Another lesson and a potential brain trainer

Went out to see Christopher at Pumpkin Ridge today and it was unexpectedly cold out. Weather said it was supposed to hit 65, but there was a breeze out of the west that must have been in the low 40s. Made me think that I need to have a spare change of everything in my car just in case, would be a shame to get out to a course somewhere and have to stop practicing because I forgot a raincoat, or to just have a miserable time because I didn’t have proper attire..

That aside, we went over a lot of new material and answered some questions I had about putting.
First off, I wasn’t sure if when you are putting you are supposed to keep your legs still or swing them along with your upper body. Coach set me straight about that one and gave me a practice routine focussing on NOT moving anything below the waist. On a side note, he emphasized a handful of times that there is no “right” way of swinging, but rather there are a few proven methods that could accelerate my progress.  This somewhat confused me as I just wanted to know what to do and was looking to him for some advice, but I suppose for the most part I will need to figure these things out on my own.
We also examined the distance I was standing away from the ball and adjusted that to where I was bending my back a bit more. Also, he drew a red dot on the ball and wanted me to keep seeing that dot for at least half a second after I hit it, ie don’t turn my head until the swing is finished.
Between those three new approach techniques, I think I have my hands full this coming week just to get back to where I was as far as consistency. I went back out after our lesson and where I was hitting four of every six putts, I’m now just barely over three. But, I like this new challenge and realize that the next four years will be nothing without constant reassessments and adjustments.  The only way to get better is to make sure that I am changing things along the way.

I also met with Derrin Painter today and talked about his year-long course of cognitive development. Christopher is a big proponent of it and I must admit I am interested, but finding it a bit hard to bite the bullet and commit to it for a year.  I think this realm of brain training is going to be a big part of personal improvement down the road, but I don’t think that Derrin in Lake O has all of the answers right now.  That said, I am going in tomorrow to have a two-hour long assessment of my brain where he will tell me how my brain works and how he can improve it. I’m very interested despite my skepticism.  About him: he used to be a professional distance runner with team USA and now works in sports psychology and brain development. He has clients from pro athletes to children/adults with attention or other mental difficulties. Not sure what to expect, but will know more tomorrow.

Outside if all of that, felt good today, only a bit of back soreness and fatigue, but all in all, it’s been a great first full week.