Thailand’s best-known nickname is ‘the Land of Smiles’. I live in this wonderful country and I’m very lucky. But every country is wonderful, isn’t it?

What if you too could enjoy your practice sessions in the Land of Smiles?

I’m not suggesting you come to Thailand for your practice sessions (although…).
No, rather that you bring the Land of Smiles to your own driving range.

Let me explain.

When I watch my friend Roger swing, I often see him, from the backswing right through to the follow-through, clenching his teeth and contorting his face into a rather strange grimace; to put it mildly, he’s hardly relaxed when he’s making his shot.

I’ve also observed an English-speaking gentleman I bump into every morning at the driving range.
He must be roughly the same age as me and, to be honest, I think he hits the ball further.

But at what cost? With every shot, not only does he tense his face, but he lets out a sort of groan of exertion.

There’s no doubt his swings are effective, but what tension!

It’s not uncommon for him to need a breather and a bit of a rest after stringing together a few shots.

Mind you, he usually takes a break whilst smoking a cigarette – it’s not the best way, but that’s another matter.

It’s been a while since I realised I tended to do the same thing – my face would be very tense whilst executing my swing.

Yet at the same time, I was trying to relax my body, arm and leg movements, so it’s a bit of a contradiction.

I’d actually advise you to try a test that helped me make progress on this issue.
You’re no doubt used to filming yourself from time to time during your practice sessions.

I suggest you place your phone on a tripod in front of you and, instead of framing your swing, zoom in on your face, take a few swings without thinking too much about it, and then watch the video.

For most players, it’s quite eye-opening. At the very least, you’re likely to spot a rather strange grimace. And for once, even the ladies are no exception.

So, several months ago, I decided to incorporate a fundamental element into my practice sessions: smiling.

I smile at everything:
– at the other people on the driving range
– at the ball
– at my club
– at that monkey crossing the road in the distance
– at the bird flying overhead
– at the sun
– at the lovely weather
– at the chance to play golf.
– at the chance to be fit at 66
– at the chance to be alive at 66
– …

So I practise smiling throughout my routine, smiling as I address the ball and smiling right through my swing. It’s very likely that my ball responds to this smile, because I can assure you that when you smile, your ball flies higher and further without any effort at all.

In fact, to maintain the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere that goes hand in hand with a stress-free practice session, you can also hum along throughout your routine. Quietly enough not to disturb anyone, of course. Preferably a cheerful and positive song. I’d recommend one of my favourite songs, composed by Jean Ferrat with lyrics by Michelle Senlis and Claude Delécluse, and originally performed by Isabelle Aubret: ‘Que c’est beau la vie’.

Enjoy your practice session