897 - Chris Como details his teaching philosophy and lessons from working with Tiger, Xander and Bryson
Sep 12, 2024
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Chris Como, a renowned golf instructor known for his work with top players like Tiger Woods, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau, shares insights on his unique teaching philosophy. He discusses his experiences with Schauffele’s recent major wins and innovative speed training during COVID. Como highlights the importance of biomechanics in swing performance and the strategic use of data from force plates. He also emphasizes the need for personalized coaching, mental resilience, and adopting an athletic mindset in improving golf skills.
Chris Como highlights the necessity of tailoring coaching strategies to each golfer's unique skillset and physical capabilities for optimal performance.
The physical attributes of a golfer, such as flexibility and strength, significantly dictate their swing mechanics and overall game effectiveness.
Successful golfers must develop mental resilience to manage consistency and effectively adapt to the unpredictable circumstances encountered during play.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Golf Instruction
The conversation highlights the transformative role of golf instructors, particularly Chris Como, in the careers of top players like Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau. Como emphasizes that every player has a distinct starting point when they request coaching, requiring him to assess their current skillset, analyze historical performance metrics, and adapt his coaching strategies accordingly. This process not only entails examining swing techniques but also understanding the physical capabilities of the golfer. By bridging the gap between a player's historical performance and their physical attributes, Como aims to tailor his approach to maximize each individual's potential on the course.
The Interplay of Body Mechanics and Swing
Chris Como discusses how a golfer's body structure and capabilities significantly influence their swing mechanics. He notes that factors like flexibility and strength can dictate not only the length and quality of a player's backswing but also the overall effectiveness of their shots. For instance, Como references Jordan Spieth's realization of how his physical changes affected his swing position over time. Recognizing and addressing these physical constraints is crucial, as adaptations to a player’s swing must align with their unique body limitations to optimize performance.
Creating Consistency in Performance
Consistency in golf performance is presented as a multifaceted challenge, where golfers must learn to manage varying external conditions and personal execution faults. Como points out that elite players like Tiger Woods have struggled with maintaining consistency over their careers due to the inherent complexities of their swings and playing conditions. This onus lies in understanding how to not only hit great shots but also how to minimize the damage from poor ones. The emphasis on improving quality in misses is underlined as a key trait of successful long-term players, demonstrating the significant role of mental resilience in the game.
The Risk of Swing Changes
The podcast delves into the inherent risks associated with making swing changes, especially for elite players who have established a baseline of success. Como illustrates that while small adjustments can lead to significant improvements, they also pose a threat to a player's established performance patterns. He shares insights on how necessary it is to balance the pursuit of enhancement with the risk of diminishing returns. Professional players face unique challenges; the pressure to perform at a high level can complicate the decision to alter swing mechanics, impacting their confidence and competitive standing.
Scotty Scheffler's Athleticism and Mindset
Como recognizes Scotty Scheffler's exceptional ability to maintain a strong athletic mindset on the golf course, which he attributes to Scheffler's capacity to react and adjust during competitive rounds. Scheffler's approach emphasizes body awareness and adaptability, allowing him to execute shots effectively even when circumstances are not ideal. The discussion illuminates the importance of preparing for the unpredictable nature of competitive golf, encouraging players to develop mental frameworks that allow for resilience. This mindset, blended with Scheffler's innate talent, demonstrates a model for aspiring golfers seeking to enhance their performance under pressure.
Chris Como joins Soly to recap his recent work with Xander Schauffele during his run to two major titles in 2024. We also talk through his work with Bryson and speed training from his home lab during COVID, his experiences as Tiger's swing coach and a ton more.
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