What Makes Cink Win The British Open

What Makes Cink Win The British Open

In this serials, the British Open Champion Stewart Cink will share his shot experience to us, make your shots out of thinking

If you've ever had a stretch of poor play where nothing seems to go right, you know what it's like to be in a state of "paralysis by analysis." It happens to Tour players, too. Your mind floods with countless swing thoughts ("keep your left arm straight" and "don't move your head" and "turn around your right leg like a post") that, while true, create so much brain clutter that you can't swing with the natural rhythm and tempo you need to hit effective and repeatable shots.

Rather than bogging down your game with swing thoughts, you should work on drills that will help you become a more instinctual player. Your goal should be to become a feel player, where your only swing thought is where you want the ball to go.

Firstly, let's see how Cimk make his Iron shots...

Iron shots are all about predictability and distance control. And the only way you can hit predictable shots is to make solid contact. These three iron keys will help you make solid contact, so all you need to do is pick the right club to start making more birdies.

MY KEYS TO APPROACH SHOTS

1. Ball back in stance At address, keep the ball slightly back in your stance to encourage a downward strike at the ball.

2. Patient at the top You need patience to make a smooth transition from your backswing to your downswing. If your transition at the top is too fast, you'll lurch at the ball from your shoulders, causing all sorts of misfires. Instead, be patient at the top and trust gravity to bring the club back to the ball and keep your swing on plane. "Big" and "slow" are the key words to associate with all your swings.

3. Know your distances If you can keep your swing big and wide, and make a smooth transition, you'll start making consistent contact. So learn your exact iron yardages so you'll know precisely where all your shots are going.      

But, how to pause at the top:

The biggest problem that most players have with iron shots is rushing the transition. So when you practice your iron shots, exaggerate your pause at the top. Instead of a 1-2-3 count (1=takeaway, 2=at the top, 3=downswing), try a 1-2-2-3 count (1=takeaway, 2=at the top, 2=still at the top, 3=downswing). The pause will make it impossible to rush your downsing and help you ingrain a smoother transition. 

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