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I practice what I call 'zen golf' chipping into a box in the back yard. I have found that the practice swing is perfect because my body is oriented to the target rather than the ball. Eliminating the ball mentally while maintaining an image of the target in the minds eye and swinging through the line where the ball is in teh same fashion as the practice swing. If I do this accurately, the ball will land softly in the box from as far away as 50 yards. I find the rotation of the centre determines the distance and the tempo of the swing like a computer. I believe it is the 'cerebellum' that controls this in the brain given a clear target to aim at. This is the main reason that 'visualisation' works. Conscious thinking interferes with the operation of this aspect. Also reorientation to the ball interferes with this aspect as the mind tends to focus on 'what it has to do to the ball' rather than swinging through to the target. I believe all 'swing keys' that work have to maintain a target focus and eliminate the ball as an object to be 'hit'.

Try it and see. I would appreciate your comments on your experience with this.

Hi Swingezy

Great concept! I'm going to incorporate this into my practice. How long have you been doing 'zen golf' practice for?

I have been doing 'zen' golf for a few years, off and on. It is a fascinating process. One can see the interference of the conscious mind more often than one can let go an focus on process of course. Nevertheless, if one opens up awareness rather than trying to control the swing, one learns a great deal about oneself and golf. :)