I called an old friend of mine recently to ask permission to use parts of an article he wrote, and the ensuing conversation was very interesting.  The individual was Gene Ware.  I consider Gene my mentor, but he has also become an individual who gives me a lot of inspiration.

Gene was the 1990 Clubfitter of the Year.  He has been fitting golf clubs with computer since there were computers.  He has also developed a very efficient club fitting system.

Now this may seem rather dramatic, but a few years ago Gene had a dream and, as he puts it, “God gave me a concept about golf I would like to share with you.”  Gene is a religious man, so I knew he was serious, and this was important.  The following is what he shared with me.

• Truth #1  If your golf clubs are fitted properly and if your golf swing is sound, then Great Golf is 100% mental.
• Truth #2  If your golf clubs are fitted properly and if your golf swing needs help, then Great Golf is 65% swing and 35% mental.
• Truth #3  If your concept of a golf swing is sound and your clubs are not fitted properly, then golf becomes frustrating and less enjoyable.  The mental aspect of golf is up and down and developing a sound swing is impossible.

So…Great Golf is not possible if you do not possess:

1.      Properly fitted clubs.

2.      A good golf swing.

3.      A good mental attitude.

All of the above are variables EXCEPT properly fitted clubs.  They do not change, and you do not physically change, i.e, taller, shorter, bigger or smaller hands, etc.

Some days your swing may be better than others.  Some days you may concentrate (mental) better than others.

So, it is necessary to have properly fitted golf clubs (that is not a variable) and then work hard at developing a good swing and a good mental attitude and have the best game possible.

Now, you may be able to debate the percentages used by Gene, but it is hard to debate his logic.  It does make a lot of sense.  It is a concept which he believes in very strongly , after all as he put it, it came from God.