The Podcast is an excerpt from Geoff Mangum's Optimal Putting, which introduces an innovative method for putting. It combines insights from neuroscience with traditional golf teachings to optimize the four fundamental skills of putting: reading the green, aiming, executing a straight stroke, and distance control. The focus is on instinctive actions and understanding the underlying mechanisms. The book offers numerous tips, exercises, and scientific references. It also highlights Mangum's expertise in visual perception and his work with PGA players.
The Podcast: Optimal Putting: The Mechanics of Instinct
Geoff Mangum's Optimal Putting presents a new perspective on putting, focusing on how golfers can utilize their natural instincts to enhance their performance.
- Instead of emphasizing conscious techniques, as is common in traditional golf instruction, Mangum argues that golfers should learn to putt instinctively by relying on the same perception and movement processes that humans use in everyday life.
- Mangum asserts that conscious techniques engage inappropriate brain processes for perception and movement. Using these processes instead of instinctive, subconscious ones can be detrimental, reducing the brain's resources for effective action.
- The book covers the four fundamental putting skills: reading the green, aiming the putter, making a straight putt, and controlling distance.
- Mangum emphasizes that these four skills should not be viewed in isolation but as part of an integrated, instinctive process.
Tempo as the Basis for Distance Control and Accurate Putts
Tempo is a key element in Mangum's approach. He argues that consistent tempo forms the foundation for effective distance control and accurate, repeatable putts. A golfer with a steady and repeatable tempo will better manage the distance of their putts.
The Role of Aiming
Aiming is essential for improving putting. Mangum explains that a golfer's instincts use aiming to judge the exact force required to roll the ball the desired distance. The instincts then create a subconscious connection between the stroke force and the backswing length. Golfers must focus on aiming to instinctively determine the correct putting force.
The Importance of an Instinctive Backswing
The instinctive backswing is another crucial aspect of Mangum's approach:
- Golfers should learn to swing the putter back without consciously thinking about the length of the backswing.
- Instead, they should focus on their tempo and the target point.
- Conscious control over the backswing length can lead to tension and anxiety, resulting in poor putts.
- Instinctive golfers, however, initiate the backswing naturally, aligning it with their usual tempo.
Integrating Physics and Neuroscience
Mangum's method integrates the physics of putting with the latest insights from neuroscience.
- He explains how the brain utilizes the laws of physics to plan and execute movements.
- By understanding these processes, golfers can learn to putt more effectively and instinctively.
Summary
Optimal Putting: The Mechanics of Instinct offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to putting. By focusing on instinctive movements, tempo, aiming, and integrating physics and neuroscience, golfers can elevate their putting skills to a new level.
It’s worth noting that The Mechanics of Instinct is not a magic formula for perfect putting. Mastering the principles described in the book requires practice and patience. However, for golfers willing to embrace a new approach, the book provides valuable insights and tools to improve their putting game.
