As a golf instructor, I’m always on the lookout for insights that can help my students, whether they’re aiming for a tour card or simply trying to break 90. Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from unexpected places. Recently, I came across an interview with EJ Tackett, a professional bowler who was also an elite junior golfer, competing against the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth. His reflections on the parallels between bowling and golf offer tremendous wisdom that can elevate your game.
EJ Tackett isn’t just any bowler; he’s achieved bowling’s equivalent of the Grand Slam, the Triple Crown. He’s a four-time and reigning PBA Player of the Year with 27 tour titles. What struck me most was not just his incredible success in bowling, but his deep understanding of how the foundational principles of one sport can translate to another. Let’s dive into some key takeaways from Tackett’s experience that can help you unleash your full potential on the golf course.
Leveraging the Ground for Power
One of the core similarities Tackett highlights is the concept of using ground forces for power. This is a concept I emphasize constantly with my high-level amateurs and professionals. It’s not just about arm speed; it’s about how you interact with the ground.
“That’s using the ground as leverage, just like a golfer does. They load up the left knee, and it straightens as they turn through the ball, and sometimes that left heel is coming off the ground.”
Think about how a successful golfer generates power: they load into their trail side on the backswing, then powerfully shift their weight and rotate through impact, pushing against the ground. This “ground reaction force” helps create clubhead speed. EJ, despite being “5-foot-8, 150 pounds,” is incredibly powerful, and he explicitly links this to his use of the ground in both sports.
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courtesy EJ Tackett
Drill: The “Squash the Bug” Drill
To feel this ground interaction for yourself, try the “Squash the Bug” drill. As you swing down and through the ball, imagine you’re squashing a bug under the heel of your lead foot, then rolling onto the toe. This encourages a powerful rotation and transfer of weight, using the ground to push off and accelerate through impact. Focus on feeling the pressure move from the ball of your lead foot to the heel, then back to the toe as you finish, mirroring the action Tackett describes.
The Critical Importance of Timing
Timing is everything in golf. Hit the ball a fraction of a second too early or too late, and your shot can go wildly off target. Tackett brings up an old but incredibly relevant term:
“Then there’s the old term: ‘Wait on it.’ If you’re trying to make things happen too early in your swing, it throws your timing off and you get herky-jerky.”
This “wait on it” concept is gold. Many amateur golfers, in their eagerness to hit the ball far, rush the downswing. This often leads to a loss of lag, an early release of the club, and a significant drop in clubhead speed at impact. Waiting on it means letting the club naturally reach the top of your backswing and allowing your lower body to initiate the downswing, creating a powerful sequence.
Drill: The “L-to-L” Drill
To improve your timing and sequencing, try the “L-to-L” drill. Take a half swing where your lead arm and the club form an “L” shape at the end of your backswing. As you start your downswing, focus on turning your hips first, then letting your arms and the club follow. Finish your swing with another “L” shape on your follow-through, with your trail arm and the club forming the second “L.” This drill helps you feel the proper sequence and avoid rushing the club from the top, promoting that crucial “wait on it” feeling.
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getty images
The Power of Mental Resilience and Focus
Perhaps the most significant parallel between elite golf and bowling is the mental game. Both require an incredible ability to focus, overcome adversity, and stay present. Tackett’s insights here are universally applicable:
“In golf and in bowling, it’s one shot at a time. Because you can’t change what already happened, and you can only control what’s about to happen. And that’s it.”
This is a fundamental truth in golf. Every shot is a new opportunity. Dwelling on a bad shot you just hit, or worrying about the next one, only distracts you from the task at hand. Learning to reset your mind after each shot is a skill that separates good players from great ones. Tackett also touches on precision: “On these harder patterns, we’ve got one, maybe two boards to hit — so you’re talking about 1-2 inches. Plus, you need the right speed, the right rev rate, the right rotation.” Just like in golf, where the difference between a great shot and a poor one can be mere millimeters at impact, precision is paramount.
Checkpoint: The 5-Second Rule
After every shot, good or bad, give yourself exactly five seconds to react – express frustration, celebrate, whatever you need to do. Once those five seconds are up, it’s over. Leave that shot behind and focus entirely on the next one. Walk to your ball, strategize, and execute with a fresh mind. This simple practice will help you embody Tackett’s philosophy of “one shot at a time.”
A Continuous Journey
EJ Tackett’s journey reminds us that excellence in any field requires dedication, an understanding of fundamental principles, and a strong mental game. The misperception that golf, or bowling, isn’t a “real sport” highlights a lack of understanding of the preparation, precision, and mental fortitude required at the highest levels.
“They don’t understand the preparation that it takes — gym time, practice, eating right, and everything that goes into being successful.”
My hope is that these insights from a multi-talented athlete like EJ Tackett inspire you to look at your golf game with fresh eyes. By focusing on fundamental mechanics like ground leverage, refining your timing, and mastering your mental approach, you too can unlock new levels of performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your golf journey, remember: the path to improvement is always open, and with the right approach, anyone can elevate their game.
