It’s important to consider external elements of a golf shot—target, lie, wind, etc.—in the pre-shot routine.

But the internal elements that go into a golf shot—the psychophysical unity of the shooter—is often lacking.

F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) developed a process in the late 19th century that has helped millions of people live happier and healthier lives. Whether you wish to improve playing a musical instrument, sitting at a desk, or playing golf, the Alexander Technique is invaluable. Teacher, trainer, and author Missy Vineyard calls the Alexander Technique “a method of self study for experiencing, understanding and improving how you function as a psychophysical unity.”

The principles outlined in Golf Secrets: There Aren’t Any, although directed toward improving golf, could be applied to any activity. I use the metaphor of a car to describe three essential components of the process for improvement. The first is biotensegrity, which I liken to the frame of the car. Biotensegrity is a paradigm shift in the understanding of how the body is assembled, supported and prepared for activity. The 400-year-old paradigm of body mechanics as a simple machine using pulleys and levers for movement is not accurate. I will write more about biotensegrity in future blog posts.

Next is the ancient martial art of Tai Chi, which I think of as the engine. After more than 20 years of Tai Chi study, I consider myself an accomplished beginner. Tai Chi is a brain/body study that develops what the Chinese call jing (internal power) as opposed to li (external power). Golfers need more jing and less li. It is also said that the Chi (life force, energy) comes from the ground, builds in the legs, gathers in the tantien (center), and is expressed in the fingers. I don’t claim to understand the mysteries of Chi, but it has added horsepower to my engine for golf and everything else I do. Students are encouraged to study one of a number of forms; mine is the Yang family short form of Cheng Man Ch’ing. Benefits can even be achieved from the study of parts of a form.

The third and most important component of the Golf Secrets trilogy is the Alexander Technique, which is the steering mechanism of the car. There are many golfers who have tremendous potential in their body, but don’t know how to steer! They dissipate energy where it is needed and apply energy where it is not. It’s like stepping on the brake when you need more gas. The Alexander Technique is training for the brain/body that teaches how to keep the frame from getting bent or damaged, modulate the power of the engine so it is used efficiently, and direct the car on the path of least resistance. For a golfer, learning to steer means more consistent contact for better ball flight, and club-head speed needed for distance.

In future blog posts, I’ll discuss these principles in greater detail.