Golf - Keep Your Head in the Game
I am sure every golfer at one point, has missed what they thought was a given (easy shot).
I am taking about a side green chip (you chunk it), a three-foot put (can make these in your sleep) or a simple fairway shot.
Sometimes it is our swing, but on or around the green, more times than not it is a mental flaw.
Your mental game will make and break your chances of a good game, more often than your swing or your equipment.
This is an important factor, since most of us don't give our mental game its dues and our swing takes much of the blame that it doesn't deserve.
Let me say this again, you need to understand, "many golfers ignore their mental game", so don't think you're alone.
I am guilty of this also, on occasion.
Yes, the right swing, with the right clubs and practice are keys to having a good game.
However, the mental game plays a huge role in whether you have a good day on the course or one you would like to forget.
If you find this unlikely, just look at the pros, on any given day they should play under par.
You know why they are not, because of the mental aspects of this game.
Still don't think so, let's remember Tiger Woods ordeal and how well he didn't play, because of his mental strain.
Pros put out a lot of money towards sports psychologists, to help with the mental part of the game.
Keep your head in the game.
Staying relaxed and confident in your shot, are all part of keeping your focus and having a good mental game.
Here are a few tips to help.
Visualize your shot before address.
This will help you choose the right club and generate a good swing.
It will also help keep your mind in the game.
Develop a pre-shot routine.
Take a few practice swings, take address over the ball, take a few wiggles and take a big breath.
All this is to keep you loose and relaxed and help keep your mind out of your swing.
If you stand over the ball and start thinking about your swing, you can do nothing but influence that swing, usually not for the better.
Believe in yourself.
Don't talk yourself into making a bad shot, before you even address the ball.
A bunker shot is only difficult if you tell yourself it is.
Trust in your game.
The big thing is not to lose focus.
Quit taking to yourself, we all have bad shots, but if you're still mumbling to yourself about your last shot, how good do you think your next one will be.
I am taking about a side green chip (you chunk it), a three-foot put (can make these in your sleep) or a simple fairway shot.
Sometimes it is our swing, but on or around the green, more times than not it is a mental flaw.
Your mental game will make and break your chances of a good game, more often than your swing or your equipment.
This is an important factor, since most of us don't give our mental game its dues and our swing takes much of the blame that it doesn't deserve.
Let me say this again, you need to understand, "many golfers ignore their mental game", so don't think you're alone.
I am guilty of this also, on occasion.
Yes, the right swing, with the right clubs and practice are keys to having a good game.
However, the mental game plays a huge role in whether you have a good day on the course or one you would like to forget.
If you find this unlikely, just look at the pros, on any given day they should play under par.
You know why they are not, because of the mental aspects of this game.
Still don't think so, let's remember Tiger Woods ordeal and how well he didn't play, because of his mental strain.
Pros put out a lot of money towards sports psychologists, to help with the mental part of the game.
Keep your head in the game.
Staying relaxed and confident in your shot, are all part of keeping your focus and having a good mental game.
Here are a few tips to help.
Visualize your shot before address.
This will help you choose the right club and generate a good swing.
It will also help keep your mind in the game.
Develop a pre-shot routine.
Take a few practice swings, take address over the ball, take a few wiggles and take a big breath.
All this is to keep you loose and relaxed and help keep your mind out of your swing.
If you stand over the ball and start thinking about your swing, you can do nothing but influence that swing, usually not for the better.
Believe in yourself.
Don't talk yourself into making a bad shot, before you even address the ball.
A bunker shot is only difficult if you tell yourself it is.
Trust in your game.
The big thing is not to lose focus.
Quit taking to yourself, we all have bad shots, but if you're still mumbling to yourself about your last shot, how good do you think your next one will be.
