It is interesting to note that three of golf’s most successful players – Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Bobby Jones – all came from the teachings of one man named Alex Morrison. Jack’s teacher was Jack Grout. Bobby Jones was taught by Stewart Maiden, and Ben Hogan from Henry Picard. These three teachers all came under the direction or teachings of Morrison.

Morrison was well known for his visualization methods. In one of his books, Better Golf Without Practice, he suggested sitting in a chair and ‘imagining’ the key moves of the golf swing. This was a very early mental training activity recommended back in the 1930’s.

In fact, he felt golf was 90% mental, 8% physical and 2% mechanical.

Morrison principles:

-only one or two key swing thoughts are necessary to drive the swing in the right direction. Too many swing thoughts and you’ll lose the focus on the wholeness of the swing

He believes there are three main areas of freedom in your swing:

“The first is the upper section of the spinal column which affords freedom of action to the shoulders, arms and hands. This source is kept open by the proper pointing of the chin.

The second source, which affords freedom of action in the legs and feet, is the lower section of the spinal column. This is kept open by the side motion of the hips.

The third source of freedom is in the wrist joints. This source is kept free partly by having the hands on the club at approximately the same angle.

Look after these three main sources of freedom and you can always make your swing one continuous motion.

I might add that the pointing of the chin is the connecting link, in a sense, between the body and the arms and hands; the one thing that will bring about some sort of coordination as long as it is kept from turning with the body during the spring.”

If his advice worked for Hogan, Nicklaus and Jones...maybe there's something here for you too...

 

Your friends at Body for Golf