Son of a Butch with Claude Harmon Skill Acquisition
Aug 6, 2025
Claude shares how a lesson from The Open Championship with Dustin Johnson transformed his approach to practice. He contrasts traditional block practice with more effective random practice, emphasizing the importance of real problem-solving. Personal anecdotes illustrate how using different clubs enhances skills and adaptability on the course. The discussion highlights creativity in practice—essential for improving the short game and achieving consistent performance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Random Practice Trains Real Skills
- Skill acquisition is about voluntary control of movement to solve a motor problem.
- Randomized practice forces adaptation by changing targets, lies, and conditions.
DJ's Pitching Wedge Breakthrough
- At The Open at Portrush, Dustin Johnson lost his wedges and only had a pitching wedge.
- Using that pitching wedge dramatically improved his short-game contact and shot quality.
Wrong Club Creates Learning Pressure
- Giving a player the wrong tool forces creative solutions to loft and flight problems.
- Solving those problems improves technique and execution without explicit coaching.