Think better for scoring better on the golf course

There is an old adage that “golf is 90% mental.” Golf is a mental game because we have so much time in-between shots to think. We spend our days thinking, planning and solving problems. To play well on the golf course, you have to learn how to “let go” of all of that thinking and learn how to be “in the moment” when it is your turn to hit.

If you are being outscored by your fellow competitors who don’t hit the ball as far as you do, or have a higher handicap, here are some mental tips for having an advantage over your opponents.

• Whatever you are trying to do, don’t. Trying means steering the ball to the target. Make up your mind to swing to your target. Just do it!
• Don’t give yourself instruction. Instead of focusing your attention on a specific part of your body or part of the golf swing, go beyond the physical and find your own natural rhythm and tempo.
• Shake off a miss-hit. Physically shake your hands back and forth to let your mind know you have let go of a poor shot. Then swing the club several times until you can once again access your tempo.
• Breathe before you swing. Taking deep breaths slows down your busy mind, relaxes your body and makes it easier to focus on the process of creating the shot. When you are relaxed you will be more flexible and able to hit the ball further.
• Indecision is the enemy of golfers. Don’t hit a shot until you have absolutely made up your mind about what you want to do with the shot and have confidence in the club you have selected.
• Believe in yourself no matter what the results are. Believe in your ability to play well. Trust that you can improve.
• Emotionalize only the good shots. Enjoy every successful shot. Anchor your good shots into your subconscious with a physical gesture such as a fist punch. Emotions of fear, doubt, anger and anxiety will sabotage your game. Be positive in talking to yourself and others.
• Swing within yourself. Less is more. Feel your awareness of balance, rhythm and tempo. The ball will go further and straighter with a smooth, easy, effortless swing than with a forceful, jerky swing.
• Golf requires a balanced emotional level. Leave all problems at home. Keep your conversation on a superficial level. Breathe deeply before every shot to relax your mind and body and maintain your arousal level.
• Give each shot your full attention. Treat each shot as if it is the most important shot you will hit in the round. Stay in the NOW. Be fully present. Play one shot at a time.
• Let go of all expectations. Don’t add up your score until you are finished. Enjoy each shot as its own reward.
• Enjoy all aspects of the golf course. Play from your heart and have fun playing the game.

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If this information is helpful for your mental golf game, please Leave a Reply below.

 More tips to improve your mental golf game are available on the Positive Mental Imagery website, where you can sign up for a free mental golf newsletter and purchase empowering self-hypnosis mental golf CDs.