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BCC Golf Newsletter - Issue 159 Date 01/13/11
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TCT Quick Tip - Mental Attitude
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"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right."
Henry Ford, of Ford Automotive said that. Arthur Saxon, a 250 lb. 5"10" 
legendary old time strongman known for lifting 350 lbs. overhead with one hand 
used to say "To Think Of Failure Is To Fail". Then again, I would imagine that
you would have to think that way with 350 lbs. hovering over your noggin.

Keep striving for and believing in continuous improvement. The Japanese call
it "Kaizen", I call it continuously connecting the dots in your golf swing.

I have a strong belief that one of the most important things you all have
to do this season is to just believe that you can play the game. I say
that because each of you has a lot of upside, and thinking correctly will 
help the potential upside become a reality. 

In golf, perhaps more than any other sport, there's no room for negativism
or complacency.

I think Hale Irwin said it best when he wrote: “So many golfers get themselves
into a position to improve and then never come through because they subscribe 
to this self-defeating prophecy that they belong at a certain skill level.” Don't 
compromise your potential by compartmentalizing yourself mentally at a certain 
skill level.

Belief might not be everything - "focused practice" is right up there too - but 
it's pretty close.

Winners win in advance by knowing that they can.


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Golf Tip: Cold Weather Play
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There are a number of other factors to consider when playing in colder 
weather like the weather that you'll experience in the spring. 

1. Heavier cold weather clothing can reduce freedom of motion and reduce 
swing speed. Additionally, your body and muscles are less flexible in cool weather, 
so take this into account when making your club selection. It’s a good idea to start 
your cold weather game playing conservative until your body warms and adjusts to 
the weather. If you’re experiencing reduced flexibility, it’s best to use a shorter back 
swing rather then a longer full swing that requires more flexibility. 

2. Equipment considerations can help - I have a driver with a regular flex that I
use when the weather gets below 55 degrees - I usually play a stiff flex; and I also
pull my 3 and 4 irons out of the bag and replace them with a 3 and 4 hybrid. Of
course, I do have to put up with my friends saying that it looks like there's a clubhead 
cover convention in my bag :-), but it's a small price to pay for the extra yardage afforded 
by hybrids.

3. Low compression golf balls will perform better in cold weather as they help offset 
the hardening factor caused by lower temperatures. Compressions are not generally 
advertised any more, so look for spin balls vs. distance balls. Balls designed for play by 
females are also a good choice.  

3. The air temperature changes the compression of the golf ball, and also how it flies 
through the air. If you’re playing golf in 50 degree weather, you will notice about a 10 
yard decrease in carry distance compared to playing in 80 degree temperatures. 
Remember to let the decreased yardage translate to more club when selecting your club. 

Enjoy,

Tom