Say Most golfers think the practice swing is for fixing mechanics. It’s not. In this episode of Brains & Birdies, PGA & LPGA Professional Allie Knight and neurologist Dr. Mark Harman explain the true purpose of the practice swing — and how it serves as the mental bridge between thinking and performing. ⛳ In This Episode, We Discuss: -Why the practice swing shouldn’t be mechanical -How it helps transition from the thinking brain to the doing brain -The role of the practice swing in your pre-shot routine -How too much thinking during the practice swing increases tension -Why elite players use the practice swing to shut the brain off -How to use the practice swing to commit and let the shot happen The practice swing isn’t rehearsal — it’s a signal to your nervous system that preparation is over and it’s time to perform. 🎯 Key Takeaway: Think first. Then stop thinking. The practice swing is the switch. something interesting about your business here.
Golf isn’t just physical — it’s neurological. In this episode of Brains & Birdies, PGA & LPGA professional Allie Knight and neurologist Dr. Mark Harman break down how the brain actually controls the golf swing — and why thinking about mechanics during your swing often makes you worse, not better. If you’ve ever: -Striped it on the range but lost it on the course -Known what to do but couldn’t execute under pressure -Felt mechanical, stuck, or “frozen” over the ball Lost your swing the moment scoring started …this episode explains why — and how to train your brain to fix it. 🧠 The Neurology of the Golf Swing Your swing isn’t controlled by one part of the brain — it’s run by a network. In this episode, Allie and Dr. Harmon explain how different brain systems influence performance and why great golf requires automatic movement, not conscious control. You’ll learn how: -The prefrontal cortex (thinking brain) interferes with performance -The basal ganglia control habit, sequencing, and repeatability -The cerebellum governs timing, rhythm, and coordination -Pressure shifts control back to the wrong system ⛳ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔ Why swing thoughts hurt performance ✔ Practice brain vs. performance brain explained ✔ Why swings break down under pressure ✔ How to train movements to become automatic ✔ Why drills, constraints, and feels outperform mechanics ✔ How elite players let the brain run the swing 🎯 Try This Next Round: You don’t need more swing thoughts — you need better brain training. Pick one concept from this episode and apply it intentionally. Trust the system designed to move your body.
Golf isn’t just played with your body — it’s played with your brain. In this episode of Brains & Birdies, PGA & LPGA Professional Allie Knight and neurologist Dr. Mark Harman break down cognitive load and how it directly impacts golf performance. Cognitive load is the amount of mental effort your brain is using at any given time. When that load gets too high — from too many swing thoughts, pressure, or over-analysis — performance breaks down. ⛳ In This Episode, We Discuss: -What cognitive load is (explained simply) -How too many swing thoughts affect movement and timing -Why golfers struggle more under pressure -The difference between learning and performing -How cognitive overload leads to tension, indecision, and inconsistency -Practical ways to simplify your thoughts on the course -How elite players manage cognitive load under pressure Instead of trying to “think your way” to better shots, this episode explains why less thinking often leads to better golf — and how to create space for your body to perform naturally. 🎯 Key Takeaway: You don’t need more thoughts — you need the right ones.