ball on back swing, the. Transitioning to pointing trail shoulder down at the ball through impact. Same motions/ideas as the drill holding an alignment stick across your shoulders with your arms crossed. Point the leading end down at the ball on your during down swing, then trailing end of stick at the ball through impact. This helped ensure a good turn during the swing, and helps keep me from getting to “sloppy/shifty” . - Keeping the driver head low/far away during the takeaway/backswing. Picture a ball behind your driver head, and someone standing behind you on the tee box. When you start to take the club back, feel like your trying to slowly push/roll the ball sitting behind the club straight back to the person behind you. this feel helps keep me from picking the club up/ getting to steep in the back swing. - “Laser Butt” I have to give credit for this one to the boys at MeandMyGolf. Picturing a laser coming straight out of the “butt-end” of your grip. (The small hole at the end) (if the golf club was a gun, the grip would be the end of the barrel) Now If I haven’t confused you yet, keep following. at the end/finish of your swing, finish the follow through pointing that laser at your target, and hold it there. This helps me make a full turn through the ball, when I’m getting “stuck” or not hitting my desired line with the ball flight. Also helps with releasing the club. This works well for every club in the bag except wedges. I’ve noticed it helps me more on iron shots personally. Quote Papa-Bear was Here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEZIPR23 Posted August 23, 2021 Share Posted August 23, 2021 I am approaching my millionth swing thought . The one that I have had the best results with and is still currently employed is super simple. Target React Notice there is no thoughts about the swing. Donn lost in San Diego 1 Quote Stealth 2+ 9 (Diamana PD 60 S 45") Stealth 2+ 15 (Diamana PD 70 S 43") G425 19 (Raijin 2.0 85x) G425 22 (Raijin 2.0 85x) ZX7 5-9 (KBS C Taper S) Vokey SM9 45 10 F (KBS 610) Vokey SM9 49 08 F (KBS 610) Vokey SM9 55 08 M (KBS 610) Vokey SM9 59 04 T (KBS 610) Spider GT Splitback 34" ProV1 #23 Twitter @THEZIPR23 "One thing Golf has taught me, is that my muscles have no memory." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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