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Why Do So Many of Us Leave Putts Short?

Aug 25, 2010 A Piece of Cake DVD

This problem resonates from there being one underpinning factor; that a long putt is an approach putt. There is NO such thing in golf, or in any other sport, as attempting to miss! A true winner has no concept of an “approach putt”. If you do, then you have already set yourself up in a defeatist mind-state.

“The player that gets around the course in the least number of shots is the best paid” – Tony Bennett, PGA Master Professional.

“When a basket ball player goes for a jump-shot their goal is never to just hit the backboard or hit the rim, but to get the ball through the hoop.” Dr Bob Rotella – Putt to Win.

When Seve was asked his thoughts on the many astonishing recovery shots he has produced in his career he answered; “as long as I can see the hole, my aim is to get it in it”.

These quotes have shown you that the aim of golf is to get the ball in the hole in the least amounts of shots, so why attempt not to? If you wish to be successful you must ‘play to win’ and for starters if you attempt to get the ball in the hole every time you putt or chip you will play better golf. First of all the ball will always be closer to the hole even if you do happen to miss. And, if it does go in, then your goal is achieved.

You are now most likely thinking, in order to counteract this effect “if I try to hole it there’s a chance that I might miss, the ball blasts past the hole, leaving myself a tricky return putt”. Again, you are simply placing yourself in a defeatist mind-set. Sports Scientists have for some years now understood the concept of developing visualisation as a means of governing our execution. Our movements tend to follow our visualisations, so it is important to imagine that ball going into the hole.

Secondly, there’s an interesting paradox that governs how the ball ends up in the Hole. For some time we have been told to measure the pace or weight of our putts to finish approximately 17 inches past the hole. This concept has now been challenged by recent scientific evidence which, together with a good old fashioned side order of Newton’s Laws comes into effect to create a new approach now being adopted by the very best putters on Tour. It’s “mind blowingly” simple:

A ball that skims the hole at the 17 inches pace has absolutely no chance of dropping in. Conversely, the ball travelling at ‘dead-weight’ pace has greater chance of falling into the hole.

And, if you miss read the direction, then the next putt is a simple tap-in. From this you can quickly deduce the fact that for the “dead weight” the hole is actually larger!…both physically and in the Minds Eye.

These are some of the skills and drills we teach in our Break 30.com Academy, but if you are still unsure as to why you are leaving putts short then it can be for one of the following reasons:

1. It is because you see a problem before you even attempt the putt

2. You have problems with your pace control on the greens.

There are many different tried and tested techniques to help improve your pace control BUT what if I told you that if you stood directly behind the ball looking towards the hole your mind instinctively knows exactly how far the ball is away from hole AND further more how much it needs to exert itself to get the ball there.

It is only your conscious self that is clouding this judgement. You and ONLY YOU create the self doubt in the target. In so doing, you fool yourself into a state of mind that there’s “more to this putt than meets the eye”. The resulting layer upon layer of misjudgement and compensations feed the process of mistrust…And, at the critical point when you execute the putt your mind is so muddled that you’re completely disconnected from your more powerful subconscious “Flow State”, sometimes referred to as the Zone.

This exasperating train of thoughts is the most common cause of over-compensation and failure in all levels of golfer. Have you ever heard of the term ‘letting go’ and/or seen Bob Rotella’s ‘look and go’ putting drill where you take a quick glance at the hole and then putt, attempting to leave any conscious analysis out of it and just flow. While some comment that a player misses an important putt due to a loss in concentration, we prefer to keep ALL conscious forms of concentration out of the execution; instead just let it happen. The putting stroke is incredibly simple. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise. This is exactly what every golfer needs to attempt to achieve you must trust in your first and probably most accurate interpretation and just do it. This is not just a problem seen on the greens but throughout the whole game.

If you do feel yourself over-analysing and your mind is flying from one thought to another while over the ball; be it a putt, a chip or an iron shot… just step away from the ball and re-set. Remember, if it does not feel right then you cannot fully commit. This way you will establish strong convictions in your ability to control the situation. If you are able to do this then you will feel a lot more confident in your golf and in yourself.

In the future these articles will aim to expand on this subject in more detail; aiming to change how you define yourself as a ‘putter’ because how you see yourself is how you will be; in putting, in other parts of your game and in life. Being negative or pessimistic about your putting will not help you putt well and indeed will only serve to undermine your self-belief and confidence. By working on believing that you can hole every putt you will become more confident in yourself which in turn will lead to you enjoying your golf a whole lot more.

