A few weeks ago, as part of a press trip to see European Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie in action, Monty gave an impromptu golf instruction lesson to gathered journalists at Northwick Park golf club. And even though it came from a man whose skill levels are way beyond mere golf mortals, some of his tips struck a real chord.
Holing pressure putts the Monty way
In a career that has seen him top the European Order of Merit eight times, Monty has sunk his fair share of short putts in pressure-cooker environments. And no matter how much golf instruction he's had in his years at the top, stroking six footers into the back of the hole still presents a stern test.
But Monty has an interesting way to stay calm on the green - he talks to himself. He told more than 20 of the UK's leading golf writers that when standing over the putt, he repeatedly tells himself: "You've done this thousands and thousands of times". And he revealed that anyone watching him on TV can often see his lips move as he utters the phrase.
His golf instruction demonstration also revealed how he makes sure he eliminates all doubt from his mind before hitting the putt. "I agree the line of the putt with my caddie, and that means any element of doubt is removed. All I then have to do is strike the putt at the correct weight."
The key to being a great iron player
To golfers on both sides of the Atlantic, Colin Montgomerie is regarded as one of the world's best iron players. And during his golf instruction masterclass the unassuming Scot had an interesting explanation why - he makes sure he hits the fairways with his drives!
Here's how. Throughout his career, Monty's trademark swing has produced a high left-to-right 'fade'. So to ensure he has the best chance of landing on the fairway, he aims down the left side of the fairway.
If he aimed straight down the middle, he'd effectively only have a 50% chance of hitting the short stuff. Simple, but effective.
Latest research from club manufacturers Taylor Made, shows that 61% of golfers suffer from a slice - a vicious left to right shot. Those sufferers, while trying to fix their swings, might also benefit from Monty's golf instruction - start the ball left. It's not the total answer, but worth a try.
John Kelly is an award-winning sports journalist and contributor to www.golfhypnotherapy.com which provides hypnosis programmes specifically designed to help golfers improve their game. Golf instruction CDs and MP3 downloads are available on our website.