Mental golf tips for your peak tournament performances

As we approach the end of the summer, leagues and clubs are holding their championship tournaments. Under the pressure of wanting to play well and win, golfers can become anxious and lose focus. When their swings become erratic by trying to make things happen, they make too many mistakes. 

Golf is not a game of perfection. An error-free round of golf is not possible. You are going to make mistakes and possibly have some bad breaks. A good player knows that it is not the results that determine his/her attitude. It is a good inner mental game. Here are some tips to manage your game: 

1. Use a positive pre-shot and post-shot routine. Consistent mental routines will produce consistent shots.
2. Trust your swing. Let go of mechanical thoughts. Believe in your ability. It is impossible to “fix” your swing after missing a shot. Instead, find your rhythm and tempo.
3. Remember your good shots, not the mistakes. Don’t reinforce your missed shots by continually talking about them.
4. Play target golf. Take dead aim. Have a clear picture of your target in your mind and believe you can swing to it without thinking.
5. Relax your mind and body. You can’t be relaxed and anxious at the same time. For relaxation and sharper focus, take deep breaths to slow down your body and your thinking mind. 
6. Take the time to manage your game. When you miss a shot, make sure you can recover. Think the shot through. Play only percentage shots.
7. Be patient. Golf is a waiting game. Wait for the opportunities to happen. The more you rush, the less clearly you are able to think. The more you rush, the quicker your swing becomes and the more mistakes you make.
8. Concentrate only on your game. Being concerned with your competitor’s game will distract you from being in control of your own game.
9. Play one shot at a time. Play each shot as if it is the most important shot you will ever hit by giving it your full intention and attention.
10. Change all fear shots into positive images. Stay focused in the present, giving your full attention to what you want to happen, not what you are afraid will happen.  

Play “In the Zone” With Joan

Log on to the PMI website and Blog for additional mental golf tips. 

If this article is helpful to you, and you want to learn more, call Joan for a complimentary 15-minute consultation about improving your mental game. She can be reached by phone at 828-696-2547

Self-empowering hypnosis mental golf CDs are available at www.pmi4.com/cart To enhance these winning tournament suggestions, purchase the “Confidence to Win Golf Tournaments” CD.