Most golfers don’t believe they need mental instruction even though they repeatedly say that golf is a “mental game” when they make a mistake. Here are some mental weaknesses to help you decide:
- When you aren’t able to take your game from the range to the golf course.
- When you finish a round of golf and mainly talk about what you didn’t do, and what you could have done.
- When you are thinking more about swing mechanics, other players, or outside distractions than on playing your game.
- When you lose control of your game and can’t get it back.
- When you have the “first tee jitters”, or short game “yips”.
- When your game falls apart in competition.
- When you aren’t playing up to your potential.
It may take years to develop a sound golf swing, and to understand your on-course personality in relation to course management, but it is possible for a person to learn mental skills that will produce maximum results from his/her own capability right away.
The golf swing is a very complicated maneuver using many different muscle groups, at times moving in opposing directions. World-class golfers know that this complex movement cannot be controlled by conscious thought. Peak performance is obtained when they trust their subconscious mind to swing the golf club automatically.
If there is a secret to having a good mental game, it is using your two minds in the proper sequence. Determining the yardage, strength of the wind, landing area, and club selection are all functions of the problem solving, analytical, conscious mind. Swinging the club easily, effortlessly, and on target results from relaxing your thinking mind, and trusting your subconscious mind where you can Just Do it!
For additional information from Joan go to Archived Newsletters and The Mental Game at Golf Out Loud
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