As I've finally started coming into my own with my swing and feeling confident with my distances, consistency, and accuracy (relatively), I now find myself collapsing on the course. The second I step up to the tee box, my heart is pounding, my hands are sweating, and my entire body is tense. I'll swing, hit it fat, and the ball will dribble 30 yards ahead.
I’ve come to realize that while my mechanical game has improved, the next part of my golf journey is overcoming the mental hurdle.
Like anything else in my life, I jumped straight into the deep end and bought the books "Golf Beneath the Surface" and "Zen Golf" to understand the psychology behind golf. While I'll share insights from those books in later posts, I recently finished the audiobook "Golf is not a Game of Perfect" by Dr. Bob Rotella and while I do recommend reading it yourself, I thought I’d share a quick summary of the points I found most helpful:
Confidence The course is not the place to think about swing mechanics. You develop your swing during practice sessions, and when it's time to play a round, you must trust that swing completely. If you start thinking about mechanics mid-round, you'll sabotage yourself. During practice, you aren't overly focused on mechanics, you're simply playing and that's why it works. On the course, trust the swing you've built and let it perform naturally.
Visualization and Clear Targets Visualization paired with a precise pre-shot routine is incredibly powerful. Your brain works best when you have clear, specific targets. Many golfers say, "I'm aiming down the middle" or "just left of the trees," but vague targets aren't effective. Instead, pick an exact point: a stick, a bush, a distinctive patch of grass, anything that allows your brain to lock onto a specific spot. This clarity boosts accuracy and reduces hesitation.
Consistent Pre-Shot Routine Your pre-shot routine must be consistent and happen without fail every time. If you deviate even slightly, stop and restart from the beginning. This routine sets your mind for the shot ahead, preventing it from wandering into thoughts of mechanics or stress. By following your exact pre-shot steps, you reinforce confidence and focus.
Staying in the Present You must always remain present. Once you've struck the ball, that shot belongs to the past—it's over. Dwelling on previous shots or worrying about upcoming holes only distracts you from playing your best right now. Embrace each moment on the course, appreciating the current shot without concern for what's already happened or what's ahead.
Positive Self-Talk Imagine having a caddy who criticizes you after every bad shot. So why allow negative thoughts to dominate your mind? Your inner voice should be your most supportive ally. After a poor hit, shake it off: remind yourself of past successful shots and reassure yourself that you’re capable. Positive thoughts breed positive outcomes.
I still have a lot to learn, and I'm realizing that mastering the mental game requires just as much practice and dedication as the physical game. I'm excited to keep working at it and look forward to seeing how this new approach transforms my rounds. Stay tuned for more insights as I continue to delve deeper into the psychology of golf.
