Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Small Stuff Makes A Big Difference


Anyone who has watched the late-season surge of Phil Mickelson knows that he appears to be on the verge of a major breakthrough and may spend a few weeks challenging Tiger for the title of "Best Golfer On The Face Of The Earth."

After an impressive win in China - where the galleries were so quiet I thought it was a church gathering - Phil now heads into the off-season riding high with confidence, all because of a simple lesson he was given. In essence, he was encouraged to return to the basics and go back where he started with his putting stroke.

Hall of Famer Dave Stockton made a minor tweak to Phil's putting stroke and that tiny little hole began to look like a bucket to Lefty. One tiny tweak. A minor change. BAM! Confidence restored.

As most of us head into our off-season (oh, if only global warming were true, we might be able to play year 'round. Alas, the hoax prevails and snow will fall), let me encourage you to spend time this winter looking for those little things in your game that could serve as the springboard to greatness in 2010.

You may be surprised to learn that it's not new equipment that you need; it's just a reminder to go back to the stroke you used when you started...before all those voices started reducing your confidence.