My passing thought. Take a quick look at what the current range of practice and training aids have to offer you. There’s a distinct theme. Most tend to make the task harder. For some of us this can have the effect of adding pressure which tests our skills; the rationale being that is we can undertake a more difficult task on the practice ground then it should be a piece of cake on the Course? For me, putting is the part of the game where the Brain gets the closest to the Ball, so there’s still something missing in the process.

Ask yourself the question: Do we “Think” better under pressure? Does repetitive failure enhance our feelings of confidence? In my work I have the privilege to witness at close hand the very best golfers in the world. Some have more putters and practice gizmo’s than hot diners. In a few notable cases they spend hours trying to perfect their putting; endlessly hitting the exact same putt, after putt after putt, until the sun goes down. I remain convinced there is still no evidence that “practice makes perfect”. What is more likely the case is that “Practice makes Permanent”.

Yes, there are some great putters that work hard on their practice, but they have one thing that sticks out which I believe is the key and something I hope you take away from this message…They do not Confuse movement with Action.

“Golf is Game with an Aim. Know your Target like Yourself” Zen Golfer.

I have produced a sample of 4 Zen Drills on a DVD which are great for helping you to acquire the precise tempo and movements as well as giving you the actual feedback and “feelings” on every aspect of your putting stroke. Remember, the Zen Oracle is the ONLY putter that is guaranteed to improve your stroke.

‘Practise makes permanent make yours perfect!’

El Valle De Anton

Jun 7, 2010 Gourmet Bakery

Where in the world can you go to be within thirty minutes of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and enjoy an almost perfect daily climate in a mountainous setting? El Valle De Anton! El Valle De Anton is one of the most sought after locations for Expats relocating to Panama. The year-round average high temperature is 20° C (68° F), and the average nighttime minimum is a comfortable 16° C (61° F), there is little variation between summer and winter temperatures, the major difference being the amount of wind and rain from season to season.

At an altitude of 2200 meters (7217.85 ft) El Valle is nestled in the long extinct second largest volcanic crater in the world (three by five mile crater). When you begin your descend into the crater from the rim you will notice that it is indeed situated in a round bowl of jagged mountain peaks. You will also notice an overall green appearance to the area due to the richness of the volcanic soil lending itself to the abundance of flowers that bloom there year round. It is very refreshing in contrast to Panama City where the building and houses fill the lots from corner to corner barely allowing sunlight to pass between them. El Valle is spread out with large lots; an abundance of trees and grass separating the well maintained houses. Many of homes are owned by local residents whose names could make up a Who’s Who of Panama book.

Without the presence of a town square the pavilion covered local artesian market sells a variety of crafts, produce, and plants and is the true hub of the town. It is located on the main street that runs through El Valle it is enhanced by the presence of several restaurants, hotels, and markets that have sprung up over time due to El Valle’s popularity with visiting tourists and as a weekend getaway for many of Panama City’s residences.

El Valle is a step back in time when neighbors paused in the street to greet one another. When it was safe for children to ride their bikes or ride horseback in the street without a concern for safety. Where once you are established it’s still possible to run a tab at the local grocer and pay your bill monthly. It’s the kind of place where if your kids take off with a friend after breakfast only to return at bed time you don’t worry. Someone’s Mom has fed them lunch or they’ve picked up something in the grocery and you know they are safe. A favorite weekend pastime of locals is gather together for dinner at someones house until late in the evening with board games and great conversation. But don’t be deceived, this deliciously lazy and gentle little community has more to offer than first meets the eye.

Pozos Termales (El Valle Hot Water Springs)

The El Valle hot water springs are located just off the main road in El Valle. The facility is the only one of its kind in the area, as are their thermal waters. Open from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. from Monday-Friday, and 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on weekends, it costs $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. It offers two therapeutic mud treatments, one for the face and one for the body. An attendant will some you how to use the treatments and explain its therapeutic benefits, some English is spoken. After allowing the mud to dry, it’s off to the rinsing station, where the thermal waters flow from a pipe allowing you to remove the mud. Next you will be allowed to enter the pool that offer bathers still warm, hot springs water. Soak as long as you like and on the way out don’t forget to grab a couple of containers of mud to take back with you. On your departure you may also notice a home on the right side as you are leaving the springs that has a fountain/pool in the front yard with steam rising from it, only in El Valle.

El Nispero Plant Nursery & Zoo in El Valle

Open from 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. 7 days a week, the zoo provides the best location in El Valle to see the endangered and famous golden frogs of Panama. The zoo contains numerous animal and plant species. There is a trail that passes through the zoo, which takes an hour or so to complete depending on your pace.

