Cant take it to the course

[COYRAWW]

Apols if this has already been covered - possibly many times - but I didn't have any luck searching. I've only been playing a couple of years and am a very high handicapper, but love the game to bits and would play every day if I could. I managed to get a studio built in our loft conversion and it has been a godsend during lockdown. I've practiced everyday and really felt I was improving. One of my big problems had always been that my practice swing looked top notch, but when hitting the ball I just couldn't replicate it - not even close - and always end up leaning back. After putting in a lot of time in the studio I managed to overcome this issue and can now pretty much repeat my practice swing, turning and transferring my weight quite nicely. But when I got back out on the course (and same thing happened after previous lockdown) - I was back to square one ie leaning back - even from a perfect lie in the middle of the fairway. I just can't convince my brain to swing as I have been doing for months indoors. Can anyone explain this and suggest how to fix it?

[GullLakeMi]

No expertise claimed! Charles Barkley can probably explain why its hard to fix. I have similar challenges and I've concluded for me it is between the ears. In the sim even playing TGC 2019 against "a rival!", I am very confident and swing free. Outside keeping score for official handicap where I have personal goals, I tend to think/remember bad shots and lack confidence/commitment in swing. The external factors more easily distract my routine, which is more of an issue within 100 yards.

I tend to use extreme's in my swing when trying to make changes. Admittedly the changes feel huge and results are minor. In your case, seems you are trying to get on your left foot, right toe assuming right handed. Can you hold that position until the ball lands? You will look like a pose'r, but validates balance. Maybe try to get right foot in air finishing swing on only left leg. Make it your only swing thought.

[COYRAWW]

Thanks - it's definitely between the ears, as you say. A common explanation is that there are no consequences when practicing, but when playing a round for real you become focused on the result rather than the process. However even playing a few 'meaningless' holes for fun with hubby I still struggle. As soon as I start the backswing I can tell that I'm already swinging differently to my practice swing - it's just plain weird. I think I need hypnosis lol

[ernperkins]

- it's just plain weird. I think I need hypnosis lol

I have the exact same problem and hypnosis crossed my mind too.

[rdeyer]

You're definitely not alone for what it's worth. I view it as a confidence in your environment type of situation. In your sim environment you have developed a confidence in your swing, so it's reproducible with good tempo and mechanics. If you go onto a course and you don't feel confident, the grip can tighten, the tempo can rush, the backswing/turn can shorten, body parts fire out of sequence, and/or a hundred other minor things that make us have a good swing. Even within your own sim I'm guessing that issue can happen from time to time if you're environment changes slightly (i.e., playing with friends you're trying to impress vs just playing on your own like you may be used to).

Something I found that has helped me is creating a list of things in my individual swing that make it work when I'm striking it well. The goal isn't to think of these every swing. Having too many swing thoughts can be a really bad thing. Rather, it's helpful so that if I find myself losing my way on the course with my swing I have something to go back to to re-anchor myself. For example, my best strikes happen when I have a slow backswing takeaway, I make a good turn with my hips, I keep my head back behind the ball, I accelerate as I am about to strike the ball, etc, etc, etc. When I find myself striking the ball like crap I now have a few basic things to review in my head that I know if I get right allow me to hit the ball well. These thoughts shouldn't be things you've heard about what makes a good swing in general, they should be things you absolutely know are true from the best strikes you've seen yourself make. No promises any of that is helpful, but i've found it helps me out from time time.