What to Do about Idiosyncrasies

by Dr. Richard C. Myers

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One of the minor vices of some golfers is to believe that an idiosyncrasy (a deviation from orthodox form) (Webster defines as "characteristic peculiarity of habit or structure") of a good player is a major element of a successful stroke or swing. Some idiosyncrasies are really minor adjustments to a flaw in the swing, and are only necessary for a given golfer. Some idiosyncrasies develop because the owner falsely believes that they are essential; by giving him confidence, these then become genuinely essential.

Many idiosyncrasies in older golfer date back to mannerisms picked up as youngsters, and have no meaning except that they are long-time habits without which they would feel uncomfortable. Some such habits border on the superstitious. I know one golfer who, when he was 17 won a tight match from a better player. It happened that he had a full bladder at the time. The further the round progressed, the more tension developed in his bladder and the better he played. This day he will not relieve himself during an important match.

Some idiosyncrasies develop out of emotional involvement. A golfing friend of mine used to aim as much as 30 degrees to the right of his target. A person whom he disliked had been the first to tell him of his error. He therefore denied that there was anything wrong with his stance and then got into the habit of defending it. 

Someone else has had the fortunate experience of a long friendship with a great golfer. He goes through a preliminary ritual in taking his stance and making his waggle, which is calculating, quite deliberate and impressive. As his back swing begins, however, there is a contrasting frenzy of uncoordinated motion directed at a ball that, like a surprised quail, heads for the nearest cover.

Psychologically, the trouble with both of the above instances was that the player had acquired an emotionally vested interest in supporting an incorrect position-a common cause of error among intelligent golfers

Idiosyncrasies in poor players do no damage to others, but when they belong to one who plays good, it is apt to confuse his imitators into believing that the peculiarity is the main reason for his playing well, whereas it might be excessive practice which has produced a noticeable skill.

Now we have the problem. How can we distinguish between unorthodox forms as such, and unorthodox form which may be equally as good as the standard methods or may even constitute our personal discovery? My resident psychologist, who just happens to be my wife, tells me the characteristic of a basic improvement in method has been dramatic and sudden improvement in the behavior of the ball. When this occurs, the chances are that something useful has indeed been discovered and should be tested well. Generally speaking, such attempts at discoveries should only be tried by those who are already completely saturated with an orthodox knowledge of the game or a particular shot.

How can we cure a unorthodox problem that we may have. There are two ways that I know of. One is to obtain a good training video like the Body Golf series, fine the cure for your problem, and play and practice it over and over until it becomes second nature. Until you have eliminated the problem from your subconscious mind. Of course the second is consulting training pro and work with him.