Ranas Doradas (Golden Frogs of El Valle)

There are no wild frogs in El Valle proper. To see the frogs in their natural habitat you will have to take a tour into the surrounding mountain range. Starting at the area they call “La Mesa” the hike is quite challenging as it is mostly up hill on a thin winding path and depending on your physical condition takes approximately 2-2 1/2 hours to complete each way. You should plan to dedicate one day to this hike should you decided to go.

Bird Watching in El Valle

El Valle is full of birds and rated as one of Panama’s best birding areas. You can enjoy them from the valley or you may choose to take a birding hike in the Gaital Nature Preserve.

Arboles Quadrados (Square Trees of El Valle)

These particular trees have a square trunk at the base becoming round as your gaze progresses up the trunk. The trail to the tress is fairly easy to find and relatively well marked, it’s an easy few minutes hike on the trail.

Cascada El Macho (El Macho Waterfall in El Valle)

This waterfall is the largest in the region (70 meters/210 feet) and is a 15 minute walk from the town. The waterfall is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 7 days a week. There are two small trails and one longer trail; all are good for photographic opportunities. There is also a lovely little natural pool deep enough for swimming at the base of the waterfall. There is a small changing area and benches at the pool area. You will be provided a walking stick with your entrance fee. It will help you maneuver the trail and suspended bridges that stay slightly wet and mossy. The smaller trails are suitable for children.

Rainforest Canopy Tour in El Valle

This is a ride in a gondola supported by cables through the canopy of trees. You will ride along the picturesque waterfall, El Macho for a breathtaking panoramic view of the great rainforest.

Petroglyphs (Stone Writings in El Valle)

About a 15-20 minute walk from town are the Petroglyphs, or stone writings. All of the writings can be found on one large vertical rock face and there is no mention as to what they signify.

La India Dormida (The Sleeping Indian Princess in El Valle)

You can see her from many places around town and she looks exactly like the profile of a girl sleeping, complete with eyelashes. Ask any local to point your gaze in the right direction. If you speak Spanish or you can find a local that speaks English, ask them to tell you the legend that goes with La India Dormida.

Bike riding and mountain biking in El Valle

The flat floor of the crater the town sits is an easy ride for site seeing or just exploring the town. On some of the nearby mountain slopes are mountain biking trails. Bicycle rentals are available in town.

Horseback riding in El Valle

Horses can be rented by the hour with a guide available upon request. Everyone in town knows where the place where the horse are rented at the fork in the road. Just ask a local.

IPAT Office (Tourism Office in El Valle)

Last but not least, we suggest you visit the office Panama’s Tourism Institute. The office is in the center of El Valle. Open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. they have maps of the area with all the major tourist attractions clearly marked.

If this is too much back to nature for your taste then you may prefer one of the many restaurants available for your dinning pleasure.

There are street vendors, a bakery that sales the most delicious fresh items and double yolk eggs. A pizza shop or even Don Pepe there are about eight different restaurants to choose from. There is even a boutique hotel and restaurant nestled on one of the hillside slopes which was created by a well-known restaurateur. The hotel features beautiful Tuscany type architecture and it tastefully finished with beautiful lush gardens, a picturesque view across to the mountains and an outdoor spa. The restaurant was the first thing built on the property the rest was built based on the restaurant’s popularity; people drive in from Panama City just to eat there.

One of the hotels in town has a stream that runs through the center of its indoor-outdoor lobby and restaurant area. The rooms are clean well kept yet offer a rustic artesian décor. Another has a wellness and outdoor adventure focus. There are various bed and breakfasts, a world class eco resort, hostels, lodges, backpacker dormitory, and lodgings that accept pets. There is even a small gourmet coffee shop and El Valle has its own brand of organic locally grown coffee.

Suffice it to say there is something for everyone, lodgings and cuisines ranges from a world class boutique hotel to simple backpacker fare.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.panamaexpertos.com

http://www.panamaexpertos.com/forum/el-valle-de-anton-ct8.html

Tags: Abundance, Altitude, Anton, Beaches, Bikes, High Temperature, Jagged Mountain Peaks, Neighbors, Panama City, Richness, Rim, Step Back In Time, Summer And Winter, Sunlight, True Hub, Valle, Valle De Anton, Volcanic Crater, Volcanic Soil, Weekend Getaway, Wind And Rain, Winter Temperatures

The Practice Green – Friend or Foe?

May 30, 2010 A Piece of Cake DVD