Get out of your own way
Developing a strong mental golf game involves identifying the chief problems that usually stump us, and then learning how to eliminate them from the equation.
Stress is the #1 cause of those mental stumbling blocks– too often, we let outside influences ruin our day. A partner that is too boisterous, too many golfers on the course, the weather, not enough warm-up time before the round, etc.
These factors all too often adversely affect our mental golf game.
Pros use these mental tactics everyday when they play, but only recently has the amatuer golfer started to recognize the importance of developng a strong mental approach to golf. As a matter of fact, learning how to cotrol the mental aspect of one”s golf can make all the difference in the world!
I”m not a mental golf expert- but I know someone who is! The book “Own the Zone” is one of the most incredible books I”ve ever come across. You might consider this book if you truly want to elevate your game.
Get a Grip
I”ve doubted this theory before- and always came up wrong. the theory is “positivity” and it involves keeping a positive state of mind in golf (or anything for that matter!).
This doesn”t mean you have to be happy-go-lucky (God knows I can”t stay that way! but you have to maintain a certain “can-do” attitude when it comes to your golf.
How many times do we shank a ball into the lake on the first tee, and our day is pretty much done from there? If you”re like me, you”re mentally playing catch-up the rest of the day. Not fun!
Instead of dwelling on that bad shot, immediately start thinking and visualizing what your next shot needs to be. Putting that shot immediately out of your mind will tell you mentally that you”re going to stay in a positive mode. I know it sounds hard, but give it a try!
Going for it…..or maybe not
Playing within yourself is a key aspect of developing (and assisting) your mental golf game.
When you chance a shot you have doubts about, your odds of pulling the shot off successfully are slim. You”re giving your mind a fighting chance when you stay true to yourself, whatever shot that would be.
Playing to your strengths is not only a good course strategy, but a solid mental one as well.
